University wants your input at upcoming open forums for NCAA self-study

‘Voices of the public are invaluable to the certification process.’

Swimmer Jennifer Lee is one of approximately 400 FIU student-athletes who compete in NCAA Div. I athletics. Photo courtesy Sam Lewis.

A six-month study of FIU’s athletics program is nearing completion, and the self-study subcommittees are ready to release and seek public input on their findings. The self-study, undertaken by several teams of FIU faculty, staff, students and community leaders, is part of the NCAA Division I certification process.

Public forums March 23 and 24

The public is invited to attend the following scheduled forums:

* Wed., March 23, 2 to 3 p.m., GC 243, Modesto A. Maidique Campus

* Thurs., March 24, 11 a.m. to noon, WUC 224B, Biscayne Bay Campus

Participants will get an overview of the study results — focused on academic progress, NCAA rules compliance, gender/diversity issues and student-athlete wellness — and have opportunities to ask questions and offer comments.

“Our self-study subcommittees have taken an in-depth look at our athletics program and our institution’s commitment to the principles of the NCAA,” said Rosa Jones, vice president for student affairs and chair of the steering committee overseeing the certification process. “With the forums, we welcome even broader public input on the self-study report. Voices of the public are invaluable to the certification process.”

Written report available

The complete report on the self-study is available on the NCAA Certification Report website.

FIU’s last certification was in 2002. Division I programs must re-certify every 10 years in a process that resembles an accreditation review for academic programs. Athletics certification is designed to ensure the NCAA’s fundamental commitment to integrity in intercollegiate athletics.

18-month process

The self-study is the first part of the 18-month process. FIU’s self-study report is due to the NCAA by April 29. A campus visit from a peer review team will follow in October, and the NCAA likely will make a decision on certification early in 2012.

Team leaders

FIU faculty, staff and students as well as community leaders are involved in the NCAA certification effort. Following are leaders of the key teams:

• Steering Committee: Rosa Jones (chair), vice president for student affairs and Elizabeth Bejar (co-chair), vice provost for academic planning and accountability
• NCAA Rules, Governance Subcommittee: Mary Tanke, Ernest R. Graham professor of hospitality management and tourism
• Academic Integrity Subcommittee: Douglas Robertson, dean of undergraduate education
• Gender/Diversity Issues and Student-Athlete Well-Being Subcommittee: Charmaine DeFrancesco, associate professor and chair of teaching and learning

Committee members participating in FIU’s study along with minutes for meetings are available on the NCAA Self-Study site.

Comments and questions regarding the NCAA Self-Study should be directed to: ncaacert@fiu.edu or Office of Accreditation at 305-348-6385.