New Student Guide

WELCOME TO THE BOBCAT FAMILY!

This guide has been designed as a supplement to New Student Orientation (NSO) and will provide all the the information you need to get started at Texas State. Discover campus resources, explore student life, and learn what it means to be a Bobcat!

 

WE’RE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS AND INTO OUR UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY!

Important Dates

FALL 2024
Bobcat Welcome August 20-24
First Day of Classes August 26
Labor Day  September 2
Thanksgiving Break November 27-29
Last Day of Classes December 6
Final Exams December 7-12
Commencement December 13-14
SPRING 2025
First Day of Classes January 13
MLK Day January 20
Spring Break March 9-16
Last Day of Classes April 28
Final Exams April 30
Commencement May 8

bobcat welcome
President Damphousse

Academics

Texas State offers nearly 100 undergraduate degress, as well as pre-professional tracks and certificate programs. Whatever field you choose to explore, you’ll find opportunities to take part in hands-on research, to immerse yourself in another culture or in challenging and exciting honors courses to give you richer educational experiences.

  • First-Year Advising

    • At Texas State, we provide every student with support to achieve their academic goals.

      During your first year, you’ll be thinking about pursuing a major that will lead to the career and life you imagine, and First-Year Advising will help you create a strategy for a successful future.

      Experience the difference our first-year support makes to your success. Our first-year advisors will help you explore your interests, discover our majors, and create and implement a plan that puts you on the path to graduation.

    • Your peer mentor will be an upper-level student who provides continued positive peer support to help you socially and academically transition to Texas State. Peer mentors will connect you to the campus community and assist you in using resources and services for your academic success.

  • Texas Success Initiative

    • The state-legislated Texas Success Initiative seeks to improve student success in college-level course work by assessing incoming students’ math, reading, and writing proficiencies. The program provides guidance for developmental course work to those needing to strengthen basic academic skills. 

    • All students entering a public institution of higher education must first be assessed in the areas of reading, writing, and math by completing all three sections of the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). The TSIA2 is offered at testing centers located on community college and university campuses across the state. The assessment must be completed prior to attending New Student Orientation, and failure to satisfy TSI requirements will affect a student’s class registration process.

      Prior to taking the TSIA2, you will take a pre-assessment activity (PAA). Instructions to complete the PAA will be provided by the testing center. This online activity is designed to help students understand the importance and purpose of the assessment, developmental course options, and institutional resources.

      Students with exemplary SAT, ACT, or STAAR scores may be exempt from TSI testing. In order to find out if you are exempt, please visit the TSI website or call the office directly.

      Students whose TSIA2 scores do not meet the minimum requirements for exemption have two options:

      Retake the TSIA2 and attempt to meet the minimum required scores. You have the option to retest.


      Successfully complete the appropriate math, reading, and/or writing developmental courses. Developmental courses do not count toward a degree plan but are designed to prepare students academically for college-level course work. 


      For more information about TSI requirements and exemptions, visit txst.edu/tsi or contact the TSI Office at 512.245.3942.

  • Honors College

    • Honors College is a special academic experience that is both demanding and lively. Honors students from all majors study in small, interdisciplinary, seminar-style classes. It’s a chance to collaborate with other energetic minds while enjoying a variety of extraordinary learning opportunities, including study abroad and unique class options.

      You also have the opportunity to work on a capstone project — a research or creative project you design with the guidance of faculty. Completing a capstone project can help you when you apply to graduate or professional school or apply for a job after graduation. 

      • Engaging classes
      • Connections with faculty
      • Close-knit Honors community
      • Opportunities for research and creative projects
      • Events and activities in the Honors Coffee Forum
         
  • Learning Experiences

    • Texas State University is committed to applied research that can change the world. Undergraduate and graduate students in all fields find opportunities to help generate new knowledge, pushing the boundaries in every discipline. You can graduate with valuable, practical experience in healthcare, business, digital media, and more. Learn more about undergraduate research programs. 

