The College Sports Information Directors of America has changed some of the criteria for its popular Academic All-America program, which honors the academic achievements of student-athletes.

The minimum grade-point average has been raised from 3.20 to 3.30. Because the number of nominations has grown recently, student-athletes with lower GPAs have less of a chance of being honored as Academic All-Americans. Statistics show that over the last two years, only 11 of 2,700 nominees with grade-point averages under 3.30 were selected.

CoSIDA will also honor two-year college student-athletes for the first time. Student-athletes from two-year colleges will appear in the college division.

The group is also formulating an online nomination process for the Academic All-America Hall of Fame. Former Academic All-America honorees at least 10 years removed from their student-athlete days are eligible for the hall of fame. Former student-athletes who competed before the program existed are also eligible if they meet the other criteria.

For more information, visit www.cosida.com.