Nov. 27, 2012
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Eric DeSalvo
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Florida (UCFAthletics.com) - On the heels of its best Graduation Success Rate (GSR) in school history, the American Football Coaches Association recognized the UCF football team as one of 47 programs to achieve a 75-percent graduation mark or above for its student-athletes who first enrolled in 2005.
The Knights own the second-highest GSR of four Conference USA squads to earn the distinct laurels, and have now improved the figure six years in a row. The 81-percent mark is also 13 points above the national average of 68.
As an entire athletic program, UCF improved from 83 points in 2011 to 85 in 2012, and ranks No. 1 among public institutions in the State of Florida.
The Academic Achievement Award, which went to Northwestern and Stanford for their 100 percent graduation marks, was established by the College Football Association in 1981. The award recognized the CFA-member Football Bowl Subdivision institution with the highest graduation rate among members of its football team.
The GSR is based on a six-year graduation window for student-athletes, which is a change from the five-year window used by the CFA?and AFCA. The GSR was developed by the NCAA as part of its academic reform initiative to more accurately assess the academic success of student-athletes. The GSR holds institutions accountable for transfer students, unlike the federal graduation rate. The GSR also accounts for midyear enrollees.
UCF's GSR is surely to stay one of the nation's best in years to come, especially with the help of the 2012 senior class. Of the 20 members, 10 already own bachelor's degrees, while also tying the program record for most wins over four years at 33.