PANEL TO EXAMINE UC ADMISSIONS INFLUENCE.

Byline: Mark Katches and Luz Villarreal Daily News Staff Writers

A legislative committee launched an investigation Thursday into the clout wielded by politicians, contributors and members of the Board of Regents to help students gain admission to the University of California.

"The corruption of the admission process is an insult to taxpaying families who expect the process to be fair and merit-based - a system where what you know is more important than who you know," said state Sen. Tom Hayden, D-Los Angeles, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Higher Education.

The Sacramento Bee and the Los Angeles Times have reported that regents, politicians and big donors have sought favorable admissions treatment for years for the children of friends and constituents.

Gov. Pete Wilson said Thursday that he was disturbed by reports that well-connected applicants were given preferential treatment at UC campuses, including UCLA.

"There shouldn't be any special favors," Wilson said. "What we have insisted upon is that there be a policy and a practice that allows people admissions based upon standards and on the merits. If in fact UCLA has been guilty of playing favorites, then shame on them."

Wilson himself wrote letters of recommendation on behalf of two UCLA applicants who he knows. Neither student, however, was admitted.

Wilson has played a key role in pushing for the abolition of affirmative action programs designed to help minority group members gain admission to the UC campuses.

Wilson spokesman Sean Walsh said the governor does not see any conflict between his position opposing affirmative action and the letters he wrote on behalf of a former gubernatorial campaign worker and another ex-staff member.

"The application process for University of California students encourages applicants to submit letters of recommendation, and as part of that process, it is appropriate," Walsh said. "But it is inappropriate to attempt to confer political assistance to secure a position at the University of California if that student is not qualified."

Wilson, who sits on the Board of Regents, also intends to make his position clear at the next monthly meeting, Walsh said.

Although neither student recommended by Wilson was admitted, other students endorsed by former Gov. George Deukmejian, several influential state lawmakers and UC regents did help them gain admission to the university system ahead of other students with better qualifications.

Deukmejian, who was in the state capital Thursday to endorse Republican presidential hopeful Bob Dole, said his actions were appropriate.

"Any number of people make recommendations on behalf of people they know," Deukmejian said. "I just think you cannot cut off the right of a public official or anyone to make a recommendation simply saying make sure this person is treated fairly."

Clair Burgener, chairman of the Board of Regents, said he probably writes four letters of recommendation a year for potential students and sees nothing wrong with it.

"Heavens no, I don't see anything inappropriate with this," he said. "If I had my druthers, I wouldn't write any letters because it's a chore."

Burgener and other regents interviewed Thursday said they saw no connection between their votes to abolish affirmative action preferences and their efforts on behalf of students they endorse for admissions.

"I make it clear to the young person, 'if you get in, it won't be on account of me.' It probably gives a little extra weight (to the application) but I want the person to believe they did it on their own," Burgener said.

The former San Diego congressman said he'll continue to write letters of support for qualified applicants until there is a policy that prohibits regent members from doing so.

"I'm told that students are asked to submit letters of recommendation from people in the community," he said. "I'm a person in the community. If I thought my letters really made a difference, I'd quit writing. It would get me off the hook."