    • Take advantage of the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and experience life in another land. Some education abroad programs may be professor-led, group experiences. Others are facilitated though an external program. Learn more about Study Abroad programs. 

NavigateTXST allows students to access their to-do lists, communicate with their advising centers, make appointments, design their course schedule, ask questions, and monitor their academic progress, all while receiving personalized guidance through prompts and nudges.

ATHLETICS

Texas State Athletics competes in 14 varsity sports — football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, women’s volleyball, women’s soccer, cross-country, indoor and outdoor track and field, golf, softball, and women’s tennis — at the Division I level in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest tier of NCAA competition.You can get in free to all regular season home games just by showing your student ID.

Fight Song

Go Bobcats all the way,  
keep that maroon and gold on high!  
Fight on for every play,  
until you hear that Bobcat battle cry!  
We're gonna cheer for our team today,  
until the whole world knows our name.  
No doubt about it,we're gonna shout it,  
Bobcats will win this game!

Eat 'Em Up, Cats!

Campus Life

Campus life at Texas State is just as rich as our academics. You’ll live and learn surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty, great music and art, food and culture, and so much more.

 

There’s no limit to the ways you can find new experiences, meet new people, and get engaged with campus life. 

Meet me at ...

Click any photo to go straight to the campus map!

The LBJ Statue
Texas State is the only university in Texas to have graduated a U.S. president. Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States, graduated with a B.S. in History in 1930.

The Quad 
 The Quad is a busy, tree-lined central mall between many major academic buildings on campus. Most students pass through the Quad on the way to class. 

The Bobcat
The native bobcat, known for its ferocity and courage, was adopted as the school’s mascot in 1921. The bobcat statue located in the Quad was created by sculptor Matthew Palmer.

Sewell Park
 The park features grassy areas for soaking up sun or playing Frisbee. The park also has a basketball court, volleyball courts, and picnic areas on the banks of the San Marcos River.

The Fighting Stallions
 Fighting Stallions, by artist Anna Hyatt Huntington, is an iconic landmark on the TXST campus. The 17-foot-high sculpture is located near Derrick Hall on the west end of the Quad.

Old Main
 The red-roofed, castle-like landmark was Texas State’s first building — and until 1908, the only campus structure. Old Main was built in a style known as Victorian Gothic.

Financial Aid

Texas State is committed to helping every admitted student find the means to pursue their academic and career goals. We are here to help find solutions that work for you.

 

The first step to secure financial aid from the federal government and from Texas State University is to complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Aid

  • You can find scholarship opportunities, check eligibility requirements, and apply for scholarships online. Some scholarships use a common application, but BOSS includes info about many other scholarships you may be eligible to receive, including scholarships for transfer students.   

    Learn more about BOSS

  • Texas State offers a variety of gift aid in the form of grants. Eligibility for grants may be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, need, academics, and high school curriculum.

    Learn more about grants 

  • FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS 

    • Entrance loan counseling and a master promissory note are required
    • Current interest rate is 5.50% for subsidized and unsubsidized loans for loans awarded by July 1, 2024. 

    FEDERAL DIRECT PARENT LOANS 

    • Available to parents of dependent students. To apply, the parent must complete the Parent PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) request process.
    • The maximum amount parents can borrow is the cost of attendance less any financial aid and outside resources like scholarships the student is expected to receive. 
    • Fixed interest rate of 8.05% applies for loans disbursed before July 1, 2024.

    Learn more about federal loans

  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed to apply for federal and state financial aid. For the best aid, complete your FAFSA by the priority deadline of January 15th.

    Remember to include Texas State in the list of schools on your FAFSA. Texas State’s school code is 003615.

  • Federal and state work-study is available to students who show financial need and indicate interest in work-study on the FAFSA.

    • Most jobs begin at minimum wage, but other benefits include flexible hours and working on campus. Availability of funding is limited. 
    • Visit Career Services on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center to learn about work-study job availability.
  • SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) 

    Regulations require that all students who receive Federal Title IV assistance must maintain certain minimum academic standards. These standards apply to a student’s entire academic career, even for periods when the student may not have received financial aid. 

