Title III

The purpose of Title III, Part B, is to provide financial assistance to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, to assist these institutions in establishing and strengthening their physical plants, academic resources, fiscal management, and endowments, so that they may continue to participate in fulfilling the goal of equality of educational opportunity.  More specifically, the Title III Program assists institutions like Huston-Tillotson University in funding developmental activities that will help the University fulfill its mission.

Future Act formally Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) 

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2486 (“The Future Act”) in December 5, 2019.   H.R. 2486 amends HEA, Title III, Part F to annually provide $255 million in mandatory funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs). The annual award for Title III Part F is $500,000. 

Huston-Tillotson University Vision Statement:

A connected world where diversity of thought matters

The Mission of Huston-Tillotson University

HT nurtures a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values.

Relationship of Title III Activities to the Mission of the University 

All selected Title III activities support the mission and goals of the Institution. Each Activity is governed by a set of objectives, and each objective relates specifically to one or more of the Institution’s long-range goals. The Title III Program helps to bridge the financial gap for activities not financially possible through the University’s operational budget. Thus, the Title III grant supplements the University’s budget.

How Title III Funds Are Allocated  

Funds are allocated by a formula which is based upon the number of Pell Grant recipients at the institution; the number of bachelor degree recipients of the institution; and the number of students who graduated from the institution and have been admitted to and are in attendance at a graduate or professional school.

Legislation and Regulations That Apply  

Legislation:

• Title III, Part B, Section 321-327 of the Higher Education Act, as amended
• Title III, Part F, Section 371 of the Higher Education Act, as amended

Regulations :

• 34 CFR part 608
• Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) Parts 74,75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86,97, 98, and 99

Guidance:

What Activities May Be Carried Out Under the Grant? 

  The following activities are allowable and can be carried out under this grant:

• Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional or research purposes;

• Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classrooms, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services;

• Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist these faculty  members in attaining advanced degrees in their fields of instruction;
• Academic instruction in disciplines in which Black Americans are underrepresented;

• Purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program materials;

• Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success;

• Funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;
• Joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries;
• Establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private sector;
• Establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education designed to qualify students to teach in a public elementary or secondary school in the State that shall include, as part of the program, preparation for teacher certification;
• Establishing community outreach programs that will encourage elementary and secondary students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue postsecondary education;
• Establishing and maintaining an institutional endowment;
• Acquisition of real property in connection with the construction, renovation, or addition to or improvement of campus facilities;
• Education or financial information designed to improve financial literacy and economic literacy of students or the students’ families, especially with regard to student indebtedness and student assistance programs under Title IV; and
• Services necessary for the implementation of projects or activities that are described in the grant application and that are approved, in advance, by the Secretary, except that not more than two percent of the grant amount maybe used.

Activities – Title III 

Center for Academic Innovation & Transformation: The Center for Academic Innovation and Transformation (CAIT) will offer a robust schedule of mission and strategic objective related opportunities for faculty and staff to develop skills and knowledge in innovative and transformative pedagogical best practices and assessment methodology. Learning Communities and Affinity Teams will be used as faculty explore utilization of their skills and assessment of impact on their students learning. Increase faculty participation and learning in innovative and transformative learning and assessment tools with demonstrated use in classes and programs. 

University Impact: Academic Support

LAA: Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve student success.

Information and InstructionalTechnology:This Activity will provide academic and educational support, as well as the technological and infrastructure needs for Huston-Tillotson University. The Office of Information Technology has long provided technical and logistic on-site support to faculty, staff, and students, and continues to support the strategic mission of the University. HTU has grown and evolved over the past few years and the current technological capabilities do not reflect this growth. 

University Impact: Institutional Support

LAA: Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications and technology equipment or services 

WeCare-Strengthening Financial Literacy and Student Persistence:SBT is launching the WeCare Student Success Initiative, a holistic effort to enhance student achievement and professional readiness. Central to this initiative is the establishment of the WeCare Center, an on-campus, integrated student support hub designed to provide both academic and non-academic guidance. Through a life-coach model, students will receive personalized support tailored to their unique needs, helping them stay on track academically while also developing essential life skills.

The goals of the WeCare Initiative are to:

1. Improve retention rates among full-time students;

2. Enhance students’ professionalism and career preparedness;

3. Strengthen students’ financial literacy and overall wellness.

By addressing key barriers to success and equipping students with the tools they need to thrive, the WeCare Center reflects HT’s ongoing commitment to student-centered education and excellence in business and technology.

