Update on the Graduation Rate Improvement Plan (GRIP)

The GRIP Today Every strategy is implementing a pilot plan (or modifying existing projects) during the coming academic year Project leaders will adjust their official 2014 projects based on results To succeed the GRIP must have the support of the whole university community

GRIP Impact – 2013 Student Body Profile Our new students are better-prepared scholars Fall 2013 acceptance rate = 59% ( %) 65% enrolled are in the top 25% ( %) 87% are in top half of ( %)

Enrolling Roadrunner Scholars Enrollment was down this year. We are competing with other universities for the best students. We must persuade good students to choose UTSA (undergrads and graduate)!

Impact of “Roadrunners” We need more Roadrunners! Roadrunners are stronger scholars than CAP students! We retain more –73% of our “Roadrunners” from last year –28% of the CAP students –CAP hurts our profile

The GRIP Impact on New Students Orientation focus on success Pre-enrollment math bridging First Year Experience –Cohorts –Peer mentors –Teaching assistants –Assessment of strengths and weaknesses –Same advisor forever –Software support –Guidance with choosing major Tutoring and SI

The GRIP Impact on All Students Same advisor forever Streamlined curriculum Wait lists to open courses Competency exams Enhanced required course availability Degree plans online Early alert for praise or intervention Online and hybrid classes Tutoring and SI

UTSA’s Challenges The state and UT System challenges: –First time/ full time freshmen graduate in 4 years –Transfer student goals on the way?

Students’ Challenges Major challenges our students face: –Time management –Academic success (grades) –Commitment to graduation –Involvement in campus –Financial pressure –Family pressure –Health –Other?

Consequences of Failure Dropouts Delay in income Greater student debt “I’m went to UT SA ” Bad reputation Indifferent alumni Frozen or reduced funding

Consequences of Success Graduation Higher, sooner income Lower/no student debt School pride UT…SA!! Reputation Loyal alumni Increased funding

Success Is Everyone’s Job Everyone must do their part to help students succeed! –Students –Faculty –Staff –Administrators

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