Conference USA is committed to academic excellence. We play a vital role in encouraging an environment of and setting high expectations for academic success. C-USA's Academic Awards program honors the academic achievements of C-USA student-athletes and publicly recognizes their accomplishments at the conference level.
Institutional Academic Excellence Award | Past Winners
Awarded to the institution with the highest overall student-athlete GPA in Conference sponsored sports.
Sport Academic Award | Past Winners
Awarded to the team in each Conference sponsored sport with the highest GPA for the current academic year.
Commissioner's Honor Roll | Past Winners
Awarded to student-athletes in Conference sponsored sports that have achieved a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above.
Commissioner's Academic Medal | Past Winners
Awarded to student-athletes in Conference sponsored sports that have achieved a 3.75 cumulative GPA or above.
Scholar Athlete Award | Past Winners
Awarded to the top student-athlete in each Conference sponsored sport as determined by the Faculty Athletics Representatives. The award is based on academic achievement (GPA - 3.0 or better), athletic achievement and service.
Jim Castañeda Postgraduate Scholarships | Past Winners
Twelve awards of $4,000 each for graduates of each academic year. The Faculty Athletic Representatives will determine the recipients at the Conference's Spring meetings. At least two awards must go to women and two to men. Recipients of the Conference USA post-graduate scholarships must enroll in a graduate program within three years of receipt of the award.
All-Academic Teams
Conference USA selects an All-Academic team in each Conference sponsored sport. The set of requirements for each team varies slightly, however each student-athlete must have a 3.2 cumulative GPA or better, should be a starter or key reserve and at least a sophomore standing in school. The team is determined through a vote by the league's Sports Information Directors.
Conference USA selects a male and female Athlete of the Year at the end of the academic year. The award is based solely on athletic achievement during an academic year and the winners are determined through a vote by the league's Athletic Directors.
The Conference USA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee recognizes a coach that is committed to fostering student-athlete development and welfare through a positive athletic and academic atmosphere.
The conference sponsors a Sportsmanship Award in all sports. This award is given to student-athletes, coaches or teams that perform an individual act of sporting behavior or generally conduct themselves with a high degree of good sportsmanship. Individuals and teams can be nominated by any staff member of a C-USA institution or the conference office.
Conference USA conducts an annual survey of missed school days for athletics participation.
