The Entering Student Program (ESP) is designed to assist the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) student population (72% Latino/a, 54% first generation college students, 98% commuters, 81% employed) with transitioning into the university environment. The program consists of academic components -- CircLES, learning communities, and the University 1301 first-year seminar -- that are especially critical to the success of UTEP's first year students. Students establish connections with the university community, develop skills necessary for academic success, gain familiarity with campus resources, develop leadership and teamwork skills, access and apply information, and become independent learners.
Institution:
University of Texas at El Paso
Academic Level:
Baccalaureate
Issue Area:
Retention
Year:
2006
Designation:
Examples of Excelencia
Designation:
Finalist
Key Personnel:
Ward, Dorothy
Address:
University of Texas at El Paso
Address 2:
500 W. University
Address 3:
Academic Services Bldg, Rm 218
City:
El Paso
State:
TX
Zip:
79968 Website:
Goal/Mission:
The immediate and constant goal of the ESP is to increase the success and retention of first-year students. An additional goal is to help foster an important paradigm shift at UTEP from a focus on teaching to a focus on learning.
Outcome:
In fall 2005 alone, 1687 full-time, first-time freshmen enrolled in University 1301 sections; 1500 students participated in one or more components of CircLES; 546 students enrolled in non-CircLES learning communities; 90 students trained and worked as peer leaders; and approximately 45 instructors attended an ESP workshop. Students participating in CircLES have increased their grade point averages (GPAs) from 2.06 to 2.88 (1997-2003). The number of years to graduate has decreased from 6.6 to 5.1 (1997-2004). Retention has increased from 55% to 70% (two-year rate 1997-2002) and from 46% to 65% (three-year rate 1997-2001). One-year retention rates for science majors have increased from 71% to 80% (1991-2003) and for engineering majors from 67% to 74% (1997-2003).
Notes:
General Phone Number: (915) 747-7618
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