BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – OCTOBER 11, 2012 – The fourth and final session of the 21st Century University Commission will take place from 6 to 7  p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17 in Salón Cassia of the Education and Business Complex on University Boulevard. 

Residents of Brownsville, surrounding communities, and students, faculty and staff of The University of Texas at Brownsville are encouraged to attend to hear the joint report of all the work groups’ recommendations. The presentation is expected to be last about one hour. 

Athletic Director - Todd Lowery

Dr. Juliet V. García, UTB President, will present the top suggestions from the seven on-campus groups and the six off-site groups that have addressed these guiding concerns:

• The unique attributes of an education at UT Brownsville
• Pathways through College to 21st Century Careers
• The Successful Student-to-Graduate Model
• Student Life:  On-Campus, On-Line and On-Site
• Innovative Technology for Teaching, Learning and Connections
• A Well-Funded University Model 
• University: A Family Affair    

“The recommendations in the draft have arisen from the productive efforts of many who have devoted their time and shared their ideas of the future of higher education for our area,” said  Dr. Alan Artibise, Provost. “Those who might be attending for the first time should know this is the draft document; there will still be an opportunity for comments, and additions can be made in real time.”

Pablo Obregon, a junior mechanical engineering student from Matamoros, said he is planning on attending the final meeting. He attended the breakout sessions discussing “Innovative Technology for Teaching, Learning and Connections.” Obregon said he was interested in the changes UTB wants to make and feels students’ opinions are important. 

“We are known for our international heritage and bilingualism,” Obregon said. “We need to capitalize on that to promote the school and to make sure international students know they are welcome.” 

In the group discussing “Pathways through College to 21st Century Careers,” Mariana Whitley Tumlinson, Partners for Postsecondary Success Coordinator for United Way of Southern Cameron County, spoke of the importance of making the connection between students and employers. 

“These pathways – that include work experience and hands-on learning opportunities – are critical components to preparing a graduate for employment, whether locally or beyond,” Tumlinson said. 

The report will be posted on the 21st Century University Commission website for a week following the last meeting.