THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER STUDENT REPORT

Transcription

1 Agenda Item IV-N THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER STUDENT REPORT DRAFT October 2010 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Accountability

2 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Fred W. Heldenfels IV, CHAIR Elaine Mendoza, VICE CHAIR Joe B. Hinton, SECRETARY Durga D. Agrawal Dennis D. Golden Wallace L. Hall, Jr. Lyn Bracewell Phillips A.W. Whit Riter III Eric Rohne, STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Austin San Antonio Crawford Houston Carthage Dallas Bastrop Tyler Corpus Christi Raymund A. Paredes, COMMISSIONER OF HIGHER EDUCATION Mission of the Coordinating Board The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board s mission is to work with the Legislature, Governor, governing boards, higher education institutions and other entities to help Texas meet the goals of the state s higher education plan, Closing the Gaps by 2015, and thereby provide the people of Texas the widest access to higher education of the highest quality in the most efficient manner. Philosophy of the Coordinating Board The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will promote access to quality higher education across the state with the conviction that access without quality is mediocrity and that quality without access is unacceptable. The Board will be open, ethical, responsive, and committed to public service. The Board will approach its work with a sense of purpose and responsibility to the people of Texas and is committed to the best use of public monies. The Coordinating Board will engage in actions that add value to Texas and to higher education. The agency will avoid efforts that do not add value or that are duplicated by other entities. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services.

3 Executive Summary This report in fulfillment of the requirement specified in the General Appropriations Act, SB1, 81st Texas Legislature, Section 55 (page III-251) provides a comparative analysis of transfer goals and practices as reported by each general academic institution and specific performance data of both native and transfer students for each institution. Key Observations and Conclusions Overall, the survey and performance data indicate that the public universities understand the importance of transfer students in the state higher education system and make efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate them. However, the data also show that Texas could be doing a better job at helping these students make the transition from community college to university. The state average for the difference between native and transfer students in four-year graduation rates is 16 percent, but the lowest difference at a particular institution is 4 percent and the highest is 27 percent a wide variation in performance. The difference in retention rates between native and transfer students also shows great variation, where the lowest difference for a particular university was zero, and the highest was 18 percent. Given the common characteristics of community college students they are more likely to be economically disadvantaged, the first person in the family to attend college, employed full- or part-time, and enter college life with less academic preparation the odds are that these students will not stay in college or graduate at rates similar to those of their native university counterparts unless institutions of higher education make strong, coordinated efforts to assist them. However, determining which efforts are most effective and efficient is not readily discernable from the survey or from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) data. The survey data reveal a wide variety of practices to improve student retention and success. Universities with high retention and graduation rates for transfer students are likely to require academic advising and/or orientation programs, tend to have good web resources available, and often have specific student success programs or student tracking systems for transfer students. However, some of the universities with lower retention and graduation rates also have these resources in place, thus suggesting that there is no definitive list of programs that automatically ensure transfer student success. The variations in retention and graduation rates for native and transfer students at Texas public universities are the result of a complex interaction between student population characteristics, such as their academic preparation, their family, and their employment status, and the characteristics of the university, such as the attitudes of faculty and administrators and the programs and other resources that are available to assist students. Additional research would need to be conducted to further determine which programs are most effective and why, possibly by one of the state s Education Research Centers. 1

4 Recommendations The following is a list of preliminary recommendations based on the survey results and data analysis: In regions where a university may be the only one serving a population for hundreds of miles, special efforts should be made to have articulation and dual-acceptance agreements with area community colleges. Most universities with good transfer student retention rates engage in a range of practices to advise and support those students, including orientation programs, academic advising programs, student success programs, and student progress tracking programs. Universities and their system offices should collaborate across the state by sharing information about which of these various programs are most cost-efficient in providing student support for the money spent. Stocking a website with information helpful to transfer students is within the reach of all of our public universities. The time and effort involved in developing articulation, dual admission, and reverse transfer agreements are considerable when compared to the resources required to merely publish such information on an institutional website. Institutions without such information on their websites should add it and ensure that it is easily found and accessed by transfer students and other interested parties. Several institutions cited difficulties with college advisors giving incorrect or incomplete information to potential transfer students. University faculty should not assume that advisors at area colleges know everything they need to know, and institutions should take proactive steps to work with area colleges to improve the lines of communication. Many universities send their own advisors to staff offices or information booths at selected community colleges, and this should become common practice for public universities. Institutions can also provide advisor development programs which provide information on the university s policies and programs. Universities should be encouraged to seek reverse transfer agreements with community colleges in order to promote the Closing the Gaps goal of associate degree completion. Universities need to be more active in organizing and conducting faculty vertical team meetings to align curricula with their community college transfer partners. These vertical alignment efforts are a crucial tool for creating seamless transfer pathways for students and ensuring that community college students are prepared to perform upperdivision work at senior institutions. 2

5 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 1 Introduction... 4 Institutional Profiles... 5 Angelo State University... 5 Lamar University... 8 Midwestern State University...11 Sam Houston State University...14 Stephen F. Austin State University...17 Tarleton State University...20 Texas A&M International University...23 Texas A&M University...26 Texas A&M University-Central Texas...29 Texas A&M University-Commerce...31 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi...34 Texas A&M University-Galveston...37 Texas A&M University-Kingsville...40 Texas A&M University-San Antonio...43 Texas A&M University-Texarkana...46 Texas Southern University...49 Texas State University-San Marcos...52 Texas Tech University...55 Texas Woman s University...58 The University of Texas at Arlington...61 The University of Texas at Austin...64 The University of Texas at Brownsville...67 The University of Texas at Dallas...70 The University of Texas at El Paso...73 The University of Texas at San Antonio...76 The University of Texas at Tyler...79 The University of Texas of the Permian Basin...82 The University of Texas-Pan American...85 University of Houston...88 University of Houston-Clear Lake...91 University of Houston-Downtown...94 University of Houston-Victoria...97 University of rth Texas University of rth Texas at Dallas West Texas A&M University Performance Data and Related Observations Key Observations and Conclusions Recommendations Appendices

6 INTRODUCTION This report in fulfillment of the requirement specified in the General Appropriations Act, SB1, 81st Texas Legislature, Section 55 (page III-251) provides a comparative analysis of transfer goals and practices as reported by each general academic institution and specific performance data of both native and transfer students for each institution. In August 2010, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) conducted a survey asking each general academic institution to assess existing academic and technical transfer pathways, identify barriers to transfer, and define emerging issues. The survey also asked institutions to describe actions to serve current and future transfer students through local and regional articulation agreements with faculty collaboration, community college program enhancements, student outreach and advising, website information development, targeted financial aid, university student success programs, and degree program alignment. In addition, the THECB drew from its existing databases to calculate comparative performance data of both native and transfer students for each institution as required by Rider 55. The performance data examined includes application rates, admission rates, financial aid awarded, time-to-degree, and baccalaureate graduation rates of both native and transfer students by program completion at universities during the preceding fiscal year. 4

7 INSTITUTIONAL PROFILES Angelo State University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 20 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 12 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of 1 higher education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Some of our departments require students to come in Pre-Major. Students must have certain prerequisites and must meet GPA standards before they are able to declare outright. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: The majority of issues stem from misinformation from the advisor at the two-year college from which the student is transfering. Specific issues include students taking nontransferable courses and confusing transfer terminology among state institutions. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: ASU has facilitated communication by creating new programs that require discussion about course transferability and substitutions. Additionally ASU advisors visit the two-year colleges to advise students. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? 20% % 5

8 Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? First- Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 2 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $16,701, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Supplemental Instruction, Writing Center, Mathematics Lab, Tutoring Center Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional level? Department How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 1 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 4 6

9 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 63% 83% 67% Angelo State University Statewide Summary Angelo State University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Angelo State University has 20 academic articulation agreements with 12 different institutions. There is one campus with a reverse transfer agreement and one with a dual admissions agreement. Despite this strong network of partnerships, Angelo State reports that misinformation and confused terminology about transfer issues at the community colleges have been a barrier to successful transfers. Angelo State has taken steps to improve the situation by offering its own advising at two of the colleges. Seventy-two percent of accepted transfer students enroll, and 63 percent of these graduate within four years. Angelo State s financial support is good for its size, with over $16.7 million given to transfer students in

10 Lamar University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 16 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 12 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 5 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: 1. Substitution of transferred entry level philosophy courses for core requirement. 2. Substitution of transferred 3-hr science courses for 4-hour requirement. 3. Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science degree for transfers with hours from different majors. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: The need for increased web-based information providing specific transfer course equivalency and degree plan placement for transfer classes. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Support in mathematics to insure the transfer of Math courses that are equivalent to or higher than the university s minimum Algebra requirements. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 5% 0 10% or less First-Time 8

11 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 0 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer students 10% or less during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $5,988, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: 1. Academic Enhancement Workshops an on-going series of workshops, including Navigating the University provides specific and detailed information to assist transfer students in accessing all available University services. 2. University Tutoring Center- provides academic tutoring to transfer students who need additional help with class work. 3. Early Alert Advising- faculty members identify and refer transfer students to the University success center upon first indication of the need for additional academic support. 4. Monitored Probation-Proactive Advising for Success (PASS), identifies transfer students who are admitted to the University on an individual approval basis with less than a 2.00 cumulative transfer gpa. Regularly admitted transfer students, who fall below 2.00 after entry into the University, are also identified. These students enter into a program consisting of enhanced academic advisement, mandatory needs analysis of study skills and the development of an individualized contract for student success based upon the needs assessment. 5. Wings Mentoring Program- formal mentoring relationship program between students and facutly/staff. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other 9