    • Maintain a minimum Texas State GPA (2.0 for a first undergraduate degree). 
    • Maintain at least a 67% course completion rate. 
    • Do not exceed a maximum number of hours (180 hours for a first undergraduate degree) 

    Learn more about eligibility requirements.

    If you do not qualify for employment under the federal or state work-study program, you can apply for regular part-time jobs available on and off campus. Learn more about on-campus employement. 

Registration & Payment

old main
  • You can make online payments using E-Checks or Credit/ Debit Card. Payment by credit or debit card will be assessed a 2.95% convenience fee based on the amount charged with a $3 minimum fee per transaction. (A 4.25% convenience fee is applied to international credit/debit card payments, effective 2/2024.) This convenience fee will be added to your total payment and is non-refundable.

  • For a 529 payment, you will need to get with your plan administrator to determine what they require in order to remit payment to the university. Please have the administrator put your student ID (ex: A01234567) on the check remittance. 

  • Make payments with personal check, cashier’s check, or money order at the Student Business Services Office, J.C. Kellam Building, Room 188, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Cash payments are not accepted and Credit/Debit card payments are only accepted online. 

  • Send regular mail, priority, or overnight payments to: 

    Texas State University Student Business Services 

    601 University Drive, JCK 188 

    San Marcos, TX 78666 


    Allow five additional business days for delivery if using U.S. Postal Services. Remember that payment must be posted to your account by the end of the business day on the date payment is due regardless of the postmarked date. 

  • If you have sufficient aid to cover 100% of tuition, fees, and room and board, you are not required to take action upon receiving a semester bill. Your aid will be applied to your bill automatically. If you do not have sufficient financial aid to cover 100% of tuition, fees, and room and board, you must either pay the difference in full or enroll in a payment plan by the due date. Authorized aid will appear on your billing statement as “anticipated aid.” Financial aid will begin to disburse 10 days prior to the first class day of the semester. Once financial aid is disbursed, your account balance will reduce accordingly. 

  • Student Business Services will send a notification to your official university email address once a billing statement is available to view or print. No paper bills will be mailed. In addition to electronic billing, you will be able to allow parental or third-party access to your account or set up alternate email addresses and sign up for text message notification. 

  • The emergency loan program is available for eligible students who do not have sufficient funds to complete their down payment for the payment plan. This loan only assists with the down payment for enrollment into the payment plan. You will automatically be enrolled in the payment plan beginning on the seventh class day of the fall/spring term and second class day of a regular summer term in order to complete the payment process. A $30 payment plan enrollment fee will be billed to your account. The loans are due within the semester borrowed, and Texas State is your lender. Funds are limited so acceptance of an application does not necessarily indicate that funds are available.

    There is a 1.25% origination fee for use of the loan, in lieu of interest. Loans not repaid by the due date are subject to a delinquent charge

onestop

Need Help?

TXST One Stop is staffed by a dedicated team of student service professionals, and assists students with Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid & Scholarships, Student Business Services, and University Registrar.

Visit the TXST One Stop office - J. C. Kellam, Suite 240  
Call - 512.245.TXST (8978)

Parents & Families

We know that parents and families are invested in their students' education and success in more ways than tuition payments and home-cooked meals during breaks. Parents and families provide support for their students to flourish academically, socially, emotionally, and mentally.

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family
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

    • Notification Rights under FERPA — The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. 

      • The right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of the day Texas State receives a request for access
      • The right to request the amendment of any of their education records that they believe are inaccurate or misleading
      • The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent
      • The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Texas State to comply with the requirements of FERPA
      • The right to know the types of personally identifiable information that Texas State deems directory information that it may release without consent
      • The right to refuse to let Texas State designate the types of directory information
  • For Parents: University Student Privacy Rights

    • The best approach is to ask your student directly. Communicating with young adults isn’t easy. They are not always as forthcoming as you would like. The college years, however, are a period of remarkable growth and maturation. 

