Agenda Item IV-N
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER
STUDENT REPORT
DRAFT
October 2010
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Accountability
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Fred W. Heldenfels IV, CHAIR Austin
Elaine Mendoza, VICE CHAIR San Antonio
Joe B. Hinton, SECRETARY Crawford
Durga D. Agrawal Houston
Dennis D. Golden Carthage
Wallace L. Hall, Jr. Dallas
Lyn Bracewell Phillips Bastrop
A.W. “Whit” Riter III Tyler
Eric Rohne, STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE 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.
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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.
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RecommendationsThe 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 upper-
division work at senior institutions.
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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 North Texas
...100
University of North Texas at Dallas
...103
West Texas A&M University
...106
Performance Data and Related Observations
...109
Key Observations and Conclusions
...116
Recommendations
...116
Appendices
...118
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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.
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INSTITUTIONAL PROFILES
Angelo State UniversityTransfer 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
agreement with this university 12
Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 1 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of
higher education 1
Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level
"barriers" to transfer? Yes
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? Yes
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? Yes 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 20%
Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? No Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Yes Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional
development specific to transfer students? Yes
On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer
advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? 2 Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated
to transfer recruitment? 26-50%
Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and
concerns? Yes
6
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? Yes
Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Yes Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits
they have already earned with the university’s specific requirements? Yes When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website
compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Yes Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the
university website? Yes
Web address for transfer student
information http://www.angelo.edu/dept/admissions/transfer.html Targeted Financial Aid Responses
Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students
at this university 2
Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer
students during academic year 2009-2010 11-25%
Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year 2009-2010 $16,701,490.00 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses
Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer
students? No
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? Other
Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer
assistance if it is needed? No
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? Yes 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
years? 1
Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 4
7
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 2009-10.
5.66 5.37
6.70 7.26
Angelo State
University Statewide Summary for Universities
Time to Degree
Fall 2005 Cohort
Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers)
74% 83%
63% 67%
Angelo State
University Statewide Summary for Universities
Graduation Rate
Fall 2005 Cohort
% of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years
% of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years
8
Lamar UniversityTransfer 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
with this university 12
Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher
education 5
Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers"
to transfer? Yes
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? Yes
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? Yes 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 5%
Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? No Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Yes Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or
professional development specific to transfer students? Yes On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university
offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? 0 Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is
dedicated to transfer recruitment? 10% or less
Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and
concerns? Yes
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
9 Website Information Development Responses
Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs
of transfer students? Yes
Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? No Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the
credits they have already earned with the university’s specific requirements? No When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university
website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Yes Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on
the university website? No
Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses
Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students
at this university 0
Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer students
during academic year 2009-2010 10% or less
Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year 2009-2010 $5,988,179.00 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses
Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer
students? No
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? Other
Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in
order to offer assistance if it is needed? Yes
10 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? Yes 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
years? 5
Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 10
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.
5.65 5.37
6.83 7.26
Lamar University Statewide Summary for Universities
Time to Degree
Fall 2005 Cohort
Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers)
73%
83%
53%
67%
Lamar University Statewide Summary for Universities
Graduation Rate
Fall 2005 Cohort
% of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years
% of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years
11
Midwestern State UniversityTransfer 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
with this university 78
Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher
education 0
Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers"
to transfer? No
Transfer Success Responses
Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student
transfer success? No
Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program
enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? No Student Outreach and Advising Responses
Percentage of transfer students that participate in a campus or online orientation
program 100%
Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Yes Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Yes Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or
professional development specific to transfer students? No On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university
offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? 0 Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is
dedicated to transfer recruitment? 26-50%
Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and
concerns? Yes
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? Yes
Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Yes Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the
credits they have already earned with the university’s specific requirements? Yes When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university
website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Yes Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on
the university website? Yes
Web address for transfer student information http://admissions.mwsu.edu/transferguide.asp
12 Targeted Financial Aid Responses
Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students
at this university 3
Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer
students during academic year 2009-2010 11-25%
Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year 2009-2010 $6,080,437.42 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses
Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer
students? No
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? Other
Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to
offer assistance if it is needed? Yes
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? No 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
13
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.
