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NCAA Division I Certification Written Plan

Athletics certification is meant to ensure Youngstown State University is complying with the NCAA’s fundamental commitment to integrity in intercollegiate athletics. The core of athletics certification is conducting a self-study. YSU’s objective is to utilize this opportunity to educate individuals about our athletic program’s purpose and goals, as well as to certify that our institution is complying with the operating principles as defined by the NCAA membership.

YSU Intercollegiate Athletics purpose and goals are:

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Youngstown State University is to offer broad-based collegiate athletic programs, which accommodate the requirements and interests of the students.  The Intercollegiate Athletics Department is committed to:

· Welfare of student-athletes

· Academic integrity

· Gender equity

· Diversity of student-athletes and staff

· Sportsmanship and ethical integrity by student-athletes, staff, and boosters

· Fiscal integrity

· Community outreach

 

Critical Issues

I. Enrollment/Retention - Intercollegiate Athletics will assist the University in academic attainment, enrollment initiatives, on-campus housing population, and achievement of appropriate graduation rate standards.

 

II. Programs/Teaching, Learning & Research - Intercollegiate Athletics will assist in preparing student-athletes for economic productivity and to undertake civic and leadership responsibilities.

 

III. Financial Resources - Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to the strategic and efficient use of resources, to creating additional resources to fund athletic scholarships, and to responsible stewardship.

 

IV. Image/Market - Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to communicating a positive image of our student-athletes, coaches, department, and University through publications, radio, television, and the athletic website.

 

V. Student Services (Student-Athlete Welfare) - Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to defining and communicating student-athlete expectations.  Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to advance, both on and off the field, the safety and well being of each student-athlete.

 

VI. Diversity (& Gender Equity) - Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to providing equal access, participation, and support for men and women student-athletes.   Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to nurturing an environment that values all individuals and groups, and that is free of discrimination.

 

VII. Technology - Intercollegiate Athletics will utilize technology to meet academic, athletic, and communications goals.

 

VIII. Community Engagement (Outreach) - Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to supporting community outreach initiatives and to enhancing the positive image of the University.

 

IX. Human Resources Development - Intercollegiate Athletics will participate in University initiatives to develop a competent, motivated, diverse, and competitively paid workforce.  Athletic staff will further develop their professional competencies to educate student-athletes and to fostering an environment conducive for a rewarding experience at YSU.

 

X. Facilities - Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to providing competitive facilities to recruit and retain quality student-athletes, enhance the fan experience, and attract Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) events.

 

XI. Ethical Integrity - Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to the highest ethical standards and will always conduct activities in compliance with the rules and regulations of the University, member conferences, and the NCAA.

 

XII. Competitiveness - Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to fielding competitive teams in the Horizon League that manifest the University’s ethical, academic, and civic values.  Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to achieving national excellence in the sport of Division I-AA football.

 

Plans for Improvement

In completing the current self-study objectives, attention will also be given to progress YSU has made on institutional plans for improvement since the first self-study.  Although our institution was in substantial conformity with all operating principles, we will demonstrate completion of our institutional plans for improvement that included:

 

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

Recommendation No. 1:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation to develop a new five-year plan by August 1999 for increasing representation of females on Youngstown State’s athletics teams and within the coaching staff.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation 1: 

1999-2005 Gender Equity Plan was submitted January 11, 1999, prior to final certification, and approved in the May 10, 1999 memo from the NCAA. 

 

Recommendation No. 2:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation that the recent change in administration structure that places the athletics department under the vice-president for development and community affairs needs to be clarified and communicated in all internal and external communications by the 1998-99 academic year.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation 2:

An updated administrative structure was clarified and communicated for the 98-99 University Guidebook.  The current structure has Intercollegiate Athletics reporting directly to the President. 

 

Recommendation No. 3:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation that the athletics department should provide periodic updates to the quarterly meeting of the department chairpersons who in turn can keep the faculty more informed of the changes within athletics beginning with the 1998 fall quarter.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation 3:

The President created the Administrative Advisory Council and issues related to athletics are discussed during the AAC meetings. These meetings include the President, Vice Presidents, Executive Directors (including athletics), some department chairs, and union presidents.  This group meets twice a month and the department chairs are directed to discuss all agenda items (including athletics) with their respective faculty.  Minutes from the meetings are sent to all AAC members. 

