AMEN!!!!!!

Heather Right on!

Those numbers are old and skewed a little:

The real Problem is all Schools and all students:

Just 54 percent of students entering four-year colleges in 1997 had a degree six years later — and that figure is even lower for Hispanics and Blacks, according to some of the latest government figures. After borrowing for school but failing to graduate, many of those students may be worse off than if they had never attended college at all.

For the whole story:

http://www.diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_6422.shtml

I don't buy the excuse that Maryland's players all turned pro so you can't hold it against them that nobody from 97-00 graduated. Maryland doesn't have anywhere near the number of players turned pro as Duke, Carolina, and several other programs with higher graduation rates. A 0 graduation rate is purely pathetic. Even UNLV's scandel-plagued teams in 1990-91, coached by Jerry Tarkanian, who coined the phrase "its not my job to babysit these guys," graduated its players. And as far as online courses go...just look at the ads in The Sun, UM University College is reguarded throughout the world as a leader in distance learning. You can get a UM degree from anywhere in the world. Yet some of these money-bags basketball players can't seem to squeeze it into their busy schedule.
In the end, there is just something hollow about a legendary basketball program that can't graduate its players. Why is it that some of the most recognized names in the history of the program, Lucas and McClinton to name a few, want no part of Maryland any more. The area's best prep players are going to Pitt, WVA, Georgetown instead of Maryland. The reason, despite what you think, today's prep athletes are being coached and mentored to think about their future. What kind of future is there with a basketball team who doesn't graduate its players?
Sure, maybe other colleges have lower standards. Colleges are legendary for making sure athletes are well versed before exams i.e. take homes, giving tutors copies ahead of time, and the rest can be left to the imagination. But you're telling me that every school except Maryland is cheating? The fault for this depressing and tragic statistic lies with UM basketball. As painful as it is to say, the only way to get this trend reversed is to finally replace Gary Williams with a coach who understands the modern culture of college basketball and the needs of today's college athlete.

I know these numbers are old, but that is terrible. The worst in the ACC and the entire NCAA.

We can't do as well as UNC or NC State? Or Florida State or Miami?

Give me a break.

HD, Jamar Smith's first year with the Terps was in 2002. FREDTERP

You bring up a really good point. These guys have all gone on to be well paid athletes. They shouldn't have to be bothered with education or learning. Look how much much they're making! Seriously, how much money did Einstein ever make? What a loser!

If Gary Williams Signs players who could actually graduate from Maryland on there own, he would not have to be fired for graduation rate, he would be fired for having a losing record!!!

You cannot have it both Ways.

SEE NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL!!

So is Gary Williams supposed to take tests and do his players homework? That sound like cheating.

0% does not fall on the Coach!

FREDTERP - It doesn't matter, the NCAA counts the first year he was enrolled in college, whether that was at UMD or not.

I see that some of the readers who hate Gary Williams have come out of the woodwork to call for his head. Gary is no John Beilein but he understands the value of teamwork and he knows these guys need to make money when they can do it. For example my successful son has earned multiple PHDs. Josh, you and your sweet friends playing on the Internet all day should go and root for Georgetown. Maryland doesn't need your support.

0 % graduation rate is pathetic. I do not buy Gary Williams' excuses for this low rate. Don't get me wrong, i think Williams is not only a great coach, but an icon for the school. But he is only doing half of his job. Coaches should take some responsibility for their players not graduating. Afterall, Williams hand-picked these kids. An academic factor should go into this recruiting decision.

Of course the responsibility does not fall on the coach entirely. The players should be penalized for not graduating. Afterall, these kids are "student-athletes." Here is a simply incentive to graduate. Those players who do not graduate should be forced to fork over any scholarship money the school offered them UNTIL THEY GRADUATE. Of course, this will have a minimal effect on players like Wilcox who earns over 6 million a year, but it willl have a sizable impact on a player like Nicholas who would lose a 1/4 of his salary (100K would have to be paid back to the school). UM "Student-athlete." What word in that term precedes the other? At Maryland, basketball players are "Athlete-students," which sends a bad message to incoming students and young kids.

