Sept. 20, 2004

Villanova, Pa. - Villanova University has received notice that its athletics programs have been re-certified by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The full certification acknowledges that Villanova's athletic systems and procedures operate in substantial conformity with NCAA standards.

Under legislation implemented in 1993, institutions must be certified by the governing body of college athletics. The certification process begins with a self-study led by an institution's chief executive officer and includes a review of these primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity; and student-athlete welfare and sportsmanship. Villanova was previously certified by the NCAA in 1996 in the first round of certification and began the re-certification process in 2001.

As a part of the self-study process, a peer review team visited Villanova in April 2003 and the findings from the team's visit were subsequently reviewed by the Division I Committee on Athletics Certification. This is the same process that is followed with each of the 326 active Division I members. While enforcement issues are taken into account, in this instance, the NCAA found that Villanova was in substantial conformity with organizational guidelines.

"We are very pleased with the committee's decision," stated Villanova director of athletics Vince Nicastro. "This confirms our commitment to operating our programs efficiently, effectively and within the operating principles established by the Committee on Athletics Certification. This was an exhaustive self-study conducted by some of the best people from throughout our campus. We appreciate the time and energy they put into this process to make it worthwhile."

Stated Dr. Helen Lafferty, chair of Villanova's institutional self-study committee: "When we received notification of our full certification, I was delighted to learn that the NCAA endorsed our university, our commitment to student-athletes and, most importantly, all of our athletics programs. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the members of the steering committee and the sub-committees of the self-study. These individuals worked tirelessly to advance the self-study process."