FAMU has received notice from the NCAA’s Committee on
Academic Performance (CAP) that the Kellen Winslow, Sr. announced.football and men’s basketball teams will not be permitted to participate in 2014-15 postseason tournaments after falling below NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) standards, and appeals of the postseason ban were denied, Director of Athletics
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across
the nation were hit hard by APR problems. Alabama State University, Mississippi
Valley State University, Prairie View A&M University, Savannah State
University, and the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff were also banned from
the football postseason. Alabama State
is also ineligible for the men’s basketball postseason.
“We take responsibility for our failure to meet academic
performance standards set by the NCAA,” said Winslow. “I am confident that the
processes and procedures that we have put in place, along with the adoption of
best practices, will address this issue. We look forward to overcoming this
challenge and returning to post season competition as quickly as possible.”
FAMU’s sanctions are a result of the multiyear APR
calculations – a four-year measurement covering the academic years 2009-10,
2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13.
“We are implementing APR improvement plans that have been
recognized and approved by the NCAA. This demonstrates that we have identified
critical issues and initiatives with measurable goals, including specific steps
to achieve those goals,” Winslow added.
Although neither team will be eligible for Mid-Eastern
Athletic Conference (MEAC) regular season championships in 2014-15, games
played against conference opponents will count in the standings. Rattler
football and basketball players will be eligible for all individual conference
honors during the season.
FAMU President Elmira Mangum expressed her expectations for
a sound academic environment in Athletics. “FAMU is committed to the success of
our student-athletes both on and off the playing field,” said Mangum. “Their
academic success is our first priority and we take the regulations of the NCAA
very seriously because they are designed to be applied consistently across all
programs, at all member institutions, and represent best practice.”
FAMU’s APR improvement plan includes a partnership between
Athletics and the Office of University Retention to enhance academic support to
all athletes. The initiative includes monitored study hall and tutorial
sessions, resources to enhance study and time management skills; and required
coaching staff attendance in Academic Eligibility Rules Education sessions, to
name a few.
Next year's multiyear APR will be the first to reflect the
implementation of the corrective measures.
HBCUs with postseason ineligibility in 2014-15
Football
Alabama State University
Florida A&M University
Mississippi Valley State University
Prairie View A&M University
Savannah State University
University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff
Men’s basketball
Alabama State University
Florida A&M University
Men’s Golf
Alabama A&M University
Men’s Soccer
Howard University
Men’s Tennis
Florida Atlantic University
Men’s Indoor Track
Delaware State University
Norfolk State University
Men’s Outdoor Track
Norfolk State University
Women’s Lacrosse
Howard University
Source: TSPN Sports