UNC Asheville Shines on Inaugural NCAA Academic Progress Report;
Bulldogs Top National Division I Average and Earn Six Perfect Scores
UNC Asheville’s Bulldogs are putting a bite on
competition by excelling in the classroom as well as on the court.
According to the inaugural NCAA Academic Progress Rates scores released
yesterday, UNC Asheville’s overall average is 970 points, well above the
national Division I average of 948. In addition, six of UNC Asheville’s
14 teams earned a perfect score of 1000, including men’s basketball,
men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and women’s cross country.
All Bulldog teams scored above 925, the score the NCAA Board of
Directors approved for contemporaneous penalties.
“These new APR scores tell us that we are doing
just what we are supposed to be doing,” said Janet Cone, UNC Asheville
Athletic Director. “I’m proud of our student-athletes and for their
achievements in the classroom. Here at UNC Asheville, we understand that
we are students first and athletes second and it shows in our APR
scores.”
The APR is based on the academic eligibility,
retention and graduation of student-athletes during the 2003-04 academic
year. Two points are awarded each term to student-athletes who receive
financial aid and who meet academic-eligibility standards and remain
with the institution. An APR score of 925 is equivalent to an
approximate graduation rate of 50 percent.
The NCAA developed the APR as part of the
organization’s academic reform efforts. The APR provides a better
real-time assessment of teams’ academic performance than the standard
six-year graduation-rates. Though seven percent of all teams nationwide
fell below the 925 mark, no penalties will be assessed based on the
2003-04 data. The penalty phase won’t be implemented until the next
academic year, when two years of APR data are available.
“ I applaud the NCAA for their academic reforms.
These reforms will continue to positively shape the future of college
athletics,” said Cone. “But moreover, I salute UNC Asheville’s
student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff for making this institution
a really great place for all students to learn and excel.”
Media Contacts:
- Mike Gore, UNC Asheville Sports Information Director, 828/251-6923
- Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director,
828/251-6526
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