LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena College student athletes continue to graduate at one of the highest rates nationally. For the second straight year, Siena Athletics achieved a 94% graduation success rate – matching the department's highest mark in nine years – according to the annual NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) Report. A total of 10 Siena Athletics programs posted perfect 100% graduation success rates, which reflects the percentage of student athletes who enrolled at Siena as freshmen in the Fall of 2015 who went on to graduate.
"Proud is an understatement to describe how we feel about the achievements of the talented student athletes and the members who support them," said NCAA President Mark Emmert. "They continue to exceed expectations and excel in the classroom to earn their degrees. We celebrate their commitment to academic excellence and admire their dedication to shattering records, both academically and athletically."
Siena's 94% GSR equaled last year's mark for the department's highest rate since recording a 95% mark in the 2012 report, and outpaced the national Division I average of 90% by four points. Siena Athletics has now also attained a graduation success rate of 90% or higher in all 18 NCAA reports since the rates were first released annually beginning in 2005.
"At Siena, we strongly believe that the word 'student' comes first in the term 'student athlete' for a reason," noted Siena College President Chris Gibson '86, Ph.D. "The experience they garner on the playing fields in teamwork, commitment, and drive enhances the important professional skills they learn in the classroom, preparing these outstanding young women and men for a life of achievement and excellence."
Siena's men's basketball, men's cross country/track, men's golf, men's tennis, women's basketball, women's golf, women's soccer, women's swimming and diving, women's tennis, and volleyball programs all achieved perfect 100% graduation success rates in this year's report.
"Our mission is to provide our Saints with 'The Education For a Lifetime' which culminates with them earning a Siena College degree," said Vice President/Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. "For 94% of our student athletes to accomplish that goal - and for 10 programs to post perfect marks - speaks volumes of their commitment in the classroom, and the dedication of our S.A.IN.T.S. Office to help them cross the finish line."
The NCAA Graduation Success Rate Report gives graduation information for students and student athletes who entered college in 2015, the most recent class for which the required six years of information is available. It also breaks down the GSR by sport, using a four-year class average (2012-15) called a cohort rate to provide a big enough sample.
"To see 94% of our student athletes accomplish the ultimate goal of graduation is a testament to their commitment and work ethic in their academic pursuits," added Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Angie Jabir. "We will continue to provide the necessary support to all of our Saints as we continue to strive for perfection in this area."
The NCAA developed the GSR because the Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) does not credit institutions with student athletes who leave in good academic standing and go on to graduate, or transfers into the school who graduate. Siena recorded a 78% FGR, with three programs – men's golf, women's tennis, and volleyball – notching unblemished 100% cohort FGR's. The FGR is based on a comparison of the number of students who entered a college or university and the number of those who graduated within six years. For example, for every 100 Siena student athletes entering school from 2012-15, 78 went on to graduate from Siena within six years.
