During the past two years, the University of New Mexico reached out to communities statewide to develop new admission standards giving all students access with support to succeed. On Monday, March 8, UNM’s board of regents will vote on a proposal emphasizing students’ preparation in high school, rewarding rigorous coursework and continuing to de-emphasize standardized test scores. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. in SUB Ballroom C.
The proposal would gradually increase the required grade point average from 2.25 to 2.5 and increase curriculum requirements from 13 to 16 units. Changes would be phased in over three years, beginning no earlier than fall 2011. UNM will work with schools to ensure that necessary coursework is available and to help students and families understand how to prepare for college success.
Last fall, UNM advertised in newspapers across New Mexico to invite comments on the proposed admission standards. The proposal evolved with input from current and prospective students, faculty, staff, school counselors and administrators statewide, tribal leadership and community organizations. It has been endorsed by the All Indian Pueblo Council, New Mexico Public Education Department and Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and approved by the UNM Faculty Senate.
No New Mexico beginning freshman would be denied admission to UNM under the proposed plan. Those that meet the requirements would be admitted to the Albuquerque campus, while students who need more preparation would be admitted to UNM through the Gateway Program to begin at branch campuses, Central New Mexico Community College or other state community colleges. Gateway participants are considered UNM students and are eligible to live in UNM campus housing, participate in student activities, and receive enhanced advising and communication.
The proposed standards reflect research at UNM and nationally indicating that high school grades are the best predictor of on-time graduation. UNM data reveals a six percent increase in retention for those admitted with a 2.5 high school G.P.A. compared to a 2.25 G.P.A. Additionally, a study by the United States Department of Education found that completing 16 college preparatory units increases graduation rates by six percent over 13 units. The effect has been found to be particularly great among Latino students.
The proposal encourages students to take advanced courses by using a weighted G.P.A. applied by UNM Admissions – a more equitable, consistent system than accepting a weighted G.P.A. determined differently by individual high schools.
The continued de-emphasis of test scores in favor of curriculum and G.P.A. aligns with the university’s commitment to access and diversity, since this approach has less of an impact on underrepresented populations. The Board of Regents meeting is open and the public is welcome.
For more information, visit Admission Requirement Proposal.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu