The Seattle University athletics department was recently asked by the NCAA to review its Academic Performance Program (APP) reporting, and the national organization commended Seattle U for having the proper processes in place to perform a wide range of functions.
The NCAA APP requires each Division I institution to compile, evaluate and submit detailed academic and retention data on each student-athlete that is receiving athletic financial aid. The NCAA review consisted of an assessment of 12 different areas relating to the Seattle U athletic department's policies, procedures, eligibility certification, data collection and analysis of academic information from the past 10 years.
The review was very complimentary of Seattle University, noting that there were no recommendations for change to any of the athletic department's current systems. Shawn Farrell, Associate Director of Athletics for Administration, oversaw the athletic department's response to the review.
Athletic staff members working on the project besides Farrell included Erin Engelhardt, Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support; Chelsea Herman, Compliance Coordinator; and JoAnn Hulbert-Eagan, Academic Performance Coordinator. The athletics department also received significant assistance from Megan Peter, VA and Athletics Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar; Irina Voloshin, Assistant Director of Institutional Research; and Rebecca Wonderly, Associate Director of Student Financial Services.
"The APP Review is another example of Seattle University's commitment to attaining success at the Division I level and to do it the right way. I am very proud of our athletic department staff for the hard work they put in to responding to the review and am appreciative of the support provided by the Office of the Registrar and Office of Institutional Research. This joint effort allowed us to paint a clear picture that we have put the appropriate systems in place to meet the requirements of all NCAA legislation, including the Academic Performance Program," Farrell said.
The NCAA conducted this review as part of its ongoing mandate to ensure that the Division I membership is dedicated to providing student-athletes with an exemplary education and intercollegiate athletics experience. Seattle University is currently in its second year of full NCAA Division I membership, with 19 of its 20 sports competing as members of the Western Athletic Conference.