UC Academic Senate announces plan to review admissions policies

UC Academic Senate Chair Ahmet Palazoglu sent the following letter today, June 11, announcing the Academic Senate's Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) policies and partnerships roadmap, a formal process for reviewing admissions policies, including considering the use of standardized tests in the first-year admissions process and reviewing of UC's academic course requirements. Letter and policies can be viewed on the BOARS website here.

Dear Senate Colleagues,

In recent years, it has become clear that academic preparedness for college is a growing challenge. The widening gap in college readiness among high school graduates is not a new phenomenon but rather an ongoing issue, likely driven by many factors affecting admissions and students' academic success across the country.

The Academic Senate has been working with partners from across California's K-12 and higher education systems to better understand and support students' college readiness. The Senate's systemwide Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS), which oversees matters relating to undergraduate admissions, has been examining academic preparation challenges, student outcomes, and admissions practices for several years. While recent faculty concerns have drawn renewed attention to these issues, BOARS' work is designed to address these challenges in a changing educational landscape.

BOARS' efforts have resulted in a clear roadmap outlining how UC will undertake a comprehensive review of key admissions policies, specifically the role of standardized testing and the effectiveness of UC's college-preparatory framework, commonly known as the A-G subject requirements. Consistent with the University's tradition of shared governance between the administration and the faculty, I strongly support this approach and the deliberate, evidence-based study it requires. This work will be collaborative and informed by faculty expertise, campus and systemwide leaders, institutional research, engagement with K-12 and higher education partners, and input from other constituent groups with a vested interest in UC students.

Any proposed changes to UC's admissions requirements or processes will be subject to review by the Academic Senate, consultation with stakeholders, consideration by UC leadership, and ultimately, review and approval by the UC Board of Regents. Throughout this process, we will be guided by evidence and go where the data takes us.

I know we want every student admitted to UC to make the most of their college education. Our responsibility is to ensure that our policies and practices make that possible. I appreciate the passion, rigor, and commitment UC faculty bring in support of our students, and I look forward to the thoughtful discussions and outcomes this initiative will produce.

Sincerely,

Ahmet Palazoglu

Chair, Academic Council

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