Current
2014
Please find below a record of the discussions and proposals that UCT has been engaged in regarding its Admissions Policy during the year of 2014.
July 2014
On 11 July 2014, an article by UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price appears in the Sunday Times where he responds to a piece by UCT Professor Xolela Mangcu on the lack of transformation at the university, and specifically the lack of black academic staff:
June 2014
On 25 June 2014, an article by UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price appears in the Business Day where he explains how UCT's new admissions policy will help identify merit:
On 14 June 2014, the University of Cape Town Council voted to approve in principle a new admissions policy model that will incorporate race as one of several factors to be considered in assessing an applicant's historic disadvantage.
The difference in the new policy (which will only apply to applications for the 2016 student intake) is that race will no longer be the only indicator of disadvantage UCT will consider. The additional indicators will include the applicant's home language, the education of his or her parents and grandparents, the applicant's school, and whether the applicant’s family depends on social grants.
The Council's vote to approve the move towards an adjusted admissions policy took place after years of consultation, debate and discussion involving students, staff, alumni, government and others.
The exact weighting to be assigned to such indicators and further details of the proposed new admissions policy are still to be determined by the Council.
May 2014
In May 2014, Monday Monthly produced a special supplement focusing on the Admissions Debate.
Highlights from supplement:
- Policy aimed at diversity and redress - UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price
- An admissions policy to expand diversity - UCT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Crain Soudien
On 30 May 2014 a proposal to change the admissions policy was passed by an overwhelming majority of 107 for, six against and four abstentions at a Senate meeting.
Below are the updated presentations and proposals that the Vice Chancellor made to the Senate on Friday, 30 May 2014:
- Proposal for modifying UCT's undergraduate admissions policy
- Hybrid Admissions Policy Proposal for Senate
April 2014
On 15, 16 and 17 April 2014, Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price held three consultation meetings with students on campus, where he presented a proposal for an admissions policy for 2016 and beyond, and gave students the opportunity to ask questions, provide input, and generally engage in the process.
- Full text of VC's April 2014 Student Admissions proposal
- Two-page summary of VC's April 2014 Student Admissions proposal
- Download PowerPoint presentation of VC's April 2014 proposal
Video: Admissions Policy Debate - Day 2, New Science Lecture Theatre (NSLT)
Video: Admissions Policy Debate - Day 3, Baxter Hall Residence
For details of the admissions debate since 2010 please visit the archive.
