What’s Next for Combating Bias in Graduate Admission?

About the Episode: In this episode of 'Mastering the Next,' we have Dr. Alyssa Orlando, Director of Graduate Admission at Clark University in Massachusetts, discussing the significant impacts of decision-making biases in holistic graduate admissions review processes. Our interview explores how Clark University identifies and mitigates these biases to ensure fairness and equity, and what the future holds for holistic admission practices in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

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Key Takeaways

• Holistic Review is Rigorous: Effective holistic admissions require structured rubrics and consistent standards to ensure equity across applications.
• Standardization Mitigates Bias: A standardized admissions process minimizes unconscious biases and promotes fair evaluations.
• Training is Key: Admission teams must undergo training on recognizing and mitigating bias, particularly for international applicants.
• Diverse Perspectives Matter: Including various viewpoints, even from staff with unique lived experiences, enriches decision-making processes.
• Data-Driven Insights: Reviewing past admissions data helps identify trends and areas for improvement, ensuring an equitable process.

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Episode Summary

What is Holistic Graduate Admission at Clark University?

Holistic admissions at Clark University take a comprehensive approach, evaluating each applicant based on a range of criteria such as academic records, personal statements, and extracurricular achievements. Dr. Orlando highlights the common misconception that holistic admissions lack structure. Instead, Clark has implemented a robust rubric and seasonal reading teams to ensure a standardized, fair process. This structure allows for a fair comparison of applications while preserving the personalized nature of holistic reviews.

Clark’s process is dynamic, with annual updates to rubrics and methodologies based on feedback and data. This ensures that the system evolves to meet the changing needs of applicants and institutional goals.

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How Does Clark University Address Bias?

Bias, both conscious and unconscious, is an inherent challenge in any selection process. Clark mitigates this by:

1. Reducing Identifiable Demographics: Wherever possible, demographic data is removed during the review process to reduce bias.
2. Standardized Evaluation: A clear, uniform rubric ensures all applications are judged on the same criteria.
3. Ongoing Training: Team members are trained to recognize and address biases, particularly those related to international applicants, through workshops and data-driven analysis.

Despite these efforts, Dr. Orlando acknowledges that bias can never be fully eradicated. However, Clark’s commitment to fairness involves constantly assessing and iterating on its processes to minimize these influences.

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How Does Data Influence Admissions Decisions?

Clark employs a rigorous assessment process, analyzing data from the entire admissions pipeline—applicants, admits, and enrolled students. These insights reveal patterns in decision-making, helping to refine strategies for mitigating bias and improving inclusivity.

For example, data may uncover discrepancies in how international applications are evaluated, prompting targeted training for staff. This proactive approach not only enhances fairness but also builds confidence in the admissions team’s methodology.

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What Role Does Diversity Play in the Admissions Process?

Diversity in the admissions team, whether in demographics, professional backgrounds, or lived experiences, enriches the review process. Dr. Orlando emphasizes the importance of leveraging team members’ unique perspectives to inform better decisions. Additionally, cross-cultural training allows staff to better understand applicants from varied backgrounds, creating a more inclusive evaluation framework.

For instance, having team members with experience in international education enables more informed evaluations of global applications. This expertise is shared across the team, ensuring a collective understanding of diverse applicant contexts.

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What Does the Future Hold for Holistic Graduate Admissions?

Looking ahead, Dr. Orlando envisions a more collaborative and technologically enhanced admissions process. This includes:

• Broader Team Involvement: Increasing the number of readers per application to provide more balanced perspectives.
• AI Integration: Leveraging AI tools to streamline data analysis and provide faculty with actionable summaries of applications.
• Enhanced Faculty Collaboration: Strengthening feedback loops between faculty and admissions teams to align on criteria and expectations.

While the future is uncertain, the goal remains clear: continually improve the fairness and inclusivity of the admissions process.

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About the Podcast: Embrace the future of higher education with Mastering the Next. Dr. Ray Lutzky takes you on a journey through the dynamic intersection of student recruitment and leading-edge technology, uncovering the next big trends in strategic enrollment management and the innovations that are transforming the academic landscape.

Whether it’s exploring AI-driven enrollment strategies, navigating the challenges of online learning platforms, or discussing the unique needs of non-traditional students, Mastering the Next is your go-to resource for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of higher ed.

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Connect With Our Host:

Dr. Ray Lutzky

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

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