UCSD sent out an erroneous e-mail Monday inviting all students who had applied for Fall Quarter 2009 to their college orientation ‘mdash; even those who had been rejected.
‘The minute the e-mails were sent out, we noted that it was sent to a much larger pool than was admitted,’ Admissions Director Mae Brown said in a statement. ‘We immediately recognized the error.’
The invitations were intended for the 18,000 students who were accepted by the university, but were instead sent to all 47,000 students who applied, Brown said.
‘We’re thrilled that you’ve been admitted to [UCSD], and we’re showcasing our beautiful campus on Admit Day,’ the e-mail read.
Within two hours, Brown sent an e-mail apologizing for any distress the mistake may have caused students.
‘In all humility, I ask that you please accept my apologies and those of [UCSD], and know that we continue to wish you success in your educational pursuits,’ she wrote.
Many parents have complained that the e-mail added insult to injury for students who were already overwrought by the college application process. Brown said every admissions officer was on hand to take phone calls from applicants and their parents on Tuesday, adding that she stayed at her office until midnight on Monday, responding to e-mails and phone messages.
‘They are deeply concerned that we have been insensitive in that we already denied this student and then sent them a notice inviting them to Admit Day,’ Brown said. ‘They are upset that happened, and rightly so.’
Brown said a complete review of the situation was currently under way.