Engineering Transfer Program Launches Tuesday at A&M International

A long-cherished dream of providing Texas A&M International University students with an opportunity to study engineering will be realized Tuesday when A&M International and the Texas A&M University Dwight Look College of Engineering complete an articulation agreement that empowers a new cooperative transfer program between the two universities that begins this Fall.

The two universities will sign a Memorandum of Agreement Tuesday, August 21 at 3 p.m. In the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Great Room.

A&M International president Dr. Charles Jennett, himself a licensed engineer, said the effort is an historic one for the University and an important first step to developing a long-term commitment to engineering education at the University.

"We know there is a tremendous interest in engineering locally and believe that we will provide many students with an important local access to a strong preparation program for possible transfer to the prestigious Look College of Engineering at A&M. This initiative is a matter of great personal pride for me," Dr. Jennett said.

Dr. Juan Homero Hinojosa, dean of the College of Science and Technology, said the College has been receiving a steady stream of inquiries about the program.

"It's clearly answering a need. We've been receiving quite a number of calls from potential students and believe that this will become a very popular program for the College of Science and Technology," Dr. Hinojosa said.

The pre-engineering transfer program will enable students to take courses that will prepare them for possible admission into the Look College of Engineering at A&M in College Station.

The pre-engineering program will be available this Fall and will be available in two options, Hinojosa said.

"The program will be offered in Option 1 and Option 2. Option 1 is a two-year pre-engineering program which, upon successful completion of these two years, will position the student for consideration for acceptance into the second or sophomore year of engineering study at College Station.

"Option 2 is a more intensive one-year program that would prepare the student for consideration for acceptance into the second year of engineering study at College Station. Both programs involve some summer study at TAMU," he explained.

Joining University officials for the launch will be Dr. Roland Haden, vice chancellor and dean of engineering at College Station; Dr. Way Kuo, executive vice chancellor and executive associate dean of engineering, and Dr. Karen Watson, associate dean for graduate and undergraduate programs.

For additional information on the pre-engineering curriculum launching this Fall at A&M International, please contact the College of Science and Technology at 326.2440, visit offices located in Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall 301 or email to engineering@tamiu.edu

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu