Interim: UW System Undergraduate Transfer Policy Amendment

Original Issuance Date: June 30, 2023

Expiration Date: December 31, 2023

1.     Interim Policy Purpose

The purpose of this interim policy is to amend SYS 135, UW System Undergraduate Transfer Policy to comply with the recent Supreme Court decisions in Students for Fair Admissions v. the University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard University.

Following these decisions, this interim waiver removes the mention of membership in an historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group for consideration from this System Administrative Policy.

2.     Related System Administrative Policies

This policy temporarily amends portions of SYS 135, UW System Undergraduate Transfer Policy.

3.     Applicable Institution(s)

This interim policy action applies to all UW System universities.

4.     Scope

This interim policy action impacts all UW System universities. The amendment is effective beginning with admissions for the class of fall 2024.

5.     Definitions

None listed.

6.     Interim Policy Statement

This interim policy temporarily suspends the ability of UW System universities to consider if the applicant is a member of a historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group as a factor in the undergraduate transfer process until a full revision of the policy can be completed in the fall of 2023.

Beginning with admittance for the class of fall 2024, section 6.A.II of SYS 135 reads:

“II. While academic factors are the most important consideration, other factors may also be considered. These factors include, but are not limited to, student experiences, work experience, leadership qualities motivation, community service, special talents, status as a non-traditional or returning adult, status as a veteran of the U.S. military, and whether the applicant is socioeconomically disadvantaged.”

7.     Supplemental Documents

SYS 100-08, Interim: Recruitment/Retention of Students Policy Amendment