NCAA ATHLETICS CERTIFICATION
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
2002-2003 NCAA SELF-STUDY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Purpose
Saint Louis University (SLU) has undertaken a major self-assessment in preparation for
re-certification of its intercollegiate athletic program by the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA). The University has sought to demonstrate, through the self-study
process, its fundamental commitment to institutional control of intercollegiate athletics
within the academic setting and to the integrity of its intercollegiate athletic program.
B. Goals
The self-study process has achieved the following goals:
1. it has developed a greater self-awareness and understanding of intercollegiate
athletics through the broad involvement of the University community,
2. it has affirmed the integrity of our intercollegiate athletics program through
careful self-review, and,
3. it has resulted in recommendations for improvement of intercollegiate athletics
in our academic context.
The self-study process has drawn upon institutional data and planning documents, as well
as significant discussion among its participants, in achieving these goals and developing
the Self-study Report (available at http://www.slu.edu/readstory/newslink/707) to be
presented to the Peer-Review Team.
C. Process
The self-study process was organized through a Steering Committee and four
subcommittees (membership attached). The Steering Committee met monthly throughout
the self-study process in order to guide the overall effort and draw the work of the four
subcommittees together into the Self-Study Report.
The subcommittees’ work focused on the certification program’s four basic topic areas:
a. Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance
b. Academic Integrity
c. Fiscal Integrity
d. Equity, Welfare and Sportsmanship.
Each of the subcommittees was charged with the collection and review of data, policies
and procedures for the purpose of evaluating the institution’s compliance with the NCAA
operating principles in each topic area. The subcommittees’ preliminary reports were
made available to the University community for comment, and then assembled into the
final report by the Steering Committee.
A Peer Review Team (membership attached) will receive the institution’s final report
after it has been reviewed by the President’s Coordinating Council, the Board of Trustees
Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees. This Peer Review Team will visit
campus from April 13-16, 2003 in order to confirm our self-study findings and
recommendations through interviews with administrators, faculty, students and others
associated with the athletic program.
Our Final Self-study Report and the Report of the Peer Review Team are then used by the
NCAA to make a decision about re-certification of our athletic program.
D. Findings and Plans for Improvement
While our previous NCAA certification process had a positive outcome, many
improvements have been made in our athletic program over the past five years. Our
current self-study process, while identifying areas for further improvement, suggests that
we are in compliance with the Operating Principles of the NCAA. Specific findings and
plans for improvement are outlined below.
I.
Governance and Rules Compliance
1. Operating Principles — mission of the athletics program and the
institution; institutional control, presidential authority and shared
responsibilities; compliance with NCAA rules;
2. Findings — In compliance. Mission of athletics is consistent with the
institution. Institution’s Board of Trustees provides oversight and broad
policy formulation for athletics consistent with other institutional units.
President has ultimate responsibility and authority over athletics. Campus
constituencies have opportunities for input into athletics policies. Policies
and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with NCAA rules.
Persons outside athletics provide oversight and monitoring of NCAA
compliance. NCAA rules education is ongoing. Personnel evaluations
include NCAA rules compliance. The institution’s compliance program is
reviewed every 3 years by Conference USA.
3. Plans for Improvement — Revise written compliance manual. Accurately
reflect reporting lines for the Faculty Athletic Representative and the
Director of Compliance. Enhance rules education for incoming studentathletes and their parents regarding agents, gambling, eligibility, and
financial aid.
II.
Academic Integrity
1. Operating Principles — academic standards for admission and
graduation; academic support services; missed class time
2. Findings — In substantial compliance. Student-athletes are admitted
using the same processes and policies as the general student population.
The academic profile of entering student-athletes is generally comparable
to the general student population; there are minor disparities by gender
and ethnic minority. Graduation rates are generally higher for studentathletes than for the overall student population, although there has been a
recent decline in the graduation rate for student-athletes. Graduation rates
are significantly lower for black students generally and for black studentathletes compared to their white counterparts; graduation rates for black
student-athletes are higher than for black students generally. Men’s
basketball graduation rates are significantly lower than other sports and
have been trending lower over the last several years. Adequate academic
support services are available. There are no written policies to minimize
missed class time.
3. Plans for Improvement — Establish written policies regarding missed
class time. Annually review policies and procedures for tracking
continuing and transfer eligibility. Document appeals process for studentathletes who are denied transfer request or athletics aid. Clarify policies
regarding declaration of degree major for student-athletes.
III.
Fiscal Integrity
1. Operating Principles — financial practices; fiscal management and
stability; established fiscal policies and procedures
2. Findings — In compliance. Funds raised for and expended on athletics
are subject to institutional practices for documentation, review and
oversight. Budget and audit procedures are consistent with institutional
practices and NCAA regulations. A qualified external firm conducts
annual financial audits. Full and stable opportunities for athletics
participation. Expenditures for athletics are in compliance with NCAA
rules, and neither recruits nor student-athletes are provided with extra
benefits in violation of NCAA rules.
3. Plans for Improvement — Enhance rules education for booster groups.
Clarify policies for distribution of complimentary tickets by staff
members. Clarify policies for faculty and staff discounts for summer
camps and clinics.
IV.
Equity, Welfare and Sportsmanship
1. Operating Principles — completion of previous gender equity and
minority opportunity plans; gender equity is monitored, evaluated and
addressed, including athletic scholarships, interests, equipment,
scheduling, travel, support services, facilities, recruitment and publicity;
minority issues are monitored, evaluated and addressed, including
employment opportunities, participation in decision-making and
governance, programs and activities, and enrollment and graduation;
student-athlete access to educational enhancement programs (e.g., career
guidance, life skills programs, health care, counseling); grievance and
appeals procedures for student-athletes; commitment to, and programs for,
developing appropriate sportsmanship.
