The United States Naval Academy (USNA) will begin the process of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Certification for its intercollegiate athletics program in September 2009. Athletic certification was instituted for Division I institutions at the 1993 NCAA Convention as a key part of the NCAA reform agenda. USNA athletic certification was last completed in 2001 with USNA being NCAA accredited and found to be in conformity with all governing rules and regulations.

The athletics certification process is meant to ensure the NCAA's fundamental commitment to integrity in intercollegiate athletics is met. The program is structured to open the athletics affairs to the university community to ensure the athletics program is meeting the guiding principles of the NCAA. Guiding principles cover the areas of - governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; and gender/diversity issues including student-athlete well-being.

The self study will commence in September 2009 and result in a certification decision in the spring of 2011. Under the leadership of Superintendent, VADM Jeffrey Fowler, Lou Giannotti has been named chair of the Certification Steering Committee. Also named to the steering committee are Dr. Christine Copper, Mr. Chet Gladchuk, Ms. Loretta Lamar and several student-athletes. Additionally, there are three subcommittee chairs- Governance and Rules Compliance, led by CAPT Bob Brennan; Academic Integrity, led by Dr. Mary DeCredico; and Gender and Diversity Issues led by CAPT Glenn Gottschalk, USN(ret). Subcommittees will be staffed from both the civilian and military constituency on the Yard.

The Steering Committee is inviting Yard-wide participation via focus groups, print, and electronic media. All interested USNA, Alumni/Foundation, and preparatory school employees are welcome to comment and participate.