The President of Albany State University confirms to WALB News 10 that half of ASU's freshmen students in fall of 2010 and fall 2011 did not meet minimum state test score requirements.
That's 351 students.
His confirmation comes after WALB News 10 broke the news that a University System of Georgia audit shows Albany State University admitted several hundred freshmen who didn't meet minimum test score requirements.
The college must improve the services offered to students with disabilities and the way staff stores student files, the report stated.
Albany State released this statement Friday morning:
"Albany State University is moving quickly to implement changes to strengthen both its admissions policies and departmental procedures to improve services for disabled students and the way student files are stored. A town hall meeting with students, faculty and staff will be held on Friday, January 20, 2012 at noon in the ACAD Auditorium of Albany State University at 504 College Drive, to discuss the results of a report by the University System of Georgia Office of Internal Audit and Compliance (OIAC). President Freeman will answer questions by media representatives after the town hall meeting in the ACAD Auditorium.
According to the OIAC's report, ASU did not adhere to BOR policies when the university allowed several hundred freshmen students to enroll for classes since the fall of 2008. The students did not meet the BOR's minimum test score requirements for state universities. "We have identified several processes that lacked appropriate controls in procedures followed by our Admissions department staff. Right now, we are working to address all of the issues," said President Everett Freeman.
"ASU is taking steps to improve application processing and improving student recruitment methods. For example, the university has established a standard procedure for the periodic evaluation of admissions decisions to ensure compliance with Board of Regents admissions requirements. "
The BOR report outlined two additional areas in need of improvement: the way student files are stored and the services offered to disabled students. Freeman has directed additional training and workshops for students, faculty and staff through the Counseling and Student Disability Services Center to provide a supportive environment for students with disabilities. "Steps are underway now to train personnel to make ASU a ‘first choice' university recognized for exceptional customer service," said Freeman.
WALB News 10 will keep you updated on this story throughout the day.
