Florida Gulf Coast University was placed on probation and fined after an NCAA investigation ughfound multiple student-athlete certification violations across its athletics program, officials announced Thursday.
According to the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions, Florida Gulf Coast University was found to have 18 certification irregularities across 10 sports during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years. The university reported the errors immediately and cooperated with the NCAA during a 16-month review, which consolidated the issues into a negotiated resolution.
The university stated employees responsible for the errors are no longer employed, and new procedures and additional checks have been put in place to prevent future problems. Due to FGCU’s cooperation, the infractions were classified as Level II violations, a lower severity category under NCAA rules.
“We lead with integrity and own our mistakes at FGCU,” said Colin Hargis, the university’s director of intercollegiate athletics. “Our coaches, staff and administration are fully committed to maintaining compliance, and I am thankful for the swift and corrective actions taken by our campus leaders.”
Penalties include a $25,000 fine, a two-year probation period, a 15-day recruiting restriction for the men’s tennis program in January, and the vacation of selected team wins.