2. Findings — In compliance. Goals and objectives of previous gender
equity and minority opportunity plans have been met. Gender equity is
monitored, evaluated and addressed on an ongoing basis. Equity in
enrollments, scholarships, opportunities, equipment, facilities, scheduling,
travel, support services and publicity. Salaries have been adjusted, but
need to maintain progress in light of changing market. Recruiting budgets
have been lower for women sports, but trending higher. Minority issues
are monitored, evaluated and addressed on an ongoing basis. Minorities
participate in governance and decision-making. Some progress in
identifying and hiring minority candidates has been achieved, but further
increasing the ethnic and racial diversity among administration, staff and
coaches is encouraged. Mission statement lacks specific reference to
minority opportunities. Smaller percentage of minority student-athletes
(10-11%) compared to minority students in general at SLU (15-19%);
graduation rates for minority student-athletes are higher than minority
students generally, but an increased graduation rate for minority studentathletes is a goal. Academic and educational support services are
available, accessible and utilized by student-athletes. Grievance and
appeals procedures are in place, with the exception of transfer and
scholarship denials. Sportsmanship is expected, monitored and addressed
on an ongoing basis.
3. Plans for Improvement — Gender equity and minority opportunity plans
have been revised and updated; monitor and enhance gender equity in
recruiting, salaries and operating budgets; enhance efforts in diversity
education and awareness; enhance efforts in recruitment and employment
of ethnic minorities. Enhance rules education for student-athletes and
parents regarding professional opportunities, agents, gambling and
academic services. Enhance rules education for tutors; annually review
tutoring program with particular attention to minority student-athlete
outcomes. Create written policies for transfer and financial aid appeals.
Create an inventory process for equipment and apparel.
12/02/02
NCAA Self-Study Committee Membership
Steering Committee
Chair:
Edwin Harris, Ph.D., associate provost
Members:
Lawrence Biondi, S.J., president
Donald Brennan, Ph.D, dean, graduate school
Judy Durham, Ph.D., associate professor, chemistry
Lori Flanagan, associate director of athletics
Jeff Fowler, director, Univ. marketing & comm.
Mary Elizabeth Hogan, Ph.D., assoc. dean, arts & sciences
Ruth Marquis, Ph.D., director, HR training
Michael Ross, Ph.D., professor, psychology
Neil Seitz, Ph.D., dean, John Cook School of Business
Doug Woolard, director of athletics
Governance and Rules Compliance
Chair:
Judy Durham, associate professor of chemistry
Members:
Hal Deuser, director, financial aid
Mary Flick, associate director, campus ministry
Kathy Hagedorn, vice president, human resource management
Jay Jones, director of compliance, athletics
Marque Perry, student athlete
Michael Ross, Ph.D., professor, psychology
Gretchen Salsich, Ph.D., assistant professor, physical therapy
Stephen Smith, J.D., associate dean, law school
Lynn Stewart, assistant director, undergraduate admissions
Joseph Weixlmann, Ph.D., dean, arts and sciences
Academic Integrity
Chair:
Donald Brennan, Ph.D., dean, graduate school
Members:
Cindy Anzelmo, academic coordinator, athletics
Peggy Edwards, chair, clinical laboratory sciences
John Jaffry, University registrar
John Kavanaugh, S.J., professor, philosophy
Brandon Rochon, student
Michael Ross, Ph.D., professor, psychology
Denise Sleet, Ph.D., assistant director, academic services
Thomas Westfall, Ph.D., chair, pharmacology & physiological
sciences
Nina Westhus, Ph.D., assistant professor, nursing
Alan Weinberger, J.D., professor, law
Fiscal Integrity
Chair:
Neil Seitz, Ph.D., dean, John Cook School of Business
Members:
Robert Altholz, vice president, business and finance
Camille Nelson, LL.M., assistant professor, law
Robert Clark, University trustee and president, Clayco
Construction Co.
Matthew Oldani, assistant director, athletics
Philipp Stoeberl, Ph.D., professor, management
Kim Tucci, University trustee and partner, Pasta House
Restaurants
Sara Van Den Berg, Ph.D., chair, English
Elizabeth Winchester, director, internal audit
David Young, student
Equity, Welfare and Sportsmanship
Co-Chairs:
Mary Elizabeth Hogan, Ph.D., associate dean, arts and sciences
Ruth Marquis, Ph.D., director, HR training
Members:
Greta Bujaker, student athlete
Anthony Daly, S.J., chair, modern & classical languages
Denis Daly, S.J., assistant vice president, development
Kenneth Fleischmann, senior associate general counsel
Richard Harvey, Ph.D., associate professor, psychology
Kathy Humphrey, vice president, student development
John McGowan, Ph.D., chair, accounting
Gary Northam, chair, aviation science
Steven Puro, Ph.D., professor, political science
Susan Tebb, Ph.D., dean, social service
Travis Threats, Ph.D., asst. professor, comm. sciences & disorders
Peer Review Team
Chair:
Ms. Lane Bove, VicePresident of Student Affairs, Loyola
Marymount University
Members:
Dr. Sally Thibodeau, Assistant Professor, Providence College
Mr. Jeff Archer, Director of Athletics, Stetson University
Ms. Robin Truiett, Assistant Director of Athletics, Loyola College
(Maryland)
Mr. Ed Grom, Associate Commissioner, Mid-Continent
Conference
NCAA Staff Liaison: Susan Peal, Assistant Director of Membership Services, NCAA