The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) reports that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has announced intent to investigate a major infractions case against the institution.
The case involves a series of self-reported secondary infractions by the UAF Nanooks back in 2011. The reported infractions involved the academic standing and eligibility of 17 student-athletes over a period of four years. The Associated Press reports the inquiry will cover athletes from the hockey, men's and women's basketball, swimming, skiing and rifle teams
UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers said via press release, "I think it's really important to note that these infractions are not the result of wrongdoing or poor academic performance by student-athletes, who collectively have higher-than-average GPAs and graduation rates." Rogers added, "This was the university's mistake, not the student-athletes'."
All UAF student-athletes must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester, maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher and be on track to earning their degree on record, the university said. The infractions occurred because school officials failed to identify student-athletes who had not earned enough credits or had switched majors without filing the appropriate paperwork.
In the release, UAF said it does not plan on challenging the NCAA's investigation because the infractions were self-reported. As for the NCAA, it may move forward with sanctions or it may request additional information.