1. By: Liz Diaz 872-3593 ldiaz@southtexascollege.edu

2. Texas Common Course Numbering System Effort among Texas colleges and universities to improve the transfer of general academic courses. Provides a shared, uniform set of course numbers to determine course equivalency of transfer credit in Texas. Most colleges have replaced their course numbering system with TCCNS designations.

3. Policies of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Each public institution must identify at least 42 semester credit hours of academic courses that fulfill their Core Curriculum. A student who successfully completes the entire Core Curriculum at one institution may transfer those courses to meet the core requirements at the receiving institution.

4. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (cont.) An institution may deny the transfer of credit in courses in which a student received a grade of a “D”. No university shall be required to accept in transfer or toward a degree, more than 66 credit hours of academic credits earned at a college.

5. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (cont.) Excess Credit Hours Rule Students first enrolled in Fall 2006 or later will be charged additional fees for attempted college credit hours above the 30 hour cap. Attempted hours includes classes that were dropped, repeated or not needed on a degree plan except for developmental, technical or dual enrollment courses. EX: 120 hours + 30 hours = 150 hours

7. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (cont.) Six Course Drop Rule Applies to students first enrolled in Fall 2007 or later. An institution may not permit a student to drop more than 6 courses. Includes any course dropped at other institutions except for dual enrollment or developmental classes. After the student has reached the drop limit, s(he) will not be allowed to drop a course.

8. How Credits Transfer General Education Credits – Meet the core curriculum requirements for many degrees; include courses in English, history, science, and math. Field of Study Courses – Meet the lower level requirements for the major at the receiving institution. Elective Credits – Courses that count towards completing the total number of credits needed for a degree.

9. Articulation Agreements STC and several universities have established Articulation Agreements to develop and maintain transfer options for students. These partnerships allow a smooth transition from STC into baccalaureate programs.

10. STC has Articulation Agreements with Several Universities Including: Midwestern State University Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Texas A&M University – Kingsville Texas State University – San Marcos UT – Brownsville UT – Dallas UT – San Antonio UT – Pan American University of Houston – Clear Lake

11. Transferability of Courses To find out if a course will transfer from South Texas College to another Texas college or university, go to: www.tccns.org

12. TRANSFER TRACK Program that provides STC students an opportunity to meet with representatives from universities. Students receive information about academic programs, applications, and brochures.

13. Step 1: Find Out Which Universities Offer Your Major Search for institutions using the following web sites: o www.petersons.comwww.petersons.com o www.your-college-search.com o www.collegeforalltexans.comwww.collegeforalltexans.com

14. Step 2: Consider These Factors Location – in Texas or out-of-state Size – small (less than 5,000), medium (5,000 – 10,000) and large (10,000+). Public or Private – Public institutions are supported by state tax dollars. Private institutions are independent and self-supported. Costs – Tuition costs in Texas can range from $1,500 to over $20,000 per semester. Also, housing costs (dorm or apartment) can vary.

15. Step 3: Learn About the Admission Requirements Deadlines for Admissions, Financial Aid and Housing Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) Additional Requirements for Major Test Scores

16. Step 4: Find Out About Financial Assistance FAFSA – Federal student aid that includes grants, loans and work- study. Scholarships – Based on merit, need or athletic criteria; funded by universities, departments, companies and alumni. Veterans’ Programs – Students who have served in the U.S. armed forces may be eligible for educational benefits.

17. Step 5: Plan Ahead Admissions Application – Deadlines vary. Usually the larger the institution, the earlier the date. Financial Aid – Awarded on an academic year basis. Complete the FAFSA early for the upcoming academic year. Scholarships – Generally have an earlier deadline than for grants or loans.

18. Step 6: Complete and Send Documents Admissions Application & Fee Financial Aid/Scholarship Applications Official College Transcript & High School Transcript (if required) Test Scores – TSI, THEA, Accuplacer, ACT or SAT Housing Application (if applicable)

19. Step 7: Get Organized Keep Records – Make copies of everything you submit. When you talk with someone on the phone, note the name, date, and the subject matter. Develop a Backup Plan – In case you aren’t admitted, the financial aid doesn’t work out, or you change your mind.

20. Step 8: Be Successful Learn about student support services and where they are located. Set up a daily schedule and stick to it. If you’re attending classes full time, try to limit your hours at work. Develop good study habits. Talk to your instructors if you have any concerns about your classes.