In July, I wrote briefly about the unfolding investigation into the University of Illinois’ admissions scandal. Until very recently, a student with connections to a VIP (e.g., government official, board member, big donor) typically received preferential treatment in the admissions process by being placed on what was called the “Category I” list.
Last week, the Illinois Admissions Review Commission, created to investigate the matter, issued a blistering report calling for the entire University Board of Trustees to resign and stopping just short of calling for the President and Chancellor to resign. And indeed the Chairman of the Board, who had used his influence to help family and friends, and at least two other board members, have resigned over the scandal.
“The University now finds itself in a full-fledged crisis purely of its own making,” says the report. ”Public confidence in the University and its leadership has eroded, and the University must set out in earnest to regain the public’s trust and repair the damage done to its reputation.” Sound familiar? The University of Illinois probably could learn some lessons, both good and bad, from West Virginia University’s handling of the Bresch matter.
Please note that Kevin Carey, Policy Director of Education Sector, shares my earlier assessment: “Most, if not all, of our public universities engage in some sort of similar practices.” But fortunately, or unfortunately, West Virginia institutions are less likely to find themselves embroiled in a similar admissions scandal because none is even close to being as selective as the University of Illinois.