Admissions of Change: A Case of Complexity in Transition

This case describes conflicting views over admitting international students into a graduate education program at McKinney University. One faculty member, Dr. Melantha Jones, finds herself advocating for admission of international students and is met with opposition from her colleagues. Dr. Jones leaves this meeting for a video call with international graduate students where she is working to design open access course materials. She experiences frustration supporting students as she reflects on her experiences in K12 education. Afterward, she is visited by the program chair where he expresses concern about Dr. Jones’ interactions during the admissions meeting. The case considers dilemmas around declining enrollments in education programs, university reliance on international student tuition and the institution’s responsibility in supporting them, and power dynamics between faculty.