CSU receives NCAA Division I certification

CSU athletic director Hank Small

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification has announced the certification of Charleston Southern University as one of 13 Division I institutions to be in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.

“The certification process is certainly one that we take very seriously. Being certified by the committee is confirmation that we are operating within the guidelines established by the NCAA,” said CSU President Dr. Jairy C. Hunter. “We are proud of our standing as a Division I institution and will continue to work hard to ensure that our student-athletes are receiving a Division I experience both athletically and academically.”

Athletic certification, which takes place every 10 years, serves to ensure the integrity of an institution’s athletics program and assists members in improving their athletic departments. The process includes an extensive review of governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, equity and student-athlete well-being.

The year-long process begins with a self-study led by the institution’s chief executive officer and also includes a peer-review team evaluation. The NCAA peer review team was on CSU’s campus in November, conducting interviews with a cross-section of CSU faculty, staff and student-athletes.

“We are pleased that the committee has once again placed their stamp of approval on our program,” said CSU athletic director Hank Small. “It is a continuous effort here to make sure that our program operates at the highest level of Division I compliance and our unwavering commitment to our athletes will forever be first and foremost in our minds.”