UT San Antonio has long been mocked for its deplorable graduation rates. In 2010, graduation rates stood at an abysmal 6%. Since then, it has risen to a still disappointing — but higher — 52.64%. UT San Antonio flaunts that it dug itself out of the nightmare it endured in 2010 but ignores the work that still needs to be done. The job of increasing matriculation rates does not stop at the classroom; fixing the university requires a holistic review.
First of all, UT San Antonio needs to be an attractive place to work. The average employee salary in 2023 was $59,688, 20.2% lower than at other universities. Reports estimate a single adult would need to earn over $90,000 annually to live comfortably in San Antonio. Professors deserve a quality salary — punishing their pay disrespects academia. Prioritizing hiring quality professors will enhance students’ education and honor the university. Professors are already overworked, with UT San Antonio having a 24:1 student-professor ratio — which is above the national average’s 14:1 ratio. Treating faculty well would ultimately create a better experience for students and keep Roadrunners invested. Essentially, paying professors a rate they deserve and not overworking them will reduce dropout rates.
The advisor system also desperately needs a redesign. Advisors are overworked and often take a week to respond. Students are meant to have someone to guide them through choosing courses and staying on track. Receiving below-standard student-advisor communication undermines the process and destroys any chance of it being a productive or useful resource. Having a roadblock right before the finish line is all but guaranteed to stop ‘Runners from earning their degree.
UT San Antonio continues to shoot itself in the foot by keeping the Coordinated Admissions Program alive. This program is dedicated to admitting students, knowing they are not interested in being a Roadrunner. This system keeps Roadrunners down — it ruins campus culture. Campus culture bruises the UT San Antonio experience like a bad bed sore, a painful caretaker oversight. UT San Antonio needs to promote a unified campus and enable a culture that does not split after class. CAP harms UT San Antonio’s matriculation rates; there are fewer students attending with the intention of earning a degree. Instead, they are treating this school as a stepping stone. Furthermore, a better campus culture will give students a sense of belonging and will make them less likely to dip before they get their degree. Instead of considering the campus a dropout factory, UT San Antonio should consider dropping CAP.
If UT San Antonio is serious about fixing graduation rates, administrators might actually give a reason as to why they have a job and do some real work to improve the campus.
