Statement on Feb. 15 ASM resolution

Associated Students of Madison, the student government at UW–Madison, passed a resolution Feb. 15 calling for a number of changes to admissions and financial aid policy. This resolution represents the views of ASM, not the university administration. While we share the students’ goal of increasing the number of underrepresented students on campus, we do not believe the methods that they’re suggesting are either legal or the best approach to accomplishing those goals.

UW-Madison is committed to expanding the diversity of our student body in all forms.  In the past several years, we have increased enrollment of students of color, while simultaneously expanding resources for student aid throughout the university through efforts like the $100 million Nicholas scholarship match and the $10 million Chancellor’s Scholars match.

We will continue to partner with students on these efforts.

Regarding the call for “test optional” admissions, Board of Regents Policy Document 7-3 stipulates that undergraduate admissions applications be accompanied with results from either the ACT or SAT.  These data points are just one of many factors considered under UW–Madison’s holistic admissions process that seeks to recognize and identify students with a diversity of experiences, leadership capabilities, and academic indicators of success and potential who would succeed at UW–Madison. That approach is consistent with other Big Ten universities and our national peers.