12 Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 5 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 10 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 53% 83% 67% Lamar University Statewide Summary Lamar University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Lamar University (LU) has 16 academic articulation agreements, but no workforce articulation agreements. Given that LU is part of the same System and is in close physical proximity to the Lamar State Colleges, it is unfortunate that the university has not been able to find a way to guarantee at least some transfer of workforce credit from its sister schools. LU should consider creating some Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences degrees, in order to have better means for utilizing workforce courses. LU has five dual admission agreements with regional colleges and should investigate ways to enact reverse transfer agreements with those same colleges. It should also consider offering academic advising at college campuses in its region. LU transfer students are retained and graduated within four years at a much lower rate than native students, and the university should consider offering financial aid and student success programs designed specifically for transfers to help bridge those gaps. 10

13 Midwestern State University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 78 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 78 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 100% % First-Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information 11

14 Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 3 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $6,080, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Academic Difficulty Skills for Success, Supplemental instruction, Athletic Study Hall, Tutoring Learning Communities Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional NA level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 0 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 0 12

15 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 70% 83% 67% Midwestern State University Statewide Summary Midwestern State University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Midwestern State University (MSU) has a large number of articulation agreements (78), and they are providing excellent support for their transfer students. All transfer students participate in mandatory orientation, and academic advising is required. Admissions staff are trained to deal with transfer student issues, although academic advisors are not. Up to 50% of the institution s recruitment budget is earmarked for transfer students. MSU s website is fully adapted to transfer student concerns. The institution is in a good position to build upon their strong base: they should consider reverse transfer agreements and dual admissions. With all of their transfer students required to receive orientation and academic advising, training for advisors could be added to ensure that information is seamless between the website, admissions, orientation, and advising. 13

16 Sam Houston State University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 50 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 1 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 40 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 15 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 15 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Institutional: transfer with minimum number of hours before college ready; transfer with too many hours affecting financial aid availability; possible increases in tuition costs; degree completion. Statewide: 30 hour rule; 120 hour degree completion; 6 drop rule; 3-peat rule. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Reverse transfer; developmental education and college-readiness for transfer students; dual credit courses being taught at high school versus college campus for appropriate academic rigor; funding/financial aid levels for transfer students. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: On-site advising with SHSU advisor at community college campus; merit-based scholarship money; training of community college advisors with SHSU faculty & staff; successful retention and graduation rates (completed 24+ hours prior to transfer to SHSU); joint admissions program. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? 9% % 14

17 Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? First- Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 4 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $16,222, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Study Skills Workshops; Student Money Management Center; Advising; Mentoring; New Student Convocation Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Institution level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 12 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 45 15

18 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% % 67% Sam Houston State University Statewide Summary Sam Houston State University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Sam Houston State University (SHSU) has worked to create a large number and wide variety of transfer agreements, including 50 academic articulation agreements with 40 different colleges, 15 reverse transfer agreements, and 15 dual admission agreements. SHSU offers useful online resources for transfer students, including online access to articulation information. The institution also devotes a significant portion of its financial aid to transfer students, with four financial aid programs targeted specifically for them. SHSU is also active in vertical teaming, with a dozen departments participating in 45 vertical team meetings during the past two years. SHSU should consider implementing student success programs designed for its transfer students, who graduate at a lower rate than its native students. 16

19 Stephen F. Austin State University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 32 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 15 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: On-campus housing policy; Too few financial aid programs specifically for transfer students Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Well trained, knowledgeable transfer counselors at community colleges are essential to successful transfer. SFA's one community college transfer student scholarship program is very helpful. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 24% 0 10% or less First-Time 17

20 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 3 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $14,100, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Academic Assistance and Resource Center (AARC) Departmental and College advising Counseling and Career Services office. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 4 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 8 18

21 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 71% 67% Stephen F. Austin State University Statewide Summary Stephen F. Austin State University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Stephen F. Austin State University has 32 academic articulation agreements with other institutions; 15 two-year institutions have articulation agreements in return. There are no dual admission agreements. The institution cites the on-campus housing policy and too few financial aid programs specifically for transfer students as barriers for transfer student success. Only 24 percent of transfer students attend the optional orientation programs, but academic advising with specially trained advisors is mandatory. Recruitment is weak, with 10 percent or less of the recruitment budget targeted for transfer students and no colleges receiving regular visits. However, financial support is strong, with over $14 million in aid going to transfer students in

22 Tarleton State University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 0 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 0 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of 1 higher education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Transferablity versus applicability Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Advising potential transfer students involved in TRIO programs. Establishment of Transfer Centers at community colleges. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? % or less First-Time 20

23 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information and Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 1 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $0 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: SI tutors for STEM subjects; subject tutoring; academic advising Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Administrator Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional NA level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 0 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 0 21

24 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 74% 83% 67% Tarleton State University Statewide Summary Tarleton State University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Tarleton State University has one dual admission agreement, but no articulation agreements with other institutions. Advising is done for potential transfer students in Transfer Centers established at 12 area community colleges. Seventy-five percent of those who are accepted enroll, and 75 percent of them graduate within four years, so Tarleton is being generally successful with its transfer students. However, even though orientation for transfer students is a requirement, only ten percent of their transfer students are attending. money was given to transfer students for financial aid during Tarleton State may wish to consider financial support when possible to build upon their high enrollment and graduation rates. 22

25 Texas A&M International University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 1 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 1 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 1 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Have encountered transfer issues with program level requirements for engineering. Inconsistent use of common course number for receiving institutions. Regular updates for and contact information for TCCNS not readily available. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Incoming technical/vocational students are ill prepared with little or no core courses. Students are not "shopping" for institutions with more favorable SAP policies. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Transfer Fair 2+2 Agreement Outreach Office on CC campus Transfer Recruiter Data sharing to contact prospective transfers Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? <10% 5 10% or less First- Time 23

26 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 1 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 10% or less students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $3,039, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: University Learning Center, Writing Center, Mentoring and Advising Center, Career Services, Student Counseling Services Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 0 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 0 24

27 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 60% 83% 67% Texas A&M International University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) Texas A&M International University Statewide Summary % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas A&M International University has only one shared academic articulation agreement and dual admission. Sixty-nine percent of students who are offered admission enroll, and 60 percent of those graduate. These relatively low numbers may be due in part to poor support for recruitment and retention efforts: ten percent or less of the recruitment budget targets transfer students, the institution s web site lacks key information for transfer students, ten percent or less of the transfer students have no orientation, there is no required academic advising, and the $3 million in financial aid for transfer students accounts for less than 10 percent of the financial aid budget. 25

28 Texas A&M University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 32 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 21 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 21 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 1 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: While explicitly required in our articulation agreements and transfer requirements, many students attempt to transfer without the appropriate set of courses completed at time of application. Namely, math and science requirements. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Lack of appropriate courses, particularly math, and a surplus of hours that are non transferrable, that can result in the student paying for excess credit hours. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: 1) Emphasis on academic rigor, 2) Consistent communication and quality advising that ensures students are aware of required courses and transferrable hours. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? 100% % 26

29 Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? First- Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student admissions.tamu.edu/transfer/gettingin/degreetracks information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 4 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $51,170, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Blinn TEAM, T-Camp, New Student Conferences (all students) Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Institution level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 7 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 2 27

30 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 90% 83% % Texas A&M University Statewide Summary Texas A&M University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas A&M University (TAMU) has been active in creating transfer pathways for students, with 32 articulation agreements with 21 different community colleges, and one dual admission agreement. TAMU devotes significant effort and resources to transfer student outreach and advising, with one hundred percent of its transfer students participating in orientation programs, academic advising a requirement for new transfers, and advisors and admissions officers receiving training regarding transfer students and their issues. TAMU also provides many online tools and resources for transfer students, including the publishing of articulation agreements and tools to allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have earned with specific degree requirements. These efforts appear to be fruitful for TAMU, as the difference between native and transfer students in four-year graduation rates is only three percentage points, and in retention rates the transfer students are actually one percentage point higher than natives. 28

31 Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Tarleton is parent university) Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 0 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 0 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: We believe the unique P-20 Council relationship in our communities has a positive impact on transfer success. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? % + Transfer 29

32 When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 3 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 50% + students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $11,716, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: 1. New Student Orientation 2. Academic Tutoring 3. Career Guidance 4. Academic Advising 5. Student Organization Membership Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional level? Institution How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 5 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 10 Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMU-CT) has very generous financial support for its transfer students: over 50 percent of its total undergraduate financial aid in went to transfer students, totaling $11,716,000. TAMU-Central Texas website is helpful for transfer students and there is required advising, but less than 2 percent of transfer students go through orientation. Just over half of the transfer students who are accepted end up enrolling, so perhaps the institution could improve its recruitment by advertising its financial support. te: Because TAMU-CT is a new public university which only recently received the authority to enroll students and grant degrees, there is not enough data to produce charts for time-todegree and graduation rates. 30

33 Texas A & M University-Commerce Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 21 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 7 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of 1 higher education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Excessive hours earned by community college transfers Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Students come to the university with an excessive number of semester credit hours. Many also have not received accurate information concerning drops and other advising issues. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? % First-Time 31

34 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 3 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $9,126, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Trio Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Administrator Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 20 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 80 32

35 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 69% 67% Texas A&M University- Commerce Statewide Summary Texas A&M University-Commerce Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMU-C) has a good number of academic articulation agreements (21), and there are reverse transfer agreements and dual admissions with one institution. TAMU-C reports that excessive hours earned by community college students is sometimes a barrier to transfer, which is attributed to poor information about dropping courses and other advising issues. The institution has taken steps to improve information once the transfer students get to campus, as 100 percent attend the required orientation and receiving mandatory advising from trained advisors. Up to 25 percent of the financial aid budget went to transfer students, totaling over $9 million. Sixty-eight percent of transfer students accept their admission offers, and 69 percent of those graduate. 33