    • Yes. FERPA sets privacy standards for student educational records and requires institutions to publish a compliance statement, including a statement of institutional policies. 

    • FERPA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more on the FERPA website.

    • The privacy protection FERPA gives a student is very broad. With limited exceptions, Part 99.3 of the FERPA regulations gives privacy protection to all students’ “educational records.” Educational records are defined as “those records that are directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency of instruction.” 

    • Unless personally identifiable information from a student’s educational records falls under a specified exception, the information cannot be released to third parties (including parents) without a signed and dated written consent from the student. 

    • There is a detailed list of exceptions in Part 99.3 of the FERPA regulations and in Part 99.31. Perhaps the most important exception allows — but does not require — “disclosure [of information in student educational records] to the parents of a dependent student, as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.” 

    • At the K-12 school level, parents have the right to inspect and review their children’s education records. But when a student enters the university at any age, these FERPA rights transfer to the student.

  • How can parents stay involved?

Student Resources

Your first year will be filled with new experiences and great resources to help you settle in and start strong.

 

No matter what challenges come your way, remember that we are here for you! Texas State offers a support system of counselors, tutors, mentors, and others, who are prepared to help you succeed from your first day of class to commencement. 

  • Academic Assistance

    • Develop effective learning skills at the Student Learning Assistance Center. Located on the fourth floor of Alkek Library, SLAC provides a drop-in learning lab and Supplemental Instruction (SI) in specified courses. 

      • SLAC Lab: Student paraprofessional tutors help you develop effective study techniques and skills to become more successful in courses such as mathematics, accounting, science, history, foreign language, and writing. 
      • SLAC online: Learn more about lab schedules, general information about services, instructions for submitting papers to tutors, downloadable handouts, and study aids. 
      • Supplemental Instruction (SI): Student SI leaders facilitate the integration of course content with study skills in specific subjects. See the SLAC website for the schedule. 
      • Success Coaching: Your success coach will empower you to take an active and productive approach to your own learning and become a self-advocate for your education.
    • The Writing Center can help you with one-on-one writing support. The center hires and trains accomplished student writers and thinkers to serve as writing guides. Tutors also offer workshops on a variety of writing-related topics. The Writing Center also offers tutoring online and at the Round Rock Campus.

    • If you’re having trouble with math, head over to the Math Lab. In addition to tutoring, the lab has computers available for individual mathematics work, general research, and school use. Tutors are available for both introductory and advanced math courses. Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, discrete mathematics, calculus, and differential equations are a few of the courses for which tutoring help is available.

  • Safety, Health, and Wellness

    • All counseling services are confidential and free to currently enrolled students. Psychiatric services, which are offered in collaboration with the Student Health Center, require a small co-payment. Here are just a few ways the Counseling Center can help: 

      • short-term individual and group counseling 
      • workshops 
      • crisis intervention 
      • consultation 
      • self-help resources 
      • referral to other professional services 
    • 512.245.2161 (Appointments) 
      512.245.3590 (Pharmacy) 

      You don’t have to leave campus if you need healthcare. The Student Health Center is a nationally accredited facility that offers: 

      • primary care (routine medical problems), urgent care, women’s health, sports medicine, LGBTQIA+ health, travel health, immunizations, and psychiatric services 
      • one-stop healthcare, including on-site laboratory, X-ray, and pharmacy services 
      • an experienced medical staff, including physicians and nurse practitioners 
      • on-campus convenience and affordable prices for college students 
      • private health insurance is accepted and significant discounts are available for uninsured or out-of network patients 

      See our website for details about our services and hours of operation for both of our San Marcos clinics and our clinic in Round Rock. Urgent care, walk-in, same day, and future appointments are available. 

