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2009–2010 Information Bulletin

2. ADMISSION - UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

PHILOSOPHY

Admission requirements for undergraduate study at UTSA are designed to give admitted applicants an opportunity to demonstrate that they can perform college-level work. Each application file is reviewed individually. Exceptional circumstances and appeals should be addressed, in writing, to the Admission Committee prior to the published application deadline. UTSA will admit all applicants who are holders of bona fide University of Texas at San Antonio scholarships who are designated admissible by the President of the University. The discretionary authority to make such admissions decisions is generally delegated to the Office of Admissions.

Offers of admission are valid only for the semester indicated in the acceptance letter. Admitted students wishing to change the semester of initial enrollment must reapply as indicated in the “Admission Procedures” section of this chapter.

UNDERGRADUATE CLASSIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Application, Application Fee, and Supporting Documentation

Sections 51.762 and 51.763 of the Texas Education Code establish a common application (both electronic and printed versions) to be used by general academic teaching institutions statewide. UTSA uses the State of Texas ApplyTexas Application as its sole undergraduate application for admission for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International applicants who plan to enroll while residing in the United States using a nonpermanent visa may submit the ApplyTexas Application for International Undergraduate Admission (electronic version), or use UTSA’s International Student Application for Admission (printed version). Electronic versions of both regular and international ApplyTexas Applications may be accessed at www.applytexas.org.

In addition to filing the application for admission, applicants must also provide all required supporting documentation and an application fee to complete the application file by the published deadline for the appropriate term.

The application fee is nonrefundable and is required from ALL applicants. The application fee is $40.00.

Requirements for additional supporting documentation such as official high school and/or college transcripts, official test scores sent directly from the testing company, and other documents are stated in the following sections.

Upon file completion, the application and supporting documentation will be reviewed and an admission decision will be communicated to the applicant.

The criteria for the various classifications of undergraduate admission are set forth in the following sections.

First-Time Freshmen

UTSA classifies the following students as first-time freshmen:

• those who have not attended a college or university before high school graduation
• those who have been dually enrolled in college and high school
• those who enroll in a Fall Semester after attending college during the summer immediately after high school graduation.

Basic requirements for first-time freshmen depend on the length of time between their date of graduation or the General Educational Development (GED) test and their date of application. If an applicant graduated within five years of application, a minimum rank-in-class and scores from either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment are required. If an applicant earned the GED within five years of application, a minimum GED score (see “General Educational Development Applicants” in this chapter) and either scores from the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Assessment are required. The score information must be sent directly from the respective testing company. If an applicant graduated or earned the GED more than five years before application, an SAT or ACT score is not required.

Admission is conditional for students who have not yet graduated from high school. An official copy of the final high school transcript reflecting graduation date must be provided in order for financial aid to be applied to tuition and fees and to ensure enrollment and financial aid eligibility and to facilitate registration for future semesters. A change in the high school providing the final high school transcript could affect the admission or enrollment status of the student. In order for the transcript to be considered the official final transcript that verifies high school graduation, the student must have completed coursework from the school providing the transcript.

Students who enroll at UTSA and who have knowledge in certain subjects may be able to earn credit toward graduation through the credit by examination program outlined in chapter 4, General Academic Regulations – Undergraduate, of this bulletin.

Beginning in the 2008–2009 academic year, in addition to current University requirements for admission, applicants must also have either:

1. successfully completed the curriculum requirements for the recommended or advanced high school program or its equivalent; or
2. satisfied ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT assessment applicable to the applicant, or earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 or the equivalent.

The above requirement may be satisfied if the applicant’s official high school transcript or diploma states that the applicant completed the portion of the recommended or advanced curriculum or its equivalent that was available to the applicant, but was unable to complete the remainder of the curriculum solely because courses necessary to complete the remainder were unavailable to the applicant at the appropriate times in the applicant’s high school career as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another cause not within the applicant’s control.

The University has obtained a waiver of this additional requirement for up to 20% of its first-time freshmen through the Fall class of 2009. The remaining 80% of first-time freshmen must meet this additional requirement.

High School Graduates

Home School Programs

Texas residents who have scored at least 1020 on the combined math and critical reading sections of the SAT or 21 composite score on the ACT and are graduates of home school programs will be considered for admission. In addition to the application and application fee, documentation of the student’s high school coursework should be forwarded to the Office of Admissions early in the student’s senior or final year of study. Appropriate documentation that is signed and dated by the person supervising the student’s educational experience may include one of the following items:

• partial transcript indicating courses taken, grades earned to date, and the expected date of graduation (if student has not yet graduated), it is also most helpful for the transcript to reflect the source of the courses
• final transcript indicating courses taken, grades earned, and the date of graduation (if student has graduated).

The admission decision is often made prior to high school graduation and, therefore, admission decisions are conditional until verification is received that the student has graduated from high school. An original signed and dated copy of the final high school transcript reflecting graduation date must be provided to ensure enrollment, financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters.

Applying within Five Years of Graduation

An ApplyTexas Application, nonrefundable application fee, and sixth-semester or seventh-semester high school transcript should be forwarded to the Office of Admissions early in a student’s senior year. Applicants for admission as first-time freshmen who are attending high school at the time of application and who meet the rank-in-class and SAT/ACT requirements during their senior year are admitted pending certification of high school graduation. Applicants who do not meet the requirements before graduation may be reconsidered for admission upon submission of an updated transcript or new test scores.

Admission is conditional for students who have not yet graduated from high school. An official copy of the final high school transcript reflecting graduation date must be provided to ensure enrollment, financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters.

In-State. This category covers applicants who have graduated from an accredited Texas high school within five years of the date of application to UTSA. An accredited high school is one that has been accredited by the Texas Education Agency or by an accrediting association approved by the Texas Education Agency. UTSA will also consider any student who graduates from a high school accredited by any of the regional accrediting associations organized within the American Association of Colleges and Schools.

The following table shows the minimum total scores required, based on high school rank-in-class and on either the SAT Reasoning Test of the College Board or the ACT Assessment.