I am in complete agreement with Doug. Gary Williams said that "Basketball is completely different." Really? Is basketball "completely different" at all other universities? Do they all have a "0" graduation rating for their basketball teams? Heather, the explanations you and Gary give us is about athletes who want to be anywhere but in a college classroom. You are not talking about "student athletes" that is for sure. There is a reason why colleges like the University of Virginia have a far better academic image than the University of Maryland. They advertise for "student-athletes." Amazing, how some Univ. of MD "M" Club members who live in their fairy tale athletic worlds, never do anything to help create a better "Over-All" image for a great university. What did Williams' national championship team do to improve the lives of anyone who is a Univ. of MD student or a graduate? My wife and I are Maryland grads. Tell me, what is the graduation rate for the National Championship Women's basketball program at the University of Maryland? Did Williams' say "Basketball is completely different?" You can't fool all of us all the time, Gary.....

There was a comment earlier about finishing at UMUC online - If I interpret the rules towards graduation correctly that wouldn't count either, since technically it is a separate institution. It would be like transfering and they don't seem to count the players that transfer and graduate towards your grad rates.

I still say ask yourself this question, if in your junior or sophomore year in college, a major company said they would pay you 1 million dollars a year to work for them would you take the job? or tell them you want to graduate first?

Another question if you were making 400K a year with no degree and going back within six years wasn't going to increase that number would you go back? or wait until you no longer could make that money and needed to go back to get better work?

In regards to comments posted above by Josh, about UM University College offering online degrees -- all that is correct except for one MAJOR thing. That thing would be that UMUC (University College) is a completely separate institution than UMCP (UM College Park). While located next to the CP campus, it's as different from there as is UMBC, Towson, Frostburg, Salisbury, or the other state schools (UMES, Bowie, or Coppin). The requirements for admission into UMUC are much less stringent than that of College Park.

While yes, players could transfer to UMUC and graduate from there with a degree, they would still not count in the formula. They would count as transfer students who get their degree from the other institution they transfer to (in this case UMUC) so they would NOT graduate from UMCP or have a degree from there. You can NOT get a UMCP degree from anywhere in the world. So that suggestion, while getting them a degree, would not improve the rate any whatsoever.

While I'm not in favor of not finishing school, one does have to look at how a person's life ends up. If you drop out and aren't well off, maybe you should have stayed in school and probably you would be more successful. However, how many computer science majors drop out to work for software companies (I know one who owns his own highly successful computer service co.) or others who drop out because they go into a field not requiring a degree (they are electricians, plumbers, etc now). We don't ever make an issue about them not graduating because they are successful economically. Players who don't finish and end up not being able to earn a decent living are one thing, ones who are doing well are another.

Gary Williams is a COACH. When did he become surrogate father to young adults who rather live in a fantasy world of sports then pursue reality with a grown-up education?

If the NCAA is so concerned with graduation rates, they should drop athletic scholarships in favor of education scholarships.

First, none of these guys went to Maryland to go to school. They went to play basketball. Pro basketball careers are short. There is plenty of time to get a degree when it's over.
Second, there is no way to quantify the effect of the scrutiny that Maryland has been under since the Len Bias tragedy, the Bob Wade era and the accompanying NCAA sanctions. How many other schools monitor their athletes as closely as Maryland (see Josh Portis). We've all heard the stories about athletes getting preferential treatment in academics.

Thank you. Finally a "journalist" with the courage to kiss Gary Williams' rear end. Were you the one on the right in his infamous "chicken wing" picture?

What's a degree from Maryland worth out of state anyway?

I care more about winning than graduating players, and I imagine the majority of people reading this blog agree or are lying to themselves.

College is a means to an end, and that end is making money to support yourself and your family comfortably. How you reach that end is not important, as long as it's lawful.

Please ladies, no catfighting or I will be forced to bring in my highly successful daughter to mediate. Suffice it to say, T-Rock Morris made the best decision for himself when he moved on to the NBA without a degree. I will tell him so when I see him on the mean streets of Frederick.

The zero percent graduation rate looks bad for the university, which actually has high academic standards and is a very good school. The tracking and reporting of graduation rates is intended to put pressure on schools to make sure they are actually giving their athletes an education and not just using them to generate revenue through their playing careers then casting them aside. But if DJ and Mike Jones want to blow off their last semester to concentrate on preparation for their professional career, how are you going to stop them?

