TAMIU Links Articulation with LISD Criminal Justice Program

There's a student at a Laredo Independent School District campus that's dreaming about earning a degree in Criminal Justice and perhaps becoming a federal agent in the future.

As of this Monday, that student has a distinct advantage: Texas A&M International University and LISD approved a general articulation agreement that will make it possible for LISD students to be granted University credit by articulation of University-level courses offered on LISD campuses.

The District and University signed the articulation agreement in a brief ceremony Monday, Oct. 27 at TAMIU's Student Center.

Dr. Nasser Momayezi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the agreement sets the foundation for student higher education and career opportunities.

"Our Criminal Justice program here at the University is our most popular degree program. Students graduating have a diverse array of job opportunities at local, regional, national and international levels. This program will help high school students to get ahead on an important educational and career direction," Dr. Momayezi said.

Dr. Jerry Barber, LISD superintendent, said the District is proud to partner with TAMIU to offer a new learning opportunity to students.

"We welcome the partnership that this articulation represents," Barber said, "This agreement will allow our students to take University-level courses in an area where there is much employment demand. Through this partnership, we are once again bringing higher education one step closer to our students," Barber said.

Through the agreement, students will be able to take four, one-hour classes ranging from an Introduction to Criminal Justice and Crime in America to Courts and Criminal Procedures and Criminal Investigations. Students will take an end-of-course exam. Successful completion of the courses will result in the articulated courses being held as "credit-in-escrow" for TAMIU credit.

The articulation also makes possible ongoing collaborations between LISD and TAMIU faculty including development workshops and periodic visits to each other's classrooms.

For additional information, interested LISD students can contact their high school counselors or Dr. Momayezi by calling 326.2460, visiting him in Killam Library 429 or emailing him at nmomayezi@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.