El Paso Times. Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005

"UT plans to improve its lagging grad rates"

By Brandi Grissom
Austin Bureau

"AUSTIN - It won't happen overnight, but the University of Texas System today will launch a plan to improve graduation rates at its schools.

"The University of Texas at El Paso has some of the lowest graduation rates in the state. Just 4.5 percent of students obtain degrees in four years, and 24.7 percent finish in six years, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

" UTEP Provost Richard Jarvis said the school has set a target to increase its six-year graduation rate to 50 percent [ from the current 24.7% ] by 2014.

"Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, who earlier this year wrote a letter to UT System Board of Regents Chairman James Huffines asking for quick action to improve graduation rates, said if schools don't improve their graduation rates, lawmakers may take action of their own.

"In 2003, the Texas Legislture gave universities authority to set a portion of their own tuition rates. Since then, tuition at UTEP has increased almost 37 percent.

"Graduation rates are a measure of success, Shapleigh said.

"Lawmakers want to see a return on their investment."

"Brandi Grissom may be reached at bgrissom@elpasotimes.com; (512) 479-6606"