Student-athletes at Valparaiso University continue to distinguish themselves academically, graduating at a higher rate than their peers at many other universities, according to information released by the NCAA today, Oct. 27.
Using an average of graduation rates compiled by the four most recent
classes, the NCAA study showed that 82 percent of Valpo's student-athletes
graduated within six years of enrollment and that they had a Graduation Success
Rate of 93 percent.
The graduation rate is determined using methodology
employed by the federal government, while the Graduation Success Rate, which
incorporates information on students transferring into and out of institutions,
was created by the NCAA. Nationally, the graduation rate for student-athletes at
NCAA Division I institutions was 64 percent and the Graduation Success Rate was
79 percent.
For the second consecutive year, both the graduation rate and
the Graduation Success Rate for Valpo's student-athletes were among the highest
for members of its conference, the Horizon League.
Reports on specific
teams for the most recent cohort year showed the men's cross country/track team
and women's swimming, cross country/track and volleyball teams each achieved 100
percent graduation rates and Graduation Success Rates. Other teams with 100
percent Graduation Success Rates were men's swimming and women's soccer,
softball and tennis.
"Valpo's student-athletes continue to distinguish
themselves through their outstanding achievements in the classroom, in
competition and in service to the community," President Mark Heckler said.
"Valpo enables each student-athlete to pursue his or her own personal journey
here, combining academic and athletics experiences that prepare them for
leadership in their professions and communities."
Heckler noted that
Valpo provides a rigorous academic program for all students, and that the
graduation rate for its student body as a whole is much higher than the national
average.
"Our student-athletes demonstrate a tremendous commitment to
their studies, and I thank the coaches and members of the athletics department
who support the academic success of these students," Heckler said.
Mark
LaBarbera, director of athletics, said the NCAA recognition illustrates how
Valpo student-athletes dedicate themselves to academic success.
"Valpo
student-athletes and coaches know that excelling in the classroom is essential
for lifelong success," LaBarbera said. "This combination of excellence in
competition, in their academic pursuits and in serving the community is one of
the distinctive aspects of the Valpo experience for our student-athletes."
In May 2010, four Valpo athletic teams – men's baseball and tennis and
women's softball and volleyball – received the NCAA Public Recognition Award for
their exemplary academic performance. The award is presented to teams that have
an NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate in the top 10 percent of all teams in
their respective sport. The calculation of APR tracks the academic progress of
each student-athlete and includes eligibility, retention and
graduation.
During the spring 2010 semester, 82 student-athletes received
Presidential Academic Honors in recognition of earning a cumulative grade point
average of 3.25 or higher after at least three semesters at Valpo, including six
members of the Class of 2010 who graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.9 or
higher.
Student-athletes from several Valpo teams were named to Horizon
League or Pioneer Football League All-Academic Teams during the 2009-2010
academic year, and three were named ESPN The Magazine Academic
All-Americans.
Athletics-Recreation Center (ARC)
1009 Union Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Staff Directory
2024 © Valparaiso University Athletics. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
|
Terms of Service