The University of Hawaii was sixth among the nine Western Athletic Conference schools in overall graduation of its athletes, according to the latest NCAA study released yesterday.

Overall, Manoa athletes who entered the school between 2000 and ’03 graduated at a 69 percent rate, UH’s highest standing in the six years of the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate study.

The NCAA measures results in rolling four-year blocks that allow up to six years for graduation. While schools might be docked scholarships for deficiencies in the NCAA Academic Performance Rating announced in the spring, the GSR is more of a status check and reminder.

The 69 percent rate was two percentage points higher than the previous best last year but 10 points below the national average.

"From my perspective, we are not where we want to be, but we continue to improve, trending upward," said UH athletic director Jim Donovan.

He said "the GSR is one of several indicators we use to show where we stand," but said the GSR does not allow UH to gain credit for athletes who transfer and graduate from other institutions as some other studies allow.

At UH, the women’s volleyball team and women’s basketball teams ranked the highest in their sports in the WAC at 93 and 92 percent, respectively.

Football was the second lowest in the WAC at 46 percent. Only San Jose State at 42 percent was lower. Utah State at 71 percent was the pacesetter.