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: Alcorn State University; Bethune-Cookman College; George Mason University; La Salle University; South Carolina State University; and the University of North Carolina, Asheville.

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 Division I members that are active members participate in the certification process.

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.

Certification, 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, equity, student-athlete welfare and sportsmanship.