While the University of North Carolina football team has been hammered for its academics or lack thereof, and some apparent bogus African-American studies classes, six UNC athletic programs are among those honored Friday by the NCAA with public recognition awards for ranking among the top 10 percent nationally in Academic Progress Rates for its student-athletes.

UNC has the fourth-most programs ranked in the top 10 percent of their respective sports among Atlantic Coast Conference schools. Carolina’s women’s cross country, women’s fencing, women’s golf, gymnastics, men’s swimming and diving and volleyball teams rank in the top 10 percent nationally in the APR.

The award highlights programs that demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and retention of student-athletes by achieving the top APRs within their respective sports.

The APR is a multi-year score that measures a team’s academic success by tracking the progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation. This year’s award is based on the 2010-11 academic year.