The Division II Academic Requirements Committee (ARC) examined various academic eligibility issues during its June 5-6 meeting in Indianapolis.

The group heard from Todd Petr, NCAA director of research, who discussed initial-eligibility issues, including core-course, test-score and grade-point requirements.

The ARC previously had recommended increasing the number of core courses required for Division II initial eligibility from 13 to 14. The Management Council discussed the proposal at its April meeting and referred it back to the ARC, inquiring whether Division II-specific data supported the change.

After discussing the issue, the committee concluded again that increasing the number of core courses would better prepare prospective student-athletes for college work. In addition, the policy would be consistent with a proposed Division I change, which would aid NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse administration and reduce confusion among prospects about differences between the divisions. The committee also noted that the Division II Presidents Council supports the change and therefore agreed to resubmit the proposal to the Management Council.

The committee recommended no changes in the division's test-score (820 SAT/68 sum ACT) or grade-point average (2.000 in the core courses) requirements for initial eligibility. The ARC did discuss how an extended sliding scale, currently under consideration in Division I, might work if it were applied to Division II. Petr said that research showed that such an approach would have heightened disparate impact on prospective black student-athletes in Division II and also would have less predictive value than the current Division II standard.

The ARC also discussed progress-toward-degree issues. Most notably, it forwarded a proposal to the Management Council to increase the grade-point standard for enrolled student-athletes. The current requirement is 1.600 after the first season of competition, 1.800 after the second season and 2.000 after the third and subsequent seasons. The ARC is asking for a requirement of 1.800 after two semesters or three quarters of full-time enrollment, 1.900 after four semesters or six quarters of full-time enrollment and 2.000 after six semesters or nine quarters of full-time enrollment and thereafter. The committee believes the proposed change, which the Management Council will consider in July, will increase the likelihood of graduation for Division II student-athletes.

The committee also reiterated its support for a required midyear review of academic progress for enrolled student-athletes, although it acknowledged the need for further study of the issue. The committee noted that such a policy, which was previously defeated by the Management Council, would increase the administrative demands for Division II institutions. However, it also noted that several conferences already require a midyear review; the ARC believes that those conferences may assist the committee as it attempts to identify a strategy that would work on a national basis. The committee also will consult with the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association on the issue. Any relevant legislation will be developed for the 2004 Convention, at the earliest.