WASHINGTON — Citing what it called "the most egregious lack of institutional control ever seen" by its Division II investigative committee, the NCAA on Wednesday levied numerous sanctions on the University of the District of Columbia.

The penalties include five-years of probation, a cancellation of seasons for certain sports, a one-year postseason ban in all sports, forfeiture of wins in select sports, a reduction of scholarships and a reduction in recruiting activities.

Most of the violations occurred from 2000-04, and some of the harshest penalties have already been self-implemented by the school, the only public university in city of Washington.

UDC president William Pollard began the athletic department overhaul in the fall of 2004 when he disbanded all sports teams for the rest of the school year. New coaches, a new athletic director, and a full-time compliance officer have since been hired.

The NCAA Division II Committee on Infractions found that the university allowed 248 athletes and two prospective athletes to practice or compete while ineligible from the 2000-01 through the 2003-04 academic years. The committee said the university acknowledged it did not have policies in place to properly monitor its student-athletes and failed to accurately report information relating to violations.

The school's five-year probation began Wednesday and runs through 2013.