ASTON, Pa. - The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) announced on Wednesday, October 17, that Immaculata University is the 2011-12 recipient of the CSAC Institutional Academic Excellence Award. The award is given annually to the institution whose student-athletes, while competing in CSAC-sponsored sports, achieve the highest combined grade point average for that academic year. The Mighty Macs earned the award after achieving a grade point average of 3.250 for the 2011-12 academic year.
 
“We are truly proud of our student-athletes, who have clearly demonstrated their ability to manage their time so successfully,” said Immaculata University President Sister R. Patricia Fadden, IHM. “I congratulate our student-athletes, their coaches, and their teachers for making this award possible.”  
 
For the 2011-12 year, 144 Immaculata student-athletes were named CSAC All-Academic, achieved by earning a grade point average of 3.20 or higher during their season of varsity competition.

Immaculata's women's basketball, field hockey and volleyball teams were also cited for its academic excellence by the respective coaches associations. Additionally, five student-athletes were selected to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team in their sport.
 
For the CSAC Institutional Academic Excellence Award, all students who use a season of eligibility, as defined by the NCAA, are included in the institution's grade point average calculation. Institutional grade point averages are calculated by using the total quality points of all credits attempted by student-athletes during the academic year. The grade point average of student-athletes who do a study-abroad semester during the academic year are calculated in the same manner in which the institution calculates all grade point averages for students studying abroad. Institutional grade point averages are calculated and certified by the registrar of each institution.
 
This marks the first time in the award's four-year history in which Immaculata has been honored. Previous winners include Cairn University (2010-11) and Cedar Crest College (2008-09, 2009-10).