NCAA academics committee proposes new standards for graduate students

The NCAA Division I academics committee is proposing two concepts that will require graduate students to meet increased academic requirements if they continue to compete in athletics.

The NCAA Division I academics committee is proposing two concepts that will require graduate students to meet increased academic requirements if they continue to compete in athletics.

In a post on the NCAA’s website, two potential new rules were laid out by the committee. One would require post-baccalaureate students to declare a specific degree program. Another would call for those students to complete at least six hours of degree-applicable credit per semester.

Currently, the only standard for these students is that they enroll in graduate school. Students must complete six hours of credit, but it does not need to count toward a specific degree. There is no requirement to declare a major or degree-seeking program.

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The committee is setting forth the motion based on a study that found 85% of all postgraduate students continue compete for the same school, but 62% of those students earn degrees. Students who choose to pursue a degree at another school earn one just 51% of the time.

The new rules will be voted on in April 2017, and would take affect Aug. 1, 2017 if approved.

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