Gaucho Shane Carlson fields the ball at second base in a game against UCLA.

The National Collegiate Athletics Association has awarded unconditional certification to UCSB’s Intercollegiate Athletics program. The determination completes a process that began more than a year ago.

The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in the institution’s athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments. NCAA legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted in 1993.

The certification process, which involves a self-study led by an institution’s chancellor or president, includes a review of several primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity; and student-athlete well-being.

The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification reviewed all written materials related to UCSB’s athletics self-study and determined that the program should be certified. The classification means that the institution is considered to be operating its athletics program in “substantial conformity” with operating principles adopted by the NCAA’s Division I membership. UCSB was one of 35 institutions competing in Division I whose certifications were announced this month.

“We are so pleased that the NCAA has granted full and unconditional certification to our Division I intercollegiate athletics program,” said Chancellor Henry T. Yang. “This is a wonderful testament to the strength and integrity of our athletics programs, and reflects our university’s commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.”

The chancellor expressed his sincere thanks to Intercollegiate Athletics Director Mark Massari and former Director Gary Cunningham, who retired last year, as well as to Assistant Chancellor Todd Lee, who chaired the campus’s NCAA Self-Study Review. He also thanked “our colleagues across the campus who participated in the review process, and all our alumni, fans, students, faculty, staff, and other supporters who are such an important part of our success. I would also like to thank and congratulate our outstanding coaches, staff, and student-athletes, who inspire Gaucho pride in all of us.”

The UCSB Intercollegiate Athletics program fields a total of 20 men’s and women’s teams. More than 450 student-athletes participate in UCSB’s intercollegiate athletics program.