Still, a zero is hard to accept.

Don - you are right, Gary should have said "Men's basketball is completely different." Women's professional opportunities are more limited financially.

Who cares??!! I want a winning basketball program!! The way the thing is calculated is a joke. But then again, EVERYTHING about the NCAA is a joke.

Keep bringing in the players Gary. Winning basketball games is his job. Graduating is the individual player/students responsibility. They are given much more help than most students get.

This arguement is silly. Most of you will not make what these "dropouts" make annually at the peak of your career.

Tell you what - why don't those of you that condemn this graduation rate find a way to provide incentive for the players to stick around and get their degrees. The only thing that changes is that they will be student athletes banging your girlfriends/daughters instead of getting to make it rain on them.

At Maryland, the coach endorses not graduating because it was not important. The only thing that matters is basketball. Sorry, but if that is the case then don't play college basketball! If you want to improve your skills to go pro without the bother of finishing school then go play overseas. Scholarships should be lost a 0 % graduation rate is pathetic. I am not a fan of UNC but their players, that leave for the NBA early, come every summer to finish their degrees, it is important. Gary's attitude is an embarrassment to the University of Maryland and college basketball.

FredTerp44 is an idiot.

Maryland does have on line classes at University College. It is actually one of the most respected non traditional and distance learning universities in the country.

Deplorable. 0% is a comlete disgrace, and Gary is leading the parade. How many of these players left before their 4 years of eligibility was exhausted? None of the others have the money excuse. I'd be the first to leave school if I were offered $1M, but by the Spring of your senior year, you either have most of the credits or you don't.

Here's a crazy thought-how many other professional basketball players have their degrees? I'm thinking a lot. If a degree isn't the means to college, just go straight to the pros. Gary should be fired.

While it certainly doesn't look good to have no players get their degrees in that timespan, obtaining a degree guarentees you absolutely nothing! I do applaud people that work hard to get a degree, but to measure success on that is silly. Gary has helped many players become multimillionares, and make a great living playing b-ball around the world. He's not their baby-sitters in school. If these young adults choose to do something else than obtain degrees, so be it. I left school early because of eary admission in a professional doctorate school. I guess my college also has a stat that says I didn't get a degree.

I can't believe how many degree Nazis have posted negatively here. The headline to the graduation rate release is completely misleading, as it implies that the students failed out. Failing out of school and choosing to leave school for a high paying job that is your life dream are completely different things. I went to UMCP (Class of 2000), and we students were never asked to promise that we would graduate. Our players from 97-00 were men who made their own decisions (and great ones at that). There was nothing more Gary could do to help those guys - he already helped them go pro, which was ALL of their main objectives in the first place. We enjoyed them to no end and they made the school A LOT of money.

Go Terps!

Booby knight wins and graduates players, oh yea, so does Coach K. Are you in a school to graduate or play a game?!?

What a crying shame? A joke? Or whatever. How can you defend Gary Williams and his "excuse" that these guys are successful because they make a some $$$$? What are these guys going to do when basketball is no longer an option? The majority of these guys all left Maryland after playing 4 YEARS and yet they don't have a degree? Are you kidding me? What that means is those players were not going to class! This started way back when Sarunas was at Maryland. I had a class with him his senior year and he never showed up. Let's not forget the upstanding citizens Chris McCray and Travis Garrion. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT GRADUATING IF YOU WERE LISTED AS A SENIOR IN THE ANNUAL BASKETBALL GUIDE? ZERO!!! There is also no excuse, since these "guys are so successful" that they couldn't find the time in the offseason to take a class here or there. Vince Carter did it and I hate North Carolina.

What a great message Gary is sending! "As long as you make thousands in basketball, it's ok not graduate!" What is DJ Strawberry's excuse for not graduating? Wasn't he supposed to be stepping out of his father's degraded image and do better?

Gary is NOT just a basketball coach. This man spends hours upon hours with these young man and he helps shape their lives whether directly or indirectly. Obviously there is a disconnect between Gary and his players, how else would he not know about the McCrayor the fact that his basketball teams graduating rate is 0%?

