Admission experts surprised at U. of I. clouting

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Two college admissions experts who testified before a special commission this morning expressed surprise at the University of Illinois' elaborate clouting system.

They acknowledged that all colleges and universities receive inquiries from powerful donors and trustees, but they said they knew of none which gave requests such special care and consideration.
"The magnitude at the University of Illinois is what shocks me," said Joyce Smith, chief executive of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Smith spoke during the fifth day of testimony before a state commission charged with unraveling the U. of I. admissions probe.

In other testimony, Stephen Portch, former senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin, said the "sheer volume" and "formalized process" distinguished Illinois' system for handling requests from elected officials, university trustees or powerful patrons on behalf of student applicants.

Should you be surprised when Blago views everything for sale?