As mandated by the NCAA “consent” decree, Sen. George Mitchell has released his third quarterly report on Penn State’s athletic integrity compliance. Like the first two reports, it praises Penn State’s compliance with all athletic integrity issues and the progress made in implementing recommended changes in the Freeh report.

“This report validates the significant reforms that have been implemented over the past year, and reflects Penn State’s steadfast and ongoing commitment to integrity and ethical conduct,” said President Rodney Erickson. “Our Board of Trustees has restructured its governance to be more open and efficient, and we are working to set the bar for our operations in human resources, security, athletics and compliance. There still is more to be done, but we are pleased that our efforts are being praised by Sen. Mitchell and his team, and by other external entities that have an interest in our progress.”

Mitchell’s first three reports have been fairly congruent. Penn State is implementing the Freeh report recommendations, has hired both an Academics Integrity Officer (Julie Del Giorno) and a Director of Ethics and Compliance (Regis Becker), and started mandatory Clery Act training. Amidst all the NCAA-mandated PR nonsense, however, was one item that stuck out on the second page.

“The organization Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship requested an opportunity to meet with our team. We agreed, and during a meeting on April 11, 2013, the group summarized for us their suggestions and concerns relating to Penn State’s governance and future.”

A PS4RS member in the meeting told the Patriot News that “nothing was asked, and nothing was promised” but it is interesting that Mitchell met with the group that has been highly critical of the NCAA and Penn State’s decision makers. Good on him.

You can read the full report below.