University Impact: Academic Support

LAA: Education or financial information designed to improve financial literacy and economic literacy of students or the students’ families, especially with regard to student indebtedness and student assistance programs under Title IV

Strengthening Advancement Services: Huston-Tillotson University’s Office of Institutional Advancement is undertaking a strategic initiative to strengthen its infrastructure, enhance staff capacity, and position the University for long-term fundraising success. This initiative focuses on building a comprehensive development plan, empowering staff through targeted training, and optimizing the use of donor management tools such as Raiser’s Edge NXT. These efforts aim to streamline processes, improve donor engagement, and enhance data-driven decision-making across departments. By leveraging new systems and technologies, the University will improve fundraising efficiency, strengthen donor relations, and support future campaigns with greater strategic insight and readiness.

University Impact: Institutional Support

LAA: Establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private sector 

Academic Center for Excellence: Huston-Tillotson University is committed to increasing student retention and graduation rates by strengthening its academic support infrastructure. This initiative offers targeted support in areas such as critical thinking, writing, and mathematics, guided by individualized assessments of student skill levels. Key components include enhanced supplemental instruction, academic advising, tutoring, first-year experience programming, counseling, and disability services. These resources are designed to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed throughout their academic journey. Collaboration with academic departments is central to the success of this initiative. Faculty engagement and professional development will be encouraged to ensure alignment between academic instruction and student support. Additionally, a dedicated Academic Support Services Learning Community will be established through the Center for Academic Innovation and Transformation to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence in student learning.

University Impact: Academic Support

LAA: Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success

All-Star Summer Bridge Academy: Huston-Tillotson University’s Summer Bridge to Success Program is a six-week, residential pre-admission initiative designed to support incoming students in their transition to college. This intensive and accelerated program aims to strengthen academic skills and enhance college readiness before students begin their first semester. Offered in collaboration with the Center for Academic Excellence, the Office of Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and the Office of Student Affairs, the program provides a comprehensive introduction to college life. Students engage in focused coursework in verbal skills, English, mathematics, and critical thinking, while also participating in career development, cultural enrichment, and mentoring activities. Through peer and community mentorship, tutoring, and hands-on learning experiences, the Summer Bridge to Success Program helps students build confidence, academic competence, and a strong foundation for success at HT.

University Impact: Academic Support

LAA: Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success;  

Facilities Renovations and Campus Security: Through continued Title III funding, Huston-Tillotson University is investing in critical campus facilities improvements that support student success and institutional growth. These upgrades include the renovation and maintenance of instructional spaces, enhancement of academic buildings, and improvements in life safety, ADA compliance, and overall campus aesthetics. This initiative prioritizes the modernization of learning environments through updated classroom technology, telecommunications infrastructure, and structural improvements. These enhancements will ensure more accessible, attractive, and functional spaces for both students and faculty. In addition, the initiative supports campus safety through upgraded monitoring systems, improved emergency management infrastructure, better signage for wayfinding and emergency identification, and expanded accessibility features such as elevators and compliant entryways in accordance with the 2022 Standards for Accessible Design. Together, these efforts reinforce Huston-Tillotson’s commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching environment.

University Impact: Institutional Support

LAA: Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications and technology equipment or services 

Sponsored Programs: The Office of Sponsored Programs at Huston-Tillotson University (HT) is dedicated to supporting faculty and staff in their efforts to seek out and secure external funding opportunities that support scholarly activities, education, training, research, and civic engagement. The Office of Sponsored Programs also supports HT faculty and staff in their efforts to manage external award funds efficiently. The purpose is to ensuretherealization of all Sponsor, and University expectations and commitments. 

University Impact: Institutional Support

LAA: Funds management, administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management 

Project Administration: Title III funding plays a vital role in supporting student persistence and graduation at Huston-Tillotson University. To ensure the effectiveness of all funded initiatives, the University engages in a rigorous, ongoing evaluation process aligned with its institutional goals and mission. Each Title III Activity is led by an Activity Director responsible for tracking progress, collecting data, and submitting regular updates, including monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports. These reports reflect the outcomes of clearly defined goals, objectives, and strategies, which are entered annually into HT’s online institutional effectiveness system. Throughout the program year, Activity Directors gather outcome data to measure the impact of each initiative. This data not only informs individual activity assessments but also contributes to the comprehensive evaluation of the overall Title III Project. This evaluation process helps determine how effectively each activity supports institutional self-sufficiency, resource alignment, and long-term student success. By integrating assessment with strategic planning, Huston-Tillotson ensures that Title III investments continue to advance the University’s mission and strengthen its capacity to serve students.

Activities – Future Act

Enhancing International Experiences: Huston-Tillotson University is committed to preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. For over a decade, the Office of International Programs (OIP) has led the University’s internationalization efforts, providing students and faculty with enriching global experiences and opportunities. Aligned with HT’s Mission and Strategic Plan, OIP offers a wide range of programs that foster global awareness, cross-cultural engagement, and international academic collaboration. These include:

• Study Abroad Programs

• UGRAD Student Exchange

• Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program

• Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant Program

• MBA Global Experience Trip

• International Collaborative Teaching and Research

OIP also provides dedicated support services for international students and scholars, further enriching the campus community. Through these initiatives, Huston-Tillotson empowers students to thrive as global citizens and leaders.

