Ahead of the Curve

Seattle University has recorded an institutional Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 95 percent for a fourth consecutive year and the fifth time in six years, according to figures released by the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

Since the 2008-09 academic year, the Redhawks have tallied a mark of at least 93 percent in every report.

GSR data indicates the number of student-athletes earning a degree within six years. The NCAA developed the GSR to more accurately assess the academic success of student-athletes. The Graduation Success Rate includes transfer students and student-athletes who leave in good academic standing, unlike the federal rate, which does not count transfers. The GSR also accounts for mid-year enrollees and is calculated for every sport.

The most recent Graduation Success Rates are based on the four entering freshmen classes in Division I from 2007 through 2010.

As a whole, Seattle U’s GSR of 95 percent is eight percent higher than the NCAA average of 87 percent. All but two of Seattle U teams recorded a GSR of 90 percent or higher.

Men’s basketball posted a 95 percent GSR, more than doubling the Division I average of 44 percent.

Seven different teams notched perfect GSRs, as men’s and women’s golf, women’s cross country and track, rowing, women’s swimming, women’s tennis, and volleyball each put up 100 percent rates. Men’s golf and women’s tennis have both compiled perfect scores in each of the last five reports, while women’s golf has put up a 100 in four straight years. Women’s cross country and track and volleyball each have had consecutive perfect reports.