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| Admissions affected by diversity |
by
Ashley Hawks
Contributing Writer |
Decisions by
the U.S. Supreme Court in two Michigan affirmative action
cases have little effect on admission policies at Appalachian
State University.
The recent decision deemed racial quotas
unconstitutional, but allowed room for public universities
to find ways to take race into consideration when admitting
students.
The court upheld the University of Michigan law school’s
policy of looking at race when reviewing admission applications.
In a separate decision, the court struck down Michigan’s
point system which automatically awarded 20 extra points to
an individual from an under represented group.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity Dr. Harry Williams
works to increase diversity among students, faculty and staff.
“This decision is so major in terms of higher education
and in terms of diversity,” Williams said.
Appalachian currently uses race along with other variables
when considering perspective students, Williams said. Students
are assessed based upon their academic record and extracurricular
activities.
Director of admissions Paul Hiatt said achievement is the
best indicator of success but leadership experiences that
are multidimensional are also important.
Appalachian received a record number of applications for the
2003 fall term. Of over 10,000 applicants 2,475 students will
Appalachian for the fall term, and between 8 to 9 percent
of the incoming students will be from underrepresented groups.
“Diversity is important to our university. In order for
us to be the best university we must have a diverse student
body,” Hiatt said. “Every person brings important
characteristics to the university and diversity improves education.”
Appalachian is continuously working hard to increase diversity
on campus, he said.
“Attracting students from underrepresented groups is
one of our biggest challenges,” Hiatt said. “We
feel very good about our admissions process and we evaluate
every applicant based on the same important criteria.”
“We do not believe in trying to get someone up here just
because, we want students here because they want to be here,”
Williams said.
Appalachian currently sponsors guidance counselor workshops
and offers diversity scholarships to help increase diversity.
The university has implemented a diversity council, which
helps and assists the university in its multicultural student
recruitment and marketing efforts.
“I think we are doing an excellent job in terms of our
efforts and what we are trying to do,” Williams said. |
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