The NCAA released annual Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) data on Wednesday. All of the University of Wyoming’s athletics teams once again exceeded the 930 minimum four-year average benchmark set by the NCAA to qualify for postseason competition. 
All UW teams achieved an average score of over 945 during the most recent four-year period ending with the 2014-15 academic year. The men’s golf and women’s tennis programs recorded perfect scores of 1,000 and were recognized by the NCAA with APR Public Recognition Awards for ranking in the Top 10 percent nationally of all squads in their respective sports.
This year’s data shows that six UW teams recorded their all-time highest four-year averages when compared to data on the NCAA database. The APR began being utilized as a measure of academic performance back in the 2003-04 academic year.
Leading the way for Wyoming was the men’s golf team and the women’s tennis team, which both posted perfect scores of 1,000 for the four-year period. It marked the fourth consecutive reporting period that the Cowboy golf team recorded a perfect score based on its four-year average. The women’s tennis team has earned a perfect 1,000 score for the last two consecutive reporting periods based on its four-year average.
Wyoming’s other four teams to record all-time high APR scores this year are: women’s swimming and diving (991); men’s cross country (983); men’s swimming and diving (978); and football (960, tying its all-time APR high from a year ago).
“Credit needs to go first to our student-athletes for their dedication to excel in the classroom,” said Tom Burman, University of Wyoming Athletics Director. “The primary goal for the young men and women on our athletic teams is to be students first and to remain focused on achieving their degrees from the University of Wyoming. The retention rates and academic success of our students is reflected in this year’s APR numbers.
“To have several of our teams set all-time high APR scores is very rewarding to see. We also want to give credit to the many people on campus, including: faculty and staff; our Office of Academic Support; and our coaches for providing the resources and support for our student-athletes to achieve their goals academically and athletically.”
The APR four-year averages are based on two factors: the retention rate of scholarship student-athletes and the academic eligibility of scholarship student-athletes over the four-year period from 2011-12 through the 2014-15 academic years.
The APR is calculated as follows:
- Each student-athlete receiving athletically-related financial aid earns one point for staying in school and one point for being academically eligible.
- A team’s total points are divided by points possible and then multiplied by 1,000 to equal the team’s Academic Progress Rate.
- In addition to a team’s current-year APR, its rolling four-year APR is also used to determine accountability.
Currently, teams must earn a 930 four-year average APR or a 940 average over the most recent two years to participate in NCAA championships. Beginning next year when the 2015-16 academic year is factored into the average, teams will be required to earn a four-year APR average of 930 to compete in championships.