Prisoners boost figures

If Tim Cornwell (THES, August 9) had asked "how" or "why" the historically black University of Maryland Eastern Shore had most recently enrolled some 3,000 students, he might have been surprised to ascertain that a large number enter as "Special Admits" (ie students who could not be admitted if standard admissions criteria were employed).

In the past, rapid growth in student numbers was accomplished by including prisoners, incarcerated at the local Eastern Correctional Institute, who were reading for first degrees at UMES. UMES students graduate, six years after matriculation, at significantly lower rates when compared to students enrolled at white-majority institutions within the University of Maryland system. It is rather obvious why and how UMES continues to achieve rapid growth in student numbers: lower admission standards.

When large numbers of students enter UMES unprepared for academic life, and fail to graduate at normal rates, has Mr Cornwell assisted UMES president William Hytche in perpetuating a false and hollow image of success?

John Mikshler Professor of biology Delaware Valley College Pennsylvania US.