Austin Community College (ACC) and St. Edward’s University marked the 13th annual Building Bridges event on Thursday, March 26, bringing faculty and staff together to strengthen transfer pathways and support student success beyond ACC.

Held at St. Edward’s Ragsdale Center, the event created space for meaningful connection, shared learning, and continued collaboration between both institutions. Attendees engaged in a networking lunch before hearing institutional updates on transfer processes, affordability, and funding opportunities designed to support students who continue their education “on the Hilltop.”

A highlight of the afternoon included an academic leadership panel featuring St. Edward’s leaders, who shared program updates and emphasized the importance of cross-institutional collaboration. Conversations throughout the day reinforced a shared commitment to creating clear, accessible pathways for students and ensuring alignment between programs, expectations, and support systems.

Expanding Pathways and Student Support

Recently launched initiatives highlighted during the event reflect a growing commitment to making transfer more seamless and supportive for students:

  • ACComplish @ St. Edward’s: A scholars program at ACC designed to help students transition smoothly to St. Edward’s through dedicated advising, financial support, and built-in community connections. From scholarships and housing opportunities to streamlined credit transfer and personalized coaching, ACComplish creates a more guided, affordable, and supportive pathway to a four-year degree.
  • On-campus housing access: Eligible ACC students can now live in The Casa at St. Edward’s, an exclusive 12-month residential option designed to provide transfer students with a traditional campus experience and year-round housing stability.
  • 2+2 degree pathways: Newly aligned pathways for high-demand majors ensure a smooth transition from ACC to St. Edward’s, with coursework intentionally designed to align with workforce needs and student goals. 20 programs are represented across these pathways, and that number is growing! 

Together, these efforts help remove common barriers to transfer and create a more connected, student-centered experience from start to finish.

The Riverbat Perspective: Why This Work Matters

The Riverbat Perspective panel offered a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Current and former ACC students shared their transfer experiences, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges they encountered along the way. Their stories underscored the critical role faculty play in preparing students not only academically but also in building confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging that carry through the transfer process.

Transfer Outcomes Reflect Strong Student Success

Data shared during the event demonstrates the continued success of ACC students after transfer.

  • Of 714 total transfer applications to St. Edward’s for fall 2025, 200 were submitted by ACC students.
  • ACC students represented 141 of 451 admitted transfer students and 71 of 189 enrolled.

Once enrolled, ACC transfer students continue to perform at a high level:

  • First-semester GPA for ACC transfers reached 3.37 in fall 2025, compared to 3.23 for all transfer students.
  • Retention rates remain exceptionally strong, with 97.7% of ACC transfer students retained year over year, compared to 90.5% across all transfer students.

These outcomes reflect not only student determination but also the impact of intentional pathway design, advising, and faculty support throughout the student journey.

A Shared Commitment to Transfer Pathways

The success highlighted at Building Bridges is the result of ongoing collaboration between transfer offices, academic departments, and faculty at both institutions. Efforts to streamline transfer pathways, clarify program alignment, and expand access to financial support continue to reduce barriers and create more seamless transitions for students.

Tracy Canales, Director of Transfer Admission, emphasized the importance of the strong partnership between the two institutions: “I value ACComplish@St. Edward’s Scholars program because it represents a shared commitment to our students. Through close collaboration with ACC, we are making the transfer process more seamless, supportive, and putting students first.  Transfer students feel prepared every step of the way, turning what can be a complicated transition into a clear and achievable path towards a successful Bachelor’s degree completion.”

Faculty play a central role in this work through curriculum design, classroom practices, and mentorship that prepare students for continued success after ACC.

As the event concluded with a campus tour and continued conversation, one message remained clear: strong partnerships and intentional support systems are key to helping students move forward with confidence.

Thank you to all faculty and staff who continue to advocate for transfer students and support them every step of the way.

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