FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Seven Fairfield University athletic teams were cited for excellence in the classroom by receiving the NCAA's Public Recognition Award, given to programs which score in the top 10 percent of their sports in the most recent Academic Progress Rates. Women's Basketball, Field Hockey, Men's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Softball, Men's and Women's Tennis, collected the award by achieving an Academic Progress Rate (APR) that ranked among the top 10 percent in their respective sport.
 
"I am proud of the effort that our student-athletes put forth in the classroom and congratulate the seven teams that have earned recognition from the NCAA," Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann said. "The Public Recognition Award shows the commitment that our student-athletes and coaches have to academics and the work ethic that both have toward achieving excellence in the classroom."

Through its innovative APR, which provides an annual scorecard of academic achievement, the NCAA tracks the classroom performance of student-athletes on every Division I sports team. By measuring eligibility and retention each semester or quarter, the APR provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport. Most recent APRs are multi-year rates based on scores from the four academic years.

"I applaud every program earning a Public Recognition Award this year for their commitment to going above and beyond to prepare students for life after college through academic achievement," NCAA President Mark Emmert said. "To have nine national champions so far this year — including men's and women's basketball — be among those recognized illustrates that student-athletes succeed athletically and academically."
 
Teams earning Public Recognition Awards increased to 1,284, up by 79 from the previous academic year, largely as a result of an increase in perfect scores. Of the teams recognized, 457 competed in men's or mixed sports, and 827 competed in women's sports. APRs for programs in the top 10 percent ranged from 985 to a perfect 1,000, and the number of teams posting perfect scores increased to 1,188, marking an increase of 98 teams from last year.