National elected leaders and organizations that rank higher
education institutions have long looked at four-year graduation
rates as indicators of an institution's efficiency. State leaders
have recently focused on Texas' low college graduation rates,
particularly four-year graduation rates at all public universities
in the state and nationally.
In anticipation of an initiative to span the nine academic
institutions within The University of Texas System, the UT System
Administration's Office of Academic Affairs hosted a conference
on the University of Texas at Dallas campus to review significant
research findings and share best practices. The Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board's "Closing the Gaps" initiative emphasizes
student success and access. This represents our effort to make a
sustained contribution to student success.
The one-day conference took place on Friday, September 30,
at the School of Management on the UT Dallas campus.
Developmental Education is the Key to Academic Success
Dr. Raymund Paredes, Commissioner, Higher Education Coordinating Board
Student Success in College: Creating Conditions That Matter
Dr. George Kuh, Chancellor's Professor of Higher Education and Director,
Center for Postsecondary Research Indiana University
Improving Graduation Rates: Learning Where to Start
Dr. Gary Hanson, Institutional Research and Policy Analyst The University of Texas System
Best Practices: Advising
Dr. Wes Habley, Principal Associate Educational Services, ACT, Inc.
Financial Aid as a Component in Improving Graduation Rates
Dr. Larry Burt, Associate Vice President, Student Financial Services The University of Texas at Austin
The Impact of Student Engagement on Graduation Rates
Dr. George Kuh, Chancellor's Professor of Higher Education and Director, Center for Postsecondary Research Indiana University
Best Practices: Supplemental Instruction
Dr. James W. Vick, Professor of Math and Former Vice President, Student Affairs
