More than 800 University of California faculty members and math department leadership urged the UC system to reinstate SAT/ACT requirements for STEM applicants. In an open letter, professors cited rapidly widening classroom preparation gaps, pointing to a UC San Diego Senate-Administration Workgroup report showing steep increases in students with math skills below middle-school level since UC suspended standardized testing requirements. The letter alleges instructors are forced to reteach middle-school material while simultaneously covering courses needed for sciences, engineering, economics, and other quantitatively demanding majors. Faculty suggested multiple contributing factors, while noting that the system’s response has emphasized strengthening instruction and support. UC’s Academic Senate admissions board is scheduled to meet June 5, setting up a near-term governance decision point for admissions policy and placement practices across the system.