5.69 5.37
7.52 7.26
Midwestern State
University Statewide Summary for Universities
Time to Degree
Fall 2005 Cohort
Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers)
78% 83%
70% 67%
Midwestern State
University Statewide Summary for Universities
Graduation Rate
Fall 2005 Cohort
% of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years
% of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years
14
Sam Houston State UniversityTransfer 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
with this university 40
Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 15 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher
education 15
Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers"
to transfer? Yes
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? Yes
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? Yes 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 9%
Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? No Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Yes Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional
development specific to transfer students? Yes
On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer
advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? 2 Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to
transfer recruitment? 26-50%
Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and
concerns? Yes
15
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? Yes
Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Yes Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits
they have already earned with the university’s specific requirements? Yes When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website
compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Yes Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the
university website? Yes
Web address for transfer student information
https://www.shsu.edu/catalog/transferinformation.html#commoncourse
Targeted Financial Aid Responses
Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students
at this university 4
Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer
students during academic year 2009-2010 11-25%
Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year 2009-2010 $16,222,045.00 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses
Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer
students? No
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? Committee
Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to offer
assistance if it is needed? Yes
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? Yes 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
years? 12
Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 45
16
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.
5.29 5.37
6.99 7.26
Sam Houston State
University Statewide Summary for Universities
Time to Degree
Fall 2005 Cohort
Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers)
86% 83%
70% 67%
Sam Houston State
University Statewide Summary for Universities
Graduation Rate
Fall 2005 Cohort
% of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years
% of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years
17
Stephen F. Austin State UniversityTransfer 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 with this university 15
Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher
education 0
Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers"
to transfer? Yes
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? Yes
Has the university defined and/or identified "community college program
enhancements" that facilitate the success of transfer students to or at the university? Yes 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 24%
Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? No Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Yes Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or
professional development specific to transfer students? Yes On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university
offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? 0 Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is
dedicated to transfer recruitment? 10% or less
Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and
concerns? Yes
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
18 Website Information Development Responses
Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of
transfer students? Yes
Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Yes Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the
credits they have already earned with the university’s specific requirements? Yes When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website
compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Yes Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on
the university website? Yes
Web address for transfer student information www.sfasu.edu/admissions/transfer/2yearguide/
Targeted Financial Aid Responses
Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students
at this university 3
Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer
students during academic year 2009-2010 11-25%
Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year 2009-2010 $14,100,000.00 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses
Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer
students? No
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? Other
Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to
offer assistance if it is needed? No
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? Yes 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
years? 4
Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 8
19
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 2009-10.
5.33 5.37
7.20 7.26
Stephen F. Austin
State University Statewide Summary for Universities
Time to Degree
Fall 2005 Cohort
Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers)
84% 83%
71% 67%
Stephen F. Austin
State University Statewide Summary for Universities
Graduation Rate
Fall 2005 Cohort
% of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years
% of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years
20
Tarleton State UniversityTransfer 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 with this university 0
Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of
higher education 1
Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level
"barriers" to transfer? No
Transfer Success Responses
Has the university defined and/or identified any "emerging issues" regarding student
transfer success? Yes
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? Yes 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 10
Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Yes Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Yes Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or
professional development specific to transfer students? Yes On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university
offer advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? 12 Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is
dedicated to transfer recruitment? 10% or less
Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and
concerns? Yes
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
21 Website Information Development Responses
Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the
needs of transfer students? Yes
Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the
websites? Yes
Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits they have already earned with the university’s specific
requirements?
Yes
When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university
website compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Yes Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer
students on the university website? Yes
Web address for transfer student information www.tccns.org and www.tarleton.edu/~transfers Targeted Financial Aid Responses
Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students
at this university 1
Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer
students during academic year 2009-2010 11-25%
Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year 2009-2010 $0 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses
Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer
students? No
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? Administrator
Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in
order to offer assistance if it is needed? No
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? No 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
22
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. No money was given to transfer students for financial aid during 2009-10. Tarleton State may wish to consider financial support when possible to build upon their high enrollment and graduation rates.