Someone needs to be honest and say it, Gary doesn't care about academics, he only cares about what goes on, on the court, which frankly has been below par ever since the 2002 National Championship. Maybe Gary should spend less time on the owner of Bentley's couch and more time finding out what is going on with his players lives and academics!

Go Duke!

First, nice article Heather. I appreciate the fact that you went out of your way to present a balanced story on the issue.

Second, many of the responses to this blog are a classic example of seeing the world the way you want to. If you don't like Gary Williams you claim there is no excuse. You ignore the fact that many players have obtained degrees after the NCAA's arbitrary 6 year window. You ignore the fact that GW continues to help his former players long after they graduate. You are certainly entitled to an opinion, but don't pretend that your opinion is not prejudiced. All that hate will eat you up.

This discussion is an absolute joke. The only thing this means is that Gary is not as zealous as other coaches in making sure that professors are passing his players or that they receive the proper "tutoring". These statistics are cyclical. Will all of the Gary/UMD bashers show up 5 years from now when the graduation rate is higher?

Chris Wilcox stayed for two years and helped win a National Championship. Will Bowers and Jason McAlpin stayed for four and helped out our graduation rates. Who would you rather have on the court?

Please spare me all of the Pollyanna-like lectures about how these players need to graduate in order for you to feel good about yourself and the University. They come here to play for a top-notch coach, UMD is more than happy to accept them, and if they go on to have a successful career and make millions of dollars then it doesn't really matter if they received their diploma in Criminal Justice or Letters and Sciences.

If you don't like the reality of major college sports and athletic scholarships then become a supporter of the Ivy League. And as for Duke supporter casting judgement on DJ Strawberry, do you know something about DJ's character that we don't? Since he hasn't "done better" than his disgraced father, maybe there a few coke/domestic abuse/tax evasion incidents about DJ that I'm not aware of. Not that the pious and pristine Duke University has any problems or concerns of their own to worry about.

Many people, including the author of this blog, are confused about the present GSR as compared to the previous criteria. I include Coach Williams in the many.

The new criteria does not include people who leave a program to go to the NBA, NFL, professional school or for any reason if they leave eligible. It has been changed because of the excuses presented by failing coaches and overzealous alumni and fans which is exemplified by some on this blog, including the author who can be forgiven because she received her information from the coach. The coach has no excuse for not knowing of the change.

The GSR is a simple formula: Enrolled number plus Enrolled as Frosh in January plus Two-Year College Transfers plus Four Year College Transfers plus Non-Scholarship Athletes (Only at Schools not Offering Aid) equals Total Enrolled minus Allowable Exclusions (Death, Military, Church Missions, etc.) minus those who Left Eligible (NBA, NFL, professional schools, dropped out for any other reason).

In no way am I biased for or against Gary Williams and the University of Maryland. In point of fact I have often voiced my opinion that Maryland received a plethora of more than questionable calls during the Duke game at Minneapolis in 2001. To this day I believe that Gary and the Terps had a probable national championship taken from them. As I sat in that crowd hearing the boos cascading down from every area but the Duke section, I knew that nearly every attendee to the game agreed.

If every player in a program were to "leave eligible" then it is possible to receive a "0" GSR. Conversely, if only one graduating player is left after all others have been classified "leave eligible" then the school will receive a "100 GSR.

Boston University received a "100" because they dropped football and all but one player dropped out "eligible". The one left, graduated.

PAUL - You're confusing the GSR with the APR. The APR (academic progress rate) is the one that does not penalize programs for athletes who turn pro as long as they leave in good academic standing. The GSR is simple - you either graduate or you don't. The only reason the GSR is different from the federal graduation rate is because it factors transfers into the equation.

How many of the Maryland players that went on to professional careers spent 4 years at Maryland without graduating?

Heather,
You are correct. I had to finish quickly without editing and correcting. However, the APR is much more accurate and is the system by which we are going to be penalized regarding our rate in comparison to our general student body and other institutions. We have received examples to use and prepare us for that time.

It will be easier, but not by much, to check with the NCAA Research. The APR system would already be in place, with penalties, if we had in place a working method to find the enrollments in and those out as I stated earlier. We are waiting for the completion of a system to work with institutions in gathering the transfer factors for the general student body.

