University of Richmond Athletics
Ask the AD!
July 29, 2004
Editor's note: In this edition of Ask The AD, Jim responds to a general question asked by many Spider fans regarding admission policies for student-athletes. Thanks to all who took the time to submit a question on this subject.
I have recently learned there is some public discussion ongoing regarding how the University's admission policies and procedures impact student-athletes. I believe it would be appropriate for me to set the record straight.
Admission eligibility is determined by the Dean of Admission based on criteria that the Provost, Faculty Admission Committee, and Athletic Department have agreed upon. The admission process for student-athletes does permit certain flexibility with respect to meeting the general criteria in a limited number of special cases.
It is important for all Spider fans to know that I am confident that our current admission policies and procedures are structured such that we can compete successfully athletically and our student-athletes will continue to graduate at a rate commensurate with our student body..
As you probably know, the graduation rates of our student-athletes are among the best in the nation, and that is partly due to the fact that we are careful to admit only those student-athletes whose high school coursework and test scores indicate that they can succeed academically as well as athletically.
Finally, let me add that sometimes the publicity on a recruit may get way ahead of the actual review and admission process. We have no control over the media, internet message boards, etc. Even if a Letter of Intent is signed, it is always conditional upon admission to the University, and the final decision may depend on official test scores and grades that may not be available when the Letter of Intent is signed.
It is not appropriate to discuss the details of any particular case and we will always respect and protect the privacy of prospective students and student-athletes.
Jim Miller