Calendar

ACADEMICS

Division I Board of Directors approves reform package

The Division I Board of Directors has adopted a package that features more accurate measures for student-athlete academic progress and stiff penalties to hold institutions and teams accountable for meeting tougher standards.

The four proposals adopted at the Board's most recent meeting fortify standards adopted in 2003 through both short-term and long-term accountability measures.

The foundation of the package is Proposal No. 03-112, which establishes a research-driven Academic Progress Rate (APR) for all sports teams based on student-athlete academic progress and retention. Teams with high APRs will include student-athletes who have maintained eligibility and stayed on track to earn a degree.

STAFF CONTACT: Kevin Lennon (klennon@ncaa.org)

AWARDS

Track, tennis student-athletes receive 2004 Byers Scholarships

Corrin Nicole Drakulich, a track and field student-athlete at the University of Georgia, and Joaquin Fernando Zalacain, a tennis student-athlete at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, will receive the 2004 NCAA Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarships.

STAFF CONTACT: Corey Bray (cbray@ncaa.org)

DIVERSITY

ivision II creates program to diversify coaching ranks

The Division II Presidents Council voted April 29 to establish a program to provide stipends to develop more women and minority coaches at Division II institutions.

The action was in response to an ongoing Division II problem with professional opportunities for women and minorities.

Although the Council did not address financial support, Division II Vice-President Mike Racy said he anticipated a program of about $300,000 annually. He said funding probably can be arranged by using reserve funds.

STAFF CONTACT: Mike Racy (mracy@ncaa.org)