36 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 5 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 5 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 1 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Programs with strict pre-requisites may cause transfer students to fall behind in a timely graduation. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Aligning program curriculum and advising specific core coursework so students take the exact number of courses required for the degree. Available financial assistance and/or scholarships always critical. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Invitation to the University for community college events pertaining to transferring. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 4 % % First-Time 34

37 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Transfer guides list specific courses (TCCN) required at the community colleges. TAMU-CC use TCCN. Academics tab Left side: Transfer guides te: Del Mar College is a comprehensive list of all degree programs. Other community colleges list top 20 majors with a link to request a transfer guide not shown. Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students at 14 this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer students 26-50% during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $ Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: 1. Peer mentoring through our Center for Academic Student Achievement. (CASA) 2. Free workshops (time mgmt. stress mgmt. etc.) with Academic Insight Mentors (AIM) 3. Supplemental Instruction 4. Tutors 5. Smarthinking (on-line tutoring) 6. Writing center and math lab. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer Other student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 45 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 4 35

38 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 72% 67% Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi Statewide Summary Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) only has five articulation agreements. The institution has cited difficulties with aligning program curricula and core coursework with the exact number of courses required for degrees at TAMU-CC. Up to 25 percent of their recruitment budget is targeted at transfer students, and recruitment is regularly done at only two area colleges. Less than five percent of the transfer students who do enroll attend orientation. Advisors are not specifically trained for transfer student issues, and academic advising is not required. Support is also low, with $5,000 of aid given to all transfer students in On the good side, the website is fully equipped with information for transfer students, and there are several success programs available for transfer students. Clearly TAMU-CC has much room for improvement, and hopefully the number of articulation agreements can be substantially increased once policies have been established to synchronize curricula and degree requirements between institutions. 36

39 Texas A&M University at Galveston Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 13 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 13 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 2 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 2 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Ongoing discussions about specific requirements within the core curriclum. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Ongoing discussions with Galveston College about flexibility in core requirements. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? % First-Time 37

40 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students at this 3 university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer students 11-25% during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $0 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Free tutoring program, Supplemental Instruction, Peer Mentoring Program, Campus Retention commitee programs, Student Organizations Night Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional level? Institution How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 4 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 10 38

41 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 67% 67% Texas A&M University at Galveston Statewide Summary Texas A&M University at Galveston Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) actively creates transfer pathways for students through 13 academic articulation agreements, two reverse transfer agreements, and two dual admission agreements. TAMUG has also had four departments engaged in vertical teaming in 10 meetings over the past two years. TAMUG has nearly all of its transfer students participating in orientation programs, even though participation is not mandatory. TAMUG should consider partnering with Galveston College to provide advising to potential transfer students on the college campus, and it could improve its online resources by offering more specific articulation information. Implementing a tracking system to monitor the progress of transfer students could lead to improved success rates and lower time-to-graduation to help narrow the performance gap between native and transfer students. 39

42 Texas A&M University-Kingsville Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 14 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 12 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 4 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 4 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: We developed a self-serve articulation website to avoid confusion regarding transfer of courses. We we developed detailed standard operating procedures. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? 39% 0 10% or less First- Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? 40

43 When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students at this 0 university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer students during 11-25% academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $0 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 1 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 2 41

44 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 65% 67% Texas A&M University- Kingsville Statewide Summary Texas A&M University-Kingsville Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) has 14 academic articulation agreements with 12 different colleges, along with four reverse transfer and dual admission agreements. TAMUK has 39 percent of its transfer students participating in orientation programs. Because these programs are not mandatory, TAMUK should consider making academic advising a requirement for new transfer students, in order to help retain and graduate these students at a rate closer to that of native students. TAMUK might also consider exploring ways to offer advising to potential transfer students at community college campuses in its region, and it may want to improve web resources for transfer students. TAMUK has participated in vertical teaming in recent years and should find ways to expand such activities to provide additional pathways to success for its transfer students. 42

45 Texas A&M University-San Antonio Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 4 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 1 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 4 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 4 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Our University transfers in more semester hours for students compared to other local private or public institutions. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 85% 7 10% or less Transfer Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? 43

46 When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 11 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 50% + students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $359, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: 1.) TEAMSA is an effort that helps with transferring community colleges which replaced our original 2+2 Transfer Plans. This pretty much works the same as any other transfer plan most colleges and universities currently have. 2.) Financial Aid consortium agreements play a big part in concurrent enrollment between the community college and university as this also serves as a tool to entice students to continue towards their baccalaureate degree by not wasting in take only a class or two during their last term at a community college but rather taking a full load between the community college and university. 3.) Being a unique school in which we only take transfer students, we have had to hire 4 Transfer Advisors who rotate at 5 of the local community colleges and have office space where they can talk to students and let them know if they are actually ready to transfer to us based on our admission standards. In addition to this, we have two recruiters who also visit the community colleges among other venues but are more visible at the community college in places like the student center, open areas where students tend to congregate, food areas, etc.. The recruiters at this point sell our school to students and point them in the direction to the transfer advisor. If a student prefers they can contact our one-stop-shop which we call the Welcome Center for a tour of the campus if they wish or for help in filling out the admission and/or financial applications, as well as help in registering first time students. We are currently working on being able to make appointments for new students to visit transfer advisors from this location as well via a software application called SARS. 4.) We have also recently made an agreement with one of the Alamo Colleges in which we will be exchanging student transcripts to help students receive their reverse transfer associate degree. We put a blurb on our Apply Texas application where they indicate or to agreeing if they would like to participate in exchanging their transcripts between TAMU-SA and one of the Alamo Colleges for the purpose of receiving their associates degree and satisfying financial aid consortium agreements. By entering this particular agreement, this has strengthened our relationship between the schools and they in turn promote us for helping them increase their graduation rates. See excerpt below: a. I the student hereby give permission to Texas A&M University-San Antonio and the Alamo 44

47 Colleges to exchange transcripts while attending Texas A&M University-San Antonio. This provision allows a student to approve the submission of his/her university transcript back to the community college from which he/she transferred so that the community college may award an associate s degree to the student and ensure course completion for the purposes of financial aid consortium agreements. It is the student s ultimate responsibility to ensure that transcripts are received at either university or community college so that appropriate credit is awarded. 5.) The creation of a transfer web page with pertinent information. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 3 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 30 It is not surprising that Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMU-SA) has a well-established support system in place for their transfer students since all of their students have transferred into the institution after completing their core curricula elsewhere. The institution has created a TEAMSA program to facilitate degree completion for students coming from an ACCD campus (this program replaces the tradition 2+2 agreements between institutions). Recruitment at the seven colleges that receive their regular attention is especially strong, where full-time transfer advisors have office space and a highly visible presence with a Welcome Center that can provide students with information and assist with help filling out applications. There is a financial aid consortium in addition to 11 financial aid programs (over 50 percent of the total) targeted at transfer students. For an institution that is completely dependent upon transfer students, it is surprising that there are only four colleges with whom TAMU-SA has articulation agreements. The institution may also wish to consider requiring academic advising for transfer students. As TAMU-SA becomes a stand-alone comprehensive university, it is in a strong position to build upon the strong relationships it already has with area colleges. te: Because TAMU-SA is a new public university which only recently received the authority to enroll students and grant degrees, there is not enough data to produce charts for time-todegree and graduation rates. 45

48 Texas A&M University-Texarkana Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 8 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 8 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 2 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 2 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Retention & n-transferrable WECM courses Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Partnerships Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? 100% % First- Time 46

49 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 2 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 50% + students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $6,841, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Leadership, Time Management, Resume Building & Student Success Seminars Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 9 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 9 47

50 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 68% 67% 5.37 Texas A&M University- Texarkana Statewide Summary Texas A&M University-Texarkana Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas A&M University-Texarkana (TAMUT) has historically been an upper-division-only institution, much like the University of Houston-Victoria and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Like UHV, TAMUT has authority to enroll freshman and sophomore students, and it has only recently begun offering lower-division courses. Given this, it is surprising that TAMUT has only eight academic articulation agreements and two reverse transfer and dual admission agreements. As befits an institution that relies upon transfer students, TAMUT has a good array of student outreach and advising policies and practices: all of its transfer students participate in orientation programs and academic advising, TAMUT offers professional development for advisors and admissions personnel, and between one quarter and one half of its recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer students. TAMUT should consider publicizing its articulation agreements on its website and may want to consider offering student success programs tailored to the needs of transfer students. 48

51 Texas Southern University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 4 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 4 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? 50% % Transfer Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? 49

52 When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 0 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $10,654, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Major Fair, Study Hall, Tutorial program, Career Placement Center, Enhancement Seminar (Time/Money Management Skills) Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional NA level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 0 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 0 50

53 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 67% % 40% Texas Southern University Statewide Summary Texas Southern University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas Southern University shares articulation agreements with four colleges. Forty percent of the transfer students graduate after four years, which is below the state average for all institutions (minus The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University). The institution s web site has resources for transfer students, academic advising is required, and eight colleges receive regular recruitment. Up to 25 percent of the total undergraduate financial aid goes to transfer students, totaling over $10.5 million in

54 Texas State University-San Marcos Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 1023 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 19 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 4 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 4 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Block course sequences in a few majors Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Lack of need-based grants targeted specifically for transfer students. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Community colleges with strong academic advising are a key asset to students' transfer success. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? % First-Time 52

