The University of West Georgia, in response to a year-long investigation of the Athletics Department by the NCAA, has implemented a variety of changes to their policies, procedures and staff in order to ensure future compliance and to mitigate the effects of the previous infractions.

“In the past, athletics has not always enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the larger university community,” said Michael Ruffner, vice-president of University Advancement. “In the months ahead Coach Dickey and I will meet with various groups on campus to discuss changes in the athletics program, answer questions, and address any issues that may be of concern.”

NCAA’s investigation found UWG’s athletics program in violation of several rules regarding the provision of extra benefits, recruiting, ethical conduct, eligibility certification, degree requirement compliance, records-keeping for athletic-related activities, monitoring of travel and financial expenses, NCAA rules and regulations training, and institutional control by University advancement.

The investigation found that the violations led to 119 student athletes practicing, competing, or receiving financial aid or travel expenses while ineligible. UWG maintains that with the exception of the extra benefits violation, that the violations were entirely unintentional and were the result of inattention and lack of oversight.

In response to the charges, UWG has taken several steps. The university hired a full-time compliance officer and academic advisor, instituted mandatory advising programs for all student athletes and increased the number of tutors on staff to 12.

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