Wayne State University's Board of Governors on Feb. 1 unanimously approved enhancements to the university's admissions guidelines, which are designed to improve student success as measured by graduation and retention rates. A diverse university committee developed the guidelines after extensive study.

"We are confident the new guidelines will result in a greater success rate for students, while ensuring that WSU continues to be a university of opportunity," said WSU President Allan Gilmour. 

The new admissions guidelines, which go into effect in 2013, will no longer include minimum GPAs or test scores as requirements. Each application will be evaluated holistically, including students' academic and personal histories. Based on their level of preparedness, students will be placed in one of three admissions categories: Regular admission, the Alternative Pathways to Excellence (APEX) program, or referral to WSU's TRIO Education Opportunity Center.

Students admitted into the APEX program, depending on their level of preparedness, will receive support either through an intense "bridge" program, which will be offered in summer and fall, or through an enhanced advising and counseling program. The bridge program includes math, English and success coaching. Students admitted into the Summer Bridge program receive tuition, room and board at no cost. The Fall Bridge also includes tuition at no cost, but students will not receive free room and board. In addition to receiving enhanced academic advising, APEX students will follow a prescribed curriculum to increase their chances for academic success at Wayne State.

Students who are not adequately prepared to succeed at a research university like Wayne State will be referred to the existing Federal TRIO Programs, which guide students to more appropriate academic or development programs.

To ensure Wayne State continues to enroll a diverse student body, the university is putting a greater focus on recruiting in Detroit, enhancing its efforts in Oakland and Macomb counties, and exploring recruitment opportunities outside the tri-county area. It will also hire and train 45 additional counselors over the next three years to better guide and assist students.

The Board of Governors also agreed to create an advisory group, consisting of members of the board and the community, to monitor the impact of the new admissions guidelines.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students.