55 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 0 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $37,220, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: 1. The Positive Action With Students (PAWS) Alert Early Warning system provides an online referral system for faculty and staff to submit concerns for students. The program is available 24/7/365 and has six messages sent throughout the year as reminders to utilize the system. 2. The Partners in Academic Student Success symposiums are offered four times a year to assist students who have fallen on probation or simply want additional academic skill development counseling. 3. The Resource Fair offered at the beginning of the fall and spring semester provide a follow up to the one day orientation process for transfers. Participants in the program are chosen from feedback provided by transfer students on resources they have found to be helpful in their transitions to Texas State. 4. Academic department welcome receptions have been on campus for over five years and provide for transfer students an academic home. They were developed in response to data collected in the Transfer Student Survey stating the academic departments is the most frequent point of contact with campus. Many transfer students enter with declared majors so they are able to build relationships with faculty and staff as well as join student organizations associated with their major. 5. The Transfer Student Appreciation Program allows transfer students at the end of their first semester or year to provide acknowledgment to faculty and staff who assisted in the transition to Texas State. This program has shown of the courses that most frequently engage the students into campus life and provided the necessary support for their success. 53

56 Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 3 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 6 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 72% 67% Texas State University - San Marcos Statewide Summary Texas State University - San Marcos Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas State University-San Marcos (TSUSM) has reported more articulation agreements than any other university: 1023 agreements with 19 different colleges. This university also reported a full menu of student outreach and advising activities and policies, with mandatory orientation and academic advising for new transfer students, 64 college campuses where TSUSM offers advising to potential transfer students, and professional development related to transfer students for both academic advisors and admissions officers. TSUSM also offers a wide array of online resources for transfer, such as the posting of transfer guides and tools that allow students to compare the credits they have earned at other colleges with various degree requirements. TSUSM should investigate ways to offer student success programs that address the specific needs of transfer students to help improve their retention and success rates. 54

57 Texas Tech University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 6 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 1 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 5 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 42 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 4 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Texas Tech accepts all Texas community college Core courses for transfer, Colleges determine how these courses will be utilized for the degree programs. In some cases, students at community colleges enroll in courses that are not the best choice for lower-division preparation for a specific major. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Timing of student transitions from one college to another can make participation for transfer students in student success programs more difficult. Identification of the appropriate lowerdivision preparation for transfer to specific majors remains a prominent issue. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Academic advisors and undergraduate degree programs at off-campus sites located on community college campuses; one-stop center for transfer students to provide academic advisement, financial, culture shock transition support. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? 100% % 55

58 Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? First- Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for CCNS transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 7 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $21,644, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Transfer Council via Student Government Association, Transfer Connections Learning Community, Transfer Techsans Student Organization, Tech Transfer Acceleration Program, SPC Reese Campus Advisor Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee 56

59 Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Institution level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 8 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 20 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 76% 67% Texas Tech University Statewide Summary Texas Tech University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas Tech University (TTU) has a notably large number of reverse transfer agreements, which suggests that it could serve as a model for the rest of the state in the establishment of such agreements. It has a relatively low number of academic and workforce articulation agreements and dual admission agreements. TTU offers an array of student outreach and advising services, such as mandatory orientation programs and academic advising for transfer students, professional development for advisors and admissions officers relating to good transfer practices, and offering academic advising to students on six different college campuses. TTU also offers an array of online tools and six financial aid programs aimed at transfer students. TTU s graduation and retention rates for native and transfer students are relatively close, suggesting that TTU does a better than-average job at addressing needs of transfer students. 57

60 Texas Woman's University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 143 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 5 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 12 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of 6 higher education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: The state limit on excess hours has a frequent, negative effect on transfers because all their academic hours (frequently above 66) are counted as part of their total, often pushing them over the limit and requiring them to pay additional tuition. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Transfer students often initially apply too late for financial aid and register late, reducing their ability to get their desired schedule. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Honors Program articulation agreements with community colleges Scholarships for transfer students Federal program (Bridges) to bring biology majors to university for research experience while they are still at the community college. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Less than 50% % 58

61 Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? First- Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 1 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 50% + students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $46,798, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Tutoring, career services, counseling center, commuter services, child care services. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional level? Department How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 8 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 11 59

62 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 65% 67% Texas Woman's University Statewide Summary Texas Woman's University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years Texas Woman s University has 143 academic articulation agreements, one of the largest in the state. There are also five workforce articulation agreements and six dual admission agreements. Some of these articulation agreements are specialized Honors Program agreements, offering scholarships for transfer students and research experiences in biology. The institution s web site has sufficient information for transfer students, which is important since there is no required orientation or advising. Texas Woman s University graduates 65 percent of its transfer students within four years, which is just below the statewide average. The institution does report several barriers to transfer student success. The state limit of 120 hours for baccalaureate degrees often makes transfer students pay additional tuition, since all of their existing academic hours are counted as part of their total. Some transfer students also apply too late to get an optimal schedule and financial aid. 60

63 The University of Texas at Arlington Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 89 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 28 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 12 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Cost Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: MavTrack Program; On-campus UTA advisors at the community colleges; Mid-term grades Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? % First-Time 61

64 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses The transfer website ( has a direct link to: Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 7 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $25,000, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Click here and please provide details in the below box as detailed above: Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Institution level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 12 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 7 62

65 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 60% 83% 67% The University of Texas at Arlington Statewide Summary The University of Texas at Arlington Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has created a number of pathways to success for its transfer students through 89 academic articulation agreements and 12 reverse transfer agreements. The institution is also actively working with community college transfer partners in aligning curricula. Only five percent of its transfer students participate in orientation programs, but new transfer students are required to receive academic advising, which helps ensure that these students obtain the information they need to succeed. UTA s outreach and recruitment efforts for transfer student are significant, with advising offered to potential transfer students on 28 community college campuses and between one quarter and one half of their recruitment budget dedicated to these students. UTA s online resources for transfer students are comprehensive, and the amount of financial aid they receive from the institution is large. Despite these efforts, UTA s graduation rate for transfer students is 7 percent below the state average. This university should consider establishing dual admission agreements with its community college transfer partners, and should attempt to identify and resolve issues that contribute to the low graduation rate of transfer students. 63

66 The University of Texas at Austin Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 2 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 1 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: The Coordinated Admission Program with other UT System institutions currently takes 1/2 of the admission slots allocated for general transfer students (1,800 of 3,600 slots). Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: We are currently exploring a number of institutional policies and programs to enhance the success of undergraduate students. As part of this effort we are looking at ways to engage high schools and community colleges to better articulate the type of preparation students need to succeed at UT Austin. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Working in the early planning stages (see response #8) Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? unknown 0 10% or less First- Time 64

67 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 0 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 10% or less students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $40,000, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Transfer Student Interst Group (TRIG) is a cohort of up to 25 students who develop community by taking two to four classes together. Students get to know their classmates by attending a weekly seminar facilitated by a peer mentor and staff member. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional level? NA How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 years? 0 Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 0 65

68 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 83% 67% The University of Texas at Austin Statewide Summary The University of Texas at Austin Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) budgets a proportionally small amount of its financial aid to transfer students, ten percent or less, but this still comes to $40 million in the academic year. Similarly, only ten percent or less of the recruitment budget is targeted at transfer students, but 78 percent of those who are accepted enroll. UT-Austin offers a regular orientation session for transfer students, but attendance is not mandatory. Academic advising is required, and the university web site is well supplied with information for transfer students. There are only two academic articulation agreements with colleges, but one half of the admission slots for general transfer students are taken by students from other UT System institutions participating in the Coordinated Admissions Program. 66

69 The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 86 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 65 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 87 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 82 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: We expect to identify issues regarding transfer student success as we continue our Foundations of Excellence work by focusing on the experience of transfer students. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? 10% 82 10% or less First- Time 67

70 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students at 0 this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer students 10% or less during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $0 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Orientation, career services, advising, enrollment services Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Institution level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 2 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 4 68

71 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 61% 83% 67% The University of Texas at Brownsville Statewide Summary The University of Texas at Brownsville Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC) occupies a unique position in Texas higher education, because it contains both a university and a community college. UTB/TSC has organized its practices and procedures in such a way that its students move seamlessly between the college and the university. Because it has a built-in transfer partner, its transfer statistics and practices are difficult to compare to other universities around the state. 69

72 The University of Texas at Dallas Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 55 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 55 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 55 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: 1. Transfer students whose transcript(s) relflect(s) a TSI exemption but the student(s) is(are) not prepared to undertake college-level work; 2. Transfer students who have not previously had a first year experience (i.e., college success) course. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Transfer students whose official transcripts reflect a TSI exemption AFTER they have completed ALL of their developmental work--not while they are currently enrolled in such courses. Transfer students who have previously had a first-year experience (i.e. college success) course. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? % First- Time 70

73 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 5 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 50% + students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $47,760, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: New Transfer Student Orientation;Tau Sgima National Honor Society for Transfer Students; "Behind the Scenes at UT Dallas." Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Institution level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 8 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 8 71

74 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 71% 83% 67% The University of Texas at Dallas Statewide Summary The University of Texas at Dallas Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is actively engaged in the creation of partnerships with community colleges, as evidenced by the 55 academic articulation agreements it has with colleges, the 38 college campuses where it offers advising to potential transfer students, and the eight vertical team meetings in which its faculty participated. UTD provides a variety of online resources to assist in transfer and has five financial aid programs specifically for transfer students. UTD should consider implementing a system to track the progress of recent transfer students and provide assistance, if needed, in order to close the performance gap between native and transfer students. 72

75 The University of Texas at El Paso Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 1 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 1 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 1 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: UTEP recently completed a major Foundations of Excellence study of institutional processes and support services for transfer students. Details will be forthcoming. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: 1. Faculty members who teach in the engineering program at El Paso Community College are required to hold qualifications that meet ABET standards. This collaboration has assisted in the seamless transition of coursework to UTEP. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 100% % First-Time 73

