Several HBCUs, including three historically Black college football programs, will not be allowed to participate in 2012-2013 postseason play under the just-released NCAA listing of schools that did not meet minimum academic progress guidelines. But help is on the way.
During a teleconference held yesterday, NCAA president Mark Emmert said that HBCU presidents were in favor of the new rules despite their disproportionate impact on HBCUs and other schools. He also promised that the NCAA will step up its support for these schools.
In an article in the May 24 edition of Diverse, Hampton University President William Harvey said, “I’m for the increased standards, but I’ve indicated we need more money [from the NCAA] to hire counselors and increase technology for our student athletes.”
In response to the latest sanctions listing which includes Hampton, Harvey, who is renowned for advocating and championing the cause of all HBCUs, said, “The fact that Hampton is being punished doesn’t change my opinion. I’m in favor of the raised standards. All of Hampton’s programs except football have exceeded the NCAA standards. The challenge for the football program is to join our other athletic programs and I’m confident that this will take place very soon.”
The HBCUs are categorized as Division I Limited Resource schools. These schools will also be evaluated on a slightly lower criterion. For instance, by the year 2015-2016, Limited Resource schools must earn a 920 four-year APR while other schools will have to earn a 930 APR. The NCAA did not state the exact amount that will be available under this program.
Teams With Postseason Ineligibility for 2012-13 Season
Men’s Basketball
California State University, Bakersfield*
Jacksonville State University
Mississippi Valley State University
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Towson University
University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff
University of California, Riverside
University of Connecticut
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
University of Toledo
*Data still under review
Football
Hampton University
North Carolina A&T State University
Texas Southern University
Men’s Soccer
Central Connecticut State University
Men’s Wrestling
University of Northern Colorado
Source: NCAA
