Discussing the future

Likins' priorities include protecting the integrity of the university, taking responsibility for the community's economic and social development and making the future of the city at large a factor in the decision making process.

But, as Likins told the Arizona Daily Wildcat Tuesday, the priority that has generated the most discussion is this one: "For faculty and staff to help freshmen and outstanding scholars succeed."

As the state continues to grow, more and more students will be knocking on the doors of Arizona's universities and community colleges. In order to remain nationally competitive, Likins told a group of student leaders at a recent dessert, the state needs to consider changes in its higher education system.

A key element of competition is retention.

Likins' discussion paper makes the point that freshmen are vulnerable to slipping through the cracks, missing their opportunity to make the most of their college careers. Outstanding scholars, Likins wrote, "increase the distinction and reputation of the University of Arizona." A better support system, Likins suggests, would benefit both these key groups and the community at large.

Another consideration for competition, Likins told the student leaders, is admissions. According to the undergraduate admissions office, the UA admitted about three-quarters of its applicants every year from 1993 to 1996. Likins suggested to the student l eaders that as the number of high school graduates increases, the admissions rate will have to come down. He said some students need more time to prepare for university life and should take advantage of the community college system, citing the high retent ion rate among students who complete community college work before moving on to a university.

As the number of high school students applying to the university rises, there will be a need to tighten admissions standards. The campus' facilities simply aren't prepared for a huge influx of students. In a state with only three legitimate four-year inst itutions of higher learning, however, it is important to keep in mind there should be resources for hard-working students who do not meet the definition of outstanding scholars.

The university has created an honors program that focuses in large measure on retention, from special dorm and library privileges to designated lectures and classes. Certainly, increasing particular components of the program, like research, would grab mor e students of "distinction."

But we are a land-grant university with limited resources. The leaders of this community, as educators, must strive to create a support system that puts a diverse community of students through school efficiently. "Distinction and reputation" do not live i n an honors residence hall, but in the minds of every person on this campus.