2013-14 Catalog

Admission to The Texas A&M University System and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or educationally unrelated handicaps.

Transfer services such as Transfer Equivalency Guides, Texas Common Course Numbering System Equivalency Guides, Common Core Equivalency Guides are available for students transferring to Tarleton State University from a junior or community college. Please check with the Coordinator of Transfer Services at 1-800-687-8236 or review the information on the Admissions website.

Materials Needed for Application

1. The State of Texas Common Application for Public Universities¹,available at the following locations:
   • Online - ApplyTexas (Application is submitted electronically and will arrive within 2 business days.  Please allow 3-5 business days for processing),
   • Print Application – College for All Texans.
2. $30 non-refundable application fee
3. Official transcripts from high school/colleges previously attended
4. Official scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or the American College Test (ACT) including the essay writing component²
5. Section of application form used to determine Texas residency for tuition purposes. Texas residency is determined in accordance with state law.. Please see the Determination of Residence for Tuition Purposes area in the Expenses section of this catalog.

Each of the above items must be received before an application can be evaluated. Other documents may be requested as needed.

1	Used by U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for undergraduate admission.
2	Scores must be on an official high school transcript, or an official college transcript, or sent directly from the testing agency. SAT total consists of Critical Reading (Verbal) and Mathematics only. Test scores must be no more than six years old at the time of admission.

 

Application Deadlines

Materials should be on file well in advance of registration. Students are encouraged to apply on or before the following dates:

First-time Freshmen 

Semester	Priority Deadline	Enforced Deadline
Fall	March 1	July 22
Spring	December 1	December 1
Summer I	April 1	May 1
Summer II	May 1	June 1

 Transfer/Other

Semester	Priority Deadline	Enforced Deadline
Summer I 2013	April 1	June 3
Summer II 2013	May 1	July 5
Fall 2013	May 1	August 23
Spring 2014	December 1	January 10
Summer I 2014	April 1	June 2
Summer II 2014	May 1	July 3

International (all application types) 

Semester	Priority Deadline	Enforced Deadline
Spring	November 15	November 15
Summer I	April 15	April 15
Summer II	April 15	April 15
Fall	June 15	June 15

Materials submitted by applicants who do not enroll at Tarleton are destroyed after one calendar year. If a student applies for one semester and does not attend, he/she must complete a new application and pay the application fee. Official documents received for a previous term may be added to the new file. If a student has completed work since applying with Tarleton, he/she must provide final official transcripts and/or score reports.

Application Fee

Students applying for admission to Tarleton are required to pay a non-refundable application processing fee of $30. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Tarleton State University. The application fee must be submitted with the application forms or mailed at the time the application is submitted electronically. Credit card payments can be made at the time of electronic submission or over the phone. Please contact Admissions at 1-800-687-8236 for application fee waiver qualifications.

Official High School Transcripts

A freshman applicant who has not graduated from high school at the time of application must submit an official transcript indicating grades, projected high school program, projected graduation date and class rank.

A freshman applicant who has graduated from high school at the time of application and transfer applicants with less than 30 semester hours of college credit must submit an official high school transcript that includes date of graduation. The transcript should also include class rank and designation of recommended or advanced high school program or an equivalent curriculum if these programs were not available. If the high school does not rank, student must provide a letter from school stating such and include the student's grade point average (gpa).

Class rank shall be calculated at the end of the 11th grade, middle of the 12th grade, or high school graduation, whichever is most recent when the application is submitted.

If an applicant is accepted during his/her 11th or 12th grade year of high school, he/she must submit an official final high school transcript upon graduation. The transcript must show final class rank, graduation date (not certification of completion date), and a seal displaying the high school program the student completed. The final high school transcript must be submitted by the end of the first semester of attendance at Tarleton.

To be considered official, the high school transcript must bear an original signature of a school official and an original school seal. Faxed copies are not official. Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.

Official College Transcripts

An official transcript is required from every post-secondary institution attended, even if the applicant did not earn credit or receive a course grade from the institution, or the course is not transferable. Course work from one college posted on the transcript of another college will not satisfy this requirement.

For readmission to Tarleton, only those transcripts from institutions attended since the last enrollment at Tarleton State University are required.

Faxed copies are not official. Electronic transcripts are considered official transcripts. Check with sending/receiving institutions for availability. Electronic transcripts take 24 to 48 hours to be received from sending school.

Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation and an evaluation of course work by a foreign credentials evaluation service. Check with Undergraduate Admissions for information on transcript evaluation services.