Your article is correct. The system has been a flawed , especially the Federal Rate method, which is the reason for the present GSR, which will be replaced with the APR, which will give us much clearer data regarding which athletes are attending classes toward graduation. Then, we may find that Gary's graduation rate is 100, as he and other coaches send young men off to millionaire status.

Understand, fans of some schools are going to be disappointed when their institution's program is gutted by sanctions and fines. The day is coming. It will be more than opposing fans bickering over graduation rates of the GSR.

I wouldn't worry about UM. Take a look at Cal-Berkeley. I am looking at the football rates for all Division I schools. UM is 69% of 232 schools. Cal-B is 52% and ranked in a tie with Tennessee at 179th; LSU is tied at 187 with Georgia Tech; Minnesota is tied wiith Alabama 196th,at 49%; Oklahoma is at 218 with 44%; Michigan State is just behind at 219 and 43%; Texas follows at 220 with 42%; Arizona and Georgia bring up the rear for BCS conferences at 221 and 41%.

Ohio State is 53% (172); UCLA is 56% (159); and Southern Cal is 57% (156).

Going the other way; Notre Dame, Navy, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Boston College, Duke, Air Force, and Stanford are all in the 90-95% group.Throw out BC and not many wins in that group.

Some people have said they don't care, just win. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Don N., You're right about the women's team, but I agree with Jack -- that's a bit nit-picky as women's bball players don't have nearly the opportunities that male players do. While I agree w/ you that UVA has an outstanding reputation as an academic school (ranked #2 among public institutions by US News & World Report) UM is also regarded fairly high as well (#18 ranking the last several years) So, while it's behind UVA, I wouldn't say that it's an easy, no-academic type school. As far as what Gary has done for students, I know he is co-chairing a committee hoping to raise an unprecedented amout ($1 billion) for academic programs (nothing to do w/ athletics -- not athletic facilities, ath. scholarships, etc) such as hiring faculty, campus improvements, academic scholarships, etc. So far they've gone over the $400 million mark. And one can't say that he's simply putting his name and face to the program -- he's been actively involved in the effort. Numerous reports have shown this. And even if he simply were a figure-head in it, he'd still be helping the students there now and in the future by helping get the donations.

Gary Williams is a wanna be ACC head coach. He is a poor mans version of a real coach. He is extremely insecure. After this article he should be FIRED. He shouldn't be focusing on one year when he had some 4 year guys that are marginal at best play in the NBA. Most ACC teams lose several ELITE players a year and bounce back. The year they won the championship the ACC was at a low point. Maryland had all seniors, except Wilcox. Wilcox was the smartest one. HE LEFT GARY! They built one of the nicest complexes, and Gary couldn't capitalize on it. He brings in the Salami's and the Goldstein's no Colledge's (White Shadow reference)
Gary doesn't care about the graduation rate, Gary doesn't care about the kids learning, Gary cares about drinking around campus in front of students, eating chicken wings w college co-eds, and screaming at his bench players while sweating throughout the entire basketball game. He is far from a good coach. He was so very close to getting fired after the FL state game when he picked up the microphone and blasted maryland students and fans. He is a facade. Dave Dickerson did all his recruiting. Once he left they went from getting marginal players, to low D 1 talent. Did Gary ever go to class? I am sure he graduated, but he wasnt D 1 material as a player either.

He will never be mentioned in the same breath as me, coack K or even
our best recruiter but "not ready for prime time" UNC's own Coach Dougherty. Bring on Chuckie!!!

Lefty was a classic, I am sure his players didnt graduate either, but he was well respected as an amazing recruiter "Danny's Place" He was a throwback. Fun to watch. Gary is like watching the Ravens offense.

Gary reminds me of a used car sales man. Cheap suit. Hardened face and tries to intimidate you into believing his bs. Jack Antwerpen Says "NO" to hiring Gary Willams as a USED car salesman :)

Gary, ever heard of the word tutor??
Not doher, Tutor!!! All imo...

D. Smith (legend)

The "real" problem is that some Coaches bring in talent that is pure athelete. Let's face it, the media, the fans, the alumni, everyone enjoys the athelete. It would be much more enjoyable if ALL schools, all fans, all media, all alumni, would be happy watching successful college "students" instead of poorly educated atheletes running up and down the playing fields.