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% (2012-73%)

• 65% enrolled are in the top 25% (2012 - 51%)

• 87% are in top half of (2012 - 80%)

Enrolling Roadrunner Scholars• Enrollment was down this year.

• We are competing with other universities for the best students.

• We must persuade goodstudents to chooseUTSA (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 UTSA”• 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

Suggestions and Questions