September 25, 2000
UC president announces major admission proposal
By Terry Lightfoot
UC Office of the President
UC President Richard C. Atkinson issued the following statement last week regarding
a proposed plan for increasing educational opportunities at the University of California:
"Over the next decade, there will be a tremendous increase in the number of
students preparing to enter California higher education. UC is anticipating more
than 60,000 new students by 2010. This level of growth requires all sectors of higher
education to aggressively rethink how it serves the state.
"As the college-age population grows, I believe that the state and UC must be committed
to maintaining the viability of the California Master Plan for Higher Education,
which promises a high-quality, affordable college education to all California high
school graduates who seek one.
"Having a college-educated population is essential to our state. Students who
succeed at UC and other four-year institutions fuel our information-based economy.
As higher education institutions, we must continue to equip our young people with
the skills necessary to become leaders and engaged participants in a knowledge-based
society.
"The University of California has always sought creative and innovative ways
to increase educational opportunities for the next generation of Californians. I
believe that more must be done to recognize and reward high-achieving students from
all areas and backgrounds across the state.
"To meet this challenge of increasing demand for a college education and continue
to support the state's long-term needs, I am asking the Academic Senate to
consider a major change in UC's approach to eligibility and admission.
"I am proposing a new path for students to enter UC, in addition to graduating
in the top 12.5 percent statewide or the top 4 percent of their high school. This
path would grant admission to an additional 8.5 percent of top students from each
high school provided they satisfactorily complete a transfer program at a community
college.
"This proposed effort will in effect constitute a dual admission program that
strengthens our relations with the California Community Colleges and extends the
long-term viability of the Master Plan for Higher Education. Most importantly, it
will send a clear signal to students all over the state, from urban and rural schools,
from all ethnic groups and all socioeconomic groups, that they have a clear path
to a UC degree.
"This proposal will require thorough consideration and approval by our faculty.
Implementation will present many challenges in outreach, admissions management and
coordination of student services. However, the potential benefits justify grasping
this chance to increase educational opportunities for more of the state's students."
More information:
- Go to Q&A on Atkinson's proposal
- Read letter to the Academic Council
- Read letter by the Regents chairman
- Flowchart: Paths to UC Admission (pdf document)
- Read about the partnership agreement with Governor Gray Davis
