Texas State, ACC partner in co-enrollment effort

Austin Community College and Texas State University are partnering for a new co-enrollment program.
The effort is designed to allow students to benefit from both the ACC and Texas State experiences while increasing the number of college graduates in Central Texas, school officials said. 
ACC and Texas State announced the Pathway Program during the recent topping-out celebration for the ACC Hays campus.
Beginning in fall 2014, the program will allow students to take courses at ACC and Texas State simultaneously.
Participants will complete the core curriculum at ACC. As long as they maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25, students will be guaranteed full admission for most Texas State majors for the completion of their bachelor’s degree.
“With every education partnership we form, we are that much closer to reaching our collective goal – creating accelerated pathways for more students to achieve a college education,” Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO, said. “This program allows students to save on tuition, earn an associate degree, and have a seamless transition as they work toward their bachelor’s degree.” 
Students are expected to benefit from smaller, tailored classes with high academic standards at ACC while being introduced to the rigors and expectations of Texas State.
First-year students will have the opportunity to live in one of Texas State’s residence halls, and Pathway Program participants will have access to a variety of activities and services through both institutions.
“The Pathway Program is an exciting initiative because it is designed to boost the number of students attending college at a time when our state is trying to increase the number of college graduates,” Texas State University President Denise Trauth said. “That’s important to Texas’ future, as we know the jobs of tomorrow require skilled workers who are equipped to handle the rigors of a technology-based marketplace.”
ACC’s Hays Campus will open in spring 2014. It is located in the Kyle/Buda area (at the intersection of Kohler’s Crossing and Kyle Parkway in Kyle).