76 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 2 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 26-50% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $54,593, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: 1. Early College High Schools students from Mission Early College High School completed their EPCC Associate's degree before graduating high school and spent their high school senior year at UTEP as full juniors while fulfilling their senior year in high school. There are five more Early College High Schools in El Paso/West Texas who will be graduating students in the next few years. 2. Transfer Student Scholarships -- THECB STAR Award recipient 3. Reverse Transfer -- over 1,100 students received associate degrees at EPCC this past year through reverse transfer from UTEP. The process is now automated through custom development of articulation software within our BANNER system. 4. College Readiness -- Accuplacer test preparation & post-test intervention in area high-schools and at University Orientation. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Administrator 74

77 Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Institution level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 14 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 30 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 63% 83% 67% The University of Texas at El Paso Statewide Summary The University of Texas at El Paso Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has had a long and collaborative relationship with its local community college, El Paso Community College (EPCC). In its survey responses, UTEP indicated that it had articulation, dual admission, and reverse transfer agreements with just one college, EPCC. Given the relative geographic isolation of these two institutions, this close and somewhat exclusive partnership is not surprising. UTEP works with EPCC in a wide variety of ways, such as ensuring that all of the college s engineering faculty are properly accredited according to national standards, accepting all of EPCC s early college high school students who successfully complete the associate s degree as juniors upon transfer, and engaging in vertical team meetings with EPCC faculty. UTEP s transfer student outreach efforts are noteworthy, with policies in place that require all new transfer students to participate in an orientation program and receive academic advising, for example. UTEP s collection of web resources for transfer students is also good, with transfer guides, Texas Common Course Number equivalencies, and online tools that allow students to compare the credits they have already earned with degree requirements at the university. 75

78 The University of Texas at San Antonio Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 14 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 14 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 4 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Transfer students often exceed the undergraduate credit limitation imposed by the 45-hour (and, more recently, the 30-hour) rule for excessive hours resulting in them having to pay additional charges for tuition placing additional financial burdens on these students. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Community College Transfer Centers College Connections program between high schools, community colleges, and UTSA. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? 10% % First- Time 76

79 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 2 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $26,411, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Office of Veteran's Affairs, Academic Advising, Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 8 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 20 77

80 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 65% 67% The University of Texas at San Antonio Statewide Summary The University of Texas at San Antonio Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) appears to be actively engaged with its regional community colleges, having articulation agreements with 14 colleges, reverse transfer agreements with four colleges, 14 community college locations where it offers advising, and 20 vertical team meetings with community college faculty. UTSA does not require new transfer students to participate in orientation or academic advising, but should consider doing so in order to help those students graduate on a timeframe closer to that of native students. UTSA s web resources for transfer students are extensive, including the posting of articulation agreements, information about the applicability of transfer credits to various degree programs, and Texas Common Course Numbering System compliance. UTSA lacks a system to track the progress of recent transfer students, which could improve time-to-degree for those students. 78

81 The University of Texas at Tyler Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 10 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 10 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 10 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Academic advisers are not available during the summer Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Communication Issues Transfer Workshop Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: TVCC, TJC, KC Program equivalency guides Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? % + First-Time 79

82 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 2 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 26-50% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $ Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Supplemental Instruction Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 5 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 2 80

83 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 55% 67% The University of Texas at Tyler Statewide Summary The University of Texas at Tyler Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Texas at Tyler (UTT) has created transfer pathways for students through its 10 articulation and reverse transfer agreements, along with the efforts of its faculty in vertical team meetings. It devotes more than half of its recruitment budget to transfer students. However, the information and support offered to transfer students on its campus could be improved, as evidenced by the wide performance gaps between native and transfer students in retention and four-year graduation rates. UTT should consider requiring transfer students to attend orientation and/or academic advising programs, and should also investigate ways to offer more information about degree requirements and articulation on its website. UTT could also help improve transfer student performance by creating a system to monitor their progress and offer assistance when difficulties arise. 81

84 The University of Texas of the Permian Basin Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 17 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 17 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 17 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 17 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 0 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Different univesities have different program requirements. This is natural and appropriate as each responds to changes in disciplines. Community colleges must provide transfer curriculum that provides for ready transfer to all four-year schools. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: The cost for transferring students is important. We found a problem in that a freshman who enters our institution on scholarship and maintains a high enough GPA maintains the scholarship and thus pays less than a community college. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Freshman seminar or programs that focus on planning for transfer as well as academic success are important. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or 40% % First- 82

85 more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students at 5 this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer students 11-25% during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $500, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 3 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 5 83

86 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 58% 67% The University of Texas of the Permian Basin Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) The University of Texas of the Permian Basin Statewide Summary % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) has synchronized relations with 17 colleges, sharing academic articulation agreements and reverse transfer agreements. There is no dual admission. Orientation for transfer students is not required, but 40 percent attend anyway, and academic advising with specifically trained advisors is mandatory. Up to 25 percent of undergraduate support money is reserved for transfer students, and $500,000 was awarded in The institution has built a very attractive financial aid arrangement for transfer students who do well: if a student maintains a high GPA and keeps his or her scholarship, costs for a baccalaureate degree at UT-PB are less than what it would cost at a community college. 84

87 The University of Texas-Pan American Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 12 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 3 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of 2 higher education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: Transferring credit for lower division courses into degree programs that require credit for the same course at the upper division level. Fulfillment of pre-requisites that were not part of the associate degree requirements, thus delaying entrance into major programs. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Students transferring with two associate degrees or more than 90 semester hours are reaching the excess credit hour cap and charged additional fees. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 89% % First-Time 85

88 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information click on "Transfer Course Equivalency Guide link. Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 6 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $10,310, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Learning Assistance Center, University Writing Center, Academic Advising, and Mentoring Center Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 21 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 6 86

89 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 74% 83% 67% The University of Texas-Pan American Statewide Summary The University of Texas-Pan American Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years UT-Pan American has 12 academic articulation agreements with three different community colleges. UTPA has dual admission agreements with two colleges. A recurring problem with transfer students has been that students with two associate degrees, or more than 90 semester credit hours, are charged additional fees because they have exceeded the credit hour cap. Also, entrance into some programs has been delayed for some students because there are some courses taken at the college level that must be taken at the upper-division level at UT-Pan American to fulfill prerequisites for the major. Transfer students are given ample information by UTPA, however, with required orientation, advising, and a tailored web site. Financial support is good, with up to 25 percent of the financial aid budget going to transfer students totaling over $10 million in Recruitment and retention is good, with 74 percent of accepted transfer students enrolling and 74 percent graduating within four years. 87

90 University of Houston Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 3 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 27 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 8 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Accurate information while taking courses at the community college about which courses will transfer to a degree. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 98% % First-Time 88

91 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 1 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 26-50% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $82,863, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: UScholars program offers advising and other services for students who do nothave a declared major, many of whom are transfers. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 1 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 2 89

92 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 59% 83% 67% University of Houston Statewide Summary University of Houston Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Houston (UH) has a small number of academic articulation agreements (3; although 27 two-year institutions have at least one articulation agreement with UH), but the transfer students that do arrive at UH receive very generous financial support. Up to 50 percent of all undergraduate financial aid at UH went to transfer students, which in totaled almost $83 million dollars. The institution appears to attract well-motivated transfer students, as 98 percent of them attend orientation even though it is not required. Academic advising is required, however, and advisors are given special training in transfer student issues. UH offers advising on only six college campuses, however, and this could increase with the number of articulation agreements it has. Recruitment and the number of transfer students could grow rapidly with promotion of the generous financial support. 90

93 University of Houston-Clear Lake Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 10 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 10 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 6 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of 0 higher education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Enhanced academic support services Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Transfer advisors who are available to work with students from the first day of community college until they transfer to the university. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 25% 15 50% + Transfer 91

94 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 1 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 50% + students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $29.30 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Peer tutoring for courses identified as "gate keeper" courses, Suplementary Instruction for courses identified by each school as most troublesome to students, Academic Support referral Program, where faculty refer students to student support services when they notice the student is having difficulty within the first month of class and the Scholar Leader program where students participate in service activities and service learning. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Degree Program Alignment Responses 92 Other Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 3 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 15

95 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 68% 67% 5.37 University of Houston- Clear Lake Statewide Summary University of Houston-Clear Lake Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is an upper-division institution, and it does not offer lower-division courses. Therefore, all of its students are transfer students UHCL offers advising on 15 community college campuses and devotes the majority of its recruitment budget to transfer students, which indicates that as an institution it places a priority on attracting students from regional community colleges. UHCL does not offer an online tool that allows potential transfer students to see how their credits might apply to various degree programs, and this could be a way to both assist students and recruit them. UHCL faculty have participated in vertical teaming in recent years, and given its upper-division status, this is an activity that it should consider increasing. 93

96 University of Houston-Downtown Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 10 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 273 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 6 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 12 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: CC's teach some courses at the sophomore level when the universities are teaching the course at the junior level--transfer students want jr. credit--transfer students with an incomplete CORE. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: Transfer students on probation--excessive number of hours from the community college. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Joint Admission Agreements supplemented by advising from university advisors. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? 30% % 94

97 Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? First-Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 4 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer students 26-50% during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $55,339, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Linked courses Supplemental instruction Service learning/community engagement activities First Generation Student Initiative Specialized College Success Courses Academic Support Labs for math, English, statistics, reading, science, accounting. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional level? Department How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 4 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 18 95

