Texas A&M University takes governance and rules compliance very seriously. In recent years significant changes have been made to improve rules compliance efforts. The University involves staff from many departments across the campus in its rules compliance efforts and vests specific responsibilities for compliance with these staff members who report outside the Athletic Department. Throughout the Athletic Program there is a strong commitment to total compliance. The University recognizes that efforts to address rules compliance are a never ending task. It is committed to implementing new and improved methods of insuring rules compliance.

In February of 1995, the institution's governing board reaffirmed its commitment to institutional control by affirming that the President of each university within the Texas A&M System "shall take all appropriate steps ... to assure full compliance with all rules and regulations of all athletic conference and national association rules, regulations, constitutions and by-laws." Major changes occurring over the past three years at the University level reflect the institution's ongoing desire to strengthen its commitment to institutional control and rules compliance. In June of 1994, a new president of Texas A&M University began his tenure. With his strong commitment to institutional control, he took steps to continue strengthening efforts already in place. In September of 1994, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Compliance began reporting directly to the President rather than to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. In addition, the physical location of the athletic compliance staff was changed from being housed in a building close to the athletic department to being housed within the athletic department offices.

A new position was added in the spring of 1994 to the athletic compliance staff entitled Monitoring Coordinator. This position provides oversight for numerous areas within athletics where review and monitoring are necessary. A new position was also created within the University Career Center to oversee the employment program for student-athletes. This position answers directly to the Director of the University Career Center.

An ongoing educational effort was expanded in 1994 to provide more rules information to former students and boosters of the University through printed materials, broadcast and electronic media and through speaking engagements. In 1995, the educational effort expanded to include the Internet, and Texas A&M was one of the first institutions to provide rules compliance information via the Internet. In addition, an educational tool for reaching a large number of people included use of the Jumbotron screen during football games.

Finally, the rules education program was reviewed and evaluated by the Texas A&M Office of Internal Audit. This comprehensive audit began in May of 1996 and reviewed areas of athletics for which the athletic compliance staff provides oversight.

As approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in May of 1992, Texas A&M University recognizes that as a Land-Grant/Sea-Grant/Space-Grant public university it has multiple missions in the development, dissemination, and use of knowledge. These missions include an undergraduate mission, a graduate and professional mission, a scholarship and research mission, a public service mission, and an international mission. The complete mission can be found in the Attachments.

The Texas A&M University Athletic Department Mission was revised in 1996-97 and approved by the Athletic Council. Considerable input from Athletic Department staff, student-athletes and the Athletic Council was sought in revising the mission statement. Please see Attachment II 1 for the complete Athletic Department Mission Statement.

The University and the Athletic Department share common missions in the areas of student education, development and enrichment. More specifically, the University and the Athletic Department assist students in their search for knowledge and intellectual development and promote the academic success of students. They endeavor to help students understand themselves and the diversity of their cultural and physical environments. They seek to develop in students the wisdom and skills needed to assume responsibility in a democratic society. The University and the Athletic Department and its coaches establish standards of conduct for students that promote self-discipline and responsibility for one's actions. Finally, the University and the Athletic Department maintain and enhance an intellectual environment that encourages the development and expansion of the human mind, body and spirit.

During the fall of 1996, the Athletic Director, the Associate Athletic Director for Business and the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services reviewed the athletic mission statement and revised it to more clearly reflect the current mission and goals of the athletic program. The mission statement was submitted to each Texas A&M coaching staff member for ideas and input. After responses were received from the coaches, the mission statement was revised to reflect their input. During the spring of 1997, the mission statement was submitted to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for review. Their ideas were subsequently incorporated into the mission statement. The Athletic Council then reviewed the athletic mission statement, provided input and voted to endorse it. After formal approval of the athletic mission statement by the President, it was dispersed to all athletic staff members and printed in the 12th Man Foundation magazine, The 12th Man. It was dispersed to deans, directors and department heads to share with the faculty and staff.

The Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System is the statutorily designated governing body of the Texas A&M University System which includes Texas A&M University, nine other universities and eight state agencies. The Board of Regents has authority and is ultimately responsible for determining the University's policies relating to its intercollegiate athletic program. At Texas A&M University that authority is delegated to the President.

