TCC students gain easier access to UTA
by CL Collins, reporter

     A newly implemented program will ease the transition of Tarrant County College (TCC) students transferring to the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

     Under the UTA Express Dual Enrollment Program, students who attend TCC can transfer into UTA with virtually no stress because they will be guaranteed admission upon completion of an associate degree. The program will literally waive any enrollment fee for students who complete the Dual Admission Application in their first 15 hours at the community college.

     In addition to the already existing scholarship provided for those who transfer from TCC, UTA will offer other scholarship opportunities. Career counseling services as well as financial aid counseling will be available for all who enroll. Transfer students will also receive guest passes for UTA athletic events and can purchase recreational sport membership cards just as if they were already UTA students.

     Library privileges will also be extended to enrollees with a limit of 50 books under a 21-day loan period with up to two renewals. Applicants to the program can also gain early access to UTA’s academic programs as well as integration into UTA academic life.

     Students must meet general admission requirements at the time of transfer to UTA.

     Requirements state that a transfer student will receive academic credit for college level coursework that has been completed with a grade of “C” or better. A 2.0 G.P.A. must exist in order to have more than 30 hours transferred. Also, students must complete 30 credit hours in residence at UTA, including the last 24 hours with at least 18 hours of advanced coursework and 12 hours of advanced coursework in the major.

     For most programs, UTA will accept a maximum of 72 credit hours as well as four physi

cal education activity credits in transfer from TCC.
     Representing the two schools, Dr. Leonardo de la Garza, TCC chancellor, and Dr. Robert E. Witt, UTA president, said the UTA Express was implemented for “the singular purpose of serving the students.”

     Witt remarked that when he met with de la Garza, he noticed pictures of a woman with children. In a letter by her picture, the woman explained that NE Campus’ daycare program made it possible for her to get her education. Witt said he knew then that de la Garza was committed to helping students meet their goals.

     “Our united goal is to graduate more men and women,” Witt said. “We are endeavoring to break down the walls that prevent many from receiving higher education. Making it, obtaining that associate degree at TCC gives students a stamp of approval because they have proven that they are dedicated.”

     The program will help more men and women to graduate and meet their goals by allowing the faculty at each school to convey their requirements for graduation in various fields. This sharing of information leaves no question as to the acceptance of certain classes on a student’s degree plan.

     UTA and TCC will jointly develop transfer guides and a course equivalency guide that will utilize both TCC and UTA numbers for all majors offered at UTA to clearly identify transferable courses. Representatives of both campuses will update course equivalencies, transfer guides and transfer admission yearly.

     Both colleges will make UTA Express information and the applications available. UTA will verify eligibility and advise students about various UTA services. All forms will be collected, and letters of acceptance along with a benefits package will be sent to TCC students.

     Interested TCC students must request a UTA application for admission from the UTA recruiter and at the time of transfer, must complete an updated UTA admission application. No application fee will be required. Students will send the updated form along with an official transcript to the UTA admissions counselor. Those who identify themselves as UTA Express students will receive priority in the admission process.

     TCC student Margarita Madrigal praised de la Garza and Witt. When she moved to Texas from California, a friend recommended UTA and TCC.

     “I am happy to hear that I can attend TCC with its lower tuition and still be able to merge into UTA,” she said.

     Madrigal was one of the students who attended the announcement of UTA Express and will help advertise the newly implemented program.

      TCC has joined with UTA versus surrounding area universities because UTA is close to TCC. Students attending TCC are better accommodated because of the proximity. Other universities such as the University of North Texas offer scholarships, but UTA has another advantage. It is also one of the largest public universities in the area. If students fail to get into other schools because of their entrance qualifications, UTA will help applicants so that they can obtain their dreams.

     Dr. Witt said, “On a campus where students are extending help to those around them and instructors are willing to lend a helping hand, there is going to be advancement made to break down barriers.”

     Both Witt and de la Garza agreed to continue to look for ways to increase the education level of the masses effectively and efficiently. With their focus on administration, they plan to enrich the faculty and encourage the students.

     UTA Express provides another incentive for students to advance in college, to go further and to be better, the college officials pointed out.