Hello Student Affairs Colleagues, 

We are excited to share updates regarding the Bats to Cats transfer program. As many of you are aware, this transfer program offers a pathway for guaranteed admission, enabling students to start their journey at ACC and seamlessly transition to Texas State University (TXST). Eligible students will have the opportunity to apply for the program starting in fall 2024, with the aim of transferring to TXST in fall 2025 and beyond. Before students begin applying for the program this fall, there is a lot of work behind the scenes that is happening to ensure the program runs smoothly for our students.

Implementation

With the signing of the Bats To Cats Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) we have launched the implementation phase, a project managed by Sarah Lisenbe, Director of Student Affairs Strategic Projects & Initiatives. Additionally, we've transitioned select members of the Bats to Cats MOU Workgroups to the Bats to Cat (BTC) Implementation Project team, facilitating a clear delineation of forthcoming tasks, action items, and potential risks. Our aim is to streamline upcoming meetings, updates, and workgroups, marking the transition from the design phase of the BTC partnership to full-scale implementation.

As we progress to the next phase of the Bats to Cats implementation, we have been assessing which work groups have met their charge and which ones we will integrate the work of into our project plan moving forward. We will continue sharing updates on the program’s status as we approach the fall semester.

Operations - Post Implementation

The college's cabinet team remains committed to driving the strategic partnership between ACC and Texas State. As the business sponsor for the Bats to Cats program, I will be leading a steering committee of leaders from across the college in expanding our partnership and guiding the implementation project. 



Once launched, Renee Esparza, Director of Transfer Services, will lead the day-to-day operations of the Bats to Cats program, serving as the business owner and your primary point of contact for all things Bats to Cats via our new program email address batstocats@austincc.edu. Additionally, we are working on approvals for additional support resources.

If you would like to learn more about the program, visit the Bats to Cats website or continue reading below for answers to some frequently asked questions. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our students' success. Together, we can make the Bats to Cats program a successful pathway for our students. 

Dr. Guillermo “Willie” Martinez III

Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Engagement & Academic Success

CC: Dr. Shasta Buchanan

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

What is the Bats to Cats program?

Bats to Cats (BTC) is a partnership program between ACC and Texas State University (TXST) intended to create clear degree pathways, Associate to Bachelor’s, for students beginning their academic careers at ACC and then transferring to Texas State. Participants receive guaranteed acceptance to TXST and targeted academic guidance and support across both institutions.

What other benefits can students receive by participating in the Bats to Cats program?

In addition to receiving guaranteed acceptance to TXST and personalized transfer and curriculum advising from ACC and TXST, students can also expect the following benefits:

1. ACC takes care of the paperwork for students. No additional TXST application or fees are needed in order to transfer!
2. Participating students are eligible to receive up to a $2,000 scholarship for their first year at TXST.
3. Participating students are eligible for additional merit awards based on their GPA in transferable coursework at the time of transfer.
4. Participating students receive FREE tickets to select TXST athletic events.

Who is eligible to participate in Bats to Cats?

There are three key eligibility requirements in order to be considered for the BTC program.

1. Students must have graduated from high school.
2. Students must be enrolled at ACC in a major that is a qualified major for BTC transfer (more on this point in the next section)
3. Students must not have been a TXST student already

Note: Students must have at least 15 transferrable credits before transferring to TXST. ACC encourages all students to complete their Associate degree with us before transferring to maximize their savings.

What programs of study qualify for Bats to Cats?

The programs listed below currently qualify for BTC transfer. 

• AS Business Administration to BBA Accounting
• AS Business Administration to BBA Economics
• AS Business Administration to BBA Finance
• AS Business Administration to BBA Computer Information Systems
• AS Business Administration to BBA Management
• AS Business Administration to BBA Marketing
• AS Biology to BS Biology
• AS Computer Science to BS Computer Science
• AAT EC-6 Grade Levels to BS Education (cert core subjects with/ESL, EC-6)
• AS Electrical Engineering to BS Electrical Engineering

Coming Soon!

• AA General Studies to BSW in Social Work (in development)
• AA General Studies to BS in Public Relations (in development)
• AA Psychology to BS in Psychology (in development)
• AA in Journalism to BA in Mass Communications (in development)
• AA in English to BA in English (in development)

When can students apply for Bats to Cats?

BTC applications begin in the fall 2024 semester. Students must complete the declaration form declaring intent to participate in the program. The declaration form will be open and active September 1 through December 15, and February 1 through August 15 for students intending to transfer to Texas State in fall 2025 and beyond.

What are the next steps after students submit the declaration form?

Students who meet the eligibility requirements and submit the declaration form during the open application period will receive an email confirmation. From that point on, an ACC advisor will be their guide in their BTC journey. Students will continue to take classes at ACC until they are ready to transfer. The semester prior to transferring, TXST reviews student eligibility, and once confirmed eligible, students officially become Bobcats!

Note: ACC will automatically submit students’ academic records to TXST each semester.

Who can I reach out to if I have additional questions regarding the Bats to Cats program?

For more information about the BTC program please connect with us at ACC and/or the Transfer Center at TXST.

ACC point of contact: batstocats@austincc.edu 

TXST point of contact: transfercenter@txstate.edu