Regents approve updated admissions policy

Every applicant who wants to be a student in the UW System will receive a comprehensive, individualized admissions review – a practice long used by UW–Madison – under an updated policy approved last week by the Board of Regents. “Every applicant deserves our consideration as a whole person,” said UW System President Kevin P. Reilly.

The change updates and consolidates UW System admissions policies, some of which date back more than 30 years. The policy makes clear that academic achievements are the most important factors in admissions decisions and preserves long—standing minimum academic requirements. It also makes clear that UW campuses admit students who are likely to succeed at the university and who will both benefit from and contribute to the educational environment.

Through a comprehensive, or “holistic,” admissions review, admissions officers first consider a potential student’s academic achievements. Applications from qualified students are also reviewed for evidence of leadership and/or community service, if an applicant is a military veteran, returning adult or nontraditional student, as well as socioeconomic background and status as a member of a historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group.

The board will review the admissions policy every five years to ensure that the language remains current and applicable. Contrary to the claims of the policy’s critics, including Rep. Steve Nass, regents were also reminded that the policy would meet state and federal law.

In a presentation to the board’s Education Committee, Chancellor John Wiley said he has heard from corporate recruiters for years that UW needs to be aware of why a diverse student body is important.

“Diversity is vitally important for their company, for their competitiveness, for their creativity,” he said. “We are important suppliers of human resources to them. If we can’t do a better job, they will look elsewhere.” More information is available online.