First-time Freshmen Admission Requirements

At the time of application, students with no college credits since graduation from high school or entering Tarleton directly from a Texas public high school accredited by the Texas Education Agency or a Texas non-public school accredited by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission are first-time freshmen.  All first-time freshmen must meet the Uniform Admission Policy.**

Regular Admission

To be granted regular admission status, first-time freshmen must:

Rank in the Top 10% of the high school graduating class and provide SAT and/or ACT scores, including the essay writing component¹; or
Meet one of the following combinations of high school quarter rank, entrance scores and high school program listed below:

Summer 2013, Fall, 2013, Spring 2014, Summer 2014

Percentile in Class	Test Score Requirement
50-99% (1st and 2nd quarter)	No minimum but must provide SAT or ACT scores
33-49%	SAT 950* ACT 20
0-32%	No Admittance

Fall, 2014, Spring 2015, Summer 2015

Percentile in Class	Test Score Requirement
50-99% (1st and 2nd quarter)	No minimum but must provide SAT or ACT scores
40-49%	SAT 950* ACT 20
0-39%	No Admittance

Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Summer 2016

Percentile in Class	Test Score Requirement
75-99% (1st quarter)	No minimum but must provide SAT or ACT scores
50-74% (2nd quarter)	SAT 750* ACT 15
40-49%	SAT 950* ACT 20
0-39%	No Admittance

 
Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Summer 2017

Percentile in Class	Test Score Requirement
75-99% (1st quarter)	No minimum but must provide SAT or ACT scores
50-74% (2nd quarter)	SAT 800* ACT 16
40-49%	SAT 950* ACT 20
0-39%	No Admittance

*	SAT total for Admission consists of Critical Reading (Verbal) and Mathematics only.
**	See State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (UAP) below.

State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (UAP)**

The Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809 requires that all students meet one of the following college readiness standards in order to be eligible to be considered for admission to a Texas Four-Year Public Institution.

1. Successfully complete the recommended or advanced high school program or complete the portion of the program that was available to them; or
2. Successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the recommended or advanced high school program at a high school that is exempt from offering such programs; or
3. Satisfy the College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT or SAT assessment.SAT - 1500 out of 2400 (Critical Reading, Math AND Writing)ACT - 18 English, 21 Reading, 22 Math and 24 Science

Students applying to Tarleton State University from a non-Texas public high school are required to submit a completed high school certification form along with your high school transcript. Please visit www.tarleton.edu/admissions/freshman.html.

Early Notification of Admission

Students seeking early notification of admission must submit all required application materials by November 30.  Upon graduation, a final high school transcript showing graduation date and class rank must be submitted.

Completion of Sixth High School Semester

Students who are in the top ten percent of their class or who meet the SAT/ACT requirements shown above will be admitted after completion of their sixth semester. An official high school transcript showing grades through the junior year, projected date of graduation, estimated rank, and SAT or ACT score must be submitted before a decision will be made regarding admission to the University.

Completion of Seventh High School Semester

Students submitting an official seventh semester transcript and SAT/ACT scores who meet regular admission requirements will be given early notification.

General Educational Development (GED) Tests

A GED will be considered equivalent to a high school diploma, provided the average standard score is at least 55 or no subscore is less than 50. An official copy or photocopy of the results must be submitted. Application to the university must be one calendar year after the student’s intended date of graduation. Applicants must submit official SAT or ACT scores with a minimum score of 950 on the SAT or 20 on the ACT.
 

**	Students must also meet the UAP benchmark scores listed above.

Home-Schooled or Non-Accredited High School Graduates

Students who graduate from high schools not accredited by the Texas Education Agency or who are home-schooled will be admitted if they have a score of 1110 or above on the SAT or 24 or above on the ACT. Those with SAT scores of 950-1100 or ACT of 20-23 may be considered based on the records provided. Statements from the school about ranking and curriculum equivalent to recommended or advanced program will be considered. Home schooled students must provide proof of curriculum completed from an agency or teacher.  Home school transcripts should be notarized.
 

**	Students must also meet the UAP benchmark scores listed above.

Advised Admission

The advised admission program, Texan Gateway Program, requires applicants to be very near the requirements for regular admission to be considered.  Requirements are evaluated each year.  Applicants for any advised admission program must be within a few months of high school graduation. Students who are eligible for an advised admission program will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and asked to sign an agreement before being allowed to enroll at Tarleton. The agreement may specify course and grade requirements, may restrict the number of hours to be taken, and may be more restrictive than certain university rules such as the Warning/Probation/Suspension policy. Students should review all agreement conditions carefully before signing as students who fail to meet conditions in the agreement may not be allowed to re-enroll at Tarleton until they succeed academically at another institution and meet Tarleton’s transfer requirements. The number of students granted advised admission may be limited by the Academic Affairs Office at Tarleton without prior notice.
 

