Equity and Admissions Policies of Undergraduate Students at the University of the Witwatersrand: A Case Study of the Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This study looks at the nature of the selection and admissions policies in place in the faculty of humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand. Data was collected qualitatively using semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The university has changed its selection and admissions policies many times. At first, admission to the university was based on merit only. However, as time went by, the university adopted the principle of redress to compensate for the injustices of the past. The study argues that the university has gone a long way to address the race problem in its enrolment strategy. The problem remains, however, a class one due to an emphasis on merit. It suggests that the concept of merit needs to be reconceptualised to embrace equity and access. The study concludes that the current policy is not addressing redress fully and effectively. Therefore the study strongly recommends that the policy be reviewed and that a policy of affirmative action be adopted to ensure that students from poor backgrounds with potential are given a chance to access higher education.