January 22, 2007
CHANCELLOR TESTIFIES ON UW-MADISON ADMISSION PRACTICES
At a recent legislative hearing of the Legislative Council Special Committee on Affirmative Action, Chancellor John Wiley and Admissions Director Rob Seltzer talked about the admissions process in general and how race is one of many factors that are considered. Seltzer presented several facts about how the process works and made it clear to the committee that before any other factor is considered, academic qualification is looked at first. Chancellor Wiley added some additional perspective with data that shows which factors are the best predictors for success, and how non-academic factors play a big role in that. He also shared with the committee the importance of having a diverse campus and presented evidence that companies who recruit graduates are also looking for a diverse pool.
The data presented by the Chancellor and Seltzer is available at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lc/3_COMMITTEES/Special%20Committees/2006/AACT/index.htm
Also testifying at the hearing were UW System Interim Assistant Vice President for Academic Diversity and Development Vicki Washington and Assistant Vice President for Academic and Student Services Larry Rubin. They both discussed the diversity components of the Board or Regents admission policies, the educational and institutional benefits associated with racially-diverse student populations and how academic factors continue to be the most important consideration in the admissions decision. Their complete testimony is also available at the Legislative Council committee website.
REGENTS TO HOST EDUCATIONAL FORUM ON ADMISSIONS
The Board of Regents is scheduled to hold an Educational Forum on Jan. 29, from 4-
7 p.m. on the proposed revisions to the UW System admissions policy. The event will
originate from UW-Extension's Pyle Center on the UW-Madison campus, with
interactive video sites at UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay, UW-Stevens Point and UW-
Eau Claire. Live audio and video streaming will allow people to observe from any home
computer. It is hoped that at least one Regent will be at each of the five locations, along with
senior officials from the host campus. UW-Madison will have Provost Pat Farrell and
Associate Director of Admissions Tom Reason at the event.
LEGISLATION CIRCULATING
LRB 0147/2 (Rep. Jeskewitz) - Minimum grade requirements for students receiving state financial aid
This legislation would call for minimum grade requirements for those who receive state financial assistance, including tuition remission but excluding loans. Students who receive a grade lower than a C could have their financial aid withheld or be required to reimburse the funding agency.
LRB 1096/1 (Sen. Miller) - Embryonic Stem Cell Research
This legislation states that it is the policy of the state to permit research involving the derivation and use of human stem cells. The bill also requires that research involving human stem cells be approved by an institutional review board and a national oversight committee if state funds or resources are used to support the research.
For more information on state related issues contact,
Don Nelson or Kristi Thorson
Assistant Directors, State Relations
608/262-8967