The Student Senate is in favor of increased University admissions standards, according to a resolution it approved Wednesday.
The resolution supports the Faculty Senate’s measure proposing higher grade point averages and standardized test scores for freshmen entering in fall 2005.
The increased standards require a 3.0 high school GPA, 21 on the ACT and 18 high school units of college-preparatory work. The ACT score and high school units are on a sliding scale, meaning if students have higher test scores, they can be admitted with fewer college-prep classes.
“This will cause high school students to take their high school education more seriously,” said Sen. Robert Richey, the resolution’s co-author. “And if they really want to attend the state’s flagship institution, they need to take that seriously.”
Sens. Jerry Fisher, Eric Ducote and others urged senators to approve the resolution unanimously, but a handful opposed the measure.
“I think a 3.0 is too much, too soon,” said Sen. Jessica Wainwright. “It would create an elitist setting at LSU.”
Wainwright suggested a 2.8 minimum GPA would be more appropriate.
Sen. Michael Busada said the 2005 freshman class members are sophomores in high school right now, and those students may not have time to meet the admissions requirements before graduation.
“I don’t think it’s fair to change the rules of the game right in the middle of the game,” Busada said.
He suggested the Senate change the resolution so it would take effect for the 2006 freshman class. But because the resolution simply supports Faculty Senate’s admissions standards, the Student Senate could not change the figures.
Those who supported the resolution argued that raising admissions standards would increase the value of University degrees and help graduates get better jobs.
Fisher said the “pedigree” of a university is important. Raising admissions standards raises that pedigree.
“This is probably the only type of elitism that I will openly sanction,” Fisher said.
Others said increasing GPA and test score requirements is long overdue.
“I think LSU should stand out as the shining star of Louisiana, and to do that we need to raise admissions standards,” said Sen. Jason Wesley.
In other business, the Senate appointed Lauren Hayter as Student Government executive secretary and accepted her resignation, from the Senate.