WSU expects incoming students to know how to read and write before admission

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Wayne State University officials have unveil a proposed tougher new admissions policy that is expected to reduce the student population by about 5 percent.

Under the proposal to be presented to the Board of Governors, incoming freshmen in 2013 would be evaluated on their entire academic record, along with an essay, instead of the current policy of using a student's grade point average and ACT score for determining admissions.

The university, meanwhile, said it plans to subsidize on-campus housing for students who face academic challenges so they can learn math, English and study skills for eight weeks in the summer and be prepared when the academic year begins.

“The NAACP has always advocated for access to quality education,” says Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President, Detroit Branch NAACP. “These proposed changes to Wayne State’s undergraduate admission policy are a great concern for us. We know that having a quality, affordable college education is necessary for the next generation to be successful, contributing members of our society. Education is the great equalizer to overcoming poverty, disenfranchisement and breaking down barriers.”

Officials said they plan to step up their recruitment of minority students from Detroit and surrounding communities to address concerns. "We've been here since 1868 and we will continue to do our best to offer to the broadest spectrum of students we can," said Patrick Lindsey, WSU vice president for government and community affairs.

"Our goal will be to make sure that students who are in our programs are able to be successful. It's not successful when a student spends any time here, leaves saddled with debt and is unable to obtain a degree or skills that are going to give them a career that will provide a family-sustaining or prevailing wage. We just want to ensure that students are successful." Rob Kohrman, WSU associate vice president of budget, planning and analysis, also comments in the story.