98 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 57% 83% 67% University of Houston- Downtown Statewide Summary University of Houston-Downtown Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) has created a wide array of transfer pathways for students. In contrast to many other public universities, UHD has many workforce articulation agreements and relatively few academic articulation agreements. Finding ways to allow students from community college to use their workforce course credits in baccalaureate degrees has long been a challenge in Texas, and UHD has the potential to become a state leader in the area of workforce credit transfer policy. UHD has a dozen dual admission agreements, but only one reverse transfer agreement, which suggests that UHD should work with the community colleges in its metropolitan area to create additional reverse transfer opportunities for its students. UHD is also active in student outreach and advising through its support of its admissions and advising staff with training and professional development, and it devotes between one quarter and one half of its recruitment budget to transfer students. UHD provides well-developed web resources for transfer students, although it lacks a degree audit tool that would allow potential transfer students to see how the credits they have already earned would apply to their desired degree. Because UHD s graduation rates are considerably below the state average, the university should consider creating a system to track the progress of recent transfer students, so that students who encounter troubles can be quickly identified and offered assistance. 96

99 University of Houston-Victoria Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 11 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 11 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 11 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? 10% 1 50% + Transfer Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? 97

100 Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 8 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 50% + students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $4,546, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: Academic Certer Tutoring, Title V mentoring program, On-line Support, on-line orientation, Student Success Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Administrator Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 3 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 35 98

101 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 67% 5.37 University of Houston- Victoria Statewide Summary University of Houston-Victoria Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) was, until recently, an upper-division-only institution. Although this university has received authority to expand downward and begin accepting freshman and sophomore students, this change is new enough that for the purposes of this report, UHV is still upper-division-only. Given that all of its students in the past have been transfer students, one might expect to see more articulation agreements and student outreach activities than UHV has reported. In particular, UHV only offers advising to potential transfer students on only one campus, its local transfer partner, Victoria College. UHV requires all new transfer students to receive academic advising. UHV devotes more than half of its recruitment budget to transfer students, and it offers a wide array of information on its website targeted at transfers. UHV also dedicates eight financial aid programs to transfer students, and awards them over half of its aid. UHV faculty are actively engaged in curricular alignment with community college faculty. 99

102 University of rth Texas Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 10 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 7 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of 0 higher education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: 1. Varied TX Political Science course taking patterns are a statewide/systemic problem. 2. Taking any core satisfying course rather than taking the best choice core course for most timely completion of the specifically intended bachelor degree. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: 1. Overemphasis on reverse transfer. 2. As bach deg flexibility for course transfer was substantially restricted thru 120hr rule, the current emphasis to complete an assoc. degree leads to course taking choices that are not required for a bach degree. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: 1. Advising early in students enrollment. 2. Web & catalog info about successful x-f. 3. Transfer offices/centers. 4. CC's providing contact info of future transfers early on so advising may occur from day Making bach degree advising primary. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? 99% % 100

103 Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? First-Time Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 6 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 26-50% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $100,000, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: 1.Orientation. 2. Advisor training. 3. Admissions outreach. 4. Financial aid/scholarship programs. 5. Transfer programs such as TRIO, Phi Theta Kappa. Other campus integrated success programs such as Student Money Mgmt Center and Learning Center. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee 101

104 Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Institution level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 7 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 10 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 83% 68% 67% University of rth Texas Statewide Summary University of rth Texas Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years The University of rth Texas (UNT) has ten academic articulation agreements with seven institutions. There is one institution with a reverse transfer agreement. UNT is doing a good job with their transfer students (67 percent accept offers and 68 percent graduate within four years), providing students with a required orientation session and advising along with transfer offices at 28 area colleges. Nevertheless, the institution cites several barriers to full transfer success: students studying political science take courses in varying patterns, core course selection is not always done for timely completion of majors, there is a perceived overemphasis on reverse transfer, and the 120-hour rule restricts course transfer flexibility. 102

105 University of rth Texas at Dallas Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 10 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 0 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation 7 agreement with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of 0 higher education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? If yes to the above, response given for barriers to transfer: 1. Varied TX Political Science course taking patterns are a statewide/systemic problem. 2. Taking any core satisfying course rather than taking the best choice core course for most timely completion of the specifically intended bachelor degree. Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: 1. course availability 2. personal and family obligations Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or firsttime undergraduates? 100% 15 50% + First-Time 103

106 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 3 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 50% + students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $14,783, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: (1) transfer success workshops; (2) academic advising; (3) transfer ambassador program Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Other Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional Department level? How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 7 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years?

107 The University of rth Texas at Dallas (UNTD) is a recent addition to the state, having been authorized to transition from a satellite campus of the University of rth Texas to a university of its own. This institution began offering lower-division courses during Fall Despite this new status, UNTD is already active in the transfer arena, with 10 articulation agreements with regional colleges. UNTD mandates that all of its new transfer students participate in an orientation program and receive academic advising. It offers advising on 15 college campuses and devotes more than half its recruitment budget to transfer students. te: Because UNTD is a new public university which only recently received the authority to enroll students and grant degrees, there is not enough data to produce charts for time-todegree and graduation rates. 105

108 West Texas A&M University Transfer Pathways Responses Number of current academic articulation agreements 34 Number of current workforce articulation agreements 18 Number of two-year institutions that have at least one current articulation agreement 12 with this university Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 3 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher 3 education Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers" to transfer? Transfer Success Responses Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student transfer success? If yes to the above, response given for emerging issues: We have identified the need for improved information systems as ongoing issues for transfer student success challenges and are working with partner community colleges to ensure exchange and publication of transfer information. Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? If yes to the above, response given for community college program enhancements: Set expectation that associate degree is completed prior to transfer; give full credit toward the baccalaureate for up to 81 transfer hours; recognize the associate degree as a full-faith ticket of admission to the University; guarantee a place in the junior class for all students who meet criteria. Student Outreach and Advising Responses Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation program Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours (24 or more) through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? % or less First- Time 106

109 Website Information Development Responses Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university s specific requirements? When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the university website? Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students 0 at this university Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer 11-25% students during academic year Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year $8,645, Transfer Student Success Programs Responses Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? List of up to 5 of this university s most important, currently-operational transfer student success programs, or generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students: 1. Transfer Student Orientation; 2. Transfer Coordinator (dedicated adviser for transfer students once on campus); 3. "Destination WT" - transfer agreements with community colleges that ease transition to university. Does this university have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? Committee Degree Program Alignment Responses Have this university s faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? Are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional level? Department How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over the past 2 5 years? Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years?

110 Time to Degree Graduation Rate % 72% 83% 67% West Texas A&M University Statewide Summary West Texas A&M University Statewide Summary Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers) % of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years % of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) works closely with its two-year transfer partners, as evidenced by the 34 academic articulation, 18 workforce articulation, three reverse transfer, and three dual admission agreements. WTAMU has created a strong support system for transfer students through orientation programs, academic advising on its own and community college campuses, online resources, a student success tracking system, and professional development for academic advisors and admissions officers who counsel transfer students. It is worth noting that this university attracts, retains, and graduates many transfer students in proportion to its overall enrollment, and it devotes a significant amount of its efforts and resources to transfer students and their needs. 108

111 Performance Data and Related Observations 109

112 Texas Applicants, Acceptance and Enrollment Fall 2009 FTUG APPLICANTS TRANSFER APPLICANTS % of % of % of % of INSTITUTION Apply Accept Apply Enroll Accept Apply Accept Apply Enroll Accept SUL ROSS RIO GRANDE COLLEGE % 0 0.0% % % ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY 3,453 2, % 1, % % % TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE 2,181 1, % % % % LAMAR UNIVERSITY 3,714 3, % 1, % % % MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 1,754 1, % % % % UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS 11,107 8, % 3, % 2,844 2, % 1, % U. OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN 6,396 4, % 2, % % % SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY 7,220 4, % 2, % 1,602 1, % 1, % TEXAS STATE UNIV - SAN MARCOS 12,214 6, % 3, % 2,375 2, % 1, % STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIV 7,774 6, % 2, % % % SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY % 2 0.3% % % PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY 3,164 2, % 1, % % % TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY 2,629 2, % 1, % % % TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 20,388 13, % 7, % 1, % % TEXAS A&M UNIV-KINGSVILLE 3,263 3, % 1, % % % TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY 3,827 3, % % % 0 0.0% TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY 10,269 9, % 4, % 1,674 1, % 1, % TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY 2,564 1, % % 1,090 1, % % UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON 10,474 7, % 3, % 2,245 2, % 1, % U. OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON 6,752 5, % 2, % 2,970 2, % 1, % U. OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN 21,614 11, % 6, % 1, % % U. OF TEXAS AT EL PASO 5,391 5, % 2, % 1,201 1, % % WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 2,814 2, % 1, % % % TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIV 1,960 1, % % % % U. OF TEXAS AT DALLAS 5,038 2, % 1, % 1, % % U. OF TEXAS-PERMIAN BASIN % % % % U. OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO 11,837 10, % 4, % 1,622 1, % % TEXAS A&M UNIV AT GALVESTON % % % % TEXAS A&M UNIV-CORPUS CHRISTI 4,654 3, % 1, % % % U. OF TEXAS AT TYLER 1,512 1, % % % % U. OF HOUSTON-CLEAR LAKE % 0 0.0% % % U. OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN 2,297 2, % 1, % % % U. OF HOUSTON-VICTORIA % 0 0.0% % % TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA % 0 0.0% % % U. OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE 3,613 3, % % % % TEXAS A&M UNIV-CENTRAL TEXAS % 0 0.0% % % TEXAS A&M UNIV-SAN ANTONIO % 0 0.0% % % STATEWIDE 115,965 98, % 61, % 28,419 25, % 18, % Source: CBM001 & CBM00B FTUG applicants - students who applied on CBM00B with no previous college work, seeking a bachelor or associate degree. Matched to CBM001 for those coded as first-time undergraduates. Transfer applicants - students who applied as transfer on CBM00B, seeking a bachelor or associate degree. Matched back 6 years to CBM001 to make sure they were FTUG at a CTC and not a university. Matched to CBM001 for same fall year as application year to see if enrolled. 110

