Arkansas certified by NCAA, with conditions

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) After a year-long institutional self-study, the University of Arkansas was awarded its NCAA Division I athletics certification with conditions, the main collegiate sports governing body announced Thursday.<br> <br> Fifteen schools were certified, although the University of Arkansas was one of three schools the others were Delaware State and the University of New Orleans to be certified with conditions.<br> <br> The NCAA Committee on Division I Athletics Certification said one of the reasons the University of Arkansas cannot be fully certified is because it failed to include rules-compliance directives as part of written job descriptions and evaluations for administrators outside the athletic department who deal with responsibilities related to the school&#39;s athletic teams.<br> <br> In addition, the NCAA said the University of Arkansas did not adequately explain its plan for expanding opportunities for minority personnel or its efforts to provide support for minority student-athletes. The NCAA said the university should provide more details and goals for the future in addressing these areas.<br> <br> ``I am pleased with the findings of the NCAA certification team in regards to our program,&#39;&#39; Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles said. ``The two conditions outlined by the committee in our report primarily ask for more details on initiatives that have already been implemented. We will provide the additional information to the committee in the coming weeks.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The university completed its first certification under the adopted self-certification process in 1997.<br> <br> The university has until March 1, 2006 to make the required changes or it could be placed in the NCAA&#39;s restricted-membership category.<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)