UTC NCAA Athletics Certification Self-Study

The purpose of this message is to remind us of  the reality of another
important UTC institutional assessment effort and to seek your assistance.

  As a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the
University must periodically engage in an in-depth Certification Self-Study
of its Intercollegiate Athletics.  Last semester, I asked several campus
leaders to serve as the Steering Committee. Four subcommittees associated
with this self-study are also in place.  Initial organizational activities
were accomplished in the fall semester, and the formal data gathering and
analysis of the self-study must be accomplished this spring.  A final
written report should be completed this summer or in early in the 2002 fall
semester.  A Peer Review Team from the NCAA will visit the campus
approximately one year from now.

I want to encourage all faculty and staff to participate in the process.

Paul Watson of the Psychology Department has agreed to serve as Chair of
the Steering Committee, and I have asked him to introduce the self-study
effort by offering the comments below:

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The NCAA Division I Athletics Certification Self-Study is an important
opportunity for all members of the campus community to participate in the
assessment and planning activities associated with this institutional
evaluation of its Athletics program. The goal is to get as much input as
possible. The University is dedicated to a comprehensive and objective
analysis of UTC Athletics. In the end, the process should ensure the
Athletics program complies with the mission of the University and complies
with NCAA Guidelines and Rules.  Participation of the entire campus
community is being encouraged in three ways:

First, please contact any self-study committee chair with observations you
might have about UTC Athletics. Observations can involve, but need not be
limited to, concerns, questions or possible problems.  Perhaps also, you
think that the Athletics Department is doing something especially well, and
you want to make sure that those activities are maintained. Whether your
observations are about problems or strengths, let the relevant committee
chair know. The following individuals have accepted appointments as chairs:
STEERING COMMITTEE: Paul Watson (Psychology Department)
GOVERNANCE AND COMMITMENT TO RULES COMPLIANCE: Leroy
           Fanning (Exercise Science, Health, and Leisure Studies)
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Michael Jones, (Engineering)
FISCAL INTEGRITY: Rick Turpin (Accounting and Finance)
EQUITY, WELFARE, AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Tom Losh (Student
           Development)

Second, committee chairs will post announcements about upcoming meetings.
Please feel free to participate if you are interested.

Third, minutes of all Steering Committee and subcommittee meetings will be
posted on Raven and made available in the library. You are encouraged to
monitor self-study activities by examining those records at your leisure

Any general questions or concerns you might have about the self-study
process should be directed to Paul Watson by calling 4291 or via email
([log in to unmask]). All contributions to the process will be greatly
appreciated.