“Based on information received from the Patterson School, the NCAA has determined that grades, graduation and core courses from the Patterson School may be used in the NCAA initial eligibility process.

“After identifying irregularities in some of the academic information submitted to the NCAA for student-athletes from the Patterson School, the NCAA determined that additional information was needed before a final decision could be made regarding its status in the initial eligibility process. The issues identified centered on irregular grade patterns during enrollment at the Patterson School.

“As a part of the review process, the NCAA sent a letter to the Patterson School on August 16, 2006, requesting specific information.  Once all information necessary to continue the review was provided on November 30, 2006 an in-person visit to the Patterson School was scheduled.  The visit was conducted on January 21, 2007 and a decision regarding the status of the school was provided to the Patterson School on January 31.   

“At no time was the Patterson School placed on a ‘not cleared’ list; rather, the NCAA had specific areas of concern that the school needed to address.

“It is important to note that ensuring NCAA student-athletes are academically prepared before admission is a shared responsibility. Colleges and universities need to continue to make admissions decisions based on the academic demands of their respective institutions.

“Presidents in Divisions I and II, based on concerns raised on how certain prospective student-athletes were gaining their NCAA eligibility, adopted legislation to provide for the review of high school and individual prospective student-athlete records in the initial eligibility process.

“The review of high schools in this process is an ongoing effort and future irregularities could result in further review. In addition, as part of the initial eligibility process, if irregularities exist in an individual prospective student-athlete’s record, that student-athlete’s record may be reviewed and invalidated.”