Objectives Related to the Self-Study

1. Goals:

   The University of Evansville has identified five specific goals it wishes to accomplish through the NCAA Certification process:

   1. Gain a clear and accurate assessment of the University of Evansville's athletics program and ensure its conformity with the four fundamental operating principles required of Division I athletics programs.

   2. Through broad-based communication, execute an open, transparent self-study process that creates awareness, on campus and in the community, about the principles that govern the conduct of our athletics program.

   3. Use the self-study results to celebrate program excellence, to identify areas in need of improvement, and to formulate and implement specific action plans in those respective areas.

   4. Develop on-going processes that strengthen the University of Evansville's athletics program and make improvement a part of its institutional culture.

   5. To verify that the athletics program is firmly under institutional control and is integrated into the fabric of the University community thus contributing in significant ways to the mission of the institution.

2. First Cycle Institutional Plan for Improvement:

   Each subcommittee chair has received a complete copy of the cycle one self-study report, which includes all plans for improvement that were developed at that time. Each member of the Steering Committee has also received a copy of the peer-review team's final report as well as a subsequent summary of the actions taken by the NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification. The summary details specific Strategies for Improvement on which the University was obligated to take action.

Major Components of the Self-Study

1. Steering Committee Chair:

   Dr. John W. Byrd, Executive Vice President, was appointed to serve as Chair of the Steering Committee by Dr. Stephen G. Jennings, University of Evansville President. The Executive Vice President is the second-ranking administrator at the University, and has ready access to the President and clear authority to guide the self-study process.

2. Steering Committee and Subcommittee Members:

   The committee lists provide the names and positions of all members of the Steering Committee and four subcommittees that will contribute to the self-study process. The subcommittees range in size from nine to ten individuals and are adequate in size to undertake and perform the duties and responsibilities necessary to complete the self-study. The committees are comprised of individuals inside and outside Athletics and have otherwise been developed to ensure the diversity, expertise, and competency to successfully execute the self-study. Committee members will be given complete access to all University information, and all subcommittee chairs are not Athletics Department staff members. Each chair of the various subcommittees also serves on the Steering Committee.

3. Responsibilities of Steering Committee and Subcommittees:

   With clear direction and support from President Jennings, the Steering Committee will:

   1. Collect and organize institutional data for use by subcommittees in their respective self-study efforts.

   2. Coordinate the activities of the subcommittees and monitor the progress of the self-study process.

   3. Review all reports from the first-cycle self-study including the Peer Review Team Report and the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification actions.

   4. Periodically review the minutes and reports of the various subcommittees.

   5. Maintain a written record of all committee minutes, the persons from each subcommittee responsible for writing major sections of the self-study report, and a record of the invitations to respond to the various draft reports, the dates on which those invitations were extended, and a record of the responses received.

   6. Methodically and systematically produce and distribute both the draft and final self-study report using the 2002-03 Division I Athletics Certification Self-Study Instrument and the vehicles listed in Written Plan for Conducting the Self-Study.

   The responsibilities of the subcommittees are as follows:

   1. Conduct the self-study in accordance with the 2002-03 Division I Athletics Certification Self-Study Instrument.

   2. Review all information from the first-cycle self-study including the Peer Review Team Report and the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification actions.

   3. Each subcommittee chair will meet with their respective subcommittee at least once a month until the subcommittee's work is complete.

   4. Make regular progress reports to the Steering Committee.

   5. Collect and analyze institutional data required to complete the self-study.

   6. Adhere to all deadlines as called for in the timeline to complete the self-study.

   7. Maintain minutes of all meetings.

   8. Methodically and systematically produce and distribute both the draft and final self-study report using the 2002-03 Division I Athletics Certification Self-Study Instrument and the vehicles listed in Written Plan for Conducting the Self-Study.

4. Institutional Liaison:

   The institutional liaison during the self-study process with the NCAA will be Ms. Patti Lippert, Administrative Associate in the Office of the President. Ms. Lippert will be responsible for fielding questions from institutional personnel and forwarding them to the NCAA staff member, coordinating preparations for the evaluation visit, including lodging and travel for peer-review team members, scheduling interviews and organizing work-related needs for peer reviewers.

5. Conference Assistance/Use of Outside Individuals:

   The University has asked that a member of the Conference Office serve as an ex-officio member of the Steering Committee.

6. Regional Accreditation:

   The University does not plan a joint visit with a regional accreditation body.

7. Outline and Schedule:

   The timeline of the self-study process will be revised as needed to accomplish the NCAA Self-Study Certification's stated goals.

8. Self-Study Report:

   Dr. James L. MacLeod, NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative and Associate Professor of History, will serve as the chief report writer for the NCAA Self-Study Certification. Dr. MacLeod will be assisted by the chairs of the various subcommittees as well as members of the Steering Committee.

   The writing format will be narrative in form and supplemented by various exhibits/attachments where appropriate. The chief report writer has adequate word processing equipment, copy reproduction facilities and authority to collect data and produce drafts and final reports. Secretarial assistance will be provided as needed.

   The University will use available communication vehicles within the University, both print and electronic, to communicate the ongoing progress of the self-study and certification process. At appropriate junctures, news releases will be made to regional media. Additionally, the following specific strategies for communicating the work of the Steering Committee to the institutional community will be utilized:

   • The draft and final NCAA Self-Study Certification Report will be placed on reserve in the Bower-Suhrheinrich Library, the University library.

   • The draft and final NCAA Self-Study Certification Report will be placed on both the University's and Athletics web sites.

   • Presentation by members of the Steering Committee of the draft and final NCAA Self-Study Certification Report will be made to the Faculty Senate, Faculty Athletics Committee, Office Staff Association, President's Cabinet, and Student Government Association.

   • The draft and final NCAA Self-Study Certification Report will be disseminated to all members of the Board of Trustees Athletics Committee of the University of Evansville.

   • Presentation of the draft and final NCAA Self-Study Certification Report by Steering Committee Chair or Director of Athletics to the Board of Trustees Athletics Committee, Administrative Council, Department of Athletics staff, Purple Aces Club and Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

   • Utilize UE Magazine and Ace Notes to communicate to alumni and friends locations where the draft and final copies of the NCAA Self-Study Certification Report can be reviewed.

   • Press release on final NCAA Self-Study Certification Report.

   • Other strategies outlined after consultation with the appropriate NCAA authorities.