Conference on access is planned

The UNT System Center at Dallas will be the site of the fourth Student Access to Higher Education Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 21.

The conference is a result of a partnership of the Texas A&M University System, the Dallas County Community College District and the UNT System.

Both university systems and the community college district are seeking to increase enrollment, retention and graduation rates for underserved populations. Individuals invited to the conference include representatives from community organizations and others who wish to discuss ways to overcome the barriers to higher education faced by students of color.

The conference, created and led by Daniel Hernandez, Texas A&M associate vice chancellor of community development, previously has been held in Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Houston. Its primary mission is to find solutions to the constant problem of low matriculation of students of color in higher education. This is the first time for UNT and DCCCD to jointly coordinate the conference and for it to be in the North Texas region.

One of two central forums, "What's Working to Increase Student Access" will provide information about present programs and partnerships offered throughout the Metroplex to help students of color enter college. The other forum, "Transition, Transfer and Survival Strategies," will focus on the methods of universities to attract and retain students of color and nontraditional students.

Conference panelists will include representatives from UNT, DCCCD, Texas A&M, the League of United Latin American Citizens, AmeriCorps, the United Negro College Fund and Metroplex school districts.

Members of the community are invited to set up information booths free of charge.

The System Center is located at 8915 S. Hampton Road, three blocks south of I-20. The conference costs $35 for lunch and materials. Register before day of the conference.

For more information, call Gina Seybert in the UNT equity and diversity office at 565-2456.

BY RUFUS COLEMAN rcoleman@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue:

• Craft named to Board of Regents
• System Center expansion adds rooms, technology
• UNT impact expected to reach $1 billion
• Recent System Center donations exceed $1 million
• UNT recognized for fund-raising efforts
• Students select catalog design concept
• Photos document pollution effects
• UNT helps Intel train teachers
• A fond farewell: 1999-2000 retirees
• Chancellor's statement on Dallas City Council action

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