UC Diversity Programs

Kenneth Rogers’ Commentary piece “Don’t Lower the Bar--Elevate the Students” (March 10) ignores the facts about the success of University of California diversity programs and continues to perpetuate a myth that UC turns away qualified students. This only serves to increase tension at a time when informed dialogue should be paramount.

Thanks in part to university programs to help students develop academically, UC graduation rates for African American, Chicano and Latino students have increased, as have the rates for all UC students. In fact, the graduation rates for African American, Chicano and Latino students surpass the rates for all students at colleges such as the University of Washington, University of Colorado and University of Texas.

Rogers claims UC is weakening its admission standards. In fact, the university increased its admission requirements five times in the past 12 years, including twice since 1992. To be eligible for UC, students, regardless of ethnicity, must meet high academic standards. More than 95% of the freshmen meet the requirements. UC’s fall 1994 freshman class had an average high school G.P.A. equivalent to an A-minus, and an average score on college entrance exams of approximately 1,100, about 20% higher than the national average.

UC admits by exception some students who do not meet the requirements. These students, from all ethnic backgrounds, usually total less than 5% of the entering freshmen. They may be disadvantaged economically or educationally--their high school may not have offered a required college preparatory course. They may have worked to help support their family. They may have demonstrated exceptional ability in areas such as music or athletics.

Rogers claims that UC has turned away many qualified non-minority applicants. This is a myth. The truth is the university provides a place at one of its campuses for all California high school seniors who are eligible and wish to attend.

DENNIS GALLIGANI

Assistant Vice President

Student Academic Services

University of California, Oakland