Every year, students, admissions counselors, state legislators and Michigan residents debate whether state high school graduates should gain admissions preferences over out-of-state applicants to state-funded universities and colleges. This issue emerges annually during the Legislature's debate - which often focuses on the University - on state funding for Michigan's 15 public colleges and universities.
Historically, the University is comprised of about one third out-of-state and two thirds in-state students. This is based on an unofficial guideline that dates back to the tenure of former University president Robben Fleming in the late 1960s, who suggested these breakdowns.
Currently, there are no quotas limiting the number of admissions of in-state or out-of-state students to the University. But since the University receives state funding, the Legislature has given the University a list of suggestions and requirements along with its budget appropriation. This addditional paperwork suggests that the University should work hard to recruit and admit qualified Michigan students. But the Legislature has stopped short of setting a quota; something that should never be an issue.
The University takes pride in its diverse student body. One of the main reasons for such diversity on campus is that admissions are based upon individual merit rather than on a basis of a quota system. This puts out-of-state students on level terms with their in-state counterparts. Setting up a quota for out-of-state admissions would deter the number of out-of-state applicants, and more important, could seriously affect the strength and diversity of the student body. This could harm the reputation of the University as many would-be applicants turn their focus to other universities, where they know they would be considered on their individual merits rather than on uneven grounds brought about by a state-imposed quota system.
In addition to the damage done to reputation, the University's academic competitiveness could also be affected. One of the reasons the University is competitive with many leading colleges and universities is because of its strong student body that raises the standards within the University. With less academic diversity, the student body could be weakened and campus's high standards might be significantly reduced, resulting in a less competitive academic environment.
While the state-imposed quota system could assist in-state students in admissions, these students could later be affected financially. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition, and if a quota is established that reduces the size of this group, it could threaten the University's finances. This could then increase the financial burden of in-state students.
The most important reason that there should not be a quota, however, is that the University's autonomy would be undermined. If admission quotas were set for the University by the state Legislature, questions could be raised over who really runs the University - the Legislature or the University Board of Regents. A university so rich in tradition needs to be autonomous. A quota system aimed solely at the University would hinder, rather than enhance the academic community of the University.
Non-profit organizations are bound to struggle. While most people support the concept of an establishment that aids the community, not everyone supports the cause financially or through volunteer work. Thus, the process of raising money toward a goal is slow and arduous. So when one of these agencies faces a situation in which aid becomes even more scarce than usual, an extraordinary amount of work is necessary to make a worthwhile impact.
Since 1996, the Washtenaw United Way has been battling vigorously to rebound from problems involving a former president's corruption. The most recent campaign began almost five weeks ago, with both a new president and a new board. The 1998 campaign represents a changed image for the United Way - one with a reassuring degree of integrity and an impressive drive for success. Laminated cards given to all volunteers and donors list the positive changes that have been made and those that are in the near future, including significant cuts in overhead, an increase in funding and a concept of community participation in decision-making. The cards also reminds those involved of a shift back to the agency's original focus - raising money for a number of local non-profit organizations. As far as the moral integrity of the management and the drive to succeed among those involved with the campaign are concerned, the United Way appears to be back on track.
The process, however, is still experiencing repercussions from 1996. Although reports from individual campaigns are showing significant improvements from last year, there still appears to be some mistrust from potential donors. Notably, the campaign at the University - based within the College of Literature, Science and the Arts - is showing only limited success.
Although a certain degree of apprehension from community members would be understandable and even expected after what happened two years ago, it by no means should be used as an excuse not to donate to or volunteer for a worthy cause. Those who were responsible for the financial mismanagement are no longer involved; those who have recently become involved are struggling to right the wrongs. But their efforts are being undermined by the shadow of their predecessors' actions. Now should be the time to increase donations to encourage the rebuilding process, not to hesitate as a result of misgivings caused by past incidents. Those who have convinced themselves that the United Way is no longer a worthy cause should re-evaluate the situation looking at the current campaign, not the dishonesty they remember.
To donate is to willingly give one's money to extraordinary causes without directly receiving anything in return. Therefore, to discover one's hard-earned dollars are being subject to extortion causes a person to feel upset and violated. But the fact is that the United Way is once again an honest, worthwhile cause - one that is deserving of this community's support. The limited success of some individual campaigns, especially that of the University, suggests that a number of people are more focused on the past than on the current reality. A good cause aimed at the betterment of its surrounding community should be embraced by those who live and work in and also rely on that community. This year's United Way campaign is one that should be respected as such a cause.
10-12-98
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