* Notice: The Writing score of the SAT and/or the score on the Writing Test of the ACT will not be considered in the admission decision; however, these scores are requested for research purposes.

Texas resident students who are in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating class at an accredited high school are admitted without minimum score requirements on the ACT or SAT, but their scores must be submitted to UTSA. Students scoring a minimum composite score of 21 on the ACT or a combined score of 1020 on the math and critical reading portions of the SAT will be admitted contingent upon high school graduation. Students scoring below those minimums will be evaluated using the requirements for rank-in-class as shown in the above chart.

If a first-time freshman does not meet the admissions criteria above, the Office of Admissions may also take into consideration the following factors to determine admission:

• first-generation college student status
• financial status of applicant’s school district
• extracurricular activities
• leadership
• community activities
• work experience
• socioeconomic background
• experience surmounting obstacles to pursue higher education.

Out-of-State. An out-of-state applicant must graduate from a high school accredited by that state’s accreditation division. That division’s mission and scope must be similar to that of the Texas Education Agency. UTSA will also consider the applications of students who graduate from a high school accredited by any of the regional accrediting associations similar to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Out-of-state applicants for admission who have graduated within five years of the date of first enrollment at UTSA and who have not attended another college or university must be in the top one-half of their graduating class. Minimum SAT or ACT scores must correspond to those required of in-state applicants whose class rank, as determined by grade point average, places them in the first or second quartile of their class.

Applying More Than Five Years after Graduation

Both in-state and out-of-state applicants for admission whose graduation from high school was more than five years before their application for admission and who have never attended another college or university are eligible for admission regardless of both high school rank-in-class and SAT or ACT scores. These applicants must submit a completed application, an official high school transcript reflecting graduation date, and a nonrefundable application fee to the Office of Admissions. Admission is conditional upon graduation from high school. (Applicants who have not graduated from high school should refer to the section below addressing General Educational Development.)

Admission by Individual Approval

Applicants from high schools that are not accredited or that do not rank their senior classes, or applicants who have obtained a GED or International Baccalaureate diploma will be considered according to the individual approval policy delineated below. An ApplyTexas Application and nonrefundable application fee must be forwarded to the Office of Admissions in addition to a current official high school transcript, official GED scores, or official transcript of the International Baccalaureate, whichever is appropriate. Each application is reviewed individually. Exceptional circumstances should be addressed, in writing, to the Admission Committee at the time of application.

See Individual Approval requirements below:

Unaccredited High Schools and Schools That Do Not Rank

Graduation from an accredited high school is the standard minimum requirement for admission to UTSA. However, Texas residents who earn a composite score of 21 on the ACT or a combined score of 1020 on the math and critical reading portions of the SAT but are enrolled or are graduates of unaccredited high schools may be considered for admission. Texas residents who are graduates of or enrolled in either an accredited or unaccredited high school that does not rank its graduating class also may be considered for admission if they have earned a composite score of 21 on the ACT or a combined score of 1020 on the math and critical reading portions of the SAT. In addition to the application and the nonrefundable application fee, an official sixth- or seventh-semester high school transcript and official copies of test scores from the respective testing company should be forwarded to the Office of Admissions early in a student’s senior year. The admission decision is often made prior to high school graduation and, therefore, admission is conditional for students who have not yet graduated from high school. An official copy of the final high school transcript reflecting the graduation date must be provided in order for financial aid to be applied and to ensure financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters. A change in the high school providing the final high school transcript could affect the admission or enrollment status of the student. In order for the transcript to be considered the official final transcript that verifies high school graduation, the student must have completed coursework from the school providing that transcript.

General Educational Development (GED) Applicants

Applicants who did not graduate from an accredited high school but who have successfully passed all five subject tests and received a GED certificate may be considered for admission to UTSA. If the GED was taken within five years of application, GED applicants must also furnish official SAT or ACT scores. A minimum score of 1020 on the combined math and critical reading sections of the SAT or a composite score of 21 on the ACT is required. Applicants who received their GED more than five years before application to UTSA are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. An official copy of the GED certificate must be provided to confirm that admission requirements have been met. Financial aid can be applied toward tuition and fees upon submission of the GED reflecting satisfactory performance.

Applicants who are graduates of an International Baccalaureate (IB) program may be considered for admission with minimum scores of 1020 on the combined math and critical reading sections of the SAT or a composite score of 21 on the ACT. Applicants who meet the SAT or ACT requirements during their senior year are admitted pending certification of high school graduation or completion of the International Baccalaureate. An official copy of the IB transcript reflecting graduation date must be provided to confirm that admission requirements have been met and to ensure financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters. Students who receive an International Baccalaureate diploma will be awarded 24 hours of course credit based upon scores of “4” or greater on diploma examinations. An articulation table of course credits is available in the Testing Services Office and on their Web site.

Provisional Admission at UTSA

Applicants who are Texas residents, first-time freshmen, and graduates of any accredited high school, but who do not qualify for admission because of inadequate SAT or ACT scores or high school records, may be admitted to a Fall or Spring Semester on a provisional basis.

Students who are admitted on a provisional basis are given an opportunity to demonstrate that they can perform college-level work and can reasonably be expected to make progress toward a degree. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to perform at the college level by obtaining an overall “C” grade point average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in 18 college credit hours. Upon completion of at least 18 college credit hours of approved courses at UTSA with a grade point average of at least 2.0, students admitted provisionally will be in academic good standing at the University.

Students who completed dual credit courses prior to graduation from high school are eligible to be admitted on a provisional basis. Credit for these courses, even if they were taken at UTSA, does not count toward the 18 semester- credit-hour requirement.

The admission decision is often made prior to high school graduation and, therefore, admission is conditional for students who have not yet graduated from high school. An official copy of the final high school transcript from an accredited high school that reflects graduation date must be provided to ensure financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters.