University Impact: Academic Support

 LAA: Other activities, consistent with the institution’s comprehensive plan and designed to increase the institutions capacity to prepare students for careers in the physical or natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or information technology or sciences, engineering, language instruction in the less-commonly taught languages or international affairs, or nursing or allied health professions 

WellU: The ‘WellU RAM’ wellness program was designed to promote wellness throughout the campus by providing opportunities to be active for faculty, staff, and students; and to make healthy choices in their lives. We wanted to create a culture of wellness throughout the University community. The core pillars of the program are to educate, to empower and to support active lifestyles and wellness for all. 

University Impact: Academic Support

LAA: Other activities, consistent with the institution’s comprehensive plan and designed to increase the institutions capacity to prepare students for careers in the physical or natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or information technology or sciences, engineering, language instruction in the less-commonly taught languages or international affairs, or nursing or allied health professions 

Enhancing Library Resources and Services: The Enhancing Library Resources and Services Activity supports the University’s goals to graduate students who demonstrate effective research, communication, critical thinking, technological skills, and who are global in their thinking. Library users expect access to library and archival resources whenever and wherever they happen to be. Thus, with the assistance of Title III, the library endeavors to purchase electronic resources (databases, eBooks, streaming services), create a digital archive, and to enhance its print collection to ensure access to those services for all HT faculty staff and students. This will provide the support necessary for the University to meet its goal of graduating students who are global in their thinking and effective in their research skills. 

University Impact: Academic Support

LAA: Purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program materials 

Program Coordination: The main emphasis of this activity is to evaluate and determine the outcome/impact of each approved Future Act activity; specifically, how well each activity addressed in the Comprehensive Development Plan will assist the University in facilitating its efforts towards self-sufficiency. This is the required activity for future Act funding. This support activity will provide project management by ensuring that all reporting requirement federal compliance standards are met according to OMB. 

University Impact: Institutional Support

LAA: Other activities, consistent with the institution’s comprehensive plan and designed to increase the institutions capacity to prepare students for careers in the physical or natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or information technology or sciences, engineering, language instruction in the less-commonly taught languages or international affairs, or nursing or allied health professions

Strengthening the Mechanical Engineering Program: The Mechanical Engineering program at Huston-Tillotson University is a Bachelor of Science degree program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of mechanical engineering. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and robotics.

University Impact: Academic Support

LAA: Other activities, consistent with the institution’s comprehensive plan and designed to increase the institutions capacity to prepare students for careers in the physical or natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or information technology or sciences, engineering, language instruction in the less-commonly taught languages or international affairs, or nursing or allied health professions; Academic instruction in disciplines in which Black Americans are underrepresented 

TExES Exam Preparation: This initiative will offer 28 targeted workshops across content areas such as Core Subjects EC–6, Math 4–8, Science 4–8, Special Education EC–12, ESL, and Bilingual Education. Each workshop will be paired with individualized coaching, mock exam feedback, and culturally responsive instructional support. The goal is to improve first-attempt pass rates, reduce certification delays, and strengthen the pipeline of highly qualified teachers prepared to serve Texas’s diverse student population. The project’s success will be measured by increased TExES pass rates, enhanced preparedness ratings, and improved certification outcomes.

University Impact: Academic Support

 

Unallowable Activities   

The following activities are unallowable and cannot be carried out under this grant (34 CFR, Subpart B, Paragraph 608.10):

• Activities that are not included in the grantee’s approved application;

• Activities that are not approved by the Secretary;

• Activities that are inconsistent with any State plan for desegregation of higher education that is applicable to the institution;

• Activities or services that relate to sectarian instruction or religious worship; and

• Activities provided by a school or department of divinity.  For the purpose of this section, a “school or department of divinity” means an institution, or a department of an institution, whose program is specifically for the education of students to prepare them to become ministers of religion or to enter upon some other religious vocation, or to prepare them to teach theological subjects.

 

Title III Forms

• HT Title III Handbook
• Trip Report Form
• Pre-Travel Form-HT
• Time and Effort Report
• Time and Effort Quarterly Report
• Time and Effort- Federal Requirements
• Study Grant Application
• Mid-Year & Annual Performance Report
• Inventory Form
• Supplemental-Pay-Form

Additional Information

• Title III & Future Activities
• 1st Annual OSP Magazine
• Federal Cost Principles
• Site-Visit Checklist
• Title III Reporting Deadlines
• Legislative Allowable Activities
• University Procurement Guidance