Chronicle of Higher Education

Admissions deans have long described their work as a blend of art and science. Juan E. Gilbert has designed a tool to enhance the latter. Call it the diversity algorithm. The story began 10 years ago, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the landmark admissions cases at the University of Michigan. After the decisions came down, Mr. Gilbert turned on CNN. Two commentators with opposing views of affirmative action were claiming victory. Both had it wrong, he thought. "They were saying race, gender, and national origin was the issue," says Mr. Gilbert, chairman of Clemson University's human-centered computing division. "But the issue has to do with capacity—there are more qualified applicants than available slots, so you're going to turn away someone who's qualified." To read further, please visit http://chronicle.com/article/Software-to-Enhance-Diversity/138789/