elinko@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

CMU Director of Institutional Research Sonia Brandon and Vice President of Academic Affairs Carol Futhey made their case as to why the university’s admissions index should be raised at ASG’s general assembly Wednesday.

“We’re trying to better align the institution’s admission policy with who our students are,” Futhey said.

The admissions index, which rates students based on their high school GPA and standardized test scores, is currently 85. According to the results of an institutional research study led by Brandon, 99 percent of the 1,423 students admitted during the 2011-2012 school year met the current standard at 85.

The study also showed that students with the highest retention rates (staying at CMU and graduating) that were admitted in 2007, 2008, and 2009, had an index score of at least 92.

Currently, students admitted with index scores between 76 and 84 are admitted into a provisional baccalaureate program, which provides extra advising for students who can move into a regular baccalaureate program after meeting certain requirements. Students admitted that had an index score below 76 were redirected for admission to WCCC.

The study also showed that students with index scores between 85 and 91 are struggling with meeting credit and GPA requirements. If changes are made according to the current proposal, students with index scores of 92 and up will be admitted to baccalaureate programs, students with scores between 80 and 91 will be admitted to the provisional baccalaureate program, and students with scores 79 and under will be redirected for admission to WCCC.

“There are some stark differences in terms of how students perform at the various levels, we simply are trying with this policy to get students into the most appropriate entry points so they can get sufficient assistance,” Brandon said.

Brandon and Futhey said CMU’s primary competitors in Colorado such as UNC and CSU have similar admission standards, and could eventually further interest from prospective students.

ASG forums will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Grand Mesa Multipurpose room and 5 p.m. Wednesday in Houston Hall room 104 to gather student feedback concerning the proposals, and following proceedings will be tasked with formulating a plan for changes.