Program offers graduation opportunities
On Nov. 29 during his inauguration speech, Texas A&M University-Kingsville(TAMUK) President Dr. Robert Vela announced the Javelina Relight Program, and 21 students have applied to take advantage of this opportunity.
The program gives those who in the last five years have completed more than 90 credit hours a $2,500 scholarship and a chance at graduation.
“You never know what’s going on in [students’] lives right now and we wanted to give them the opportunity. If they’re wanting to come back, we want to leave the doors open for them,” Vice President Enrollment Services & Student Affairs Dr. Rito Silva said.
The program is the first of its kind to be offered at TAMUK.
“Javelina Relight evolved from discussions about how we can best help our students who have had to pause their educational journeys over the last few years return to earn their degrees,” Vela said.
The program that targeted almost 200 students launched last November with the university trying to connect to individuals meeting the criteria.
“Our students and their families have faced many challenges over the last few years. I also have heard personally from individuals who began their educational journeys at A&M-Kingsville but were unable to complete their education for any number of reasons and who struggle with the regret of not having graduated,” Vela said.
The program offers paths for students, even those with 120 credit hours, who were unable to graduate during their time at the university.
“In the course of identifying students for the Relight Program, we discovered several individuals with more than 120 credit hours who had not yet earned their degree because they’ve switched majors or changed programs during their educational journey,” Vela said. “These individuals can return to TAMUK, leverage the credit hours they have already earned, and may immediately qualify for a general studies degree without having to complete additional coursework. We want these students to know that our commitment to them has not changed—we want to do everything we can to support them in earning a credential from our amazing university,” Vela continued.
The program as of Jan. 31 has 21 applicants, and two students who returned this spring.
Those eligible or seeking more information can visit https://www.tamuk.edu/relight/ to apply.