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.

Additionally, they have appointed a new director of athletics with significant coaching and administrative experience and broadened the responsibilities of the coaching staff to assist in the enforcement process through rules education, commitment to compliance and ongoing monitoring.

Likewise, the administration has initiated mandatory rules and compliance sessions for all coaches, and instituted mandatory attendance for university staff at NCAA regional rules meetings, as well as instituting new academic intervention procedures to target at-risk student athletes through the Office of Academic Affairs.

Finally, the university has clarified internal policies to be more consistent with NCAA guidelines and appointed a new head baseball coach with experience in leading successful and compliant Division II programs.

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