MADISON, Wis. -- A public hearing on proposed new standards for admission into the University of Wisconsin is getting plenty of feedback.

Race and admissions has long been a controversial topic in the UW System. On Monday, the Board of Regents heard from the public at five Wisconsin university sites via satellite, WISC-TV reported.

The debate was over how much non-academic background should play in selecting freshman students, and whether the revised policy will help build a more diverse campus.

UW senior Jennifer Knox said that she is a living example of a "racially conscious" admissions policy, and she's proved she belongs there.

"I know that I belong in this university and I know this university doesn't admit anyone who isn't qualified to succeed," said Knox. "I am in a very tiny major and I'm the only student of color in that major and it's very challenging for me."

Knox said that she supports proposed revisions to the current admissions process, that would judge students less on numbers, but as a whole person, including race.

"Every student is a whole person and we need to look at everything that tells us if they will or will not succeed here. And what they'll add to the quality of our institutions," said Dave Giroux, spokesman for the UW System.

"Tonight, right here in Wisconsin and elsewhere, race matters," said Michelle Behnke, a speaker at the forum.

"We look at all those other factors such as community service, veteran experience, work experience, and yes, where you come from, and what culture and ethnicity you represent," said Giroux.

One former UW professor said that he prefers a color-blind approach.

"I think the main thing is academic potential, indicated partly by your academic record, partly by these other factors," said Professor W. Lee Hanson. "In my view race should not be included."

"If you lock the university into a purely numerical method, you're really doing students a disservice," said Giroux.

"My guess is you would still have a lot of minorities anyway who would be admitted on their merit, academic or other factors," said Hansen.

Knox said that he disagreed, and said there's a difference between race conscious and race preference.

"I think that by simply taking a box off an application just doesn’t eliminate the fact that race is very real and very tangible in everyday life," said Knox.

A Board of Regents official said the revised policy is partly a response to what local businesses want from UW grads entering the workforce, and that includes more diversity.

The revised policy places more weight on life experiences like extracurricular activities, socio-economic status and race. Academic factors like GPA, class rank and standardized tests will remain the most important.