<p>Thanks for that link, marite. Don't know whether it directly relates to the posted topic, but the straining of the funds has been a prolonged crisis for the entire public higher education system, for some time. This is what happens when a State agrees to become the social services breadbasket for millions of underemployed & impoverished people -- both immigrants & non-immigrants. The dollars just run out at some point. For many years CA has made decisions to allocate increasing amounts of money -- including for specialty social services that would never be considered in most other states. The same population that benefits from this generosity now, may find itself without public college options later. (Or is that part of the point of the "new admissions policy"? Is this really a lowering of the bar.)</p>
<p>I know that earthquake needs are exceptional in CA, but again, considering the levels of other kinds of needs in the State, the budget is seriously affected.</p>
<p>I am not arguing against social services, or support for the survival of one's fellow citizens -- merely being realistic about the finite quality of dollars & the finite tolerance for a richer group of citizens to fund those without. (And being one who once in a while has needed those support services herself.) I am also not arguing against the <em>inclusion</em> of leadership qualities (as opposed to the substitution of those for academics). But I found in my recent interviewing of students that the highest performing in the e.c./community service/ etc. area were also very strong performers academically. They merely chose to make personal sacrifices (in the "prestige" realm) sometimes for the good of others, while maintaining very high stats nevertheless. That shows a lot of character & an amazing commitment to a wider community. (Speaking of citizenship.) But it is not necessary to employ a substitution formula.</p>