“Who here believes their high school prepared them for college?”
That question, asked by Raymund Paredes, Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, was one of many asked of Texas A&M University-San Antonio students.
A group of more than 20 communication students representing Jaguar Student Media attended a forum April 7 with Paredes. Students were invited by the Office of Student Affairs to discuss higher education with the commissioner during his tour of state universities.
Commissioner Paredes said his visits to Texas campuses have allowed him to gather information about higher education and how to raise graduation rates. He told the students he would take their feedback back to the state Legislature.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board oversees all of public higher education, from community colleges, to public universities, and runs the strategic planning for the state. Paredes described THECB’s recently unveiled strategic plan, 60x30TX during his visit with students. The primary goals are to have at least 60 percent of Texans ages 25-34 with some type of certificate or degree by 2030.
During the student forum, Paredes encouraged an open discussion and asked students about their educational experience at A&M-San Antonio.
“How many of you receive grants? How many of you work 20 hours a week? 30 hours? 40 hours a week?” Paredes asked. As the hours per week increased, so did the number of raised hands.
“Who here is taking out loans to fund their education?” asked Paredes. A few hands shot up into the air.
After hearing about students’ experiences, Paredes offered his advice, which aligned with the 60×30 plan. He advised students to avoid debt and obstinately said graduating on time simultaneously saves students debt, and helps the State of Texas.
“It is your civic duty as a Texan, to graduate ASAP. There is no reason why you wouldn’t be able to do this,” Paredes explained. “Even if you have to stretch, make sure if you have the opportunity, go to school year round.
If you can work year round, why can’t you go to school year round? We have to encourage students to complete 30 hours a year, which will put you on track to graduate in four years.”
According to Paredes, chances of graduation drop 25 percent the moment students stop taking less than 30 credit hours annually. He said time corresponds to graduation rate; the longer a student remains in school, the likelihood of graduating decreases.
Paredes gave students the opportunity to ask him questions and concerns regarding their higher education. Issues brought up included rising textbook prices and working while staying in school.
“Studies show if you work around 20-22 hours a week, you actually do better in your academic work than students who do not work at all,” Paredes responded.
Although some students expressed opposition to his views, they continued to ask Paredes what he felt were the most important obligations he needed to meet as commissioner.
“Affordability and Quality,” answered Paredes. “I worry a lot about making sure that poor kids can get a college credential….When it comes to academic quality, you need to make sure you have a quality education- and that it is available to all students,”
You can save yourself and the state a lot of money if you graduate as soon as possible,” Paredes stressed. “I hope you will feel a responsibility to finish [college] because the state has made a huge investment,” he concluded.
