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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University has begun the process of renewing its NCAA certification, an effort that all Division I institutions undertake about once every 10 years.

According to OSU Associate Vice President for Research Rich Holdren, who is chairing the university’s NCAA Certification Committee, the process involves an in-depth self-examination of all aspects of Oregon State’s athletic operations. The self-study is reviewed by the NCAA and representatives of peer institutions, with recertification based on a complex set of criteria that depend on both “where the program has been, as well as current and future plans for program improvement,” said Holdren.

“Ultimately, the NCAA’s motive for having institutions undergo certification is to provide a clear and unambiguous set of expectations regarding the high standards that the NCAA sets for athletic programs,” he said. “These standards include governance of programs, through an examination of how we manage compliance with NCAA rules while maintaining high academic standards, and an emphasis on student-athlete well being, gender equity and diversity.”

The self-study is designed to seek out perspectives from multiple stakeholder groups, including the general public, to help the university develop a realistic, accurate assessment of its athletic programs. Four public outreach events have been scheduled throughout January to encourage public input:

• Jan. 12, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Memorial Union Journey Room, on the OSU Corvallis campus;

• Jan. 15, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. in Portland at the California Bank Building;

• Jan. 22, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center Ag Production Room, OSU Corvallis;

• Jan. 26, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., MU Journey Room.

For additional information, e-mail [email protected].

Those who are unable to attend public meetings may offer their input through OSU’s NCAA recertification blog at http://oregonstate.edu/athletics/ncaa/blog/.

“If you have an interest in Beaver sports, if you have thoughts about the state of any of our 17 intercollegiate sport programs, if you have concerns about any aspect of OSU’s intercollegiate programs, we need to hear from you,” Holdren said.