Enrollment Requirements

Students admitted provisionally may take developmental education courses, but developmental education courses taken as a provisional student do not count toward the 18 college semester-credit-hour requirement. Provisional students must take 12 semester credit hours of courses, including any needed developmental education courses, in the first long semester of enrollment.

Provisional students must enroll as undeclared majors. When a student successfully clears his or her provisional status, the student may then declare a major within a college, subject to college requirements.

While still under provisional admission status, students may not enroll in May Mini-mester courses.

Program Requirements

All students admitted under provisional admission are required to participate in the Academic Development Program (ADP) administered through the Tomás Rivera Center. Participation requires the submission of the ADP agreement form to ensure program eligibility. Enrollment in the program is first-come-first-served, and can reach capacity at any time. The Academic Development Program is designed to help provisional students successfully complete their first year of college. Students in the program must take COR 1203 Freshman Seminar and courses selected from English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and foreign languages.

Until a student’s provisional status is removed, the student may not take courses at UTSA in disciplines other than English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and foreign languages except for COR 1203.

Enrollment in COR 1203, a 3-semester-credit-hour course that integrates study skills with academic content, is required in the first semester of enrollment. COR 1203 counts as part of UTSA’s core curriculum requirement.

Provisional students who fail to receive at least a 2.0 overall UTSA grade point average at the end of a semester in which they have completed 18 or more semester credit hours of college-level work at UTSA will be academically dismissed from UTSA. Provisional students who are academically dismissed from the University must complete at least 12 semester credit hours of coursework at another accredited college or university with a minimum 2.0 grade point average and reapply for admission following the same procedures and meeting the same deadlines as outlined within this chapter.

Deferred Admission

If the applicant does not meet admission requirements after initial review, admission may be deferred pending completion of a minimum of 30 transferable credit hours at an accredited college or university with a grade point average of at least a 2.0. Applicants offered Deferred Admission are encouraged to take advantage of transfer advising services offered by the Office of Admissions, to use transfer guides found at the UTSA Web site to assist in course selection during the period of deferment, and to reapply to UTSA according to the procedures outlined in the “Transfer Students” section of this chapter. All students deferred admission to UTSA are offered the opportunity to participate in the JUMP! Program. The JUMP! program has been established for first-time freshmen offered deferred admission to UTSA. JUMP! helps students transition to UTSA by providing academic support through attendance and special advising at Alamo Community College District campuses.

Coordinated Admission Program – The University of Texas at Austin

UTSA is a University of Texas System Participating University in the University of Texas at Austin’s Coordinated Admission Program (CAP). For complete information concerning the UT Austin’s Coordinated Admission Program, consult the University of Texas Web site at http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/admission/cap/index.html.

CAP students who designate UTSA as their partner school when submitting their CAP acceptance agreement to UT Austin will have their initial application forwarded to UTSA from UT Austin; they do not need to submit a second application to UTSA. However, students who send AP and Dual Credit Scores/Grades to UT Austin must request that this documentation be sent to UTSA for evaluation. If TAKS scores are needed to make the student TSI compliant, an official high school transcript with complete TAKS scores must be sent to UTSA. The admission decision is often made prior to high school graduation and, therefore, admission is conditional for students who have not yet graduated from high school. An official copy of the final high school transcript reflecting the student’s graduation date must be requested to be sent to UTSA to ensure admission status, financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters.

CAP students enrolled at UTSA are advised by the Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center (CFAC). CAP students who decide to remain at UTSA rather than transfer to UT Austin should complete a CFAC Opt-out Letter which is available from the academic advisors at UTSA’s Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center.

Early Admission of High School Students

High school students who have junior or senior class standing or are applying to a Special Admission Program may be admitted under the Early Admission Program and enroll in UTSA courses while completing their high school studies. In special circumstances, high school students with sophomore or freshmen standing who meet the admission requirements outlined below may be considered for the program on an individual basis.

This policy is designed to address the needs of individual high school students who want to start earning college credit while in high school. Early Admission is not intended for students who want to earn simultaneous credit toward high school graduation and a university degree, or for students who enroll as part of a group of students under the terms of an agreement between UTSA and the student’s school district. Such applicants should refer to the policy under the heading “Dual Credit Program Admission” in this chapter.

First-Time Early Admission Criteria

To qualify for Early Admission, students must take the SAT or the ACT test and earn the following scores:

Procedures

1. Submit a UTSA Application for Admission to the Office of Admissions on or before the application deadline for the requested semester of enrollment.
2. Submit a nonrefundable application fee.
3. Submit an official high school transcript.
4. Submit a letter of recommendation from a high school counselor.
5. Submit official SAT or ACT scores sent directly from the testing company.

Students applying for Early Admission through Special Admission Programs of the University, such as UPREP, will be required to submit documents approved for and by that program and will be reviewed according to the requirements established for the program. Information concerning these procedures and requirements are available from the University coordinator for the program.

Continuing Student Early Admission Procedure

Early Admission students who choose to continue enrollment at UTSA following high school graduation must apply for admission according to regular policy and procedures.

Enrollment Procedures

1. Early Admission student advising and course registration are coordinated by the Office of P-20 Initiatives and take place following notification of admission.
2. Advising and course registration for Special Admission Program students is coordinated by the office managing the Special Admission Program.
3. Early Admission students who choose to continue enrollment at UTSA following high school graduation must apply for admission according to regular admission policy and procedures.

Dual Credit Program Admission*

Dual Credit Program Admission is designed for high school students who want to simultaneously earn credit toward high school graduation and a university degree, or for students who enroll as part of a group of students under the terms of an agreement between UTSA and the student’s school district.

Dual Credit Program Admission is not intended for high school students who simply want to get an early start earning college credit. Such applicants should refer to the policy under the heading “Early Admission of High School Students” in this chapter.

