Viking Islander Program allows use of housing, facilities, services, more
A dual enrollment program for students to attend both Del Mar College and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will soon be implemented, but not for all students.
Beth Lewis, executive vice president and chief academic officer, and Rito Silva, vice president of student affairs, laid out the plans for the new program at the March 6 Board of Regents meeting. The plans, according to Lewis, have been “many years in the making.”
The VIP, Viking Islander Program, will see students concurrently enrolled at both Del Mar and A&M-CC at the same time, with students starting off at Del Mar while slowly integrating into A&M-CC.
Students in the program will be able to use services from both campuses, including housing at A&M-CC, and the program itself will be managed by both institutions.
However, the public will not be able to apply to this program. Only “bubble” students will be invited to join. “Bubble” students are defined as students who receive around a 17-18 on their ACT. Silva says that currently “around 400 students qualify for this.”
The majority of classes will be completed at Del Mar, with successful students who complete 30 credit hours a year with a 2.5 GPA automatically receiving enrollment to A&M-CC.
Silva said that while it is not required for the program, Del Mar will “encourage students to complete an associate degree.”
President Mark Escamilla said the program takes after the “blend model” that is used in College Station and will not only benefit students, but both campuses.
“This is a great opportunity for students who aren’t entirely ready for university life,” Escamilla said.
More details on the program will be rolled out within the next couple of months.
Regents also voted 8-1, with Regent Guy Watts opposed, to increase student fees from $7 to $15 per semester. They also proclaimed April 8-14 as Del Mar College Library Week.