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

Beginning freshman applicants to Tarleton State University who have completed or who will complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program from their high school should indicate that on their application. Those who complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma and meet State of Texas requirements will be granted credit for a minimum of 24 semester hours. Students should make sure that the Director of Undergraduate Admissions is aware of the IBD Program and may request from the Director of Undergraduate Admissions the type and amount of credit Tarleton State University is willing to grant, based on the IBD transcript.

Tarleton State University grants credit for IB higher level exams with a score of 5 or higher and for some standard level exams with specified scores of 5 or higher. A list of credit equivalents and required scores is listed below for certain higher level and standard level exams. Student may inquire about equivalent credit for higher level exams not listed if the score is 5 or higher. State law requires that students who present evidence of completion of the IB diploma may be granted credit for exam scores of at least 4. This can result in the awarding of up to 24 credit hours.

 

Higher Exam	Grade	Course Credit	Credit hrs
Biology	5,6,7	BIOL 120,121	8
Business Org.	5,6,7	FIN 301, MGMT 301	6
Chemistry	5,6,7	CHEM 105,108	8
Economics	5,6,7	ECO 301, 302	6
English	5,6,7	ENGL 111,112	6
French	5	FREN 101,102	8
French	6,7	FREN 101,102,201,202	14
Geography	5,6,7	GEOG 110	3
German	5	GERM 101,102	8
German	6,7	GERM 101,102,201,202	14
History, U.S.	5,6,7	HIST 201,202	6
Music	5,6,7	MUSC 126,147	5
Philosophy	5,6,7	PHIL 101	3
Physics	5,6,7	PHY 104,105	8
Psychology	5,6,7	PSY 101	3
Spanish	5	SPAN 101,102	8
Spanish	6,7	SPAN 101,102,201,202	14
Theatre Arts	5,6,7	THEA 105	3

Higher Exam	Grade	Course Credit	Credit hrs
Biology	5,6,7	BIOL 120,121	8
Business Org.	5,6,7	FIN 301, MGMT 301	6
Chemistry	5,6,7	CHEM 105,108	8
Economics	5,6,7	ECO 301, 302	6
English	5,6,7	ENGL 111,112	6
French	5	FREN 101,102	8
French	6,7	FREN 101,102,201,202	14
Geography	5,6,7	GEOG 110	3
German	5	GERM 101,102	8
German	6,7	GERM 101,102,201,202	14
History, U.S.	5,6,7	HIST 201,202	6
Music	5,6,7	MUSC 126,147	5
Philosophy	5,6,7	PHIL 101	3
Physics	5,6,7	PHY 104,105	8
Psychology	5,6,7	PSY 101	3
Spanish	5	SPAN 101,102	8
Spanish	6,7	SPAN 101,102,201,202	14
Theatre Arts	5,6,7	THEA 105	3

 

Standard Exam	Grade	Course Credit	Credit hrs
Art	5,6,7	ART 131	3
Biology	6,7	BIOL 120,121	8
Chemistry	6,7	CHEM 105,108	8
Computer Science	6,7	CIS 103	3
Economics	6,7	ECO 201,202	6
French	5	FREN 101,102	8
French	6,7	FREN 101,102,201,202	14
German	5	GERM 101,102	8
German	6,7	GERM 101,102,201,202	14
Mathematical Studies	6	MATH 107,109	6
Mathematical Studies	7	MATH 109,120	7
Music	6,7	MUSC 126,147	5
Philosophy	6,7	PHIL 101	3
Physics	6,7	PHYS 104,105	8
Psychology	6,7	PSY 101	3
Spanish	5	SPAN 101,102	8
Spanish	6,7	SPAN 101,102,201,202	14
Theatre Arts	5,6,7	THEA 105	3

Standard Exam	Grade	Course Credit	Credit hrs
Art	5,6,7	ART 131	3
Biology	6,7	BIOL 120,121	8
Chemistry	6,7	CHEM 105,108	8
Computer Science	6,7	CIS 103	3
Economics	6,7	ECO 201,202	6
French	5	FREN 101,102	8
French	6,7	FREN 101,102,201,202	14
German	5	GERM 101,102	8
German	6,7	GERM 101,102,201,202	14
Mathematical Studies	6	MATH 107,109	6
Mathematical Studies	7	MATH 109,120	7
Music	6,7	MUSC 126,147	5
Philosophy	6,7	PHIL 101	3
Physics	6,7	PHYS 104,105	8
Psychology	6,7	PSY 101	3
Spanish	5	SPAN 101,102	8
Spanish	6,7	SPAN 101,102,201,202	14
Theatre Arts	5,6,7	THEA 105	3

