Which of the following is NOT typically considered an essential component of an athletics department compliance program?

• A. Policies and procedures
• B. Education and training
• C. Monitoring and audits
• D. Public relations strategy

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to separate the elements that establish and sustain a compliance program from items that are more about broader organizational activities. A solid athletics department compliance program is built on clear rules and expectations (policies and procedures) and on making sure people understand and can apply them (education and training). Those two pieces set the standard for compliant behavior.

Monitoring and audits play a crucial role in checking whether the rules are being followed and in identifying where improvements are needed. In many frameworks, that ongoing verification is treated as a governance or assurance activity that sits alongside the core program rather than as an intrinsic, essential component of the program itself. Because of that framing, it can be considered not typically essential within the strict definition of the program’s core elements, which is why it’s identified as the option not typically considered essential in this context.