• Students with dual credit work must have at least a cumulative grade point average of a 2.0 or above and be in good standing at the institution from which the dual credit is earned.
• Dual credit work must be documented on an official transcript sent directly from the awarding institution.
• Students whose dual-credit grade point average is below a 2.0 and/or who are not in good academic standing at the institution from which the dual credit was earned will be placed on Academic Warning due to Dual Credit the second term of their enrollment at UTSA. For students whose UTSA grade point average from the first semester of enrollment at UTSA would initiate an Academic Warning will be placed on Academic Probation for the second semester. (See the “Academic Standing” section of General Academic Regulations – Undergraduate, for details concerning academic status.)

Enrollment Requirements

1. As required by the Texas Success Initiative, students must take an approved assessment test to determine readiness to enroll in college-level courses, unless otherwise exempted. Information on the Texas Success Initiative can be accessed at www.utsa.edu/success.
2. Dually enrolled students are admitted as non-degree-seeking.
3. Dually enrolled students who choose to continue enrollment at UTSA following high school graduation must apply for admission according to applicable admission policy and procedures.
4. Minimum SAT or ACT admission score requirements must be consistent with regular UTSA policy for admission of high school graduates.
5. Applicants who do not meet regular admission requirements and who apply as part of a group of students under the terms of an agreement between UTSA and the student’s school district may be admitted with restrictions addressed in the agreement or at the discretion of the Office of P-20 Initiatives and the appropriate Faculty Advisement Committee (selected by the academic departments). Such restrictions will be documented and monitored by the imposing school district or office.

Procedures

• Submission of the ApplyTexas application to the UTSA office managing the agreement with the school district on or before the application deadline for the requested semester of enrollment.
• Submission of the nonrefundable application fee unless otherwise waived or paid by a sponsoring grant program.
• Submission of an official high school transcript.
• Submission of official ACT or SAT scores, if required by the program, sent directly to UTSA from the testing company.
• Dually enrolled students will receive academic advisement from the UTSA office managing the agreement with the school district.

* In accordance with Chapter 4 under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules (Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1). Rules Applying to All Public Institutions of Higher Education in Texas, Subchapter D, Dual Credit Partnership Between Secondary Schools and Texas Public Colleges.

Transfer Students

Students should apply for admission as transfer students if they have previously completed any credit courses at the college level after high school graduation, with the exception of those who attend college during the summer immediately after high school graduation (first-time freshmen). Applicants may be attending another regionally accredited college or university and may have coursework in progress at the time of their application to UTSA.

Applicants for admission as transfer students must have at least a “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) admission grade point average. When calculating the grade point average to determine eligibility for admission for transfer students, all transferable college-level courses are used in the calculation (grades are not replaced).

For applicants with a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.5, it is possible that an admissions decision will be delayed until receipt of grades from the semester. When transfer students have met all of the admission requirements listed in this bulletin, they will be granted admission.

Submission of an official copy of the college transcript(s) reflecting all coursework attempted prior to enrollment at UTSA is required. An official transcript reflecting the work-in-progress and any subsequent work must be submitted upon completion of the work. Financial aid can be applied toward tuition and fees upon submission of the complete college transcript(s) indicating all college coursework attempted. Registration for future semesters is also contingent upon receipt of the college transcript(s).

With Fewer Than 30 Semester Credit Hours

Applicants for admission who have earned fewer than 30 semester credit hours from accredited colleges or universities must:

• meet the same rank-in-class (or GED) and SAT/ACT requirements as first-time freshmen;
• have a minimum “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) admission grade point average on college coursework attempted;
• not be ineligible to return to the most recently attended institution for academic reasons. Transcripts or additional documentation may be required to demonstrate that this requirement has been met; and
• not be ineligible to return to the most recently attended institution for disciplinary reasons. By applying to UTSA, applicants affirm that they meet this requirement.

With 30 or More Semester Credit Hours

Applicants for admission to UTSA who have earned 30 or more semester credit hours from accredited colleges or universities must:

• have a minimum “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) admission grade point average on college coursework attempted;
• not be ineligible to return to the most recently attended institution for academic reasons. Transcripts or additional documentation may be required to demonstrate that this requirement has been met; and
• not be ineligible to return to the most recently attended institution for disciplinary reasons. By applying to UTSA, applicants affirm that they meet this requirement.

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Admission Criteria and Procedures

UTSA offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) degree for students who have graduated from a regionally accredited, two-year college with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. The following B.A.A.S. degrees are offered: Children, Family, and Community; and Infancy and Childhood Studies.

Applicants to the B.A.A.S. program must:

• have graduated from a regionally accredited, two-year college with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree prior to the anticipated semester of enrollment at UTSA;
• have a minimum “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) admission grade point average on college coursework attempted;
• not be ineligible to return to the most recently attended institution for academic reasons. Transcripts or additional documentation may be required to demonstrate that this requirement has been met; and
• not be ineligible to return to the most recently attended institution for disciplinary reasons. By applying to UTSA, applicants affirm that they meet this requirement.

To apply for admission in the B.A.A.S. program, applicants must:

• submit the ApplyTexas Application for Transfer Students on or before the published application deadline for the desired semester of enrollment;
• submit the nonrefundable application fee;
• submit official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions;
• submit an official college transcript indicating the award of the A.A.S. degree; and
• upon acceptance by UTSA Admissions, contact the advising center appropriate for the B.A.A.S. major to obtain an individualized degree plan and formally declare the major.

See the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog for B.A.A.S. degree requirements.

Admission by Individual Approval

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements discussed above are reviewed individually. Exceptional circumstances should be addressed, in writing, to the Admission Committee.

Declaration of Previous College Work Attempted

When applying for admission to UTSA, students are not at liberty to disregard previous college work attempted. All schools from which any college level work was attempted must be listed on the ApplyTexas application at the time of application. Further, the application process requires that official academic transcripts from each previously attended college be submitted to the UTSA Office of Admissions on or before the application deadline for the requested semester of enrollment. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, permanent dismissal from UTSA, or other appropriate disciplinary action.

While enrolled at UTSA, students who attend other colleges are required to submit official academic transcripts to the Office of Admissions from every college attended at the end of the semester during which coursework was undertaken, even if courses have been withdrawn. This includes concurrent enrollment at other colleges while attending UTSA. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, permanent dismissal from UTSA, or other appropriate disciplinary action.

