INDIANAPOLIS --- As part of its continuing effort to ensure the integrity of academic credentials used by high schools in the initial eligibility process, the High School Review staff at the NCAA Eligibility Center has issued a “not cleared” decision for Laurinburg Institute in Laurinburg, North Carolina.  As a result, core courses, grades and graduation from Laurinburg Institute will not be used when determining prospective student-athletes’ initial eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics.

    During the 2006-07 and 2007-08 academic years, the Eligibility Center staff reviewed Laurinburg Institute’s curriculum, class schedules, teacher schedules, quality control practices and enrollment figures. The review also included two in-person site visits. The review identified several areas of concern, including quality control and curriculum.

    The school was notified of these and other concerns and given an opportunity to respond to the specific issues; however, the written response provided by school officials failed to sufficiently address the irregularities and deficiencies of Laurinburg Institute identified by the Eligibility Center staff.

    Students currently enrolled for the 2008-09 academic year may have their individual academic records reviewed through the initial-eligibility process. A determination will be made regarding their NCAA initial-eligibility status based on this review.

    Laurinburg Institute may appeal this decision to the NCAA High School Review Committee, a committee consisting of members from the collegiate and secondary education communities. 

    The high school review process was created after presidents from several NCAA member institutions raised concerns about the legitimacy of high school academic credentials presented by some incoming student-athletes.  In response, presidents in Divisions I and II adopted legislation to provide for the review of high schools and individual prospective student-athletes records in the initial-eligibility process.