In addition, the YSU website provides current athletic affairs, as well as affairs of the entire institution, that is readily available to YSU staff and the general public.

 

Since all department chairs are not members of AAC, it is recommended that a representative from athletics attend a department chairs meeting once per semester to provide any additional information to all chairs, as well as provide any compliance-related information.

 

Recommendation No. 4:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation to schedule a yearly compliance review to be conducted by an external entity by the 1999 spring quarter.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation 4:

The NCAA originally required a “periodic“ compliance review, which we planned to be annually.  The NCAA revised the wording to “once every three years.” Outside compliance reviews were conducted October 1998 and December 2001. 

 

Describe any additional plans for improvement or recommendations developed by the institution since the first-cycle certification decision was rendered by the Committee on Athletics Certification.

 

Additional Plan:  Create more avenues to educate all staff (in addition to coaches) as to various NCAA rules.

Actions Taken:

Staff weekly rules review.  Weekly Rules Reviews began August 28, 2001.

Sport staff rules review.  First staff meetings were conducted December, 2000 and continue annually.

New Employee Sign-Off Form, effective March, 2002. 

Booster Flier that will be included in at least one Penguin Club and ticket mailing, as well as communicated with student-athletes when each signs the NCAA Student-Athlete Statement, effective Summer, 2002.

 

Academic Integrity

Recommendation No. 1:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation that all undergraduate applicants, including prospective student-athletes, must abide by the same criteria and academic standards as the other students at the university within three months of the certification decision.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 1:

The peer review team report noted that student-athletes already meet the same basic university requirements for admission, academic satisfactory progress and graduation as all other students. However, YSU updated its University Bulletin to make prospective students aware of the additional standards needed to participate in athletics.  It is recommended that the Undergraduate Bulletin language under topic of Admission Status read as follows: 

“If you are interested in participating in intercollegiate athletics in your first year at YSU, you must take either the SAT or the ACT prior to initial, full-time enrollment.” 

Recommendations for additional required actions:

Recommendation No. 2

The peer-review team recommends that each area of the academic support establish a procedure to review and evaluate each support area.  This should be completed within three months of the final certification decision.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 2:

The student-athletes are provided additional opportunity to comment on the athletic academic support services when completing an exit interview.

 

The YSU Athletic Academic Counseling Support Services Evaluation Summary was reviewed. Academic advisors, department chairs, faculty and other university personnel completed the evaluations.

 

The usage and retention data report of the Center for Student Progress indicates each area of academic support is being evaluated for the general student population that includes student-athletes.

 

It is suggested that an additional survey of questions be provided annually to allow current student-athletes a more immediate means to evaluate the academic support services:

 

Recommendation No. 3:

The peer-review team recommends that a statement be placed in the student-athlete handbook referencing class attendance when it conflicts with athletics practices and/or competition within three months of the final certification decision.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 3:

The current statement in the Student Athlete Handbook referring to class attendance and practices/competitions sufficiently outlines the policy of the Athletic Department, University and follows NCAA regulations.For the purpose of clarity, it is suggested that the following rewrite of the statements as printed in the Student Athlete Handbook:

 

“Student-athletes are not to miss any part of examination week due to travel from an athletic event.”

 

Recommendations for required actions based on the institution’s plan for improvement (not included in the peer review team report):

Recommendation No. 4:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation to provide one, full-time, athletics-academic counselor.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 4:

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics increased a part-time counselor to full-time (10 months), effective 99-00.  Effective Summer, 2002, a counselor is also available one day per week during the summer sessions.  This position, in addition to two-part time counselors, allows student-athletes to meet with an academic counselor when there is a need.  The academic counseling available to the student-athletes is to be commended.

 

Recommendation No. 5:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation to include a scheduling policy in the Intercollegiate Athletics Operation Manual.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 5:

The current practices of the athletic department and coaches for scheduling competitions and practices follow the regulations set by the NCAA and the University.

