2:08pm | The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Committee on Athletics Certification announced on August 18, 2011 that the athletics program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has received its third consecutive full certification. The designation of certified means that an institution has shown that it operates its athletic program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the NCAA Division membership.


In 1996, CSULB was one of the first universities in the nation to receive full certification of its athletics program among some 300 eligible.  The university earned its second certification in 2003. 



“Given the university’s focus on academic excellence and serving our students, the NCAA’s full certification is well deserved,” said CSULB President F. King Alexander.  “I am especially grateful to all those who devoted their time and effort for the benefit of our university and athletics program. Through a long, tedious process they demonstrated sincere dedication to Long Beach State student-athletes.” 



The NCAA announcement comes following the university’s year-long self-study of its athletics program. The self-study involved examination and evaluation of the athletics program focusing on governance, the university’s commitment to NCAA rules compliance, academic integrity, gender and diversity, and student-athlete well-being.  Participants in the process included members from across the campus including students, faculty, staff and administrators, as well as members of the community. 



A draft of the self-study was posted on CSULB’s NCAA athletics certification website in March, and members of the university and community were invited to review it and make comments. 



According to the NCAA, the purpose of the certification program is to ensure integrity in athletics operations and to assist athletic departments in improving those operations.  Athletics certification was adopted by a vote of NCAA Division I membership.