Alabama State University Statement On NCAA Release

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- A total of 12 Alabama State University athletics programs scored at or above the national benchmark of 930 according to the release Wednesday of the annual academic progress ratings by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Of ASU's 18 athletics programs, two did not meet qualifications for postseason eligibility in the upcoming school year.

The Academic Progress Rate (APR) is a four-year average based on the school's overall student-athlete eligibility, and graduation and retention rates for student-athletes who participated during the 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years. The APR also serves as a predictor of graduation success.

In single-year scores for 2012-13, four ASU programs scored a perfect 1000: men's golf, women's golf, women's cross country and volleyball.

Over the four-year period between 2009-10 and 2012-13, three ASU programs scored 960 or above over the four-year period: women's cross country (990), women's indoor track (974) and women's outdoor track (974).

Nine teams scored between 930-959: women's soccer (958), women's golf (955), men's golf (951), women's basketball (946), baseball (946), women's tennis (940), men's cross country (940), men's indoor track (936) and men's outdoor track (933).

While four teams — men's tennis (929), bowling (921), softball (917) and volleyball (911) — did not reach the required 930 benchmark, they are not subject to postseason bans, based on the limited resource initiative (men's tennis, softball, and volleyball) or squad size (bowling).

Based on the multi-year report, two sports received postseason bans for the 2014-15 season: football (870) and men's basketball (851).

"The plan for improvement in our APR scores is an ongoing, continual process in which we have seen measurable improvements," Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, Alabama State University president. "As a University, we have provided, and will continue to provide, academic resources to help ensure we are meeting NCAA guidelines. In order for athletics programs to be successful in competition, a team effort is required. The same is true of winning in the classroom. It takes student-athletes, faculty, coaches, academic advisors and administrators working together to ensure academic success. We remain committed to that effort."

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