 

Limited Admission for Outstanding High School Students

Tarleton State University will consider limited admission for outstanding high school students after they have met and/or have submitted the following:

1. completed their junior year of high school
2. ranked in the top quarter of their graduating class
3. have scores of at least 1100 on the SAT, or 110 on the PSAT, or 24 on the ACT or PACT
4. provide a letter of recommendation from their high school principal or counselor addressing student's maturity and academic capabilities
5. provide a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian
6. successfully complete all sections of a TSI assessment or have obtained a TSI exemption prior to course registration

All documentation will be reviewed by Academic Affairs and may require a face-to-face meeting.

Individual Approval Admissions

Students who are denied admission to Tarleton State University may ask to be considered for individual approval. If the case has sufficient merit, it will be referred to the Academic Standards Committee or the committee chair acting on behalf of the committee. Appeals will be considered in cases of extenuating circumstances and/or with evidence of leadership, exceptional talent, volunteer work, internships, military service, unusual family situation, etc. An appeal will not be considered for applicants who are ineligible to return to a previous institution.

Appeal requests should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions no later than two weeks before the first class day for that semester. Exceptions to this deadline must be approved by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or the provost’s designee. The forms to be used when requesting consideration for individual approval may be obtained from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The Texas Education Code statute 51.3062, Success Initiative, effective September 1, 2003, requires the university to assess the academic skills of each entering undergraduate student to determine the student’s readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework. The fee for the completion of the assessment instrument will be paid by the student.  The university will not use the assessment or the results of the assessment as a condition of admission to the institution.

Unless exempt (see below), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires that, prior to enrollment, each student must be assessed in three skill areas (reading, writing, and mathematics) using one or more of the following instruments:

1. ASSET offered by ACT;
2. COMPASS offered by ACT;
3. ACCUPLACER offered by the College Board;
4. Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) offered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc.

Additionally, unless exempt (see below), each student is subject to the provisions of Tarleton’s Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Plan. A copy of the TSI Plan is available from Student Success (Thompson Student Center, Room 15; Voice: 254-968-9480) or on the Tarleton web site at www.tarleton.edu/success.

Beginning the first class day of Fall 2013 (August 26, 2013) the TSI guidelines will require a student to complete a TSI Assessment (replacing tests listed above).  Students who are registered prior to August 26, 2013 will not be required to complete the TSI Assessment.  Students who retest at a future date will be required to take the TSI Assessment.  Further details will be outlined on the TSI website at http://www.tarleton.edu/admissions/TSI.html.

TSI Exemptions

The following students shall be either fully exempt, partially exempt, or temporarily exempt/waived from the requirements of the TSI*:

1. Full Exemption. The following students are exempt from the requirements of the TSI:
   • For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on a single administration of the test:
     • ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both the English and Mathematics tests.
     • Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT): a combined Critical Reading and Mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on both the critical reading and the mathematics tests.
2. For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the Eleventh grade exit-level TAKS with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the math section and a minimum scale score of 2200 on the English/Language Arts (ELA) section with a writing subsection score of at least 3.
3. A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Texas public institution of higher education.
4. A student who has graduated with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed appropriate college-level coursework as determined by the University.
5. A student who transfers to Tarleton from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in
   
   • mathematics
   • writing
   • reading as indicated in Section 8 of the TSI Plan
6. A student who has previously attended any Texas public institution of higher education and met TSI readiness standards by that institution in
   
   • mathematics
   • writing
   • reading
7. A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
8. A student who, prior to January 1, 2004, had satisfied (as indicated by the Tarleton Developmental Education Plan and/or the Board’s THEA policy manual) all THEA obligations.
9. Partial Exemption.

The following students are exempt from one or more of the requirement of the TSI:

Exempt from the Mathematics requirements of the TSI:

• For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on a single administration of the test:
  ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on Mathematics test.
  Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT): a combined Critical Reading and Mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on mathematics test.

• For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the Eleventh grade exit-level TAKS with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the math section.
• A student who transfers to Tarleton from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in mathematics, as indicated in Section 8 of the TSI Plan.
• Student who has previously attended any Texas public institution of higher education and met TSI readiness standards by that institution in mathematics.

Exempt from the Writing requirements of the TSI:

• For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on a single administration of the test:

ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on English test.
Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT): a combined Critical Reading and Mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading test.

