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TG Conference Transfer and Financial Aid. Martha Ellis, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor, Community College Partnerships University of Texas System. State of Texas. UT System 9 general academic institutions 6 health science centers 195,107 students
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TG ConferenceTransfer and Financial Aid Martha Ellis, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor, Community College Partnerships University of Texas System
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
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
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 1st generation
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
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
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
UTS: Qualitative Research • Focus Groups with successful community college transfer students • Credit hours upon transfer Hours lost upon transfer Demographics: 50 %male/female 46% 1st Generation 47%Hispanic, 38% White, 7% African American, 7% Asian 59% 18-24 yrs of age 41% 25 yrs and older
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
Community College Partnership University of Texas System Texas A&M University System Texas Association of Community Colleges
Policy changes • Accountability report includes transfer enrollments and graduation 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
Policy issues for financial aid • TEXAS grant • TEOG • 6 drop • 120 hour/30 maximum • Input from you
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