Dr. Valentine James, Clarion University Provost and Academic Vice President, is welcoming with enthusiasm the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors' approval of new academic requirements for high school graduates to enter college.

            "This has Clarion's full support because we see it as beneficial to the student," said Clarion's chief academic officer, who represented Clarion University at the meeting. "This is an indication that we want to help students succeed in college. It is about time for this change. A rigorous situation in high school will better prepare them for college work. Students will be better off for it."

            The new PASSHE admissions requirements will take effect in 2013. At that time, high school students will be required to have successfully completed four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of science, and three years of social studies, in addition to other requirements currently in place, to be admitted to a PASSHE member school.

            PASSHE's Board of Governors see the change as a way of reducing the number of students taking college remedial courses. There have been growing concerns that students are gaining high school diplomas without the tools to succeed in college or the workplace. A Pennsylvania Department of Education study reports that one-third of recent high school graduates who enrolled in community colleges or state universities were not prepared for college courses.

            "There are students who come to college and are not able to do the required work," said James. "The emphasis needs to be placed at the high school level to change this situation."

            Most students, who are enrolled in the PASSHE system meet these requirements, but with this implementation, it will be expected of them. The policy still allows PASSHE members to admit students who don't meet these requirements on a provisional basis and provide them with the extra help they need.

            James sees these benefits coming from the new requirements:

            •Streamlining the college admission process by encouraging students to do well in high school.

            •Reducing the cost of remedial education.

            •Relieving college faculty frustration. Sometimes, because of the varying preparations of their students, they must teach at a lower level than necessary. James sees improving this factor as creating a healthier student-faculty relationship.

            •Students will graduate ready for the work force.

            •The translation of this policy to the high school faculty, who will know what is expected of their students when they enter college.

            "This is a bold move for PASSHE and all members are engaged in the process," evaluated James. "I am looking forward to 2013 when these requirements will really take place and be fully implemented. This is a win for the high schools and a win for the colleges."

            Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.