Transfer Coursework

Upon admission, UTSA grants credit for college-level transfer coursework, earned with a grade of “D” or higher, from regionally-accredited colleges and universities. Applicability of such coursework toward the UTSA degree plan is at the discretion of the major academic department. General information about transferring courses may be found in chapter 1 of the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog.

Outreach to Prospective Transfer Students

In an effort to help facilitate the transfer process from two-year and four-year institutions to UTSA, several programs and resources have been established to assist transfer students.

UTSA currently offers 11 articulation agreements with two-year institutions that assist students with course selections and course transferability. Following a degree/transfer plan maximizes the 66 transferable hours a student can take at a community college prior to transferring to UTSA.

Colleges with Articulation Agreements with UTSA

Pending Articulation Agreements

In addition to the above mentioned degree/transfer plans, UTSA also provides a host of transfer resources on the UTSA Office of Admissions Web site (http://www.utsa.edu/admissions/transfer/transfer.html). The online equivalency table can assist transfer students in evaluating how their existing course credits might satisfy the requirements of a UTSA degree plan.

Finally, UTSA provides a Transfer Center with Transfer Specialists to assist prospective transfer students from two-year and four-year institutions. Transfer Specialists provide admission requirements and basic academic advising to all prospective transfer students.

For more information on transferring to UTSA, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions Web site at http://www.utsa.edu/admissions/ or call (210) 458-2000.

Academic Fresh Start

Texas residents may apply for admission to UTSA under the Academic Fresh Start statute (Texas Education Code, § 51.931). Under this program, academic course credits or grades earned 10 or more years before the semester for which the student seeks enrollment are not considered for admission purposes.

At the time of application, applicants seeking admission under the Academic Fresh Start statute must inform the Office of Admissions in writing of their intent by submitting an Academic Fresh Start form, available in the Office of Admissions or from the Undergraduate Admissions Web site: http://www.utsa.edu/admissions/. Students admitted under this program will not receive any credit for courses taken 10 or more years before enrollment.

Students who plan to pursue graduate degrees should note that if their baccalaureate degree was earned under the Academic Fresh Start statute, only the grade point average of the coursework that applied to the baccalaureate degree as stated under the Academic Fresh Start restrictions will be evaluated. However, other standard evaluation criteria for graduate study will apply.

Admission under Academic Fresh Start does not change a student’s financial aid obligations for courses not considered for admission purposes.

Inactivation of Admission

There are circumstances whereby an applicant or admitted student may wish to cancel his or her admission to UTSA. Cancellation of admission triggers automatic cancellation of course registrations, financial aid awards, and housing applications and contracts.

Restrictions

Applicants and admitted students may cancel their admission any time prior to the first day of class for the expected semester of enrollment as indicated on the application for admission.

Procedures

• Admitted students who meet the above restrictions should submit a letter to the UTSA Office of Undergraduate Admissions stating the desire to cancel the application for admission.
• The letter must be legible, signed, and dated.
• The letter must provide the student’s full name, date of birth, and student “Banner” ID number to ensure correct identification.
• Students who cancel admission and later wish to enroll at UTSA must reapply for admission according to the requirements and procedures stated in the UTSA Information Bulletin current at the time of application.

Conditions

• Application fees submitted as part of an application process that is later cancelled are nonrefundable.
• Documents submitted as part of an application process that is later cancelled remain the property of UTSA.
• Students who cancel their admission after attending a Roadrunner Round-up (Orientation) will still remain responsible for the payment of all orientation fees and charges they incurred.
• Any outstanding financial obligations to UTSA incurred prior to cancellation of admission remain in effect after cancellation of admission.

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Special Students

Special students are non-degree-seeking transfer students who enroll in courses only at the undergraduate level without pursuing a degree at UTSA. Special students include those seeking to enroll at UTSA on a transient or post-baccalaureate basis. First-time freshmen and international students may not apply as special students. Because special students are not working toward a degree, they may be ineligible for financial assistance.

Applicants seeking to enroll as Special Undergraduates should submit by the published deadline for the term:

• An ApplyTexas Transfer, Transient and Former Student Application
• A nonrefundable $40.00 application fee
• An official transcript(s) from the most recently attended accredited institutions reflecting the last 30 semester credit hours earned.

And for applicants with fewer than 30 semester credit hours:

• An official high school transcript with date of graduation and ACT or SAT scores sent directly from the testing company.

Applicants with fewer than 30 undergraduate semester credit hours attempted at an accredited college or university must meet the same admission requirements as first-time freshmen, have at least a “C” average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) on all college-level coursework, and be in good standing at the last institution attended.

Applicants who have attempted 30 or more undergraduate semester credit hours must have at least a “C” average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the last 30 hours attempted and be in good academic standing at the last accredited college or university attended. Even though admission is based on the last 30 undergraduate semester credit hours attempted, students must list all colleges and universities attended on the admission application.

Special students desiring to be regular degree-seeking students must reapply for admission and meet the same admission requirements as those listed for transfer students. Applications must be submitted in accordance with the application dates stated in this bulletin.

International Students

Definition

Applications from individuals who plan to enroll while residing in the United States using a nonpermanent visa are processed as international. This includes applications received from other countries as well as applications received from students currently attending U.S. high schools, colleges, or universities. International students are encouraged to use the International Student ApplyTexas Application (electronic version) but may use UTSA’s International Student Application for Admission (paper version).

All international students, including first-time freshmen and transfer students, must:

1. Prove proficiency in the English language by taking either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. English as a Second Language courses will be required for those students who need additional language training.
   
   

   	TOEFL Internet	TOEFL Paper	IELTS
   English Language Assessment Program (ELAP) Exempt	100	600	7
   Admission Qualification*	61	500	5

   
   * The UTSA English Language Assessment Program is required of all new students. Students will be assigned to take up to three English as a Second Language classes if it is judged the courses will benefit the student.
   
