The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification has announced decisions concerning the certification status of six Division I member institutions that have undergone the Association's second cycle of athletics certification.

The following universities were certified: University of Denver, Eastern Illinois University, Oklahoma State University, Old Dominion University, Oregon State University and the U. S. Air Force Academy.

The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in the institution's athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments. Legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted in 1993.

The certification process, which involves a self-study process led by a school's chief executive officer, includes a review of these primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, fiscal integrity, and equity welfare and sportsmanship.

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

The second round of athletics certifications is being completed on a 10-year cycle rather than the five-year cycle used during the initial certification process. All 321 Division I members that are active division members participate in the certification process.

The certification process is separate from the NCAA's enforcement program, which investigates allegations of rules violations by NCAA member institutions. A decision of certified does not exempt an institution from concurrent or subsequent enforcement proceedings.