113 Source: CBM001 & CBM00B Texas Applicants, Acceptance and Enrollment Fall 2008 FTUG APPLICANTS TRANSFER APPLICANTS % of % of % of % of INSTITUTION Apply Accept Apply Enroll Accept Apply Accept Apply Enroll Accept SUL ROSS RIO GRANDE COLLEGE % 0 0.0% % % ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY 3,339 2, % 1, % % % TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE 2,022 1, % % % % LAMAR UNIVERSITY 3,060 2, % 1, % % % MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 1,647 1, % % % % UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS 11,376 8, % 3, % 3,090 2, % 2, % U. OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN 5,455 4, % 2, % % % SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY 6,892 4, % 2, % 1,521 1, % 1, % TEXAS STATE UNIV - SAN MARCOS 11,515 6, % 3, % 2,624 2, % 1, % STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIV 6,839 5, % 2, % % % SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY % % % % PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY 2,393 2, % 1, % % % TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY 2,817 2, % 1, % % % TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 18,863 13, % 7, % 1,736 1, % % TEXAS A&M UNIV-KINGSVILLE 1,985 1, % % % % TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY 5,688 5, % 1, % % 0 0.0% TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY 14,778 10, % 4, % 1,827 1, % 1, % TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY 2,581 1, % % 1,111 1, % % UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON 10,334 8, % 3, % 2,533 2, % 1, % U. OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON 5,406 4, % 2, % 2,634 2, % 1, % U. OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN 19,723 11, % 6, % 1, % % U. OF TEXAS AT EL PASO 5,051 5, % 2, % % % WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 2,167 1, % 1, % % % TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIV 1,662 1, % % % % U. OF TEXAS AT DALLAS 4,301 2, % 1, % 1,619 1, % % U. OF TEXAS-PERMIAN BASIN % % % % U. OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO 12,806 10, % 4, % 1,628 1, % % TEXAS A&M UNIV AT GALVESTON 1, % % % % TEXAS A&M UNIV-CORPUS CHRISTI 4,875 3, % 1, % % % U. OF TEXAS AT TYLER 1,441 1, % % % % U. OF HOUSTON-CLEAR LAKE % 0 0.0% % % U. OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN 1,891 1, % % % % U. OF HOUSTON-VICTORIA % 0 0.0% % % TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA % 0 0.0% % % U. OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE 3,282 3, % % % % STATEWIDE 111,544 96, % 60, % 28,158 24, % 18, % FTUG applicants - students who applied on CBM00B with no previous college work, seeking a bachelor or associate degree. Matched to CBM001 for those coded as first-time undergraduates. Transfer applicants - students who applied as transfer on CBM00B, seeking a bachelor or associate degree. Matched back 6 years to CBM001 to make sure they were FTUG at a CTC and not a university. Matched to CBM001 for same fall year as application year to see if enrolled. 111

114 Application and Admission Rates for First-Time and Transfer Students Two years (Fall 2008 and Fall 2009) of applicant data for both first-time-in-college students and community/technical college transfer students at Texas public universities show that the number of applicants and the number of acceptances for first-time students are much higher than for transfers, but that a higher percentage of accepted transfer students actually enroll. The following observations focus on the fall 2009 data. For first-time applicants, 85.3 percent of the 115,965 applicants were accepted compared with 88.9 percent of the 28,419 two-year college transfer applicants. While the acceptance rates are similar for first-time and transfer applicants, the numbers of each reported to the Coordinating Board are not. Four universities reported receiving over 2,000 transfer applications from two-year college students. They were The University of Texas at Arlington, the University of rth Texas, Texas State University-San Marcos, and the University of Houston. Eight universities received between 1,000 and 1,999 transfer applications; 10 received 500 to 999 applications; and 15 received fewer than 500 applications. Three institutions accepted less than 70 percent of transfer applicants. They are in order of percentage accepted: The University of Texas at Austin (44.4 percent), Texas A&M University (53.8 percent), and The University of Texas at Dallas (63.2 percent). For comparison purposes, UT-Austin accepted 53.3 percent of first-time-in-college applicants; TAMU accepted 67.9 percent; and UT-Dallas accepted 50.8 percent. Seven universities accepted between 70 percent and 90 percent of transfer applicants, and the remaining 26 institutions accepted more than 90 percent of applicants. Texas Southern University did not report receiving any transfer applications and is left out of some of these analyses. The University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) operates in partnership with Texas Southmost College. UTB is also excluded from some analyses as this relationship affects its number of transfer applicants. Upper-level and new universities had very few or no first-time undergraduate applicants to report. Twenty-six universities accepted a higher percentage of two-year transfer student and first-time applicants. Of the six institutions not in this category, three accepted over 90 percent of both groups (TAMU-Kingsville, TAMIU, and UT-El Paso). Only UT-Austin, TAMU, and Prairie View A&M University accepted a significantly lower percentage of transfers than first-time students. Only Texas Woman s University and Sul Ross State University experienced less than 50 percent enrollment of transfer students who were accepted. Nineteen universities had fall 2009 transfer student enrollment rates of between 50 and 70 percent. The University of rth Texas, The University of Texas at Arlington, and Texas State University-San Marcos all enrolled over 1,500 transfer students. Three other universities (University of Houston, Texas Tech University, and Sam Houston State University) enrolled between 1,000 and 1,500 of these students. Another seven universities, including UT-Austin, TAMU, and UT-Dallas, enrolled between 500 and 1,000 students. The remaining institutions enrolled fewer than

115 Graduation and Retention Rates for 2005 Cohort Ca te gory of Fina ncia l Aid T ota l Gra dua te s Total Juniors - Natives Pe rce nt gra dua ting in 4 ye a rs T ota l re ta ine d from firstye a r to se condye a r Pe rce nt re ta ine d Total Juniors - Transfers T ota l Gra dua te s Pe rce nt gra dua ting in 4 ye a rs T ota l re ta ine d from firstye a r to se condye a r Pe rce nt re ta ine d Institution (Pe ll) T ota l T ota l Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College % 10 48% Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College % 55 72% Angelo State University % % % 33 89% Angelo State University % % % 25 76% Texas A&M University-Commerce % % % % Texas A&M University-Commerce % % % % Lamar University % % % 28 64% Lamar University % % % 36 77% Midwestern State University % % % 40 80% Midwestern State University % % % 34 89% University of rth Texas % % % % University of rth Texas % % % % The University of Texas-Pan American % % % 34 76% The University of Texas-Pan American % % % % Sam Houston State University % % % % Sam Houston State University % % % % Texas State University - San Marcos % % % % Texas State University - San Marcos % % % % Stephen F. Austin State University % % % 84 82% Stephen F. Austin State University % % % % Sul Ross State University % 26 79% % 3 60% Sul Ross State University % 66 87% % 10 71% Prairie View A&M University % % % 20 80% Prairie View A&M University % % % 37 88% Tarleton State University % % % % Tarleton State University % % % % Texas A&M University % % % % Texas A&M University % % % % Texas A&M University-Kingsville % % % 49 78% Texas A&M University-Kingsville % % % 88 80% Texas Southern University % % 15 75% Texas Southern University % % % 22 69% Texas Tech University % % % Texas Tech University % % % Texas Woman's University % % % 97 84% Texas Woman's University % % % % University of Houston % % % % University of Houston % % % % The University of Texas at Arlington % % % % The University of Texas at Arlington % % % % The University of Texas at Austin % % % % The University of Texas at Austin % % % 89 91% The University of Texas at El Paso % % % 47 73% The University of Texas at El Paso % % % % West Texas A&M University % % % % West Texas A&M University % % % % Texas A&M International University % 51 84% % 18 58% Texas A&M International University % % % % The University of Texas at Dallas % % % % The University of Texas at Dallas % % % % The University of Texas of the Permian Basin % 56 85% % 32 65% The University of Texas of the Permian Basin % 52 88% % 55 86% The University of Texas at San Antonio % % % % The University of Texas at San Antonio % % % % Texas A&M University at Galveston % % % 12 80% Texas A&M University at Galveston % 35 92% % 8 89% Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi % % % 83 84% Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi % % % % The University of Texas at Tyler % 91 91% % % The University of Texas at Tyler % 50 91% % % University of Houston-Clear Lake % % University of Houston-Clear Lake % % University of Houston-Downtown % % % % University of Houston-Downtown % % % % University of Houston-Victoria % 65 72% University of Houston-Victoria % 92 76% Texas A&M University-Texarkana % 48 76% Texas A&M University-Texarkana % 54 83% The University of Texas at Brownsville % 5 71% % 29 73% The University of Texas at Brownsville % 30 75% % 99 79% Statewide Summary % % % % Statewide Summary % % % % 113

116 Time to Degree for INST IT UT ION T otal Graduates (Natives) Average Time to Degree Average of SCH Attempted Average of Semesters T otal Graduates (T ransfers) Average Time to Degree Average Average of SCH of Attempted Semesters Total Graduates Total Graduates Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College Angelo State University Texas A&M University-Commerce Lamar University Midwestern State University University of rth Texas 1, The University of Texas-Pan American 1, Sam Houston State University Texas State University - San Marcos 1, Stephen F. Austin State University 1, Sul Ross State University Prairie View A&M University Tarleton State University Texas A&M University 5, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Texas Southern University Texas Tech University 2, Texas Woman's University University of Houston 1, The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin 5, The University of Texas at El Paso West Texas A&M University Texas A&M International University The University of Texas at Dallas The University of Texas of the Permian Basin The University of Texas at San Antonio 1, Texas A&M University at Galveston Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi The University of Texas at Tyler University of Houston-Clear Lake University of Houston-Downtown University of Houston-Victoria Texas A&M University-Texarkana The University of Texas at Brownsville Statewide Summary 31, ,

