A recent report from the French Senate proposes significant changes to the role of the baccalaureate, the national high school diploma, in accessing higher education. Published by the commission of inquiry on academic excellence on September 9, the report suggests that the baccalaureate should no longer automatically grant access to university education but instead be treated as a "simple condition" for enrollment. This would mean that holding a baccalaureate would no longer guarantee entry into higher education, potentially leading to more selective admissions processes. The report, co-led by a communist senator and a Republican senator, also includes a recommendation to increase university tuition fees by five times their current level. This proposal has sparked debate, as it could significantly impact the affordability of higher education for students. Pierre Ouzoulias, the communist president of the commission, has expressed disagreement with these recommendations. He aims to "restore the value of the baccalaureate," which he claims has been "destroyed" by the current system. Ouzoulias argues that the baccalaureate should remain a key credential for academic progression. The commission has outlined 10 recommendations aimed at "rethinking" the university model. These include moving away from what the report describes as "false appearances" in academic standards and providing universities with the resources to prioritize "academic excellence" in all their activities. The recommendations also extend to graduate education, suggesting that the path to a master’s degree (which typically requires a baccalaureate plus five years of study) should be more clearly defined as selective. Additionally, the report proposes increasing the financial value and prestige of the doctorate, aiming to elevate its status in the academic and professional world. These proposals reflect broader concerns about the quality and accessibility of higher education in France. While some see the changes as necessary to improve standards and ensure that academic excellence is prioritized, others worry that they could make higher education less accessible and exacerbate inequalities. The debate over the future of the baccalaureate and the role of universities in France is likely to continue as policymakers weigh the potential benefits and challenges of these reforms.