11. Review the graduation rates for student-athletes who received athletics grants-in aid, for various student-athlete subgroups and for students generally and comment on any trends or significant changes. Specifically, identify and explain deficiencies in graduation rates for any of the following when compared to the graduation rates of students generally: student athletes generally, student-athletes of particular sport teams, student-athletes by gender, student-athletes by ethnicity and student-athlete subgroups within particular sport teams. If the graduation rate for student-athletes or for any group of student-athlete subgroups is less than the graduation rate for students generally, the institution must analyze, explain and address, the magnitude of the difference between the student-athlete (or subgroup) rate and the trends over the three reporting periods in these rate differences.

Reported by: Len Putnick

Source: Brad Dorr, Assistant Registrar

We used the same three years as were used to compare admission statistics. (1998-2000) We did this for consistency but we also realized that this would only allow four and five years for graduation for the last two cohorts. Since the NCAA usually allows six years for a student-athlete to complete his/her graduation requirements, this may skew our figures downward. On the other hand, the average student at Siena College does complete degree requirements in four years.

When we compare males and females there does seem to be a difference. Males in general graduated at a 72% rate while male student-athletes graduated at a 64% rate. Females graduated at an 80% rate while female student-athletes graduated at an 85% rate. If we compare all students to all student athletes, all students graduated at 76% rate while all student athletes graduated at a 77% rate. Clearly the female student athletes are doing very well in comparison to their peers. The significantly lower graduation rate for males and male student athletes should be a concern

The racial breakdown is difficult to analyze because of the small sample size for all ethnic groups other than white. Two disturbing numbers is the 35% and 44% graduation rates for black and Hispanic students. This may indicate that, although the typical Siena student graduates in four years, it may take black and Hispanic students a bit longer. We will look at these numbers again at the end of the 2005 academic year. We will also have to look and see if an additional year will help the graduation rate for black athletes.

The graduation rates for the various sports groups are good except for 2000 men's basketball, and the 1998-2000 baseball, and the downward trend in Men's' other. Baseball is particular concern since all three years are well below what is expected.