    • Free counseling, self-care resources, health coaching, a peer community for sharing with others who may be having the same problems, and psychiatry by referral. Download the TimelyCare app today!

      https://timelycare.com/txst/

    • Emergencies: 911 
      Nonemergency: 512.245.2805 

      The University Police Department keeps you safe on campus. UPD officers are commissioned by the state of Texas and patrol the campus by vehicle, foot, and bicycle. See the UPD website for a list of the services available, including the Student Safety Escort Program (SSE), an oncampus safety escort service.

      police.txst.edu

      • Basic Needs Hub
      • Absense Notifications
      • Emergency Funding
      • Foster Care Alumni
      • Parenting Students

      Email: dos_care@txstate.edu | Phone: 512.245.2124

    • Counseling Center: 512.245.2208 (option 2 if after hours) 
      24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1.877.466.0660 (indicate you are a Texas State student) 
      National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 
      UPD: 512.245.2805 and 911 

      Crisis/Urgent Care Resources

  • Technology Resources

    • Visit the DOIT Services website to learn about the 150+ tech services offered to Bobcats! 

      ITAC is your convenient one-stop shop for tech support needs. Phone and LiveChat are available. Also, email or stop by one of our ITAC Service Centers in San Marcos and Round Rock. 

       

       

    • Your BobcatMail email address is YourNetID@txstate.edu (e.g., zzz99@txstate.edu). Log in with your NetID password. This is how the university communicates with you. Set up email on your mobile device and check your BobcatMail daily. 

    • Virtually every area on the Texas State campus has Wi-Fi. Use your NetID and password to log into the secure and fast TXST-Bobcats network.

  • Campus Resources

    • Get your Bobcat gear here! The Bobcat Store, located in the LBJ Student Center, and the Fan Shop at Bobcat Stadium have the largest selection of Texas State apparel and gifts in the state.

      Located inside the store is the iCats official Apple technology store. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for great deals, sales, and events. 

      texasstatestore.com

    • auxiliaryservices.txst.edu/book-smart

      BookSmart is TXST’s digital textbook program that provides undergraduate Bobcats with quick and easy access to all academic course materials via Canvas, starting on day one of each semester. The costs for required course materials will be conveniently included in your tuition and fees, saving you time and money. 

      How it works: 

      1. Register for class. 
      2. All course materials are digitally loaded onto Canvas. 
      3. Non-digital materials can be picked up at The Bobcat Store in LBJ Student center. 
      4. That’s it! You are ready for day one of classes. 
    • parking.txst.edu 

      Students who drive and park on campus are required to purchase a parking permit and register their vehicle with Parking Services. Students living in residence halls may purchase a Green Residence Hall Permit or a Mill Street Residence Hall Permit. Off-campus residents are encouraged to use the park-and-ride Texas State Bobcat Shuttle, but are also eligible for a Purple Perimeter Permit. 

    • The Texas State BobcatCard is for student, faculty, and staff use at Texas State University.  These photo ID cards are used for privileged authorization, library use, meal plans, door access, and optional purchasing and banking functions on and off campus.

    • https://www.shuttle.txst.edu/

      • After-hours meeting/conference assistance
      • Campus Maps & Directions
      • Locker Rental
      • Games Rental
      • Free School Supplies Closet
      • Lost & Found (contact UPD)
      • Emergency Food Supplies

      https://www.lbjsc.txst.edu/services/info-desk.html


Dean of Students
The Dean of Students connects student life with University Administration and manages programs to foster a friendly, supportive, and caring campus environment.

University Catalog
The catalog is a general information resource that lists majors, minors, and courses, university regulations, student codes of conduct, and more.

Student Business Services
Student Business Services is responsible for handling financial transactions including paying tuition and fees, financial aid checks, and student payroll. 

University Policies & Procedures
Visit the Policies and Procedures website for a detailed listing of policies and procedures governing Texas State and the Texas State University System.

The Student Handbook
This is your guide to student information, the student code of conduct, and the many offices and services available throughout the university.

University Registrar
The Registrar is responsible for the creation of class schedules, student registration, enrollment, degree verification, and final grades, as well as transcript requests.

Texas State Living

Living on campus has many benefits. Not only are you minutes from your classes and university offices, your residential experience will support your education outside the classroom. You will be living with a group of diverse people with a common goal — to become a graduate of Texas State University.

