I am a UofM alum AND an employee there. The university just sent out an email regarding how the U's undergrad admissions process works. It is based on a point system, which does give additional points to a person who is an underrepresented minority (African American, Native American, and Hispanic). UofM also gives points for test scores, gpa, co-curricular activities, and a plethora of other things. This system is so that the U can admit not just the smartest student, but a student who is well rounded. It also allows us to obtain a diverse student body. I have to say that one side, it does seem a little twisted that we have to look at race to obtain diversity, however, any minority student at UofM will tell you that if they didn't, the school would surely be almost 95-98% caucasian (the caucasian population is already close to 90% as it is) So many factors go into our admissions process for a reason and race is definitely a necessity at this point in time. The media is really making it seem like the U solely looks at race and then decides from there. That's not true.
Also, being a former student and a person that works with students all day (I work in the college's Literature, Science and Arts Advising office), there are QUITE a number of non-minority students that come into that office that make us wonder how the hell they got into UofM. So if anyone wants to argue that we are admitting minority students that are not up-to par with their majority classmates, well, they need to stop by our office. I guarantee you that some of them will definitely make you go HMMMMMM.
