May 13, 2010
Seven Vanderbilt teams were recognized this week for exceptional work in the classroom as part of the NCAA’s Academic Performance Program.
Three Commodore men’s teams — baseball, cross country and tennis — and four women’s teams — bowling, golf, soccer and swimming — were lauded for ranking among the top 10 percent in their respective sports based on their most recent multiyear Academic Progress Rates (APR).
“We have high expectations regarding the performance of our programs,” said Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor David Williams. “One-third of the Southeastern Conference’s honor teams are from Vanderbilt. Our Commodore Nation should take pride in this accomplishment.”
With seven of its 16 varsity teams represented on the list, Vanderbilt paced the Southeastern Conference. In total, the league’s member schools boasted 21 teams on the list.
A total of 841 teams earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards this year, up from 767 teams in 2009. The awards are given annually to teams scoring in the top 10 percent in each sport with their APRs.
High-performing teams receiving public recognition awards this year posted APR scores ranging from 978 to a perfect 1,000. The number of teams in some sports may exceed 10 percent depending on how many achieved perfect scores. The most recent APRs are multi-year rates based on scores from the 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 academic years.
Full APR scores for all Division I sports teams, including penalties for low-performing teams, will be released later this spring.
As APR scores improve, the threshold for teams to earn a place in the top 10 percent in their sport continues to rise.
“Most Division I student-athletes and teams take seriously their dual responsibilities in the classroom and on the court or field of play, but every year there is a special category of teams that perform exceptionally well and deserve this noteworthy recognition,” NCAA Interim President Jim Isch said.
The APR provides a real-time view of a team’s academic success by tracking the progress of each student-athlete during the school year. By measuring eligibility and retention each semester or quarter, the APR provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport.
An APR score of 925 is the minimum level of academic success; teams scoring below 925 can lose scholarships and face other sanctions over time, including bans on postseason play.