A Holistic Review Process

Election years are often filled with hope, anticipation and anxiety. This year was no exception. In addition to the obvious Presidential and congressional contests, several states had ballot initiatives for their voters to consider as well. Here in Colorado, Amendment 46, if passed, would have directly impacted higher education. Amendment 46 was designed to eliminate race and gender preferences in admissions to public universities. Backed by Ward Connerly who successfully advocated for similar ballot initiatives in California and Michigan, Amendment 46 was defeated 51% to 49%.

Affirmative action is a slippery slope, and I'm not here to discuss affirmative action policy in detail. I will, however, advocate for a holistic review of college applications. In short, some individuals feel that colleges and universities lower their standards through their affirmative action policies whereas others feel that affirmative action policies are necessary to correct historic wrongs and to promote diversity. Over the years, I've seen a growing number of colleges and universities gravitate toward a holistic review process in lieu of affirmative action policies and student enrollment quotas. At Fort Lewis College, we implemented a holistic process for this year's admission cycle, and it seems to be working well. Our holistic approach reaffirms our commitment to admitting students who are capable of succeeding in college and who are appropriate matches for our community of learners. The goal of admitting any student is to ensure his or her success. Typically, there is a direct correlation between academic aptitude (measured by GPA and test scores) and one’s academic persistence and success. It does not do anyone any favors to bring an ill-equipped student to a college campus. Through the holistic approach, we have a better understanding of a student's fit for our academic community.

In general, colleges should encourage academically capable, intellectually curious, mature and open-minded students to apply for admission. Across the country, student bodies are extremely diverse, possessing a multitude of different educational, cultural, and personal talents. Colleges should actively ensure that their study bodies are representative of the country as a whole and provide their students with the opportunity to interact with students who have different academic, political, cultural and economic outlooks.

I see great benefit to evaluating applicants on an individual basis, especially when a variety of factors such as applicant’s grades, class rank, number of completed academic units, ACT/SAT scores, extracurricular activities and personal talents are considered. Rather than relying solely on GPAs and test scores, colleges and universities should use highly personalized admission review process, one that stays true to the mission of the institution. Colleges should aim to provide pathways for success for all of their students. Simply put, the fiduciary responsibility of any college to ensure their students' success.