The President is charged with the official responsibility for directing all aspects of the athletic program, but has delegated day-to-day operations of the athletic program to the Athletic Director. In this capacity, the Athletic Director is responsible to the President on all matters affecting the program. The President has delegated responsibility for ensuring and monitoring institutional compliance with conference and NCAA rules to the Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Compliance who reports directly to the President. The President is advised on matters related to the athletic program by the Faculty Athletic Representative, who works closely with the Athletic Compliance Office, and the Athletic Council to ensure institutional compliance.

The Contracts Administration and Regulatory Compliance Office (CARC) at the University is responsible for reviewing all contracts involving university departments and agencies including the Athletic Department. Athletic contracts are reviewed by CARC staff and may be sent to the Texas A&M University System Office of General Counsel for further legal review. Contracts are then submitted to the appropriate designee (Athletic Director, Associate Vice President for Finance, Vice President for Finance, President, or Board of Regents) for approval in accordance with University Rules which govern contract administration and delegation of authority to sign, approve, and execute contracts.

For academic matters affecting the athletic program, the President has established an Athletic Council to develop policies and procedures related to athletic admission standards, eligibility standards, financial aid, and other matters related to the athletics program. Other academic matters are addressed through the Academic Operations Committee, a standing committee of the University charged by the Executive Vice President and Provost with recommending academic policies on matters affecting the undergraduate mission of the University. The Associate Director of Athletics for Academic Affairs is the liaison to this committee.

The President also receives advice and counsel on matters related to the athletic program from a variety of sources including the Faculty Senate and the Office of Internal Audit.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents is the entity which provides policy direction to system universities and agencies, including Texas A&M University, pursuant to authority granted by state law, appropriations bill riders, or state agency rules. As stated previously in 2.2.4, the Board has delegated to the President of Texas A&M University authority to operate an intercollegiate athletic program consistent with the values and principles of the Texas A&M University System and American higher education. Certain matters, however, still require approval from the Board of Regents. A review of the minutes from Board meetings over the past three years reveals Board involvement, pursuant to standard operating procedures, in the following matters:

In addition to the above listed items, the Athletic Department budget is approved along with other budget items in the University budget at the Regents' May or July meeting. The Board also approves all personnel hires within the University, including employees in the Athletic Department at its bi-monthly meetings.

The President agreed to recommend all matters discussed in 2.2.5 to the Board of Regents for its consideration and approval. In addition, the President has also been involved in the following athletic program matters:

The 12th Man Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, supports Texas A&M University athletics through a variety of fundraising programs organized in two areas: Annual giving and endowment giving. Annual giving categories range from Associate level at $50 per year to the 12th Man level at $3,000 per year. There are two endowed Scholarship levels at $35,000 and $60,000, and an Endowed Player Position level at $100,000.

The Foundation is governed by an Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is comprised of 12 individuals who serve 3-year terms. The Board of Directors is advisory in nature and has approximately 300 members. The Foundation has approximately 15 full-time staff members, who conduct business in a suite of offices in the Koldus Building on campus. The by-laws of the 12th Man Foundation are included as Attachment II 4.

The 12th Man Foundation was organized in 1950 as The Aggie Club, and in 1996 raised $4.8 million in annual funds and approximately $1 million in endowed gifts. The Foundation has approximately 17,000 members.

The Foundation's relationship with the University is governed by an act of the Texas Legislature. The Foundation's by-laws state that the Athletic Director is a member of the Executive Committee as an ex-officio non-voting member, which conforms with the state statute. Additionally, it is typical for the Associate Director of Athletics and the Director of Development for Athletics to be invited guests at all 12th Man Foundation Executive Committee meetings.

Other booster organizations organized to support Texas A&M athletics include the Texas A&M Lettermen's Association, Bryan-College Station Quarterback Club, Aggie Maroon Club, Dugout Club, Breakfast with Barone Club, and the Aggie Elite Club.

The Lettermen's Association is a support group for athletics consisting of former students who have received a letter for participation in a varsity sport at Texas A&M University. The Lettermen's Association has approximately 950 active members. The Board of Directors consists of 33 members and includes a president, president-elect, vice president and a secretary-treasurer. A financial audit is done each year for the Lettermen's Association and is provided to the Athletic Department. The by-laws of the Lettermen's Association are included as Attachment II 6.

