Rochester, Mich. (Mar. 3, 2005) - The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification today announced that Oakland University???s athletic programs have successfully undergone the Association???s athletics certification process. 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 is a self-study led by an institution???s chief executive officer, includes a review of these primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity; and welfare. ???We???re extremely pleased that the first athletics certification process in Oakland???s history has resulted in such a positive outcome,??? said Oakland University President Gary Russi. ???Many Oakland staff and faculty members worked extremely hard during the campus-wide self-study process, and they all share in the success of this effort.??? A designation of certified means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership. All 326 active Division I members participate in the certification process.