Iowa Board of Regents members enthusiastically supported proposed changes to admissions criteria for Regent institutions early in its meeting Wednesday.

The new Admissions Index would replace the long-held standard of admitting Iowa students in the top half of their high school class, providing they completed the required core curriculum of English, math, science and foreign language.

“It’s going to solve a huge problem the universities are having right now,” said Board President Michael Gartner. “The quality of students will increase.”

Using four criteria for admission, the proposed index will use class rank in addition to grade point average, composite ACT score and the number of core subject courses completed.

The finalized report will be voted on at the board’s December meeting at the University of Iowa.