The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga athletics department had four programs honored for finishing in the top 10 percent of their respective sports for the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate scores, the national office announced this week.

UTC's four programs recognized tied UNCG for the most in the Southern Conference.  UTC's men's tennis, women's basketball, women's cross country and volleyball teams all made the list for recognition based on the most recent data collected. 

Each year, the NCAA honors selected NCAA Division I sports teams by publicly recognizing their latest multiyear NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate.  This announcement is part of the overall Division I academic reform effort and is intended to highlight teams that demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and retention of student-athletes by achieving the top APRs within their respective sports. 

The Mocs have had at least one program listed since the award began in 2011.  This is the fifth year in a row with at least three teams recognized.  It is the third in a row for women's basketball, fifth straight for women's cross country and the first for men's tennis and volleyball. 

APR scores for all Division I teams will be released May 8. The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each semester or academic term and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport. All teams must meet an academic threshold of 930 to qualify for the postseason and can face penalties for continued low academic performance.

The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic years.