117 Performance Comparison between Native and Transfer Students in Universities This section of the report examines a cohort of students that were classified in Fall 2005 as juniors. Three quarters of the students were natives, students that started at a certain university and reached the junior status at the same university in Fall The rest of the cohort were transfers, students that started at community colleges and were admitted to a university for the first time in Fall 2005 as juniors. Their performance was defined by two measures: retention and graduation. One-year retention rate: percent of students enrolled in Fall 2005 that are still enrolled in Fall 2006 Four-year graduation rate: the percentage of the Fall 2005 Juniors that graduate within four years (FY06, FY07, FY08, FY09). Some observations on the performance of the two groups of students: Native students perform better than transfer students on both measures. o o There is a difference of 8 percent for the retention rate between the two groups at the state level. Students that transfer to The University of Texas at Austin and to TAMU- College Station do slightly better than the native students. There is a difference of 16 percent in the four-year graduation rate between the groups at the state level. The institutions that have small differences in graduation rates are either the highly selective ones (for example, UT-Austin) or those with open admissions (e.g., University of Houston-Downtown). The small difference in performance in one or both measures for some institutions suggests that the students accepted either as freshmen or as transfers are similar, which leads to similar outcomes. The average number of credit hours attempted is the same for both groups, as is the number of semesters necessary to graduate. The actual time to degree, measured in number of years between the first semester a student enrolls in higher education through the semester of graduation, is different, with transfer students needing about two years more to complete the requirements. Both groups attempt more than 120 semester credit hours (SCH) during their academic career, with a state average of 144 SCH attempted per student during the time spent in undergraduate higher education. Native students not on financial aid graduate at higher rates than those on financial aid, but there is no difference for retention. For transfer students, financial aid does not seem to make a difference in performance in graduation or retention rates. 115

118 Key Observations/Conclusions Overall, the survey and performance data indicate that the public universities understand the importance of transfer students in the state higher education system and make efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate them. However, the data also show that Texas could be doing a better job at helping these students make the transition from community college to university. The state average for the difference between native and transfer students in four-year graduation rates is 16 percent, but the lowest difference at a particular institution is 4 percent and the highest is 27 percent a wide variation in performance. The difference in retention rates between native and transfer students also shows great variation, where the lowest difference for a particular university was zero, and the highest was 18 percent. Given the common characteristics of community college students they are more likely to be economically disadvantaged, the first person in the family to attend college, employed full or part-time, and enter college life with less academic preparation the odds are that these students will not stay in college or graduate at rates similar to those of their native university counterparts unless institutions of higher education make strong, coordinated efforts to assist them. However, determining which efforts are most effective and efficient is not readily discernable from the survey or from THECB data. The survey data reveal a wide variety of practices to improve student retention and success. Universities with high retention and graduation rates for transfer students are likely to require academic advising and/or orientation programs, tend to have good web resources available, and often have specific student success programs or student tracking systems for transfer students. However, some of the universities with lower retention and graduation rates also have these resources in place, thus suggesting that there is no definitive list of programs that automatically ensure transfer student success. The variations in retention and graduation rates for native and transfer students at Texas public universities are the result of a complex interaction between student population characteristics, such as their academic preparation, their family, and their employment status, and the characteristics of the university, such as the attitudes of faculty and administrators and the programs and other resources that are available to assist students. Additional research would need to be conducted to further determine which programs are most effective and why, possibly by one of the state s Educational Research Centers. Recommendations The following is a list of preliminary recommendations based on the survey results and data analysis: In regions where a university may be the only one serving a population for hundreds of miles, special efforts should be made to have articulation and dual-acceptance agreements with area community colleges. Most universities with good transfer student retention rates engage in a range of practices to advise and support those students, including orientation programs, academic advising programs, student success programs, and student progress tracking programs. Universities and their system offices should collaborate across the state by 116

119 sharing information about which of these various programs are most cost-efficient in providing student support for the money spent. Stocking a website with information helpful to transfer students is within the reach of all of our public universities. The time and effort involved in developing articulation, dual admission, and reverse transfer agreements are considerable when compared to the resources required to merely publish such information on an institutional website. Institutions without such information on their websites should add it and ensure that it is easily found and accessed by transfer students and other interested parties. Several institutions cited difficulties with college advisors giving incorrect or incomplete information to potential transfer students. University faculty should not assume that advisors at area colleges know everything they need to know, and institutions should take proactive steps to work with area colleges to improve the lines of communication. Many universities send their own advisors to staff offices or information booths at selected community colleges, and this should become common practice for public universities. Institutions can also provide advisor development programs which provide information on the university s policies and programs. Universities should be encouraged to seek reverse transfer agreements with community colleges in order to promote the Closing the Gaps goal of associate degree completion. Universities need to be more active in organizing and conducting faculty vertical team meetings to align curricula with their community college transfer partners. These vertical alignment efforts are a crucial tool for creating seamless transfer pathways for students and ensuring that community college students are prepared to perform upperdivision work at senior institutions. 117

120 Appendix A General Appropriations Act, SB1, 81st Texas Legislature, Section 55 (page III-251) Community College Transfer Student Reporting Requirement All General Academic Institutions shall use their respective Education and General funds appropriated in this Act to develop and submit an annual report to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) that details the institution's goals to increase the number, success, and persistence of community college transfer students as measured by THECB. The report shall assess each institution's existing academic and technical transfer pathways, identify each institution's barriers to transfer, and define emerging issues. The report shall detail institution actions to serve current and future transfer students through local and regional articulation agreements with faculty collaboration, community college program enhancements, student outreach and advising, website information development, targeted financial aid, university student success programs, and degree program alignment. The THECB shall provide performance data by institution (application rates, admission rates, financial aid awarded, time-to-degree, and baccalaureate graduation rates) of transfer and native students by program completion at community colleges and universities during the preceding fiscal year. The THECB shall conduct a comparative analysis of the institutional reports and the performance data. The THECB shall submit an annual report to the Legislature that evaluates actions to increase the number, success, and persistence of community college transfer students and make recommendations to meet state goals. The report shall be delivered to the House Appropriations Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor by vember 1 of each year. 118

121 Appendix B Transfer Survey Instrument Transfer Pathways 1. Please indicate the number of Academic and Technical Transfer Agreements you have enacted with other institutions of higher education a. Number of current academic articulation agreements [numerical value] b. Number of current workforce articulation agreements [numerical value] 2. How many two-year institutions have at least one current transfer agreement with your institution? [numerical value] 3. How many Reverse Transfer agreements do you have with two-year institutions?(where your institution has agreed to send transcripts back to the two-year institution that a student previously attended in order to facilitate the awarding of associate s degrees) [numerical value] 4. How many Dual Admission agreements have you enacted with other institutions of higher education? (Dual Admission agreement: A formal agreement between a two-year and four-year institution to jointly admit eligible students to ensure a seamless transfer and achievement of both an associate s degree and a bachelor s degree) [numerical value] 5. Has your institution identified institution-level or department/program level barriers to transfer, separate from routine requirements that apply to all students at your institution? If so, please list them. [large text box] Transfer Success 1. Has your institution defined and/or identified any emerging issues regarding student transfer success? If so, please list them. [large text box] 2. Has your institution defined and/or identified community college program enhancements that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at your institution? If so, please list them. [large text box] Student Outreach and Advising 1. Do you require new transfer students to attend an orientation program? [Y/N] 2. Do you require academic advising for new transfer students? [Y/N] 3. Do your academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional development specific to transfer students? [Y/N] 4. On how many community/technical/state college campuses do you offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? [numerical value] 5. Approximately what percentage of your recruitment budget is dedicated to transfer recruitment? [10% or less, 11-25%, 26-50%, 50%+] 6. Is training is provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and concerns? [Y/N] 7. Are students who have completed a high number of semester credit hours through dual credit opportunities admitted as transfer students or first-time undergraduates? [Transfer/First-Time] 119

122 Website Information Development 1. Does your institutional website have a section for information tailored to the needs of transfer students? [Y/N] 2. Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the website? [Y/N] 3. Does your website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with your institution s specific degree requirements? [Y/N] 4. When listing the courses required for your bachelor s degrees, is your website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? [Y/N] (i.e., Do you provide the TCCNS equivalents to your own course numbers?) Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on your website? [Y/N] If so, please provide web address. [small text box] Targeted Financial Aid 1. What is the number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students at your institution? [numerical value] 2. What percentage of total undergraduate financial aid went to transfer students during academic year ? [10% or less, 11-25%, 26-50%, 50%+] 3. What is the amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year ? [numerical value] Transfer Student Success Programs 1. Do you offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer students? [Y/N] 1. If yes to above, please list up to 5 of your most important, currently operational transfer student success programs. [large text box] 2. If no to above, please list up to 5 of your most important, currently operational generalized student success programs which are frequently utilized by transfer students. [large text box] 2. Do you have an administrator or committee responsible for transfer student success? [Administrator/committee/other] 3. Do you track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer assistance if it is needed? (i.e., Do you have an Early Warning System for recent transfers?) [Y/N] Degree Program Alignment 1. Have your faculty members met with 2-year college faculty to align degree and program requirements (i.e. vertical teaming) in the last two years? [/] 2. If yes, are these meetings coordinated at the department level or the institutional level? [Department/Institution] 3. How many departments have participated in vertical teaming over past 2 years? [numerical value] 4. Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? [numerical value] 120

123 This document is available on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Website: For more information, contact: James Goeman, Ph.D. Senior Education Specialist Academic Affairs and Research Division Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board P.O. Box Austin, TX /