NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University officials and staff members are offering assistance to students displaced by the abrupt closure of ITT Technical Institute's resident campuses.

"SFA will work with ITT Tech students to determine how to use their credits," said Monique Cossich, executive director of enrollment management in SFA's Office of Admissions. "If a student wants to enroll for the current fall semester, he or she needs to contact our office as soon as possible because the deadline for fall registration is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. We will work with the student in regard to obstacles he or she might experience, such as difficulty in getting transcripts."

Last week, ITT Educational Services Inc. announced it would discontinue operations of its ITT Technical Institutes, in line with a U.S. Department of Education directive, according to an article by Reuters. The closure will affect more than 8,000 employees and approximately 40,000 students.

"We want students to feel comfortable contacting us and letting us help them in this stressful time," Cossich said. "Students also may be interested in applying for spring 2017, which we can help them facilitate."

Transferring students are, of course, welcome to enroll in any degree plan offered through SFA's six colleges, though Cossich said SFA's Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences is a good choice for ITT Tech students affected by the closure.

"The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences allows students to apply credits earned through vocational or technical programs, community college credits, military training and occupational licensure or certifications toward the degree. Many of the ITT Tech students will fall into one of these categories and thus could benefit from this degree program," Cossich said.

Students can call (936) 468-2504 to speak to an SFA admissions counselor.