   TOEFL is an examination written by The Educational Testing Service of The College Board. For more information, visit www.toefl.org. IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (Cambridge ESOL) Examinations, British Council, and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. For more information, visit www.ielts.org.
   
   The TOEFL or IELTS will be waived if:
   
   
   • The applicant graduated from a U.S. high school and completed two years of regular English courses.
   • The applicant graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university.
   • The applicant has successfully completed 45 or more semester hours of transferable credit from a U.S. college or university.
   
   NOTE: Students who do not submit or earn scores that prove English proficiency but who meet all other admission requirements can be admitted to the Intensive English Program with a guarantee that they are accepted to the bachelor’s degree program of their choice as soon as the appropriate level of English proficiency has been achieved. Conditional admission is not available to graduate students. The I-20 issued by the University covers both programs.
   
   
2. Submit a statement guaranteeing the student’s ability to pay all expenses while at UTSA. The statement may be sent from a parent, guardian, or sponsor when endorsed by a bank or other reliable institution, or from a U.S. citizen who accepts responsibility for the student’s financial needs.
   
   
3. Submit evaluation of foreign credentials. UTSA will accept evaluations from credential evaluation services that adhere to the published credential evaluation guidelines of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers or from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Further information is available on the Web at www.utsa.edu/visitor/international.htm.
   
   
4. Have all application materials including application for admission, nonrefundable application fee, evaluation of foreign credentials, and all supporting documents on file in the Office of Admissions by the application deadlines:
   
   

   Fall Semester	June 1
   Spring Semester	October 15
   Summer Semester	March 1

International Freshmen

Applicants for admission to UTSA as international first-time freshmen must:

1. Have qualifications equivalent to those of students entering from accredited secondary schools in the United States, as determined by the Office of Admissions.
   
   
2. Have superior grades on work completed in secondary school, as determined by the Office of Admissions.
   
   
3. If graduated from a U.S. high school, applicants should submit a SAT/ACT test score corresponding to rank-in-class requirements for in-state, first-time freshmen. SAT or ACT scores are recommended from schools abroad.

International Transfer Students

Transferring from Schools outside the United States. International transfer students who have attended a college or university in a country other than the United States must have superior grades on work completed in college, as determined by the Office of Admissions.

International transfer students who have successfully completed one year of full-time study do not need to submit SAT/ACT scores. SAT or ACT scores are strongly recommended for all other international students.

Transferring from Schools within the United States. International transfer students who have attended another college or university in the United States must have completed at least 30 semester credit hours with a “C” average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) on all college work attempted.

Automatic Admission for Children of Certain Deceased Public Servants

An applicant for undergraduate admission (whether a first-time freshman or a transfer student) who is the child of a public servant, as defined in Texas Government Code Section 615.003 (including law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and others) who was killed or sustained a fatal injury in the line of duty, is entitled to automatic admission as an undergraduate student if the applicant is a high school graduate, meets the application deadline, and submits the paperwork required by Texas Education Code, Section 51.803(c) and (d). Applicants who are automatically admitted under these provisions are subject to certain post-admission requirements when the University determines that the applicant could benefit from additional preparation for college-level work or from inclusion in a retention program, as set out in Texas Education Code, Section 51.803(f).

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

Each applicant for admission is responsible for ensuring that the ApplyTexas Application and all required application materials (nonrefundable application fee, SAT or ACT test results sent directly from the testing company, official transcripts, etc.) are on file in the Office of Admissions by the application deadlines. The ApplyTexas Application may be submitted electronically through the common application Web site at www.applytexas.org or the University Web site at www.utsa.edu. Printed copies of the application are available in high school and community college counseling centers and at the UTSA Main and Downtown campuses. An admission decision is not made until the applicant’s file is complete. All documents submitted in support of an application become the property of UTSA and cannot be returned. Offers of admission are valid only for the semester indicated in the acceptance letter.

Students who are admitted for any semester and do not register for courses or withdraw before the census date must submit a new ApplyTexas Application and nonrefundable application fee to apply for any future semester. Any subsequent applications must be in accordance with current admission requirements. New transcripts, test scores, and other supporting documents may be required since files for admitted students who do not register are not retained indefinitely, and to ensure the application file reflects the applicant’s complete academic record prior to enrollment at UTSA.

The University reserves the right to decline admission to applicants with criminal convictions.

APPLICATION DATES

Students are urged to apply for admission as early as possible so that matters regarding admission can be resolved well in advance of the beginning of a semester. Applicants whose files are completed by the following priority application deadlines have increased availability of courses and other campus resources during registration:

U.S. Resident PRIORITY Processing Application Deadlines:

U.S. Resident FINAL Application Deadlines:

Students must have all application materials (application, nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents) on file in the Office of Admissions by the application deadlines. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that this happens. If required documents are received beyond these dates, the application will not be processed.

ADMISSION APPEAL PROCESS

Applicants for admission and admitted students have the right to appeal decisions of the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Students requesting an appeal must adhere to the following documentation and procedural protocol to be considered.

Documentation required for the appeal:

1. Letter of Appeal, with the Banner ID provided:
   

   Must specify the reasons for the appeal.

   
   
2. Personal essay on one of the following topics:
   

   Why a UTSA education is important to me.
   What I can contribute to UTSA as a student.

   
   
3. At least one additional Letter of Recommendation

OPTIONAL: Any updated academic or other relevant documentation.

Appeal Procedures:

• All documents must be submitted with the letter of appeal. Failure to submit all documents at the time of appeal will result in the appeal not being considered.
• The deadline is 20 days prior to the start of classes for the desired semester of enrollment (Fall, Spring, Summer).
• Appeal documents can be delivered in person or by mail to: The University of Texas at San Antonio Admissions Appeal Committee, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, Texas 78249.
• Appeals will be considered in the order in which they are received. A minimum two-week review period should be allowed for consideration of submitted appeals.
• Submission of an appeal does not guarantee a change in decision.

