The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification has announced decisions concerning the certification status of 15 active Division I member institutions that have undergone the Association's second cycle of athletic certification.

The following institutions were certified: University at Albany; Clemson University; East Carolina University; Elon University; Florida International University; Illinois State University; Montana State University-Bozeman; Samford University; University of South Alabama; U.S. Naval Academy; Portland State University; Southern University, Baton Rouge; Long Beach State University; University of North Carolina, Wilmington; and Saint Louis University.

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 governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, fiscal integrity, 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 325 active Division I members participate in the certification process.

The Division I Committee on Athletics Certification initially reviews an institution's certification materials, then provides a list of issues identified during the evaluation.

The university has a period of about one year to respond in writing to the issues before a final certification decision is rendered. An institution's failure to satisfactorily respond to the committee may negatively impact certification status.