The National Collegiate Athletic Association's recent decision to reveal member schools' athlete graduation rates is a welcome reform, which should ensure student-athletes quality study time as well as playing time.

Proposed to make sure coaches leave ample study time for athletes in between practices, Proposition 24 will go into effect for Division I schools -- like Penn State -- in 1991. Division II schools will be included in 1994.

The proposal was one among several reforms passed by the NCAA. Another reform entailed cutting the number of spring football practice days, which emphasizes the importance of academics.

The University has released its graduation rates for years. Coach Joe Paterno has said releasing graduation rates can double as a recruiting tool, attracting athletes interested in academics. Moreover, prospective recruits have a right to know what kind of experience to expect.

The NCAA rule has the proper intent, that of keeping a balance between academics and athletics. Athletes can take the proposal as a message that academic excellence is as important as athletic excellence.

Further, the proposal was created not just to bolster a school's reputation. It ensures that the high percentage of student-athletes not entering professional sports will be well prepared for other career choices.

But the proposal should not invite individual schools to push athletes through classes or provide them with unethical academic advantages in order to meet a graduation schedule.

Colleges and universities may need to take extra care that athletes with busy schedules have access to the best academic resources possible, such as quality advising. Some schools may need to increase monitoring methods. Obviously some will need to cut practice and meeting time.

But the intent of the rule is clear: to keep a balance in a situation that can easily fall off center. Rules such as Proposition 24, coupled with proper enforcement, will help make sure the "college" stays in college athletics.