ABSTRACT
One of the most often heard criticisms aimed at any Open Admissions policy is that educational standards will be diluted and that the academic degree will be rendered meaningless. The retention policies of the college are another important ingredient in the maintenance of academic standards. The dedication and willingness of the faculty members on the Student Standing Committee to work long hours for several weeks after the end of each semester has put teeth into the retention requirements. There is also much concern about the level of student work, particularly written work, evidenced in discussions pertaining to Open Admissions and academic standards. Rigid adherence to standards for standards’ sake can be as detrimental as no standards. Commitment to high-quality education seems to be the key to the success of any educational system. It is possible, and in fact necessary, to discuss Open Admissions and the maintenance of standards in the same breath.
