TAMIU Signs Agreements Focused on College Readiness with LISD, UISD

Laredo’s two public school districts affirmed their commitment to increasing the number of high school students that are college-ready by signing Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Wednesday. 

In ceremonies with both Laredo Independent School District and United Independent School District, TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz joined LISD superintendent Dr. Sylvia Guerra Rios and UISD superintendent Roberto Santos to sign MOAs that undergird the TAMIU Student Success Mentor Program.

The MOAs outline responsibilities for both the University and the Districts. Funding support is provided by a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Division of College Readiness and Success.

 “As TAMIU enters its 50th Anniversary celebration with a legacy of empowering more than 24,000 graduates to date, this is an especially relevant time to affirm our shared commitment with the school districts to make sure that Laredo high school students are not only college-ready, but college-bound for success.  The TAMIU Student Success Mentor Program is a catalyst that will help drive this success,” said Dr. Pablo Arenaz, TAMIU president.

UISD superintendent Santos concurred.

“On behalf of the UISD Board and myself, I wish to thank TAMIU for their efforts to help our students prepare for their post-secondary education. The TAMIU Student Success MentorProgramwill definitely streamline the process of applications for financial aid, housing, post-secondary programs and sundry essentials. Our partnership with the University not only helps our students, but also their parents - who are often of great influence with regards to their children's college or university plans,” said Santos.

Dr. Rios noted that the TAMIU collaboration has special meaning for LISD.

“We are proud of our collaboration with our partners and friends here at TAMIU. We have witnessed the University’s true ethic of caring, concern and support for all students.  We have a very special relationship that is an extension of our Hector J. Garcia Early College High School here, and we believe that our collaboration extends beyond walls.  Our students deserve this partnership and we thank TAMIU for helping students achieve their dreams,” Dr. Rios observed.

The University will hire, train and send qualified mentors to visit LISD and UISD campuses to help inform students about higher education and its pursuit.  They will assist students with admissions and FAFSA applications and student financial aid requirements, and will also provide information about registering for post-secondary programs and student orientation programs. Finally, they will provide information about student housing applications. 

The Districts will support the Student Success Mentor Programs effort to foster a college-going culture by providing mentors and students with access to computers and internet in a designated “GO” Center. They will designate an adult sponsor to oversee the Go Center, will display college-readiness materials including financial aid materials, admissions applications and SAT/ACT exam information, and encourage teachers and students to use the Go Center. 

Dr. Arenaz applauded the dynamic partnership with the Districts. 

“We are truly honored to have earned the opportunity to share in this partnership.  All families want the very best and brightest futures for their children and LISD, UISD and TAMIU are committed to making sure that their future is secured through higher education,” Arenaz concluded. 

On Monday, TAMIU held its first event of its 50th Anniversary year, a ribbon-cutting for the new, three-story Academic Innovation Center. 

Fall semester classes at TAMIU began Tuesday, Aug. 27.  Late registration concludes Sept. 2.

For more about the TAMIU Student Success Program, contact Dr. Minita Ramírez, TAMIU vice president for Student Success at 956.326.2278, email minita@tamiu.edu, or visit offices in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, 224.           

For additional information about registration for the Fall at TAMIU, contact the Office of the Registrar at 956.326.2250, visit offices in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center or visit tamiu.edu/prospect.

TAMIU is celebrating its 50th anniversary and its 25th anniversary at its north Laredo campus throughout 2019-2020.  A dedicated website shares the University’s transformation from a hybrid upper-level university to a full doctoral degree-granting University. It includes a calendar of Anniversary events and more at tamiu.edu/50.

For more on the University’s story, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.