Policy group issues college access guides
By Sarah R. Gatsos | February 24, 2004In order to better prepare students and increase their potential for success in college, the Pathways to College Network has proposed guidelines for improving access to college, according to Ann Coles, director of the network. Pathways is a Massachusetts-based advocacy group that targets educational policies for low-income and minority students. "There has been a lot of effort in the past four years for better access to college for underprivileged and minority students, but despite that effort, there are still gaps," Coles said. While Pathways issued almost 100 guidelines, Coles said there are three main goals. The first goal seeks to make college preparatory courses the core curriculum for all students, Coles said. The second goal, she added, requires that students receive financial aid packages earlier, so they would not worry about paying for school. The third goal encourages colleges and universities to make changes to the campus culture so it is more conducive to all students, Coles said. Brian Pusser, assistant professor of higher education in the Education School, said the University already maintains a number of Pathways' goals.
