The two University of Wisconsin athletic teams that achieved academic honors from the NCAA Thursday deserve praise for their hard work.

The men’s cross-country and women’s volleyball teams both won public recognition awards from the NCAA’s Academic Performance Program. What is problematic, though, is that four fewer Wisconsin teams received the award this year than last year.

The Academic Performance Program is part of the NCAA’s academic reform package to increase academic performance and graduation rates.

Although the NCAA gave out fewer awards this year and may have raised its standards, the large drop in awards given to Wisconsin athletes is still indicative of a problem.

Wisconsin has been known for both strong academic and athletic performances from all of its athletes, and while nationwide recognition is not the only measure of excellence, it is important the Badgers continue their focus on academics.

After recently introducing the Life Skills Academy to aid incoming athletes, the athletic department must ensure the academic services for student athletes are at the same level as their training.

It may be unrealistic to expect more conspicuous athletes to match their academic accomplishments to their achievements on the field, but the athletic department should be able to produce academically sound athletes.

Especially for lesser-known sports, the majority of student athletes do not continue playing after graduation. Therefore, a strong undergraduate academic performance is necessary for post-graduate success.

The NCAA Academic Performance Program is a good way for the university to measure the academic success of its athletes, just as the university relies on national polls and rankings to gauge athletic achievement.

For an institution that places so much pride on academic and athletic success, the UW athletic department must take the drop in awards as an opportunity to improve academic aid for student athletes.