The Aggie Maroon Club is a support group for the women's athletic program at Texas A&M University. The Maroon Club has approximately 260 members. The Board of Directors consists of eleven members led by a president. All funds associated with the Maroon Club are processed through the University. The by-laws of the Aggie Maroon Club are included as an Attachment II 6.

The Bryan-College Station Aggie Quarterback Club is a support group for the football program. The Quarterback Club has approximately 250 members. The Board of Directors consists of twelve members and is headed by a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. A review of the Quarterback Club's revenues and expenditures is included in the yearly Athletic Department audit performed by an outside audit firm. The by-laws of the Bryan-College Station Aggie Quarterback Club are included as Attachment II 6.

The Breakfast with Barone Club is a support Club for the men's basketball program. The Breakfast Club has approximately 180 members. No officers or by-laws exist for this organization. All funds associated with the Breakfast with Barone Club are processed through the University.

The Dugout Club is a support program for the baseball program. The Dugout Club has approximately 50 members. No officers or by-laws exist for the organization. All funds associated with the Dugout Club are processed through the University.

The Aggie Elite Club is a support organization for the athletic strength and conditioning program. The Aggie Elite Club has approximately 96 members. No officers or bylaws exits for this organization. All funds associated with the Aggie Elite Club are processed through the University.

Please see Attachments for documents which demonstrate the institutions relationship with these booster organizations and their efforts to assure compliance with NCAA Rules. These documents include:

Texas A&M University has established a system of shared responsibilities to maintain compliance with NCAA rules. The Board of Regents, as the highest governing body of the Texas A&M University System, has ultimate control and responsibility for determining and revising intercollegiate athletic policy. The Regents have delegated this authority to the President of Texas A&M University.

The President is charged with the official responsibility for certifying that Athletic Department policies, programs, and activities are in compliance with NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules and regulations, as well as applicable laws of the State of Texas. See response to Self-Study Items 2.2.4 and 2.2.6 for more information about the President's role in decision making regarding athletics.

The Athletic Director is responsible for the operation of the intercollegiate athletic program. He/she reports directly to the President. The Athletic Director is an ex-officio member of the Athletic Council and of the 12th Man Foundation Executive Committee.

The Faculty Athletics Representative advises the President regarding athletic issues and works closely with the Athletic Director, the Director of Athletic Compliance and the Athletic Council. He/she chairs the Athletic Council's Compliance Committee.

The Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Compliance reports directly to the President and works closely with the Athletic Director. He/she provides oversight regarding the educational process and monitoring of NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules and regulations for the purpose of maintaining an environment of total compliance to such rules. He/she supervises the Athletic Compliance Office staff.

The Athletic Compliance Education Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Compliance. He/she is responsible for providing education and interpretations regarding NCAA and Big 12 rules and regulations.

The Athletic Compliance Monitoring Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Compliance. He/she is responsible for monitoring the various phases of athletics requiring specific oversight.

The Assistant Registrar certifies the eligibility of all student-athletes. He/she reports to the Registrar within the University's Office of Admissions and Records.

The Associate Athletic Director for Academic Affairs assists in the eligibility certification process by addressing academic needs of student-athletes. He/she reports to the Athletic Director.

The Executive Director of Admissions and Records establishes admission policies for all students including student-athletes. He/she reports to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Programs and Academic Services.

The Athletic Financial Aid Coordinator within the Department of Student Financial Aid reviews and documents financial aid for all student-athletes and works closely with the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services. The Athletic Financial Aid Coordinator reports to the Executive Director of Student Financial Aid. The Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services reports to the Athletic Director.

The Director of Internal Audit and his/her staff regularly audit the athletics and compliance programs. He/she reports to the President.

Athletic coaches have responsibility for maintaining compliance with NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules and regulations. They attend education sessions on NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules and regulations, provide documentation of various athletic activities, and assist in educating student-athletes regarding these rules and regulations. The coaches report to the Athletic Director directly or through the Senior Associate Athletic Director or Assistant Athletic Director for Women.

