NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification approves Fairfield University certification | Press Releases

The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification has completed its process and has approved Fairfield University for certification. This designation marks the second time Fairfield University received certified status from the NCAA.

With this classification, the NCAA considers Fairfield University to be operating its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Association's Division I membership. Both the peer-review team report and the institution's self-study report were accepted by the Committee on Athletics Certification.

"We are pleased with the Committee's decision," Fairfield University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. said. "The certification confirms that our athletic program provides our student-athletes the opportunity to excel by meeting NCAA academic and athletic standards. The University's mission is to serve students by supporting their intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, and athletics plays a significant role in meeting those needs."

The certification program's genesis came about at the 1993 NCAA Convention during which the Division I membership overwhelmingly voted to institute the certification process with the primary purpose being to help ensure integrity in the institution's athletics operations. It opens up athletics to the rest of the university community and to the public with the focus on educating individuals across the campus about the goals and purpose of intercollegiate athletics programs, as well as revealing the aspects of the athletics program that are worthy of praise.

"Fairfield University will continue its commitment to providing our student-athletes with the best opportunities to excel both in and out of the classroom," Vice President for Student Affairs Mark Reed said. "The NCAA certification indicates that the University's athletic vision provides our student-athletes with the proper foundation to achieve success both now and in the future."

The committee responsible for the study included Fairfield University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. and members of the faculty and staff, as well as athletics department personnel. Jeanne Novotny, Dean of the School of Nursing, chaired the steering committee. Thomas Pellegrino, Dean of Students, served as the chief report writer.

The NCAA is a membership organization of colleges and universities that participate in intercollegiate athletics. The primary purpose of the Association is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body. Activities of the NCAA membership include formulating rules of play for NCAA sports, conducting national championships, adopting and enforcing standards of eligibility.