The First Generation and Transfer Student Center has been recognized as a national model.
Dec. 16, 2019 — Editor’s note: A national organization’s recognition of UTSA’s efforts as a “program to watch” highlights the university’s commitment to the academic and economic success of its Hispanic-majority student population. [First published on Oct. 3, 2019]
The UTSA First Generation and Transfer Student Center has been recognized by Excelencia in Education as a Program to Watch for 2019–2020. UTSA is one of only 20 programs out of 166 that were nominated for this recognition.
Excelencia in Education is a national organization based in Washington, D.C., that is committed to promoting the academic and economic success of Latino student populations and propelling them into positions of leadership in U.S. society.
—TAMMY WYATT, Vice Provost for Student Success
The First Generation and Transfer Student Center provides students with mentoring, student-success activities and community-building opportunities through the First to Go and Graduate and the Roadrunner Transition Experience programs. Both initiatives aim to increase retention and graduation rates of the students they serve.
Forty-five percent of UTSA undergraduates are first-generation college students and 41% are transfer students.
Rooted in the belief that peer mentors and faculty coaches can provide students with valuable and relatable information, resources and advice, the FGTSC is a space and support network that helps these student populations become more engaged and therefore more likely to graduate.
Based on the data, this approach appears to be working. For the fall 2017 cohort the first-year retention rate was 85% for students in the F2G&G program and 86% for students in the RTE program. For the fall 2018 cohort the first-year retention rate was 77% and 88%, respectively. These retention rates fall in line with the university’s goal to reach an 85% first-year retention rate by 2023, which is one of the institutional targets set by President Taylor Eighmy.
“It is a significant accomplishment for our First Generation and Transfer Student Center to be nationally recognized for the positive impact its programs are having on helping our students navigate their way through college towards graduation,” said Tammy Wyatt, vice provost for student success. “UTSA is proud to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution that is proving a model for other universities as they focus more attention on serving vulnerable student populations.
F2G&G and FTE are two of four PIVOT for Academic Success programs at UTSA that are funded by a U.S. Department of Education Title V grant.
As a next generation, Hispanic-thriving, multicultural institution where students from all backgrounds can excel, UTSA serves as a prosperity engine graduating world-engaged civic leaders of tomorrow.
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Enjoy snacks while connecting with Adobe reps and student ambassadors. Download or log into the Adobe Express app to snag swag and unlock exclusive back-to-school templates. It’s a fun, fast way to get creative and start the school year with bold moves.
Central Plaza, Main CampusCelebrate the merger of UTSA and UT Health San Antonio with a pop-up featuring free t-shirts, exclusive swag, and interactive photo opportunities. Open to all students, faculty and staff. Supplies are limited!
Sombrilla Plaza, Main CampusHuddle Against Hunger is a fundraising competition with Texas State that benefits our Roadrunner Pantry. Donations this week will help UTSA earn additional prize monies provided by RBFCU.
In-Person and VirtualJoin UTSA Libraries for an update on federal public access policies and how the library can assist with compliance.
Virtual EventWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaThere are many citation managers. Which one is right for you? This workshop will explain what a citation manager is and how it can help you organize your citations, insert citations as you write your paper, and generate your bibliography.
Virtual EventPubMed is an essential database for anyone conducting biomedical or health-related research. This workshop will teach attendees how to effectively navigate this free resource and locate peer-reviewed articles using advanced search features, MeSH subject headings, and Boolean operators.
Virtual EventThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