The University Career Center Assistant Director for Athletic Services assists in maintaining compliance with NCAA rules by insuring the NCAA rules are applied in the employment of student-athletes. He/she reports to the Director of the University Career Center.

Texas A&M University processes alleged or self-discovered violations of NCAA rules in accordance with NCAA and conference rules and with procedures approved by the President. Information on alleged or self-discovered violations is reported to the Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Compliance. An investigation concerning the allegation(s) is conducted. Interviews and other forms of gathering relevant information may be used to assist in determining the nature of the alleged violation and if a violation exists. The Big 12 Conference Office and the NCAA may be contacted to assist in determining the nature of a violation and if a violation exists.

If it is determined that a violation has occurred, a letter is sent to the NCAA reporting the violation with a copy sent to the Big 12 Conference Office. If appropriate, a penalty is imposed upon the coach, student-athlete and/or the institution as a result of the violation. The President, Faculty Athletics Representative, Athletic Director, Associate Athletic Director (senior women's administrator) and, if applicable, the coach are copied on the letter detailing the violation.

If it is determined that there was not a violation, the party notifying Texas A&M University of the alleged violation is notified as to the reason the allegation did not result in determination that a violation occurred.

See Attachment II 9 and II 10 for Procedures for Reporting an NCAA Infraction and Rights of Student-Athletes Involved in Institutional and NCAA Investigations.

Texas A&M University has an extensive rules-education program. Student-athletes from each team meet with the Athletic Compliance Education Coordinator a minimum of four times per year normally scheduled for early September, December, January, and late April. In addition, the Athletic Compliance Monitoring Coordinator and the University Career Center Assistant Director for Athletic Services meet with student-athletes several times a year to discuss permissible activities. The Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services who is also Chair of the Professional Sports Counseling Panel meets with student-athletes to discuss NCAA regulations regarding agents. Academic advisors discuss important eligibility regulations with student-athletes, and coaches for each sport reiterate the importance of abiding by NCAA rules.

Coaches meet every third week, except during the summer, with the Athletic Compliance Education Coordinator to discuss NCAA rules and interpretations. An in-depth education session is provided for all coaches each spring prior to the coach's certification test. Other University staff members with athletics responsibilities meet with the Athletic Compliance Education Coordinator several times during the year to review NCAA rules pertinent to their particular area.

Rules-education for representatives of the University's athletics interests and former students is provided in a variety of ways. Publications such as The Texas Aggie (Association for Former Students publication), The 12th Man Magazine (12th Man Foundation publication), the Guide to NCAA Rules for Former Students, Fans, and Friends of the University, the Compliance News, media guides, and game programs provide rules information for former students and representatives of athletics interests. A videotape regarding the University's commitment to compliance was produced and distributed to Association of Former Students clubs, and athletic support organizations. A compliance message is displayed on the Jumbotron during each home football game. Each radio broadcast of athletic events includes a compliance message. Staff from the Athletic Compliance Office discuss athletic compliance issues and NCAA rules on television segments produced by the Athletic Department and shown to the public. A web site operated by the Athletic Compliance Office contains extensive information on compliance with NCAA rules. In addition, Athletic Compliance staff, athletic administrators, coaches, and University administrators regularly speak to various groups regarding athletic compliance issues. Former students, those with athletic interests and the general public are encouraged to contact the Athletic Compliance Office with questions about compliance and assistance in interpreting Big 12 Conference and NCAA rules.

Texas A&M University conforms with the operating principle of maintaining intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program. The mission statement for the Athletic Department, most recently revised in 1997, clearly reflects the Department's and University's commitment to maintaining and enhancing an intellectual environment that encourages the development of the human mind, body and spirit. Further, the University and the Athletic Department establish standards of conduct for students, including student-athletes, that promote self-discipline and responsibility for one's actions.

In practice, the Athletic Department works closely with academic deans and college advising offices in emphasizing academic success, in closely monitoring academic performance, and in stressing the expectation of graduation for all student-athletes. These cooperative efforts should continue to be a high priority for the Athletic Department and the University.

The Athletic Department Mission Statement has been widely distributed to staff in the Athletic Department, members of the University community, former students, and athletic booster group members. Through the University's strategic planning process, the Athletic Department will conduct periodic reviews of its mission, programs and practices and set direction for improvement. The results will be shared with the Athletic Council, the President and other constituent groups who will assist in meeting these goals.