• For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the Eleventh grade exit-level TAKS with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the English/Language Arts (ELA) section with a writing subsection score of at least 3.
• A student who transfers to Tarleton from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in writing, as indicated in Section 8 of the TSI Plan.
• Student who has previously attended any Texas public institution of higher education and met TSI readiness standards by that institution in writing.

Exempt from the Reading requirements of the TSI:

• For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on a single administration of the test:

ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on English test;
Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT): a combined Critical Reading and Mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading test.

• For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the Eleventh grade exit-level TAKS with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the English/Language Arts (ELA) section with a writing subsection score of at least 3.
• A student who transfers to Tarleton from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in reading, as indicated in Section 8 of the TSI Plan.
• Student who has previously attended any Texas public institution of higher education and met TSI readiness standards by that institution in reading.

Temporary Exemption/Waiver. The following students may request a temporary exempt from the requirements of the TSI:

• On an annual basis, a student who is serving on active duty as a member of:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • the armed forces of the United States; or
  • the Texas National Guard.
• On an annual basis, a student who is a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States (excludes reserves of Texas National Guard) and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
• Each semester, a student who has been admitted as a non-degree seeking student.
• Under exceptional circumstances, the Dean of Student Success may permit a student to enroll in lower-level academic coursework without assessment but must require that the student be assessed no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment in freshman-level academic coursework and may require concurrent, appropriate developmental education.  

*	Some of the TSI exemptions for enrollment in Tarleton State University are not accepted by the Teacher Education Council for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Please contact the Certification Office at (254) 968-9815 for more information.

TSI assessment results and/or proof of exemption must be submitted to the Student Assessment Coordinator’s office before a student will be allowed to register for classes. To verify that your assessment results and/or proof of exemption have been received by Tarleton, contact the Student Assessment Coordinator at (254) 968-9269, (800) 687-8236, or uadm@tarleton.edu.

Immunizations

Bacterial Meningitis (requirement for all new students)

Pursuant to Texas Senate Bill 1107, all entering (new) students at an institution of higher education must show evidence of receipt of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster during the five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls at an institution. This information shall be maintained in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Regulations and with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Please refer to http://www.tarleton.edu/admissions/bacterial-meningitis.html for instructions on submitting documentation.

Requirements (for students enrolling in health-related courses)

Students enrolling in health-related courses that involve direct patient contact (Nursing and Clinical Laboratory Science) must meet the following immunization criteria:

Measles - Persons born since January 1, 1957, must have two doses since 12 months of age, with the doses coming at least 30 days apart.

Mumps - Persons born since January 1, 1957, must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.

Rubella - Must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.

Tetanus/Diphtheria - Must have one dose within the past 10 years.

Hepatitis B - A complete series or proof of immunity is encouraged for any student enrolling in health-related courses that involve direct patient contact, especially with patients’ blood (i.e., Nursing, Clinical Laboratory Science, and some Pre-Med courses). Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science students are required to take the hepatitis series or sign a waiver.

Recommendations (for all students)

Measles - All students enrolling in institutions of higher education should have two doses of the measles vaccine prior to the start of classes.

Tetanus/Diphtheria - Tetanus vaccines are effective for about 10 years and need to be boosted at that interval; they should be given in combination with the diphtheria vaccine.
 

Social Security Number Disclosure

Section 7(b) of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) requires that when any federal, state, or local government agency requests an individual to disclose his/her social security account number (SSAN), that individual must also be advised whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority the number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it.

Accordingly, applicants for admission are advised that disclosure of a student’s SSAN is strongly recommended for admission as a student at Tarleton State University, in view of the practical administrative difficulties that would be encountered in maintaining adequate student records without continued use of the SSAN. It is used to verify the identity of the student, and as a student account number (identifier) to record necessary data accurately. As an identifier, the SSAN is used for such activities as determining and recording eligibility for admission as a student; reporting initial physical examinations; determining and recording assessments and payments of student fees and charges; determining and recording eligibility for student financial assistance including loans, scholarships, grants, allowances, and official student travel and per diem; recording student grades and related academic data; determining and recording eligibility for participation in Reserve Officers Training Corps programs and in athletic, rodeo, and similar events; registering private vehicles and issuing parking permits; issuing student identification cards; recording issue and return of library books and other materials; registering for placement services, including resume preparation and furnishing information to prospective employers; and other such related requirements that might arise. Tarleton State University has for several years consistently requested disclosure of the SSAN on student application forms and other necessary student forms and documents used pursuant to statutes passed by the State of Texas and United States and regulations adopted by agencies of the State of Texas and United States, and by the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System.

If a student chooses not to disclose his/her SSAN, he/she may request a random number to be assigned to his/her records while attending Tarleton State University. The student should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more details.

