Higher education continues to wrestle with the ramifications of recent Supreme Court decisions that challenge race-conscious admissions policies. As colleges and universities consider how to proceed, evidence is mounting that holistic admissions practices may support important access and equity goals.
In June of 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stern warning in its ruling in Fisher v. University of Texas: Universities may consider race in admissions, but only after evaluating the effectiveness of “workable-race neutral alternatives.” Ten months later in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, the Court upheld Michigan voters’ decision to ban race-conscious admissions at public universities. The Court's rulings did not occur in a vacuum. Since 1996, eight states have established bans on race-conscious policies through a mix of public referenda, legislation, and executive orders.
Institutions of higher education already have options for pursuing the class that they desire and will likely develop others. One current practice already in use at many universities is holistic admissions, which incorporates noncognitive variables during admissions assessments.
Noncognitive variables and student success
Holistic admissions policies have been common among undergraduate institutions for a long time. Underpinning the adoption of holistic admissions is its strong correlation to students’ academic success, persistence, and graduation rates. Institutions that positively engage in measuring a student’s noncognitive variables have experienced significant gains in selecting and predicting successful students regardless of incoming grade point average or SAT/ACT scores.
A recent report issued by the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities and the Association of American Medical Colleges found that holistic admissions has been widely adopted in health fields as well. For example, the report found that more than 90 percent of medical schools and nearly half of nursing bachelor’s programs are using holistic admissions. Although the Common Application announced recently that it would no longer require that member colleges use holistic admissions for undergraduate programs, the interest in incorporating noncognitive variable continues to expand.
Holistic admissions and SEM
On October 27, William Sedlacek from the University of Maryland College Park; Michele Sandlin, AACRAO Consulting; and Connie Tingson-Gatuz, Madonna University participated in a fascinating session on the effective use of noncognitive variables at AACRAO’s 24th Annual Strategic Enrollment Management Conference at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles.
The holistic approach holds immense promise for admissions officers seeking to provide more robust assessments of potential students and to admit interesting students who will contribute to the campus community in meaningful ways. Sedlacek has developed a noncognitive assessment method that can complement current academic assessment measures. This method results in a fair, practical, ethical, and legal assessment of students’ ability to succeed in college.
The eight specific noncognitive variables to consider (which traditional assessments focused on standardized tests ignore) are:
1. Positive self concept- Demonstrates confidence, strength of character, determination and independence.
2. Realistic self appraisal- Recognizes and accepts any strengths and deficiencies, especially academic, and works hard at self development.
3. Understands and knows how to handle the system- Exhibits a realistic view of the system based upon personal experiences and is committed to improving the existing system.
4. Prefers long-range to short-term goals or immediate needs- Able to respond to deferred gratification; plans ahead, and sets goals.
5. Availability of strong support person - Seeks and takes advantage of strong support network.
6. Successful leadership experience- Demonstrates strong leadership in organizations.
7. Demonstrated community service – Identifies with a community, is involved in community work.
8. Non-traditional learning – Learns from experiences outside the classroom that correlate with success in school.
Survey: Your participation is critical
Adopting holistic admissions practices is just one possible tactic that institutions can use to maintain or enhance diversity on their campuses. Admissions directors and enrollment leaders are undoubtedly considering others, but these efforts are understandably closely guarded secrets.
To get a better idea about current trends, ACE, AACRAO and other collaborative partners are looking to admissions officers and enrollment leaders to participate in a confidential survey. This survey will form the backbone of the research effort we plan to share within our community, so participation is critical. Study participants will receive an early embargoed copy of the study and will be invited to participate in dissemination activities including release convenings in the summer of 2015. Please take part by visiting www.acenet.edu/admissionssurvey or email admissionssurvey@acenet.edu.
For more than 20 years, AACRAO's SEM Conference has been the leading venue for investigating the most pressing SEM issues affecting higher education. Save the date for AACRAO's 25th Annual SEM Conference, which will take place November 1-4, 2015, at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, FL.