  • Living Options

    • All new students under the age of 20 with fewer than 30 credit hours (by Sept. 1 for fall admission or Jan. 1 for spring admission) are required to live on campus in university housing. All students who graduated from high school within 12 months preceding the semester of their admission are also required to live on campus. 

      Exceptions to Texas State’s on-campus housing policy may be granted if you live at a parent’s or legal guardian’s permanent home within 60 miles (driving distance) of Texas State University. Submit an exemption request online to the Department of Housing and Residential Life that includes sufficient documentation to support the information.

    • The Department of Housing and Residential Life offers a variety of accommodations, including an apartment and halls that house as few as 90 residents or more than 500. While most halls are coed, Texas State offers one all-female hall. Each resident will have a bed, dresser, desk, and desk chair. All halls offer:

      • ID card key access 
      • lounges and study rooms 
      • community kitchens 
      • laundry rooms 
      • wireless internet in public areas and student rooms 

      The department also offers programs that combine residential living with academics. In the signature living learning communities, including Residential College, you will enroll in classes with your hall mates.

    • HALL COUNCILS 

      Each residence hall has a council that plans hall events and represents student needs. Each council has a representative in the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and is advised by the residence director of their hall. 

      RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION (RHA)

      RHA is the coordinating body and umbrella organization for all the individual hall councils. Each resident is a member and is welcome to attend meetings. RHA works to improve the physical, social, cultural, recreational, and intellectual atmosphere in the halls. 

    • An LLC is a group of students living together in the same residence hall based on a common interest, professional career track, or major. If you want something more out of your freshman year experience, consider joining an LLC!

      We have 18 Living Learning Communities to choose from and are constantly growing. Explore your options and find a community that's right for you.

      https://www.reslife.txst.edu/get-started/llcs.html

    • If you live off campus, Off-Campus Living in the Department of Housing and Residential Life is where you’ll find resources and programs to meet your needs. 

      • Off-campus programs and services include: 
      • assistance with finding and securing off-campus housing 
      • understanding leases and contracts 
      • the Off-Campus Housing Fair 

      Visit Off-Campus Living at reslife.txst.edu/off-campus to learn more about off-campus housing.

  • Dining on Campus

    • Texas State’s meal plans offer flexibility, variety, affordability, and several exclusive perks. Our campus dining halls, provided by Chartwells, offer a range of meal options for any student. If you live on campus, you are required to select a meal plan each semester, unless you live in Bobcat Village. Not sure which meal plan to choose? Review each meal plan’s features and perks at dineoncampus.com/txstate to find out more information. Also, enjoy several other dining resources such as: 

      • menus, ingredients, and nutrition info 
      • resident dining events and theme meals 
      • retail promotions and specials 
      • meal plan balance checker 
      • special dietary needs resources 

      Download the “Dine on Campus” mobile app to view all this information on your iPhone or Android device. 

    • Students will have the flexibility to pay for their meal in our food courts and any Jack and Olive product in the Markets by using a Meal Block with the equivalency value of $7.35. In order to use a meal block to pay, the meal must cost less than $7.35. Any purchase over the $7.35 equivalency value can be paid with your Dining Dollars, cash, credit/debit, or Bobcat Buck$. 

    • Your fall semester On-Campus Meal Plan will roll over only if you purchase On-Campus Meal Plans for both the fall and spring semester. 

      • Enrollment is required and verified following the 12th class day of the spring semester. 
      • The rollover meals from the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Meal Plans will be placed in the Rollover Meal Plan account and activated the week following the 12th class day of the spring semester. 
      • Any remaining Dining Dollars from fall semester for Maroon Meal Plans will be placed in the Rollover Meal Plan account and activated the week following the 12th class day of the spring semester. 
      • Rollover funds will be available for use once all spring semester funds have been exhausted. 
      • Rollover funds will be deleted upon withdrawal from the spring semester. All meal plan balances will expire and are forfeited at the end of the spring semester. 
    • Dining Dollars work like cash with the added convenience of being accessible from your Texas State ID card (BobcatCard). Dining Dollars are accepted at all on-campus Chartwells managed dining locations, including the Round Rock Campus and athletic concessions. 

