The University began a yearlong self-study on the Athletic Department this month to determine if it meets NCAA standards.
If the department doesn't comply, UNM could be ruled ineligible to participate in NCAA championships.
Professor Breda Bova, chairwoman of the study's steering committee, said all facets of the athletics program will be looked at to determine certification.
She said being ruled ineligible is an extreme example of what could happen if the committee found the program inadequate.
Bova said programs have mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with NCAA standards.
"There are people who will make sure of all the rules and make sure all of the student athletes and coaches know those rules," she said.
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The program could also be certified with conditions, she said.
"They would put a plan in for the institution to deal with those problems," Bova said. "They come back every 10 years, but if they are certified with conditions, they might come back in three years."
Bova said the study will look at governance, which is the role of the faculty in the Athletic Department. Compliance with the NCAA's rules will be evaluated, she said.
Academic integrity will be studied to look at advisement practices in the department, she said. Issues surrounding title IX equity will also be examined.
"That also looks at student-athlete welfare - how they practice, when they practice, things like that," she said.
She said the process is not unlike the certification processes other colleges and programs go through.
This is the second self-study conducted by the Athletic Department at the University. The last self-study was conducted in 1997.
Michelle Touson, a doctoral student in the athletics program, said UNM should have no problem getting certified again.
"No program is a well-oiled machine," she said. "They all have problems, but it's a good program."
After the self-study, a team of reviewers made of peers from other universities and conference offices will visit UNM. The evaluation results will be given to the NCAA, which will determine UNM's certification status.
The study is conducted by a steering committee consisting of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members.
"It involves people all over the campus and the community," Bova said.
UNM President Louis Caldera said in a written statement the certification process is a good way for the University and the community to come together.
"This is a great opportunity for people on campus and in the community to help us ensure that we are conforming to the highest possible standards in every aspect of those activities, from the academic process of our student athletes to important gender equity issues," he said.
Caldera said athletics is the most visible student activity at UNM.
"We want everyone to see what a terrific athletic program we have here," he said.
Bova said the certification process will open up the affairs of athletics to the University community and the public.
"It will educate individuals about the athletic program's goals and purposes," she said. "Its aim is to reveal and look at the many aspects of the program that are worthy of praise and then some they would like to work on."
Bova said the study will cost the University little.
"The time of the committee is all volunteer time," she said. "The NCAA pays for the visiting team to come. There will probably be minimal costs, like photocopying."
