Academics and Athletics
The University of Michigan has more than 700 student athletes in a wide range of sports, and we are recognized for our commitment to help them achieve their greatest potential in their time here, in both academics and athletics. The education of our student athletes meets the standards set by both the NCAA and the Big Ten as evaluated in their periodic reviews, and we have one of the highest graduation rates among schools with major sports programs.
As with all U-M students, athletes are encouraged to pursue any major and degree program they want, depending on their interests, ambitions, and abilities, and in order to earn a degree, they must meet the same standards as any other student in their chosen field. Student athletes face exceptional challenges as they work to balance the time commitment required for training, practices, travel, and games with the rigorous demands of a degree program. Individual student athletes work with their academic advisors from the University’s schools and colleges to put together a course of study that meets degree requirements. In addition, an academic support services group, which reports both to the Athletics Department and to the Provost’s Office, assists in the process, helping to make sure student athletes meet all requirements.
Below are links to background material related to issues raised recently by a local newspaper about U-M academics and athletics.
- Comment by President Mary Sue Coleman, Provost Teresa A. Sullivan, and Athletic Director William C. Martin (3/24/08)
- Reaction of NCAA and Big Ten (4/2/08)
- Responsive Materials by Professor John W. Hagen (March 26, 2008; updated April 4, 2008)
- Questions and Answers on Academics and Athletics at U-M (updated March 18, 2008)
- Report by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts on Investigation of Allegations against Professor John Hagen; (12/12/07), updated May 1, 2008 [PDF]
- Report by the Psychology Department Executive Committee on its Investigation of Potential Academic Misconduct Involving Professor John Hagen, January 2008 [PDF]