Collaborative Program Between UT Austin and Austin Community College Receives National Advising Award

PACE participants

The collaborative co-enrollment program between The University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College (ACC) is a recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Institutional Advising Program Award given by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). The Path to Admission through Co-Enrollment (PACE) program was recognized for its exemplary academic advising services for students.

PACE offers co-enrollment at UT Austin and ACC for select Texas residents. PACE participants are enrolled in UT Austin’s College of Liberal Arts and take the majority of their classes at ACC, plus one course per semester from a pre-approved list of UT Austin courses. When students have completed both fall and spring semester program requirements and maintained the required grade point average, they then continue their undergraduate studies at UT Austin.

Resources for PACE students include coordinated in-house academic advising between both campuses, peer mentorship, targeted social events, and a weekly seminar with customized curriculum to help them navigate their unique first-year experience.

“The advising program focuses on students’ success in their freshman year and also provides long-term planning for students using a ‘parallel paths’ model,” said Dr. Cassandre Alvarado, who oversees the program at UT Austin. “This data-driven and conversation-based approach allows advisors to help students understand the many ways in which a university degree can help them achieve their goals and the multiple paths to accomplishing those goals.”

In addition to assisting with academic planning, PACE advisors in UT Austin’s College of Liberal Arts work closely with students to promote a growth mindset, assist in the development of transferrable skills, and positively impact the UT Austin and ACC communities.

“I am thrilled that the collaborative partnership between UT Austin and ACC is being recognized for this award. PACE is an important innovation in providing access to the university,” Alvarado added.

The award will be presented at NACADA’s Annual Conference, Oct. 11-14, in St. Louis.

For more information, contact: Beth Waldman, Student Success Initiatives, 512-232-6971.