INDIANAPOLIS (5/19/2019) -- The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics was again praised for its work in the classroom as the Titans saw a number of programs well above the national standard as the NCAA released its latest Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) report this afternoon.
 
Detroit Mercy had 16 programs register multi-year scores above the 930 NCAA qualifying mark with nine exceeding the national 983 standard and two posting perfect scores for the current period of the 2015-16 academic year through the 2018-19 academic year. 

"Perfect APR scores are a combination of meticulous recruiting efforts, challenging and meaningful instructors, diligent and aspirational student-athletes and supportive engaging coaches and staff," said Holly Kerstner, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services. "This cannot be compartmentalized and everyone shares in the process. Detroit Mercy student-athletes are gifted, compassionate and intelligent; they embody the Jesuit Mercy values, therefore it is not surprising when the programs post high scores."

The men's basketball team recorded a 950 APR score for the 2018-19 season and has a 909 four-year score, which required the development of an academic improvement plan. Steve Corder '98, Assistant Athletic Director for NCAA Compliance, worked in collaboration with Kerstner and Detroit Mercy faculty to develop a solid improvement plan for men's basketball. A waiver requesting relief for the upcoming year was also submitted citing academic benchmarks we believed we could attain. The previous 826 APR score improved to a 950, which allows the program to compete in the 2020-21 postseason with no penalties. With the continuous evaluation of our support services and collaboration with faculty and staff, the APR is set to reach new heights each year.
 
The women's fencing and cross country programs posted a perfect 1000 score as they received a Public Recognition Award from the NCAA last week. The women's fencing team was honored for the seventh time and the second-straight year, while the women's cross country team received the accolade for the third time and the first since 2013-14. 

The men's soccer team registered a 989, while the men's cross country squad was at a 988. Other programs above the national 983 standard were women's lacrosse (987), women's indoor and outdoor track and field (987), women's basketball (986) and women's soccer (984). 

"One of my responsibilities as the Associate Athletic Director, is to examine the way we move from recruitment through graduation. The student-athletes need proper oversight and support from being a prospect through the time they are called alums. I believe with the systems we now have in place, the support is there," added Kerstner. 

For the head coaches APR report, Detroit Mercy had five coaches with a perfect 1,000 score for the latest season data in six different programs in Todd Dressell (women's fencing), Larry Hamilton (women's golf), Guy Murray '89 (men's and women's cross country), Erik Taurence (men's golf) and Bernard Scott (women's basketball). 

Overall, Division I student-athletes continue to achieve classroom success at record-high levels, earning an overall multiyear Academic Progress Rate of 983 for the third consecutive year.

To compete in the 2019-20 postseason, teams had to achieve a four-year APR of 930. NCAA members chose the 930 standard because that score predicts, on average, a 50% graduation rate for teams at that APR level. Additionally, teams must earn a four-year APR of at least 930 to avoid penalties.

Georgetown President John J. DeGioia, chair of the Division I Committee on Academics, which oversees the Academic Performance Program, noted the academic achievement of Division I college athletes.

"The Committee on Academics commends Division I students engaged in intercollegiate athletics for their hard work and depth of commitment to success in both academic and athletic pursuits," DeGioia said. "The strong academic standards provided by the Academic Performance Program have led to thousands of students graduating and gaining access to the lifelong benefits of a college education. We are proud of them for their accomplishments and Division I member institutions for their dedication to a common framework for sustained student achievement."