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Faculty symposium presents possible vision of open admissions future

Students, faculty and distinguished guests flooded the seats of the Nursing Auditorium to further understand the vision of the preferred future. Due to the change of venue the Inaugural Faculty Symposium last Friday, the event location was changed from Grambling Hall, due to the lack of seat capacity.

The theme of the event was “Open Admissions and the Historical Mission of Black Colleges and Universities. Esteemed individuals came together to this special event to discuss this volatile issue that directly affects the potential success of the students that attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The moderator, dean of College of Science and Technology at Grambling State University, Dr. Connie Walton, introduced the issue with grace and elegance.

The panel presented avenues that were taken in order to increase the student enrollment into predominately black institutes. Associate Dean in the School of Social and Behavior Science, from Jackson State University, Dr. Mary Coleman discussed the efforts taken by the University to incorporate individuals who had fallen below the state standard for general enrollment.

The “Acuplacer” is a test that is given to students who do not meet the requirements of the ACT or SAT, and is considered the back door of admissions. With the passing of the “Acuplacer” with at least a D average, they will be placed in remedial classes at the university. If the student maintains a 2.0 G.P.A. they will be able to stay at the university.

Tests similar to the “Acuplacer” are placed in the system to encourage the development of under developed students. Giving the student the privilege of providing education to those who were unable to receive a four-year institution education prior to the incorporation of the test.

A common underlying theme is the embracing of core values: tradition, positive societal values, and learning. It is stressed that experiential learning essential for the achieving the highest potential of learning. The symposium’s main objective is to raise the awareness of the importance of preparing students for the greatest success.

To raise the consciousness of the faculty.

To enhance capacity of the student’s knowledge and improve their potential to achieve the highest and most honorable level of success academically and socially.

To teach the faculty that once the student receives the affirmation of their worth it will improve and aid in their collegiate progress.

Dr. Donald C. Peters, former Vice President of Dr. Judson, at the State University of New York, says, “he is student centered…Judson has built an International Center that has increased the minority enrollment from 37 to 450 students?.” Running a university is difficult and a leader must be dynamic because the operation of an institution is far from static.

Extreme measures to improve the university are taking place and the man who is leading us into the future is President Horace A. Judson. Mahmound Lamadanie believes he has the ability to revitalize, strengthen, and reclaim the legacy for Grambling State University.

The overall message? It matters not if the admissions of an institution is closed or open but if the student has the greatest opportunity to succeed in the environment.