Dec. 17, 2007

Center Valley, Pa. - The Patriot League Council of Presidents endorsed a set of recommendations for revising the League's academic index with the objective of providing more consistency in the application of the index and internal equity between member institutions. The actions will also enhance admissions and athletic competitiveness of programs externally while maintaining the integrity of the League's founding principles.

"These changes are a major step forward in the Patriot League's commitment to being the ideal home for outstanding student-athletes, and provide a higher level of consistency and clarity that strengthens not only the League but also the programs of every one of our members," said Bucknell University President Brian C. Mitchell, Chair of the Council of Presidents.

The Presidents approved the recommendations at their December meeting following a year-long comprehensive review of the academic index involving use of an outside entity for data analysis as well as internal discussions at all levels of League governance.

"This is a significant and timely step forward for the Patriot League that will continue to place emphasis on the academic priority for student-athletes while maintaining internal equity and enhancing the competitiveness of the League," said Patriot League Executive Director Carolyn Schlie Femovich.

The academic index is a core principle of the Patriot League that is designed to admit student-athletes that are academically representative of the institution. The index had not undergone any significant review or adjustment since it was implemented in late 1980s. The League instituted a review with recognition of changes that have taken place over time with respect to the admissions process. The academic index is a formula derived from a combination of test scores and high school performance.

The Presidents' actions were based on a series of recommendations with respect to the calculation and application of the academic index. Those principles will now be reviewed for fine-tuning and implementation by an advisory group made up of athletic directors, admissions representatives and the League's policy committee. The Presidents will review and finalize the comprehensive plan during their June meeting for admissions of student-athletes that will enter Patriot League institutions in the Fall of 2009.