NCAA SELF-STUDY CERTIFICATION

MINUTES OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE

JANUARY 23, 2003, 3:00 P.M.

Present:          Tracy Huth, Spencer Hynes, Bozenna Johnson, Robert Johnson, Karen Kukuk, William Macauley, Glenn McIntosh, Jack Mehl, Henry Mittelstaedt, Denise McGee, Ed Nolan, Michelle Piskulich, Gary Russi, Gloria Sosa, Geoff Upward, Victor Zambardi, Mohamed Zohdy, Ronald Sudol, Jane Bentham

The list of potential peer reviewers was discussed and Jack Mehl and Henry Mittelstaedt noted individuals that could have a conflict of interest as a result of current and/or future conference affiliations.  Jack Mehl and Tracy Huth agreed to review those potential conflicts of interest and advise Vic Zambardi, who will draft a letter for Dr. Russi’s review to be forwarded to the NCAA.

Geoff Upward presented the NCAA Certification Communications Plan.  A letter from Vic Zambardi will go out informing the University and community of the self-study web site.  The web will contain an e-mail mechanism for feedback from the community that will be monitored by Jane Bentham.  Geoff will also issue news stories at various times during the process.  A cable TV panel discussion is also being planned, to be aired after the subcommittees have completed their reports and prior to the final report to be submitted to the NCAA.

Bill Macauley, Chair of the Compliance Subcommittee, reported that the entire subcommittee met on January 23 and that one of the sub-subcommittees is preparing to draft a report to be presented to Bill on or about February 12.  The other two sub-subcommittees are still gathering information, but are also getting close to drafting reports.  A question was raised about using the NCAA guides sheets (the “pink sheets”) to answer self-study items or using the self-study instrument.  It was determined that the “pink sheets” are a guide and checklist.

Michelle Piskulich, Chair of the Academic Integrity Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee is 90% finished with their data collection, but had a question as to unwritten policies, particularly as they pertained to classes missed and whether the NCAA required a written policy.  Jack Mehl answered that the unwritten policy has been followed, but the Mid-Continent Conference policies would govern a missed class policy.  Michelle was concerned that perhaps the student-athlete might not be protected vis-a-vis individual instructors.  It was determined that the issue should be included in the subcommittee’s report together with a recommendation for a written policy, if appropriate.

Ed Nolan, Chair of the Fiscal Integrity Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee is on schedule and the members are assembling data for additional analysis.  He added that they are close to drafting a report.

Glenn McIntosh, Chair of the Equity and Welfare Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee is now complete and the various sub-subcommittees are gathering information.  He asked whether the coaches could meet with their teams to explain the self-study process, and Jack Mehl agreed to facilitate those meetings.  It was also noted that the Student-Athlete Advisory Council is also informing student-athletes.

Ron Sudol, on behalf of the Chair of the Governance Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee is still in the process of data collection and if there were any concerns, they will be addressed at the next meeting.