In 1990-92, Penn was one of 34 institutions in an NCAA pilot program in the certification of athletics. Now the University is beginning its self-study, as called for by the new program. Specific areas the study will cover are academic and financial integrity, rules compliance, as well as a commitment to equity.
Academic accreditation is common in colleges and universities.
This program is the first to focus solely on certification of athletic programs. Following a pilot project, the NCAA Division I membership overwhelmingly supported the program and its standards at the 1993 annual convention. The certification program's purpose is to ensure integrity in the institution's athletics operations. It will open up athletics to the rest of the Penn community and to the public. Penn will benefit by increasing awareness and knowledge of the athletics program campus-wide, confirming its strengths and developing plans to improve in areas of concern.