UTSA, Alamo Colleges create new pathway for transfer students

UTSA junior transfer student Karen Elliot speaks with UTSA President Taylor Eighmy at the news conference announcing the On-TRAC program.

(Feb. 20, 2018) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Alamo Colleges District today announced the creation of the Transitioning Roadrunners at Alamo Colleges Program (On-TRAC). The transfer program will give freshman students, who apply but may not qualify for direct admission to UTSA an alternative pathway to achieve their goals.

“We are focused on providing an environment where students can thrive, setting them on a course for future opportunities and prosperity,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “This new partnership with Alamo Colleges enhances access and preparedness for those pursuing their dream of becoming a Roadrunner and earning their bachelor’s degree from UTSA.”

About 75 percent of Alamo Colleges students transfer to four-year universities to complete their degrees. The majority of those who transfer enroll at UTSA. Additionally, fifty-one percent of UTSA’s incoming transfer students matriculate from the Alamo Colleges.

The On-TRAC program allows Alamo Colleges District students to co-enroll at UTSA and prepares them to become a Roadrunner. UTSA advisors will provide support to On-TRAC students, at each of the colleges of the Alamo Colleges District, during their freshman year to make the transfer process easier to navigate. On-TRAC students also will have access to student organizations, housing and the recreation centers at both the Alamo Colleges and UTSA.

“We appreciate the support we have received from UTSA over the years for our collaborative efforts to promote student success and educational attainment at both our institutions,” said Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Bruce Leslie. "This newest pathways program builds on the success of our many partnership efforts and complements our strategies to increase student success, and specifically, completion, at our colleges.”

A pilot program for On-TRAC will begin in the fall 2018 semester and will include up to 250 students. Students will be selected for the program by applying to UTSA through the freshman admission process.

On-TRAC students must meet the following criteria at the Alamo Colleges to successfully continue in the program at UTSA:

• Earn 24 semester credit hours of college level course work at an Alamo Colleges institution, from a prescribed list of courses, by the end of the Spring term following matriculation
• Earn six semester credit hours of college level course work at UTSA, from a prescribed list of courses, during the Spring term
• Earn a minimum of 2.25 Alamo Colleges G.P.A. (cumulative) and 2.25 UTSA, G.P.A. (cumulative)
• Meet all applicable Texas Success Initiative requirements

Students who successfully complete their On-TRAC requirements will be automatically admitted to UTSA the following fall semester without having to re-apply. Students will also become eligible for the Distinguished Transfer Scholarships to help fund their education at UTSA, which provides up to $6,000 in funding over two years for students who meet G.P.A. and other eligibility requirements.

As an added bonus, On-TRAC students will be eligible to enroll in six free credit hours at the Alamo Colleges the summer after they complete the required 24 semester credit hours.

“This collaborative effort will help transfer students make a successful transition to UTSA as they pursue their academic goals,” said Heather Shipley, interim vice provost and dean of University College at UTSA. “UTSA is committed to promoting student success for transfer students and On-TRAC will provide a clear pathway to become a Roadrunner.”

UTSA is a public urban serving university specializing in health, cybersecurity, energy sustainability, and human and social development. With nearly 31,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio metropolitan region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service.

UTSA is ranked among the top four universities in the nation under 50 years old, according to Times Higher Education.

— Kara Soria

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