International Students

Admission of international students to the undergraduate program at Tarleton is based upon graduation from a secondary school (lyceum, senior middle school, high school, preparatory school, or other equivalent) system equivalent to at least 12 grades. Applicants must provide official transcripts and evaluations of all academic work. Evaluations must be done by recognized evaluation services and typically must adhere to standards of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and include items such as course names, course descriptions, course credit, course grades, grade point average, and diploma or degree earned as recommended by the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials. The International Academic Program office can provide a list of evaluation service providers but it is the applicant’s responsibility to secure and pay for the evaluation and to make sure it is done early enough to meet admission deadlines.

The quality of the applicant’s prior secondary or collegiate-level work is judged from the scores attained. International applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission. International applicants may be admitted if they have a score of 1110 or above on the SAT or 24 or above on the ACT. Those with SAT scores of 950-1110 or ACT of 20-23 may be considered based on the records provided.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service, is required with a minimum score of 69 on the NEW Internet-based test, a minimum score of 190 on the computer-based test, or a minimum score of 520 on the paper-based test. Completion of six semester hours of regular first-year college English composition at an accredited college in the United States with a grade of C or better in each course will satisfy the TOEFL requirement. Students may inquire about acceptable scores on IELTS.

To obtain a visa from the American Embassy located in the applicant’s country, a prospective student must have documented evidence of financial solvency. A sponsor is obligated to endorse all expenditures for the applicant during the entire course of study. Note that a copy of all financial statement documentation must be included with the admission packet. Check with the American Embassy for further details.

International applicants must submit two passport-style color photos taken within six months of application, a $100 (US) processing and admission fee and a $30 application fee. Both fees are nonrefundable. Payment must be made by bank cashier’s check or credit card payable to Tarleton State University. Tarleton State University requires that all international students have medical insurance with coverage in the United States. Fees for medical insurance will be charged with tuition at the time of registration after full admission.

All supporting documents must be sent to the Office of International Programs. Applications cannot be processed until all materials are received. The I-20 will be issued only after a formal admission letter has been issued by Tarleton State University. All undergraduate students are required to meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment before registering for classes. For more details about admission of international students, consult our International web page or call 254-968-9632.

Transfer Student Requirements

At the time of application, students who have attempted college level credit at an regionally accredited institution after high school graduation are considered transfer students. Applicants must be eligible to enroll at all colleges and universities previously attended and submit final official transcripts from each college or university attended; i.e. the student cannot be on suspension from any institution.  If a student's transcript reflects Academic Suspension, the student must request documentation from that institution with a statement that they are eligible to return to that institution.  For students who have previously attended Tarleton State University, transfer work and Tarleton work will be combined to determine a cumulative GPA. Transferable work from all previously attended colleges and universities will be combined to determine a cumulative GPA. Developmental, non-college credit, vocational or technical coursework is not used in determining the GPA needed to be eligible for transfer admission.

For more information on transfer students, please refer to Transfer Services.

Transfer Student Qualifications

The following minimum standards must be met upon receipt of all admission documents and official transcripts from every institution a student has attended:

1. Students with 12 to 29 semester hours of college credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher will be admitted. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 - 2.79 is acceptable, provided they also meet one of the regular admission standards for first-time freshman applicants¹.
2. Students with 30 or more semester hours of college credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher will be admitted.
3. Students with 11 or fewer semester hours of college level credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher who meet one of the regular admission standards for first-time freshman applicants¹ will be admitted.

*	Please see the Admission Requirements for First-Time Freshman area in this section of the catalog.

 

Core Curriculum Transfer

Students who complete all general education requirements as approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at another school and who then transfer to Tarleton State University will generally be considered to have met general education requirements as outlined toward a degree at Tarleton. However, additional requirements for the degree must be met and this could require students to take one or more courses that are part of the general education requirements at Tarleton.

Transfer Articulation Policies

Credits earned at another regional accredited institution are accepted as recorded on the official transcript. However, because of differences in institutional degree requirements and course content, some credits transferred may not apply toward satisfying degree requirements at Tarleton. A maximum of 68 semester hours of academic credit will be accepted for degree credit from a two-year institution.  For course exclusions based on the achievement of a higher grade, please contact Transfer Services at 254-968-9353.

Beginning Spring 2004, all grades including F’s, for all academic credit courses will be articulated to the Tarleton transcript. Remedial/developmental courses will not be entered and will not be used in the admissions decision. When a course has been repeated at the same institution only the best effort will be transcribed. Only those transferred hours that have been transcribed will be used to determine admissions eligibility.

