The University of Southern California has created a research center that will focus on issues in college admissions, including financial aid, access for financially needy students, and selectivity standards.

“Today in America, a laser light is focused on the point of college access,” said Jerome A. Lucido, the founding director of the Center for Enrollment Research, Policy, and Practice, and Southern Cal’s vice provost for enrollment policy and management. “Parents and students view the college-admission process as a gateway to future prosperity, health, security, and satisfaction.”

Mr. Lucido also said the center would aim to encourage collaboration between business and policy leaders, higher-education scholars and admissions professionals. The center is organizing an advisory board and has issued a call for grant proposals from researchers interested in exploring enrollment-management issues. Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the deadline to submit proposals is February 1, 2008. —Elizabeth F. Farrell