Texas A&M University conforms with this principle regarding institutional control. Changes occurring over the past three years reflect the university's ongoing desire to strengthen its commitment to institutional control and rules compliance. In June 1994, the new President of Texas A&M University declared his commitment to institutional control and began implementing steps to improve efforts already in place. The Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Compliance began reporting directly to the President instead of the Vice President for Finance and Administration. New positions were created in the Athletic Compliance Office and University Career Center to address rules compliance. In February 1995, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents reaffirmed its commitment to institutional control by affirming that the President of each university within the Texas A&M University System "shall take all appropriate steps . . . to assure full compliance with all rules and regulations of all athletic conference and national association rules, regulations, constitutions and by-laws." The various components of the University community understand the commitment to rules compliance and take seriously their roles in the system of shared responsibilities to maintain compliance with NCAA rules.

Texas A&M University conforms with the operating principle addressing the authority for athletic programs by the governing board and the President. The Board of Regents for the Texas A&M System provides policy direction to system universities and agencies. It has granted authority to operate an intercollegiate athletic program to the President of Texas A&M University. The Board of Regents maintains approval authority for all personnel hires including employees in the Athletic Department, construction projects, and contracts over $200,000. The President has authority for directing all aspects of the athletic program. He directly supervises the Athletic Director and the Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Compliance

Texas A&M University conforms with the operating principle regarding shared responsibilities. The formulation of policies relating to the athletic program are fostered by input from University personnel such as the Executive Director of Admissions and Records, the Registrar, the Executive Director for Student Financial Aid, the Director of the Career Center, the Director of Athletic Compliance, the Faculty Athletics Representative, and the Athletic Council, which consists of faculty members, administrators, and students. In addition, the Assistant Registrar, the Athletic Financial Aid Coordinator, the Career Center Assistant Director for Athletic Services and the Director of Athletic Compliance have specific responsibilities relating to student-athletes, yet report outside the athletic program and regularly provide input and scrutinize the policies of the athletic program. Numerous other University faculty and staff members interact daily with student athletes and play a significant role in rules compliance. The concept of shared responsibilities is extremely important at Texas A&M University and is evidenced by the number of people outside the athletic department who work with athletic personnel and provide input into policy-making.

Texas A&M University conforms with the operating principle regarding the assignment of rules compliance responsibilities. Written policies and procedures are in place assigning specific responsibilities to specific individuals. These procedures assign responsibilities to personnel with the Athletic Department as well as those outside of athletics. As outlined in 2.3.4 above the University involves numerous staff in areas outside of athletics in its shared responsibilities for rules compliance. The policies and procedures are reviewed and updated regularly to maintain an efficient and effective athletic program.

Texas A&M University conforms with the operating principle regarding rules compliance accountability. The rules compliance educational effort is ongoing and broad-based. It encompasses written, verbal, and electronic means by which to relay educational information regarding rules compliance to the athletic community. The commitment to rules compliance is also evidenced in the performance evaluation for athletic department personnel, and in each coaching staff member's contract the importance of abiding by NCAA rules is noted. Serious or deliberate violations of NCAA regulations may result in suspension or termination of employment. Incoming athletic staff members sign a statement when they begin their employment indicating their commitment to abide by NCAA rules. The Athletic Director reiterates the importance of rules compliance throughout the year and is very supportive of rules education efforts.

Texas A&M University conforms with the operating principle regarding rules compliance evaluation. The rules compliance program is the subject of ongoing review and evaluation by the athletic compliance staff who report to the President of the University. In addition, the Office of Internal Audit, also reporting to the President, reviews the athletic compliance and athletics programs. The Big 12 Conference Office reviewed the athletic compliance program in Fall 1997.

Texas A&M University concludes that the activities of the athletic program are consistent with the mission and purpose of the institution. Texas A&M is committed to institutional control and to compliance with NCAA rules. The University has taken significant steps to ensure and maintain an environment of compliance with NCAA rules through shared responsibilities. The athletic program is an important part of the University structure and functions as such within the missions and purpose of the institution.