READMISSION

Former UTSA students who have not been in attendance for more than three consecutive semesters (Summer term included) must reapply for admission by submitting the ApplyTexas Application by the application deadline. The application may be submitted electronically through the ApplyTexas Web site or the UTSA Web site. Printed copies of the application are available in high school and community college counseling centers and at the UTSA Main and Downtown campuses.

When reapplying for admission to UTSA, students are not at liberty to disregard previous college work attempted. All former students returning to UTSA who have attended other institutions of higher education since they were last enrolled at UTSA must submit an official transcript from each institution.

Eligibility for readmission depends on the student’s academic status at the conclusion of the last UTSA semester of enrollment and performance on any subsequent college or university work attempted since last enrolled at UTSA. Evaluation of any subsequent coursework attempted is based on the same admission requirements for new transfer students. The only transferable college-level work evaluated is that earned since last enrolled at UTSA.

Former UTSA students who were academically dismissed during their previous period of enrollment and wish to return to UTSA MUST follow the guidelines outlined in the “Academic Standing/Academic Dismissal and Reinstatement Policy and Procedures” section in chapter 4, General Academic Regulations – Undergraduate, of this bulletin.

Students who are readmitted for any semester and do not register for courses or withdraw from all courses prior to census date must submit a new ApplyTexas Application and a nonrefundable application fee for any future term. If additional college-level work is attempted, an official transcript reflecting that work will also be needed.

Students who withdrew from the University to perform military service (not including Texas National Guard training exercises) will not have to requalify for admission and will be readmitted upon a request made within one year of being released from active military service. A returning student may be eligible for the same financial assistance provided before the student’s withdrawal.

The Office of Admissions reserves the right to require students to resubmit official documents from former institutions at the time of applying for readmission.

ADMISSION TO COLLEGES, DEPARTMENTS, AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS
(IN ADDITION TO UTSA ADMISSION)

Department of Biology

Beginning Fall 2009, students interested in pursuing a Biology major must meet Department of Biology admission requirements in addition to University-wide admission requirements.

The specific criteria for admission to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology are listed in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog. Generally, applicants meeting all UTSA undergraduate admission requirements and entering the University with fewer than 30 hours of college credit will be directly admitted to the Biology major based primarily on their high school class rankings and successful completion of the Texas Success Initiative. Internal transfer students and external applicants who have completed 30 or more hours of transferable college credit will be directly admitted to the Biology major based primarily on grade point averages and the successful completion of certain lower-division college coursework. Applicants for admission to the Biology major who do not meet the criteria for direct admission will be admitted to the Department of Biology as prebiology students.

Subsequent eligibility of students admitted as prebiology students will be based on grade point averages and the successful completion of certain lower-division college coursework. The UTSA Undergraduate Catalog has additional details regarding these provisions and the requirements for students to remain in good academic standing with the Department of Biology, College of Sciences and the University.

College of Business

The College of Business seeks to use available resources in ways that prepare as many qualified students as possible for careers in business. The undergraduate degree admissions policy of the College of Business seeks to identify those students most likely to succeed in an undergraduate business education. Supporting this admission philosophy is a Business Scholars Program which helps promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for academic and professional success. In addition, a business minor is available to all UTSA students who seek a strong foundation in business.

The specific criteria for admission to the College of Business are listed in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog. Generally, applicants meeting all UTSA undergraduate admission requirements and entering the University with fewer than 30 hours of college credit will be directly admitted to any College of Business major based primarily on their high school class rankings and successful completion of the Texas Success Initiative. Internal transfer students and external applicants who have completed 30 or more hours of transferable college credit will be directly admitted to any College of Business major based primarily on grade point averages and the successful completion of certain lower-division college coursework. Applicants for admission to the College of Business who do not meet the criteria for direct admission will be admitted to the College as prebusiness students.

Subsequent eligibility of students admitted as prebusiness students to declare a business major will be based on several factors, including academic performance in UTSA courses and the availability of departmental resources to support various academic disciplines. The UTSA Undergraduate Catalog has additional details regarding these provisions and the College of Business requirements for students to remain in good academic standing with both the University and the College.

College of Engineering

Students interested in an engineering major must meet College of Engineering admission requirements in addition to University-wide admission requirements.

Students may be admitted to the College of Engineering in two ways: directly into a major or as a pre-engineering student. A student is admitted directly into a major only if he or she meets UTSA admission requirements and has credit for, or is eligible to enroll in, MAT 1214 Calculus I. A student who meets the requirements for entering into a major within the College of Engineering, but is unsure of which major to pursue, may be admitted as an undeclared engineering student.

Students who do not meet the above criteria are reviewed and considered on an individual basis for admission as pre-engineering students. Students admitted as pre-engineering students should take the deficient mathematics courses along with required University Core Curriculum courses. If a student cannot be placed in MAT 1073 Algebra for Scientists and Engineers, or a higher level mathematics course, he or she will not be accepted as a pre-engineering student until he or she has the proper mathematics background.

Transfer students with less than 30 hours of transferable credit are evaluated the same as those students entering directly from high school.

Transfer students with 30 hours or more of transferable credit must meet the following requirements in order to be accepted into a major: 1) fulfill the requirements for UTSA admission; 2) be qualified to enroll in MAT 1214 Calculus I; and 3) have a three-calculation grade point average of 2.0 or above, calculated on transferred credits—which include at least 15 hours of mathematics, science and engineering courses applicable to the degree they are seeking.

The specific criteria for admission to the College of Engineering are listed in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog.

Honors College

The Honors College is a community of highly talented and motivated students who want the excitement and stimulation of a comprehensive, urban university and the individual attention available in an Honors College. The Honors College is open to students from all academic disciplines. Members of the Honors College pursue a rigorous academic program which satisfies all requirements of their academic departments and colleges and goes beyond those requirements to provide the basis for outstanding achievement and appropriate recognition for that achievement. The Honors College offers small classes with greater opportunities for student participation, increased student-faculty contact, greater individual attention, lively discussions of important issues, special interdisciplinary seminars, community service opportunities, encouragement of study abroad, learning of foreign languages, and supervised research and internship experiences. All these activities are designed to challenge talented students.

