An Investigation of Computational Holistic Evaluation of Admissions Applications for a Minority Focused STEM Research Program

Abstract

Most recently, many higher education institutions have continued to struggle to answer the question of whether they should promote diversity as a central value of the university or protect themselves from legal challenge by avoiding the inclusion of diversity initiatives. In this article, the authors first provide several examples documenting how U.S. colleges and universities struggle with this question. Second, the authors provide a viable solution to promote diversity at the university that is within all legal parameters of recent court decisions. Third, a case study example citing how diversity can be achieved using holistic evaluation is provided. Finally, recommendations are provided for all relevant stakeholders who want to promote diversity at the university level without facing legal challenge.