Texas State joins National College Advising Corps

Posted by University News Service

Aug. 10, 2012

Texas State University-San Marcos will join established partnerships between the National College Advising Corps and 17 colleges and universities across the country that work to ensure that more low-income, first generation and underrepresented students pursue postsecondary education.

Texas State will place eight of its recent graduates to serve as advisers in underserved communities. These advisers will work one-to-one with students to guide them through the college admissions and financial aid process and help them find schools that will meet their academic and social needs.

“We are delighted to welcome Texas State University into the Advising Corps family,” said Nicole Hurd, founder and executive director of the Advising Corps. “We are grateful for the opportunity to reach more students in Texas. Texas State is a great addition to our existing partnerships.”

Texas State joins Texas A&M University, TCU, Trinity University and the University of Texas at Austin as part of AdviseTX, the National College Advising Corps partnership in Texas funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

“We are pleased that Texas State University has joined the ranks of AdviseTX, the state’s partnership with the National College Advising Corps,” said Raymund Paredes, Texas Commissioner on Higher Education. “Texas State is a natural fit for this program as they have a long tradition of producing teachers and counselors to support the P-12 system in the state.”

Texas State President Denise Trauth said she believes the AdviseTX program will help students achieve their academic and career goals.

“Students will benefit from the placement of AdviseTX advisers in their high schools as information is shared and assistance is provided. This effort will no doubt enhance progress toward achieving goals for college and certificate program completion in Texas,” said Trauth.

The National College Advising Corps is an innovative program that works to increase the number of low-income, first generation and underrepresented students who enter and complete higher education. Recent graduates of partner colleges and universities work as full-time college advisers in underserved high schools. They provide the guidance and encouragement many students need to navigate the college admissions and financial aid processes.

“There is an increasing understanding of the power of what some are referring to as an ‘academic nudge’ for students,” said Dann Brown, dean of the University College at Texas State. “Advisers provide high-quality assistance to students as they plan for college and, at times, provide the additional support students need to complete the admissions process, apply for financial aid and reach a decision about their college future.”

To date, the Advising Corps has served nearly 300,000 students since its inception in 2006. In school year 2012-2013, 334 advisers representing 18 colleges and universities in 14 states will serve nearly 115,000 students in 384 high schools.

For more information, visit www.advisingcorps.org or www.advisetx.org .