Arcadia University student-athletes achieve academic success in their majors while competing at the highest level on the sports field. For the spring 2012 semester, 154 Arcadia student-athletes—nearly 75 percent—earned a 3.2 grade-point average (GPA) or better, and 24 earned perfect 4.0 GPAs during the academic year.

Moreover, 104 student-athletes achieved spring semester GPAs of 3.5 or better. In addition, this year 10 out of 14 sponsored intercollegiate programs earned team GPAs of 3.0 or better.

“Our goal is to have all of our teams reach a 3.0 GPA or better each semester,” said Arcadia University President Carl (Tobey) Oxholm III. “This spring we were very close to achieving that goal, and this gives great value to all the hard work from our students, the academic staff and the coaches.”

These numbers prove that Arcadia University student-athletes have an exemplary track record for academic achievement. On average, 60 student-athletes attain Dean’s List honors (3.67-4.00) each semester. Arcadia student-athletes compete in an environment where coaches emphasize  the value of academic integrity. All NCAA institutions pursue this focus, but the approach in Division III is unique.

Division III athletics provides a well-rounded collegiate experience that involves a balance of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and the opportunity to pursue the multitude of other co-curricular opportunities offered on Division III campuses.

A survey of Arcadia’s 40 graduating senior student-athletes finds that they achieve at a higher academic rate during their respective seasons, both the traditional playing season and non-traditional season. They perform at a higher academic level while participating in their sport(s) and feel more organized and motivated during their season(s) to do well academically.

With help from their advisors, team study halls and Arcadia’s Learning Resource Network, just a few of the many academic resources available, Arcadia’s student-athletes develop excellent time management skills, which they put to use completing assignments between practices, games, service projects and more. These findings are not just indicative of Arcadia’s graduating seniors. This mentality is normal for all those competing in the scarlet and grey, as nearly 60 percent of Arcadia’s student-athletes maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher each semester.

“Arcadia University’s faculty, coaches and staff care equally for athletes’ academic and athletic success—the purest example of being a college student-athlete,” notes Justin Scott, Arcadia’s Academic Coordinator and Assistant Men’s Basketball coach. “The idea of playing a sport because you want to, instead of because you have to, is much more invigorating to our Division III athletes. At Arcadia, the choice to compete is at the discretion of each individual. The management of time is important to all of our student-athletes, and the sooner it is learned the easier it is to survive in such a competitive environment.”

Academic excellence is not limited to the results achieved during the spring 2012 semester. Over the past year, Arcadia student-athletes have collected numerous accolades recognizing their outstanding academic performances.

Both the men’s and women’s soccer programs earned consecutive National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Award accolades in 2010 and 2011, an honor they will qualify for once again when the 2012 Team Academic Award is announced in the fall. The Field Hockey team earned its fourth straight National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Academic Award, while Women’s Lacrosse earned its third straight Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Academic Award. Men’s Basketball senior Colin McCarthy garnered Philadelphia Inquirer/Philly SIDA Academic All-Area honors, a first for the men’s basketball program. During the 2011-12 academic year, 57 student-athletes with a minimum of sophomore standing were recognized on the Middle Atlantic Conference’s seasonal Academic Honor Roll list.

Prospective student-athletes interested in finding out more about the recruiting process at Arcadia University can click here.