Evaluative Routines in Graduate Admissions: Toward Responsibility for Unexamined Practices and Assumptions

• In Event: Accepting Responsibility for Illuminating Ethical Tensions and Underlying Assumptions in Postsecondary Education

Abstract

Highly routinized processes like admissions review often produce outcomes that are misaligned with that which is intended, because elements of the routine are laced with unexamined assumptions that contradict practitioners’ stated values. Within graduate admissions, standard practices and everyday routines in our universities disproportionately limit access, even in departments where faculty espouse commitments to diversity. In this study we examined how faculty approach assessment of prospective student applications through interviews and a transcript review activity. Through a deep analysis of how faculty carry out the routine activity of reviewing student transcripts, we hoped to uncover habits of mind and underlying assumptions that may be less salient when asked to reflect generally upon their priorities and practices as admissions decision makers.

Authors

• Deborah Elizabeth Southern, University of Southern California

• Theresa E Hernandez, University of Southern California

• Julie Renee Posselt, University of Southern California

• Steve Desir, University of Southern California

• Fatima Alleyne