5.41 5.37
7.58 7.26
Tarleton State
University Statewide Summary for Universities
Time to Degree
Fall 2005 Cohort
Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers)
86% 83%
74% 67%
Tarleton State
University Statewide Summary for Universities
Graduation Rate
Fall 2005 Cohort
% of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years
% of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years
23
Texas A&M International UniversityTransfer 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
with this university 1
Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 0 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher
education 1
Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers"
to transfer? Yes
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? Yes
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? Yes 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 <10%
Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? No
Is academic advising required for new transfer students? No
Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional
development specific to transfer students? Yes
On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer
advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? 5 Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to
transfer recruitment? 10%
or less Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and
concerns? Yes
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
24 Website Information Development Responses
Does the university website have a section for information tailored to the needs of
transfer students? No
Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? No Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits
they have already earned with the university’s specific requirements? No When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website
compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Yes Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the
university website? No
Web address for transfer student information Targeted Financial Aid Responses
Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students
at this university 1
Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer
students during academic year 2009-2010 10% or less
Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year 2009-2010 $3,039,600.00 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses
Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer
students? No
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? Committee
Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in order to
offer assistance if it is needed? Yes
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? No 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
years? 0
Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 0
25
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.
5.29 5.37
7.93 7.26
Texas A&M International
University
Statewide Summary for Universities
Time to Degree
Fall 2005 Cohort
Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers)
78% 83%
60% 67%
Texas A&M International
University
Statewide Summary for Universities
Graduation Rate
Fall 2005 Cohort
% of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years
% of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years
26
Texas A&M UniversityTransfer 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
with this university 21
Number of Reverse Transfer agreements with two-year institutions 21 Number of Dual Admission agreements enacted with other institutions of higher
education 1
Has this university identified institution-level or department/program level "barriers"
to transfer? Yes
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? Yes
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? Yes 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 100%
Are new transfer students required to attend an orientation program? Yes Is academic advising required for new transfer students? Yes Do academic advisors (professional or faculty) receive training and/or professional
development specific to transfer students? Yes
On how many community/technical/state college campuses does the university offer
advising to potential transfer students on an ongoing basis? 1 Approximately what percentage of the institutional recruitment budget is dedicated to
transfer recruitment? 11-25%
Is training provided to admissions staff members regarding transfer issues and
concerns? Yes
27
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? Yes
Are articulation agreements and/or transfer guides identified on the websites? Yes Does the university website allow potential transfer students to compare the credits
they have already earned with the university’s specific requirements? Yes When listing the courses required for bachelor's degrees, is the university website
compliant with the Texas Common Course Numbering System? Yes Is this information provided on or linked to information for transfer students on the
university website? Yes
Web address for transfer student
information admissions.tamu.edu/transfer/gettingin/degreeTracks Targeted Financial Aid Responses
Number of financial aid programs targeted specifically for transfer students
at this university 4
Percentage of total undergraduate financial aid that went to transfer
students during academic year 2009-2010 11-25%
Amount of aid given to transfer students during academic year 2009-2010 $51,170,277.00 Transfer Student Success Programs Responses
Does this university offer student success programs specifically designed for transfer
students? Yes
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? Other
Does this university track the progress of recent transfer students in
order to offer assistance if it is needed? No
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? Yes 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
years? 7
Approximately how many meetings have occurred in the last 2 years? 2
28
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.
5.22 5.87 5.37
7.26
Texas A&M University Statewide Summary for Universities
Time to Degree
Fall 2005 Cohort
Average # of Years to Degree (Natives) Average # of Years to Degree (Transfers)
93%
90% 83%
67%
Texas A&M University Statewide Summary for Universities
Graduation Rate
Fall 2005 Cohort
% of Native Juniors Graduating in 4 years
% of Transfer Juniors Graduating in 4 years
29
Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Tarleton is parent university)