Although members of the Honors College may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Honors Studies, participation in the Honors College typically supplements, but does not replace, work in a major field. Credits earned in Honors College courses may be used to satisfy Core Curriculum requirements or specific degree requirements, when appropriate. Honors College advisors work with advisors in other colleges to assure that students meet all requirements of their major and Honors curriculum.

Transfer students and students currently enrolled at UTSA are eligible for admission if they have a grade point average of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale) or above. High school students are generally expected to rank in the top 20 percent of their class and have a combined SAT score of 1100 or have a composite ACT score of 24 to qualify for admission. High school students who meet either the class rank or the test score criteria but not both are also invited to apply. Although students are admitted throughout the year, high school and transfer students must submit their applications by February 1 to be considered for Honors Scholarships.

Students who wish to apply for admission to the Honors College should contact the Office of the Dean of the Honors College. Applications are reviewed and Honors students are selected by members of the Advisory Committee on Honors Education. Selection is based on grades, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and writing samples.

Teacher Certification Programs

Information is current at time of publication, but may change without notice due to changes made by the state in the certification programs.

Admission to Teacher Certification

UTSA is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend students for teaching certificates in various baccalaureate degree areas. Students seeking a standard teaching certificate or seeking certification endorsements should apply for admission to the certification program through the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) Advising and Certification Center. Applicants may be either degree-seeking or special students.

Undergraduates seeking elementary teacher certification must complete the Interdisciplinary Studies degree as outlined in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog. Individuals seeking secondary certification should complete the bachelor’s degree requirements in their academic specialization while coordinating with the COEHD Advising and Certification Center to fulfill certification requirements. Students wishing to add additional teaching fields to their standard teaching certificate or graduate students seeking professional certification must also coordinate with the Center.

Specific information regarding admission requirements to the Teacher Certification undergraduate certification programs may be obtained in the COEHD Advising and Certification Center. Requirements for admission to the undergraduate Teacher Certification Program include:

1. viewing the Teacher Certification Information tutorial online;
2. taking and passing a quiz on the tutorial and completing an online application;
3. attaining junior standing (60 semester credit hours) with at least 9 hours completed at UTSA;
4. completing all core requirements with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or better (Music Students: see a certification advisor);
5. having a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) on all work completed at UTSA and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 (these requirements may change due to changes in state teacher certifications);
6. submitting authorization for a Texas Department of Public Safety criminal background report;
7. attaining minimum Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) scores of 230 (Reading and Math) and 220 (Writing) or meeting exemption requirements as outlined by the COEHD guidelines; and
8. earning a grade of “C” or better in WRC 1023 and a “C” or better in WRC 1013 or one of the following courses: COM 1043, COM 2123, SPN 3003, or SPN 3033.

Coursework Policy

Students must apply and be accepted to the Teacher Certification Program to be eligible to register for restricted courses. Please refer to the catalog for a list of restricted courses. Courses in the Teacher Certification Program require field work in various educational settings. No student is exempt from this field work requirement. All field work must be completed to receive a passing grade for the course. Field placements are assigned by the Director of School Partnerships in the COEHD.

Criminal History Checks

UTSA students must submit to a criminal history background check every semester they interact directly with any minor(s) or legal adult(s) of diminished capacity as a requirement for course completion. UTSA no longer conducts criminal background checks. This is the sole responsibility of the school districts. Students who are unable to meet the criminal background check standards for the school districts may not be able to complete a course or the Teacher Certification Program. If a student is rejected twice by districts in one semester because of criminal history, students will not be able to continue in the program until such time as the criminal background check is cleared. In accordance with Article 6252-13c, Texas Civil Statutes, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) may suspend or revoke a teacher certificate or refuse to issue a teacher certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession.

Students are encouraged to initiate and maintain contact with an academic advisor in the COEHD Advising and Certification Center in order to stay informed of certification and graduation requirements.

Fitness to Teach Policy

The College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) has a responsibility to the educational community to ensure that individuals whom the University recommends to the State of Texas for teaching certification are worthy to join the teaching profession. All teacher candidates in the UTSA Teacher Certification Program are expected to demonstrate that they are prepared to teach children and youth. This preparation results from the combination of successful completion of University coursework and the demonstration of important human characteristics and dispositions all teachers should possess. The UTSA Fitness to Teach policy addresses these important aspects of teacher preparation. The Fitness to Teach policy can be accessed from the COEHD Web page.

College of Education and Human Development Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) Exemption Guidelines for Students Seeking Admission to the Teacher Certification Program

Coursework Performance

Students may use performance in specific courses to become exempt from corresponding sections of the THEA. All courses used for exemption purposes must have been taken at UTSA and within five years from the date of admission to the teacher certification program.

For undergraduate students seeking admission to the Teacher Certification Program, a grade of “B” or better in one of the following courses must have been achieved in order to be declared exempt:

THEA Reading – “B” or better in a sophomore level or higher Literature course taken at UTSA.
THEA Mathematics – “B” or better in College Algebra with Applications (MAT 1023) taken at UTSA.
THEA Writing – “B” or better in WRC 1013 and WRC 1023 taken at UTSA.

Testing Exemptions

ACT Composite – 23 English and Math part scores – 19. Taken within the last five years.
SAT Combined Score – 1070 and verbal scores of at least 500 and math scores of at least 500. Taken within the last five years.
TAAS Exit Level Scale Scores: Math = TLI X–86; Reading = TLI X–89; Writing = 1770. Taken within the last three years.
TAKS scaled score of at least 2200 on the mathematics section (for math exemption) and scaled score of at least 2200 on the English Language Arts section (for reading and writing exemption). Taken within the last three years.

Exemption for Hearing Impaired Students

Hearing impaired students who plan to enter a teacher certification program may substitute the Stanford Achievement Test for the THEA. Passing scores are as follows:

Reading Comprehension – 29
Mathematics – 66
Language – 37
Study Skills – 19

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