I just lost a star to start my second season. I did have about 5 players leave early for the draft (I didn't pay much attention to it since they were at positions where the backups should be ready to step in, but maybe I should have?) and a player or two suspended for academic issues during the season, but it would be nice to know for certain what to look for to keep this rating up. I've been suspending players for more than the CPU recommends since my NCAA interest bar also started out really high so I doubt it's because I was too lenient towards academic impropriety. I don't want to be the man who runs my alma mater's reputation into the ground!
Should I not cut upperclassmen who just aren't improving and have been usurped by those who have more eligibility? Basing the academic prestige on the awareness of your new recruits is really a pretty dumb way to do it, but it wouldn't really surprise me since this is EA.