Courses that are vocational or technical in nature are not automatically accepted by Tarleton State University. These courses must be approved by the appropriate academic departments and resubmitted for articulation to Enrollment Management. Students with a significant number of hours in a technical field and who wish to use those hours toward a Tarleton degree should consider the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science Applied Science, Bachelor of Technology, or similar degree programs. Such students are expected to meet current admissions rules and may wish to contact Advising Services or departmental offices for further information.

Texas Common Course Numbering System

A common numbering system has been devised by area colleges and universities to identify those courses that are similar in nature and considered to be equal in transfer. The purpose of the system is to assist students who are transferring between participating institutions. Following is a list of Tarleton courses that are considered as matches with the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS):

TCCNS	TSU
ACCT 2301 or ACCT2401	ACC 203
ACCT 2302 or ACCT 2402	ACC 204
AGRI 1131	AGRI 101
AGRI 1307	AGRN 105
AGRI 1309	A EC 212
AGRI 1311	D S 202
AGRI 1315	HORT 200
AGRI 1319	ANSC 107
AGRI 1325	ANSC 207
AGRI 1327	WLDM 201
AGRI 2301	AGSD 201
AGRI 2303	AGSD 221
AGRI 2313	ENTO 201
AGRI 2317	A EC 105
AGRI 2330	WLDM 221
ARTS 1301	ART 131
ARTS 1303	ART 231
ARTS 1304	ART 232
ARTS 1311	ART 111
ARTS 1312	ART 211
ARTS 1316	ART 121
ARTS 1317	ART 221
BCIS 1301	CIS 103
BCIS 1310	CIS 201
BCIS 1332	CIS 212
BIOL 1322	FCS 210
BIOL 1411	BIOL 120
BIOL 1413	BIOL 121
BIOL 2401	BIOL 219
BIOL 2402	BIOL 220
BUSI 1301	G B 103
BUSI 1307	FIN 101
CHEM 1405	CHEM 101
CHEM 1407	CHEM 103
CHEM 1411	CHEM 105
CHEM 1412	CHEM 108
CHEM 2423	CHEM 201
CHEM 2425	CHEM 202
COMM 1307	COMS 213
COMM 1316	COMS 214
COSC 1301	CIS 103
CRIJ 1301	C J 131
CRIJ 1306	C J 232
CRIJ 1310	C J 237
CRIJ 2313	C J 238
CRIJ 2314	C J 235
CRIJ 2323	C J 236
CRIJ 2328	C J 234
DRAM 1220	THEA 107
DRAM 1310	THEA 105
DRAM 1330	THEA 203
DRAM 1341	THEA 109
DRAM 1351	THEA 106
DRAM 1352	THEA 206
DRAM 2336	THEA 201
DRAM 2361	THEA 207
DRAM 2362	THEA 208
ECON 1301	ECO 101
ECON 1303	ECO 205
ECON 2301	ECO 201
ECON 2302	ECO 202
ECON 2311	GEOG 202
ENGL 1301	ENGL 111
ENGL 1302	ENGL 112
FREN 1411	FREN 101
FREN 1412	FREN 102
FREN 2311	FREN 201
FREN 2312	FREN 202
GEOG 1303	GEOG 110
GEOG 2312	GEOG 202
GEOL 1401	P SC 101
GEOL 1403	GEOL 105
GEOL 1404	GEOL 106
GEOL 2405	GEOL 203
GERM 1411	GERM 101
GERM 1412	GERM 102
GERM 2311	GERM 201
GOVT 2301 or GOVT 2306	POLS 202
GOVT 2302 or GOVT 2305	POLS 201
HECO 1101	FCS 110
HECO 1315	FCS 105
HECO 1322	FCS 210
HECO 1325	FCS 102
HECO 1328	FCS 202
HECO 2311	FCS 206
HIST 1301	HIST 201
HIST 1302	HIST 202
HIST 2311	HIST 101
HIST 2312	HIST 102
HORT 1301	HORT 200
HUMA 1315	F A 101
MATH 1314	MATH 107
MATH 1316	MATH 109
MATH 1324	MATH 110
MATH 1325	MATH 111
MATH 1332	MATH 108
MATH 2412	MATH 118
MATH 2413	MATH 120
MATH 2414	MATH 209
MUSI 1181	MUSC 151
MUSI 1182	MUSC 152
MUSI 1300	MUSC 213
PHED 1301	KINE 200
PHED 1306	HLTH 231
PHED 1308	KINE 227
PHED 1338	HLTH 101
PHIL 1301	PHIL 101
PHIL 2303	PHIL 201
PHYS 1401	PHYS 104
PHYS 1402	PHYS 105
PHYS 1411	PHYS 103
PHYS 2425	PHYS 122
PHYS 2426	PHYS 242
PSYC 2301	PSY 101
PSYC 2308	PSY 220
PSYC 2312	PSY 201
PSYC 2315	PSY 102
SOCI 1301	SOC 201
SOCI 1306	SOC 202
SOCW 2361	SWK 208
SPAN 1411	SPAN 101
SPAN 1412	SPAN 102
SPCH 1311	COMS 101
SPCH 1315	COMS 102
SPCH 1342	COMS 201
TECA 1311	FCS 204
TECA 1318	FCS 211
TECA 1354	FCS 104

