EPCC and UTEP Summit Focuses on Improving Transfer Student Success

More than 175 employees from El Paso Community College (EPCC) and The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) gathered at the Elmont Special Events Center for the Fifth Annual Transfer Student Success Summit.

The all-day summit, held in recognition of National Transfer Student Week, brought together administrators, faculty, counselors, advisers and staff to discuss challenges students face before, during and after transferring from EPCC to UTEP. This year’s theme, “Two Institutions, One Student Journey,” reflected the schools’ ongoing partnership.

Participants examined four key areas of the transfer process: academic advising and registration, financial aid, recruitment and admissions, and credit articulation. Group discussions focused on what is working, where students continue to encounter difficulties, and how employees at both institutions can improve communication and coordinate services.

The summit highlighted several collaborative efforts, including joint financial aid outreach, transfer fairs, UTEP admissions services offered on EPCC campuses, and improvements in transcript processing and reverse transfer.

Participants also identified challenges such as inconsistent information about transfer requirements, transcript-processing delays, and differences in placement and prerequisite requirements. Discussions emphasized the importance of helping students understand the difference between credits that transfer to UTEP and credits that apply toward a specific degree.

Other sessions addressed changing student and family needs, the use of artificial intelligence, affordability and career concerns, and the continued role of counselors and advisers in helping students make informed decisions.

Employees also practiced responding to common questions about transfer credits, college costs and transcripts. The exercise encouraged staff members to correct misinformation, take responsibility for student concerns and connect with colleagues at the other institution when necessary.

EPCC and UTEP will review feedback from the summit as they continue their collaboration through transfer agreements, co-enrollment opportunities and programs such as the Engineering Academy.