National signing day is a day, when athletes commit to join a university, is a day of celebration for many sports fans. But supporters of UCSC athletics, coaches and Slug athletes are all unable to benefit from this standard practice, barred by university policy, which should be changed.

UC system enrolls hundreds of students annually who do not meet basic academic requirements for university admission.

First-generation students constitute an increasing proportion of UC Santa Cruz’s student body. This year, at least 45 percent of incoming frosh and 39 percent of junior transfers come from parents who never earned a four-year degree, according to the UCSC Office of Admissions.

The number of Latino applicants to UCSC has increased this year by 23 percent. At this rate, UCSC is on its way to becoming a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) and receiving the potential funding that comes with the title.

UC Santa Cruz saw a record number of applicants this year: nearly 35,000. This is the second year in a row UCSC has seen unprecedented numbers, and Michelle Whittingham, the associate vice chancellor of enrollment management, says the trend is indicative of further overall growth.