1. Martha Ellis, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor, Community College Partnerships University of Texas System TG Conference Transfer and Financial Aid

2. State of Texas UT System  9 general academic institutions  6 health science centers  195,107 students 33% of all students enrolled in academic institutions 67% of all students enrolled in health-related institutions 7 other university systems in Texas 50 Community College Districts—Independent 610,500 students  75% of the state’s freshmen and sophomores  78% of all Texas minority students in higher education

3. Definitions Transfer student is one who has successfully completed 30 SCH at another institution Core completer—completion of general education hours at community college Associate Degree completer

4. A few facts that impact financial aid at community colleges 1 in 5 Ph.D. holders began at a community college Low income students are less likely to enroll in college Community colleges are the entry point for most low income students Only 25% of students who have top test scores and are low income go to college TEXAS Sixth highest poverty rate in nation 55% of cc students are independent of their parents in Texas 60% of cc students attend part time 41% of cc students are 1 st generation

5. Suggested reading Bowen,W.G., Chingos, M.M., & McPherson, M.S. (2009). Crossing the Finish Line: Completing College at American Public Universities. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. Creusere,M., Fletcher,C.,& Shook, M. (2010). State of Student Aid and Higher Education in Texas. Round Rock, TX: TG

6. UTS Community College Initiative 75% of freshman and sophomore students enrolled in community college 40% in AS, AA, and AAT programs University GPA comparable between community college transfer and native students Graduation rates higher for community college transfer students

7. UTAUTAUSUTBUTDUTEPUTPAUTPBUTSAUTTTotals Core Curriculum Completer604924033622624661903182058 GPA First Year: < 2.011113546252003552307 GPA First Year: 2.0 - 2.49939150303613553308 GPA First Year: 2.5 -2.912814569355003064395 GPA First Year: 3.0 - 3.49122261597616814087517 GPA First Year: 3.5 >14230146567 44750486 GPA First Year UNK800985031245 UTS: Core Completers and GPA

8. UTAUTAUSUTBUTDUTEPUTPAUTPBUTSAUTTTotals Academic and Technical Degree Transfers6639281332275262803232612369 GPA First Year: < 2.011481338331945839326 GPA First Year: 2.0 - 2.4910010751373994844345 GPA First Year: 2.5 -2.91311511684156145559450 GPA First Year: 3.0 - 3.4914227191017573297463603 GPA First Year: 3.5 >1653130678070218444592 GPA First Year UNK1111795341253 UTS: Associate Degree Completers and GPA

10. UTS Exploratory Survey, Fall 2008 Administrators at 2 and 4 year institutions respond to survey regarding opportunities and challenges of current transfer system Financial aid results  Need for better communication and collaboration between 2 and 4 year institutions  Lack of financial aid information is barrier  4 year institutions need financial aid physical presence at 2 year colleges with advisors or at workshops  Students generally know approximate cost and financial aid opportunities at nearest 4 year institution but do not know what is available and how to apply  Competition for financial aid between freshmen and transfers

11. UTS: Qualitative Research Focus Groups with successful community college transfer students  Credit hours upon transfer Hours lost upon transfer Demographics: 50 %male/female 46% 1 st Generation 47%Hispanic, 38% White, 7% African American, 7% Asian 59% 18-24 yrs of age 41% 25 yrs and older

12. Transfer Students speak Students say:  Advising is lacking at both cc and university  Academically well prepared by cc for university  Customer service needs to be improved in student services  Must be highly self motivated to navigate the system Recommendations:  Use transfer students as ambassadors,  Provide better information and utilize technology  Eliminate competitive attitudes between institutions

13. Community College Partnership University of Texas System Texas A&M University System Texas Association of Community Colleges

16. Policy changes Accountability report includes transfer enrollments and graduation www.utsystem.edu/OSM/accountability/2008/homepage. htm www.utsystem.edu/OSM/accountability/2008/homepage. htm Statewide initiative with UTS, Texas A&M University, and Texas Association of Community Colleges Applied research projects Joint legislative platform Public awareness campaign Transfer101.org www.transfer101.0rg www.transfer101.0rg

17. Policy issues for financial aid TEXAS grant TEOG 6 drop 120 hour/30 maximum Input from you

18. Challenges Student unit tracking data and definitions Comprehensive transfer action plans that include sharing of student data and communication plans Consistent information about state policies Competition for students based on current funding model and therefore reluctance to share information Communication Financial Aid