UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH ATHLETIC PROGRAMS RECEIVE TOP NCAA CERTIFICATION

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 19 -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Committee on Athletics Certification announced today that the University of Pittsburgh has received full certification for its Division I varsity athletic programs.

The NCAA certification, which comes after a year-long review process, indicates that the University is operating its athletic programs in conformity with standards established by the NCAA for academic and fiscal integrity, commitment to equity, governance, and commitment to rules compliance.

"Our varsity athletic programs are operated with the same commitment to quality that characterizes all aspects of the University of Pittsburgh and we are pleased to see that the NCAA has recognized that commitment through its certification process," Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg said. "The University's athletic programs are important to our students, our alumni, and the community. This NCAA certification is further evidence of our dedication to building on the strong foundation of Pitt's proud sports heritage."

Athletics certification was approved for Division I institutions at the 1993 NCAA Convention. Each Division I school is expected to complete a self-study once every five years. The University of Pittsburgh self-study was conducted by a committee whose members included faculty, administrators and trustees. Nordenberg, who served on the committee himself, expressed his appreciation to the other members. "I am grateful to all those who assisted in the self-study," Nordenberg said. "Their tireless efforts produced a rigorous examination of our athletic programs that speaks well of all those involved."

Following the self-study, a peer-review team composed of educational and athletics personnel from other schools visited the campus to verify the accuracy of the self-study and to report back to the NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification which renders the final decision.

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