Diversity, as it relates to higher education, encompasses a broad range of social and political issues. One of the most divisive and pervasive topics is race-based admissions. With the changing nature of student demographics, higher education is at a crossroads, and upcoming legal decisions will have repercussions on campuses across the country.
Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin
During its 2015-16 term, the United States Supreme Court will once again review the constitutionality of the University of Texas’ admissions policy—which considers race as one factor of its holistic admissions process—to create a diverse student body that benefits the entire university.
The announcement by the Supreme Court brings even more importance to a timely report on “Race, Class, and College Access: Achieving Diversity in a Changing Legal Landscape.” Developed by ACE’s Center for Policy Research and Strategy, in partnership with the Civil Rights Project at UCLA and the Center for College & Career Success in Pearson’s Research and Innovation Network, and with support from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), the College Board and EducationCounsel, the report examines how legal challenges to race-conscious admissions are influencing contemporary admissions practices at selective colleges and universities around the country.
Representatives from the American Council on Education and Pearson will discuss the report and its implications during the Tuesday morning plenary presentation at AACRAO’s 25th Annual Strategic Enrollment Management Conference. Lorelle L. Espinosa is Assistant Vice President for the Center for Policy Research and Strategy at the American Council on Education and manages its research agenda. Matthew N. Gaertner is a senior research scientist in the Center for College and Career Success at Pearson. His research focuses on the effects of educational policies and reforms—at both the postsecondary and K-12 levels — on student access, persistence, and achievement.
There’s More to Discover at the SEM Conference
In addition to this plenary presentation, the SEM Conference will feature a panel discussion from leaders in the community college sector, and guidance from seasoned chief enrollment management officers. Read more about our featured speakers.
AACRAO's SEM conference presents the most comprehensive and current information and training for managing student enrollments available anywhere. With sessions led by experienced, successful enrollment managers, you and your team will have access to the latest and most developed thoughts and practices on what works in enrollment management for today's volatile enrollment landscape. Join us November 1-4 in Hollywood, Florida. Registration is open and the hotel is accepting reservations.