Presidents of NCAA colleges and universities were...

Presidents of NCAA colleges and universities were urged to support a proposal requiring disclosure of graduation rates among athletes as an alternative to a government-mandated program.

Sen. Bill Bradley (D.-N.J.) and Rep. Tom McMillen (D-Md.) are sponsoring legislation that would require colleges to disclose how many of their athletes graduate.

James Whalen, chairman of the American Council on Education board of directors, said federal intrusion would “set a very dangerous precedent and would open a door that we will never be able to close again.”

Whalen has also asked for a favorable vote on a proposal to shorten football and basketball seasons. The proposals are up for approval at the NCAA annual meeting Jan. 7-9.