The NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification has announced that California State University, Northridge, has been certified.

A designation of certified means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.

Currently, 302 colleges and universities have completed a year-long certification process, which all 310 Division I members will undergo by the end of this year. The certification program's purpose is to ensure integrity in the institution's athletics operations and to assist athletics departments in improving their program. Legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted by a vote of all Division I members at the 1993 NCAA Convention as a key part of the Association's reform agenda.

The certification process, led by the school's chief executive officer on each of the campuses, included members of the university/college faculty and staff. In addition to these members, athletics department personnel also served on the committee and subcommittees responsible for the self-study.

Certification examines the athletics department's governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic and fiscal integrity, and commitment to equity. The certification program will begin its second cycle this year (see schedule, page 11).