If you have questions regarding transferability of courses, please contact the Office of Transfer Services at 1-800-687-8236 or E-Mail us   You may also visit Transfer Services.

Visit Texas Common Course Numbering System for a more extensive list.

If Tarleton does not accept lower-division course credit earned by a student at another public institution of higher education in Texas, Tarleton will give written notice to the student and the other institution that the transfer of the course credit is denied. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve any dispute over the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board guidelines. If the dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and the institution at which the credit was earned, the student may file a Transfer Dispute Resolution form (CB-TDR) with Tarleton. It must be submitted within 15 days of the date the student received written notification of the denial of credit. Tarleton will forward a copy of the CB-TDR to the Commissioner of Higher Education who will resolve the dispute if necessary. In this instance, the Commissioner will give written notice to the student and institutions involved.

Post-Baccalaureate Admission

A student who has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution and who is in good standing at all schools previously attended but who is not seeking a master’s degree or professional certification may apply as a post-baccalaureate student by using the transfer application at ApplyTexas. A post-baccalaureate student may work on a second bachelor’s degree or teaching certification or take courses of interest. To be admitted to post-baccalaureate status, an applicant must submit official transcript(s) from all schools attended, a signed application form or completed electronic application, a $30 application fee, a tuition residency form and a Post-Baccalaureate form.  You may also contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 254-968-9125 or 800-687-8236. Undergraduate academic standards apply to post-baccalaureate students.

Readmission

Students who have previously attended Tarleton and are returning after one or more long semesters’ absence may apply for readmission. Applicants must submit an application for readmission, pay a $30 application fee, and be clear of any blocks by Tarleton offices (Police, Business Office, Financial Aid, etc.).

1. Students who have not enrolled at any other college or university since last attending Tarleton and are free of suspension will be admitted.
2. Students who have enrolled at any other college or university since last attending Tarleton and who meet transfer requirements and are free of suspension may be admitted.
3. Students who have been absent for one or more long semesters must reapply to the university for admission.  This includes students who have been suspended for one or more semesters.

Academic Fresh Start

Your old grades don't have to count against you. If you're a Texas resident and apply for admission (or readmission) to Texas public colleges or universities and enroll as an undergraduate, you may be able to begin a new course of study with a clear academic record.

If you have credits for college courses taken ten or more years prior to the planned enrollment date, those credits (and grades) can be ignored for enrollment purposes under the "Academic Fresh Start" Law.

Please remember: This is an all or nothing option. You cannot pick and choose which courses to ignore and which courses to count. If you choose the "Academic Fresh Start" option, you will not receive any credit for any course you took at least ten years ago.

This means that courses taken previously:

• Cannot be uses to fulfill new prerequisite requirements;
• Cannot be counted toward your new degree; and
• Will not be counted in your new G.P.A. calculations

Even of you choose the "Academic Fresh Start option, you must still complete the usual admissions process. This includes providing information on all colleges or universities you previously attended, along with copies of transcripts from all schools you attended.

Contact the Office of Transfer Services at (254) 968-9353 or Email us for further information.

Holds on Registration and Release of Records

Any student who has failed to meet admission or academic requirements, or who has a financial obligation to the university, has a HOLD placed on his or her record. Until the hold is removed, such students are not allowed to register, obtain transcripts, graduate, or receive other services from the university. All new students will have a registration hold on their record until they are advised by Academic Advising Services or their departmental advisor.  Other holds include Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination, Orientation and/or TSI.  For further explanation of all university holds please visit Student Hold Information.

Housing Application

Housing requirements apply to certain students enrolled at Tarleton State University.  Please refer to Residential Living & Learning in the Student Life section of this catalog for details. 

Residency Information for Tuition Purposes

Determination of residence for tuition purposes can be found in the Expenses section of the catalog.  It is the student's responsibility to seek information about reclassification requirements if they were entered as a non-resident for tuition purposes upon application to the university.