San Antonio, TX (September 6, 2006) —Northwest Vista College (NVC) has partnered with The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to provide access to college to students who did not meet UTSA’s published admission criteria for incoming freshman but did receive deferred admission to UTSA. The Joint Undergraduate Matriculation Program (JUMP!) offers students the opportunity to begin college as a freshman at Northwest Vista, where they can complete either the UTSA or NVC core curriculum.

After successful completion of 42 core hours for UTSA or 46 hours for NVC core curriculum with a minimum of 2.0 Grade Point Average and in good academic and social standing, the JUMP! students are guaranteed admission to UTSA as transfer students.

Other benefits for students enrolled in the JUMP program include a dedicated NVC advisor for the program so students are certain they are taking transferable classes, a waived application fee to UTSA when students apply as a transfer student, and eligibility for a $2,000 scholarship to complete upper division course work once they arrive at UTSA, in addition to other financial aid they may be eligible for.

“Northwest Vista College works closely with UTSA.  The JUMP! program is one of many partnerships we have.  In this case, the students who need help the most are getting assistance so that they do not have to delay their higher education pursuit,” said Dr. Jacqueline Claunch, Northwest Vista College President.

MaileIrene Perales, 18, found out about the JUMP! program from her mother who talked to an advisor at NVC.  “I think it’s an excellent idea.  I was lost and I didn’t know what to do.  The advisor of the program helped me get over the fear of being in college for the first time.” 

On Thursday, September 7, 2006 at 5:00 p.m., Northwest Vista will hold a JUMP! Night for students like Perales to welcome the first group of JUMP! students and their parents. Students will:

• Learn about Northwest Vista College
• Meet a representative from UTSA and make connection with both campuses
• Offer a second opportunity to potential JUMP! students: those who were notified of the program, got admitted and are enrolled at NVC but did not submit their JUMP! application

     Northwest Vista College, which opened in 1995, is part of the Alamo Community College District. Located at 3535 N. Ellison Drive, next to SeaWorld of Texas, Northwest Vista College’s expanding agreements with business and higher education partnerships provide a wealth of opportunities for students and the community. 

     The University of Texas at San Antonio is one of the premier institutions of higher education in South Texas and one of the fastest growing universities in the state. One of nine academic universities and six health institutions that comprise the UT System, UTSA is the second largest institution in the system. Celebrating its 36th anniversary, UTSA serves more than 27,200 students enrolled in 62 bachelor's, 43 master's and 19 doctoral degree programs.

     Programs are offered through the colleges of Architecture, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Honors, Liberal and Fine Arts, Public Policy, Sciences, and the Graduate School. A university of access and excellence, UTSA is an Hispanic-serving institution and is committed to research and discovery, teaching and learning, and public service.