The Graduate School initiative to retain UTSA’s top undergraduate population by developing a streamlined admissions program, Keep Running With Us, has signed on more than 100 Roadrunners.
KRWU, launched in May, offers automatic admission into a variety of master’s programs via a simplified application, allowing qualified students who meet certain criteria to complete an application in minutes. Through the KRWU program, The Graduate School aims to empower UTSA students by removing barriers to advanced degrees and allowing them to take a crucial first step toward accomplishing their academic and research goals.
“Keep Running With Us is a win-win program that supports our institutional goals.”
During the inaugural application cycle for KRWU, 130 students were admitted through the program, with 104 for the fall 2020 semester and 26 for summer 2020, respectively. Of those 130 students, 90 enrolled in coursework and 13 deferred their admission offer to start in an upcoming term in this academic year. Keeping in line with UTSA’s mission as a Hispanic Serving Institution, 60% of applicants to the KWRU program identified as Hispanic or Latino.
“Expanding access to graduate education at UTSA is critical component of the Graduate Student Success for Faculty Excellence Initiative, and Keep Running With Us is a win-win program that supports our institutional goals while offering a great opportunity to accomplished senior students, who may not previously have considered continuing their education, to advance their bold futures,” said Kimberly Andrews Espy, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
A total of 53 master’s programs participated in KRWU for fall 2020, ranging from business and education programs to engineering and science.
“We were very pleased to partner with so many of the academic programs to offer this opportunity to our fantastic undergraduate students,” said Ambika Mathur, vice provost and dean of The Graduate School. “This not only helps to increase our institution’s enrollment goals but lets our students know that we support their academic goals by keeping them in the UTSA community.”
KRWU is anticipated to be extended for the spring 2021 semester. The Graduate School will be working with academic departments to identify and communicate with all qualified students in the coming months.
