University of Virginia Library

Counselor Meeting Shows
Recruitment Policy Changes

NEWS ANALYSIS

By Donn Kessler
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

(Fourth in a Series)

A conference held last Friday by the
Admissions Office to inform state
guidance counselors of changes at the
University reflected an improvement in
the office's recruitment process but also
pointed out certain faults inherent in that
system.

The conference consisted of two parts.
In an afternoon session, the deans of the
various undergraduate schools explained
course programs and curriculum changes.

Later that evening, students and
administrators discussed various aspects
of student life with the counselors.

Beginning the afternoon session, H.
Conrad Warlick, an Assistant Dean of
Admissions, showed the counselors a movie
entitled "An Academical Village." Made several
years ago, the movie presented the counselors
with pictures of short-haired, male, Caucasian
students in coats and ties discussing tradition
and the honor system.

Following the movie, administrators of the
six undergraduate schools of the University
informed the counselors of the basic programs,
admissions requirements, and curriculum
changes in their schools.

New Opportunities

Although the administrators attempted to
tell the guidance counselors of new
opportunities at the University, few questions
were posed by the counselors.

In the evening meeting, John Thomas, a
student assistant to the Dean of Admissions,
told the counselors that the University is now
in a time of change.

David Bowman, Vice-President of the
College, expressed his hope that the "traditions
of the 'old University' would continue to
contribute to the greatness of the 'new University.' "

William Elwood, the assistant to the
President on special programs, then told the
counselors of the purpose of the transition
program to help "under-achieving" students to
enter the University.

No Information

The counselors, during a second question
and answer period, stated that no information
concerning the program had ever been included
in any literature they had received from the
University.

Ernest H. Ern, Dean of Admissions,
explained the recruitment and admissions
process of the University. In his discussion, he
told the counselors of the need for personal
recommendations for applying students. The
counselors objected to this request, stating that
they would "feel guilty if they prevented a
counselor from being admitted into the
University."

Admission Failures

The conference informed the counselors of
the changes in the University and gained
contacts in various schools for the Admissions
Office. It pointed out, however, various failures
in the recruitment program.

One basic failure was in the image of the
University. The picture presented to the
counselors was that of a "white, Anglo-Saxon,
Protestant institution."

A second failure was that no idea of the
existence of this program had even been
included in any written literature.

Finally, out of 90 counselors, only seven
were black.