 

Recommendation No. 6:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation to establish more in-service programs.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 6:

In 1999, YSU becomes an NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Institution.  Student-athletes are oriented to the services available to the general student population in their orientation programs and these services are outlined in the Student-Athlete Handbook. It is recommended that the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skill Programs be outlined in the Student Athlete Handbook, in addition to being available on the YSU web site.

 

Recommendation No. 7:

The peer-review team concurs with the institution’s recommendation to establish a degree audit program to better evaluate academic progress.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 7:

The university continues to develop the DARS/CAS system of degree audit, however, the completion date will go beyond the projected date of 2003. Until the initiation of the DARS/CAS, the current system of degree audit will be followed.

 

Equity and Student-Athlete Welfare

                        Recommendations for required actions based on the institution’s plans for improvement:

 

None.

 

                        Peer-review team recommendations for additional required actions:

 

Recommendation No. 1:

The peer-review team recommends that the institution enhance the current gender-equity plan by establishing goals for years beyond 1999 to ensure continued progress toward the future and goals and maintenance of the current status of the program in this area.  These modified plans should be developed through a process that reflects broad-based campus participation and formal university approval.  The plan also must include (at a minimum) the following elements:  (a) intended end results, (b) individuals or offices that will be responsible for taking specific actions and (c) the specific timetable(s) for completing the work.  In other words, the institution should clearly specify: (i) the issues confronting the institution that were identified during the self-study, (ii) the goals the institution intends to achieve, and (iii) the steps the institution will take to achieve those goals.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 1:

This recommendation was addressed per memo received May 10, 1999 due to supporting information sent by YSU on January 11, 1999.

                        Recommendation No. 2:

The peer-review team recommends that the institution develop a minority-opportunities plan having been developed through a process that reflects broad-based campus participation and formal university approval.  The plan also must include (at a minimum) the following elements:  (a) intended end results, (b) individuals or offices that will be responsible for taking specific actions, and (c) the specific timetable(s) for completing the work.  In other words, the institution should clearly specify: (i) the issues confronting the institution that were identified during the self-study, (ii) the goals the institution intends to achieve, and (iii) the steps the institution will take to achieve those goals.

 

Actions taken in response to Recommendation No. 2:

This recommendation was addressed per memo received May 10, 1999 due to supporting information sent by YSU on January 11, 1999.

 

Self Study Process

The process to conduct the self study will involve a broad-based group of individuals from the YSU community.  The manner in which a meaningful and comprehensive study will be conducted is as follows:

 

A. President

Dr. David Sweet

1) Effectively communicate, by word and action, that the self-study is a priority and the entire institution, not just the athletics department, is responsible for its completion

2) Receive approval and support of the self-study process from the Board of Trustees

3) Appoint a Steering Committee Chair

4) Shall ensure effective representation of key campus constituent groups on the steering committee

5) Make the charge of the steering committee clear

6) Give the steering committee the proper authority to complete its work

 

B. Steering Committee Chair

Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Vice President for Student Affairs

1) Shall be appointed by the President

2) Shall be provided clear authority from and ready access to the President

3) Shall conduct the business of the Steering Committee

4) Shall appoint three Sub-Committee Chairs

5) Shall be the primary contact to the NCAA and peer review team

6) Shall appoint a campus liaison to the NCAA and peer review team

7) Shall appoint a chief report writer

 

C. Steering Committee

Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Vice President for Student Affairs, Chair

Dr. David Sweet, President

Dr. Jane Kestner, Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences/Faculty Athletics Representative

Ron Strollo, Executive Director of Athletics

Elaine Jacobs, Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator

Ken Brayer, Community Member

Dr. Ron Chordas, Assistant Provost for Academic Administration

Dr. Tom Maraffa, Special Assistant to the President

Janelle McDonald, Student-Athlete

Dr. Daryl Mincey, Professor, Chemistry Department

Jimmy Myers, Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Scott Schulick, Board of Trustees

Paul Walker, Student Trustee

 

