Some athletic programs in the Mid-American Conference are waiting for the Department of Education to act on recommendations concerning Title IX before making any changes.

“If changes come, we are ready to make any adjustments to maintain compliance,” said Ken Peters, assistant athletic director of compliance at the University of Miami of Ohio.

Athletic directors at Ball State and Akron universities joined Peters in saying that they are prepared to change, but added that they do not have any plans to change how they manage their Title IX compliance.

Title IX is the part of the 1972 Education Amendments that requires equal opportunity for men and women in education programs. The Secretary of Education organized the Commission on Opportunities in Athletics in 2002 to evaluate the law, address the controversy surrounding it and present recommendations to the Department of Education.

Michael Thomas, Akron’s athletic director, doesn’t want to act prematurely before Education makes its final decisions. Until then, Thomas said Akron’s athletic program plans on continuing on a policy of keeping Akron students informed about athletic opportunities available.

Thomas said Akron will include any changes the department makes to Title IX compliance as a part of its “Strategic Plan.” The university is developing the plan to deal with budget constraints and changing enrollment. He added that Title IX compliance already is a main part of this plan at Akron and he is ready for the changes.

Lawrence “Bubba” Cunningham, Ball State University’s athletic director, also expects to see some changes in how institutions remain Title IX compliant.

Until Education dictates changes, Cunningham said they will continue to offer athletic opportunities for both genders.