The University has been celebrating since the Carnegie Foundation’s Tier One recognition in research earlier this month. And rightly so since UH received over $100 million in research grants, thereby increasing our prestige. However, the struggle continues, as the foundation’s announcement is only one step toward overall flagship status.
There isn’t one specific organization that ranks universities. Others, such the U.S. World News Report and The Center for Measuring University Performance, have yet to recognize UH as a flagship institution.
In Texas, there are three other colleges that have been recognized as overall Tier One universities — UT Austin, Texas A&M and Rice. California has nine flagship institutions.
Khator’s goal to reach Tier One status in five to seven years could still become reality. However, while our research truly has vastly increased in the past three years, we should focus on other important aspects of the campus and community. Not just for the sake of flagship status, but to increase the quality of our school and our students.
“Schools that receive at least $100 million each year in research grants, have selective admissions and low student-faculty ratios and competitive faculty salaries are typically considered Tier One universities,” the Texas Tribune said.
Now that we have reached the research mark, the administration needs to focus on increasing selectivity, which would not only help us get to flagship status but hopefully also stabilize enrollment.
According to the U.S. World New Report for 2009 admissions, Texas A&M accepted 67 percent, UT Austin accepted 45 percent and Rice accepted 22 percent. UH however, stands at a staggering acceptance rate of 70 percent, which had caused enrollment to increase to 38,752 from 34,582 over the past five years, a 12 percent increase.
By either capping admissions or increasing selectivity, the University could give students a higher-quality education. Our growing numbers strain the University’s resources, such as facilities, parking, and services.
Agreed….the perception around the city is that everyone gets in UH, making it seem little better than a community college. A lot of people think that UH is only good for those who can't get accepted to A & M or UT, solidifying that 2nd tier feel. Raise the bar a little, and not only would the perception change but so too would the performance of the school.
If the choice really is between capping admissions v. increasing selectivity, then cap admissions. Let the school's innate attractiveness (or lack thereof) dictate selectivity. Both are bad choices to bring up during a recession, as both would result in less revenue absent some form of non-need-blind admissions sneakiness.