1) Shall be appointed by the President

2) Shall review and understand the process and goals of the self-study

3) Shall provide goals and timelines to three subcommittee chairs

4) Shall review periodic reports from subcommittees

5) Shall review and provide approval of final self-study report 

 

D. Subcommittee Chairs

Dr. Ron Chordas, Assistant Provost for Academic Administration

            Equity and Student-Athlete Welfare

Dr. Jane Kestner, Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences/Faculty Athletics Representative

            Academic Integrity

Dr. Tom Maraffa, Special Assistant to the President

            Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

 

1) Shall be appointed by the Steering Committee Chair

2) Shall ensure effective representation of key campus constituent groups on his/her subcommittee

3) Shall guide subcommittee in evaluating the criteria of each operating principle

4) Shall document meetings, dates, attendance, and write the draft of their report

5) Shall provide monthly updates to the Steering Committee

 

E. Sub-Committees

Academic Integrity

                        Michael Beverly, Coordinator, Center for Student Progress

Susan Davis, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment/International Admissions

Denise Walters Dobson, Academic Administrator

Rick Love, Associate Director of Athletics

Marilyn O’Bruba, Senior Athletic Academic Advisor

Jennifer Roller, Director, Upward Bound

Dr. Tom Shipka, Professor and Chair, Philosophy and Religious Studies

Dr. Rick Walker, Professor and Chair, Human Performance and Exercise Science

Britta Snowberger (soccer), Student-Athlete

 

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

Beth Bartlett, Administrative Assistant, Financial Aid

Tysa Egleton, Coordinator, Center for Student Progress

Dr. Lawrence Hugenberg, Professor, Communication and Theater

Holly Jacobs, General Counsel

Dr. Betty Jo Licata, Dean, Williamson College of Business Administration

Dr. Daryl Mincy, Professor and Chair, Chemistry

Judy Richards, Associate Director of Athletics

                        Katie Shea (volleyball), Student-Athlete

 

                        Equity and Student-Athlete Welfare

                        Dr. Frank Bosso, Professor, Human Performance and Exercise Science

Kathylynn Feld, Professor, Health Professions

Terry Fullum, Academic Administrator

Judy Gaines, Executive Director of Student Life

Dr. Phil Ginnetti, Dean, Beeghly College of Education

Brittny Humphrey, Student-Athlete

Dan O’Connell, Associate Director of Athletics

Jimmy Myers, Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity

  

1) Shall be appointed by the Subcommittee Chair

2) Shall research and evaluate data needed for their report, including but not limited to:

a) Reviewing all institutional plans and CAC required actions from the first cycle self-study and evaluate their implementation;

b) Reviewing all CAC required actions from the interim report, if applicable;

c) Interviewing selected staff and student-athletes, as needed;

d) Responding to all self-study items for each operating principle;

e) Develop plans for improvement, if needed.

3) Shall actively participate in meetings and provide analysis of data

4) Shall assist in the development of drafts and the final report for their respective committee

 

F. Campus Liaison

Elaine Jacobs, Associate Director of Athletics/SWA

1) Shall be appointed by the Steering Committee Chair

2) Shall serve as liaison for questions between institutional personnel and NCAA

3) Shall designate her secretary to coordinate travel preparations for orientation visit

4) Shall designate her secretary to coordinate work-related needs for orientation visit, including but not limited to meetings rooms, computer resources, clerical assistance, copies, etc.

 

G. Chief Report Writer

Elaine Jacobs, Associate Director of Athletics/SWA

1) Shall be appointed by the Steering Committee Chair

2) Shall be provided the time and technology necessary to write the self-study

3) Shall utilize the NCAA web-based report writer to complete the report

 

H. Associate Director of Athletics/Compliance

Elaine Jacobs

1) Shall serve as an ex officio member of all subcommittees to assist in data collection

 

I. Horizon League

            1) Shall identify a liaison for our self-study

2) Shall review our objectives and timelines for completing the self-study

3) Shall participate in the initial videoconference

4) Shall participate in the evaluation visit, if requested

5) Shall be used as an informational resource throughout the self-study

 

J. Outside Individual or Agencies

 1) Shall not be used during the self-study process