<p>Jeez, you guys make me work. (I’m trying to get out of the office here.)</p>
<p>First of all, I too have reservations about this guaranteed admission. I’m intrigued to see how this will all pan out. Keep in mind that UVa can change its admissions policy if it finds that this program isn’t working out.</p>
<p>Secondly, yes independence. Before the Restructuring, UVa couldn’t do anything without the approval of the state legislature. When the state was slashing its financial support from 25% to 8% in the 90’s, UVa couldn’t hire more professors or raise tuition or build more buildings for classrooms and labs without the okay from the state, and on top of that, the state forced UVa to admit more students. Why do you think UVa has a 15/1 student-professor ratio. It’s not UVA’s fault. It’s because the state tied UVA’s hands. So, now with the Restructuring, UVa can drive its future by hiring more professors and building more classrooms and research facilities which it’s doing w/ all the current and upcoming construction around Grounds.</p>
<p>Yes, CC is cheaper, but this admission policy is for people who have completed their two-year associates degree with an “A” average, have fulfilled UVA’s area requirements, and want a bachelors. (I don’t think CC’s give out bachelors degrees.) UVa has the best financial aid program in Virginia, and through Access UVA, Virginia Community College transfer students will have access to a debt-free education at the University if they are eligible according to their FAFSA.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/insideuva/2005/02/access.html[/url]”>http://www.virginia.edu/insideuva/2005/02/access.html</a></p>