Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 17, 1994 TAG: 9405170145
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Medium
The school also plans to reduce from 20percent to 10percent the number of students who are allowed to enter without meeting minimum standards. The school traditionally has reserved some openings for marginal students who otherwise could not attend college.
"We feel that Hampton University has, first of all, a heritage of high standards," said Board of Trustees Chairman Wendell P. Holmes Jr. "We also believe it's important that Hampton University establish an academic niche" to attract future students.
William R. Harvey, president of the school, said it is prepared to face an enrollment decline if the revisions leave some students hesitant to stay or enter. The board has authorized a drop of up to 1,000 students, he said, but enrollment won't fall unless the pool of available students diminishes.
"There may be some students who do not want to come to Hampton under these new guidelines," he said. "There may be a dip in a couple of years, then an explosion."
The 5,700-student school typically admits only one in nine applicants. It requires a 2.0 grade-point average, or a C, in high school and a combined score of 800 or higher on the SAT.
Harvey said he is considering a 2.5 grade-point requirement and 900 on the SAT for admission.
The character considerations haven't been written yet, but Harvey said he wants students to know what is expected of them when they arrive.
He said it's not his intention to force values on students but to renew an emphasis on building character and make sure students recognize the importance of values such as integrity, honesty and respect for others.
"I think all of higher education has seen a decline in values," he said. "There are more drugs on campuses. There is more incivility on campuses. ... Somebody has to stand up and say enough is enough."
by CNB