Why Texas universities are worried about students access to core classes [Video]

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Universities in Texas are dealing with record enrollment numbers and keeping up with this growth is getting more difficult.

It’s raising concerns about students getting access to the core courses they need to graduate.

In a Higher Education Senate Subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, lawmakers were briefed on this, after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asked them to look into growing concerns.

Artificial intelligence, core course access at issue in Texas Senate higher education hearing

University of Texas at Austin Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel Davis Mersey and Texas A&M University Executive Vice President and Provost Alan Sams were invited to testify.

One of the hardest things for UT and others is ensuring all students can easily take the core classes they need to graduate.

To combat this, Mersey said they’re no longer accepting the top 6% of high school students from their graduating class. That automatic admission threshold is now the top 5%.

UT Austin …