By The Star Staff
University of Puerto Rico (UPR) President Luis Ferrao Delgado expressed his support on Wednesday for the proposed Automatic Admission bill, which would allow high school students who have performed in the top 10% of their required courses to gain admission to the university.
The bill was among some 100 introduced this week by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz. The initiative aims to address the decline in enrollment, expand access for outstanding students within the public education system, and reinforce the role of the UPR as a leader in higher education on the island, according to a statement.
Ferrao noted the significant decrease in student enrollment at UPR in recent years. Enrollment dropped from 60,000 in the 2016-2017 academic year to just 40,000 for the 2023-2024 cycle, representing a loss of one-third of the student population. Ferrao said the decline jeopardizes both the university’s resources and its educational mission.
The bill proposes automatic admission for students in the top 10% of their classes as a strategic measure to revitalize enrollment and ensure that top students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have direct access to higher education at UPR.
Mayra B. Charriez, UPR’s vice president for student affairs, pointed out that the bill addresses several principles outlined in Certification 50 (2024-2025) of the UPR governing board regarding Admission Standards Policy for High School Students. This includes admission criteria for those on a traditional pathway and seven categories within a non-traditional pathway: talented or exceptional students, those from specialized schools, participants in dual enrollment or university articulation programs, low-income students or those from marginalized communities, adult students, senior adults or retirees, students with disabilities or functional diversity, and first responders. Charriez emphasized the importance of studying the bill’s implementation to ensure it complements the aforementioned certification.
Ferrao reiterated that the certification represents a step toward promoting inclusion and guaranteeing a fair and efficient process for both traditional and non-traditional admission models outlined in the Admission Policy and Standards for UPR students.
He stressed that the Senate measure could help reverse the significant drop in enrollment experienced in recent years. At the same time, he said, it reinforces UPR’s position as the primary institution of higher education for the best students from the public education system.
In addition, the bill includes provisions for students in the top 25% of their classes, who could gain admission through a complementary evaluation, ensuring that the admission system remains inclusive and flexible, thereby opening more opportunities for academically talented young people.
Ferrao emphasized that the measure will be evaluated on its merits, but he predicts it will significantly enhance public confidence in UPR as an engine of social mobility and academic excellence.
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