      • Every On-Campus Meal Plan includes your choice of $300, $400, or $500 Dining Dollars to spend in any Chartwells dining facility on campus. When you present your BobcatCard to the cashier, the purchase amount is immediately subtracted from your prepaid Dining Dollars balance. 
      • Unused portions of Dining Dollars do NOT carry over to another semester, unless you own the Platinum Meal Plan. 
    • These are separate from meal plans and can be used at all dining locations on campus as well as locations such as campus Coke vending machines, ID Services, the Performing Arts Center, and off-campus merchant locations such as Jimmy Johns, Taco Cabana, and Bobcat Quickie. These funds are not part of a meal plan, but can be purchased and added to your BobcatCard so you don’t need to carry cash. BobcatBuck$ can be purchased online at get.cbord.com/txstate. Bobcat Buck$ never expire but can be refunded (less a $15 administrative fee) when you graduate or leave the university.

dorm
dorm
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Transfer Students

For generations Texas State has been a top destination in Texas for transfer students because we’re great at helping people find their next steps, academically and professionally.

  • You might think your transfer is complete once you’ve been through orientation and registered for classes, but there’s more. You may still be wondering how your transfer credits have been evaluated and how your previous course work will be used toward your degree at Texas State.

    The Office of Undergraduate Admissions evaluates your transfer credits, assigns your catalog designation and provides you with a printout of your evaluated course work. In evaluating your previous courses, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions reviews three things:

    • the accreditation of the schools where you completed course work
    • the nature and content of the courses you’ve taken
    • the applicability of your courses to a Texas State degree program 

    Your previous college courses may be applied to core curriculum or major requirements, or they may be designated as electives.

    1. College advising centers provide academic advising services for transfer students.  You can find your appropriate advising center online.
    2. If you’re interested in teaching at the secondary level (high school), you should meet with the academic advisors in the subject area you would like to teach. For example, a future history teacher would be best served by the College of Liberal Arts advising center.
    3. If you are interested in pre-professional (i.e., premedical, pre-law) advising you should contact your academic advisor for guidance and additional information.
    4. If you are considering a major but are still unsure, you are encouraged to seek academic advising from the area you are considering (except business and communication design). You are not committing to a major if you receive academic advising; it may, however, help you with the decision process.
  • REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

    Texas State will consider for transfer credit (subject to other provisions outlined below) the course work you completed at institutions that have been granted membership or candidacy status in a regional association of the Association of Colleges and Schools, excluding accrediting commissions for vocational or occupational training.

    NO REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

    Course work you completed at an institution that is neither regionally accredited nor a candidate for such accreditation will not be recognized for transfer purposes. However, appeals will be reviewed on an individual basis

  • Your academic advisor will assist you with academic-related questions, including your degree outline, course selection, and determination of how elective courses can be used to meet requirements in your major or minor.

  • Your college dean has the final authority for determining how transferred credit applies toward your degree at Texas State.

  • Evaluation of Transfer Credit

    • Courses that have direct Texas State equivalents will be given a Texas State course number, e.g., 1310, 2315, etc.

      • The first digit represents the level of the course (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior).
      • The second digit is the number of semester hours.
      • The third and fourth digits are departmental sequence or identification codes. 
    • ELNA stands for elective credit, nonadvanced (freshman and sophomore level) and ELADV stands for elective credit, advanced (junior and senior level).

      • The elective designation is given for courses that transfer but don’t have a Texas State direct equivalent.
      • Elective courses transfer on the same level and with the corresponding grade and number of hours as earned at the previous college.
      • Courses transferred at the lower level cannot be credited as an equivalent for an upper-level course. 

      You may have more ELNAs and ELADVs than will be useful to you as electives. Some of them may, upon further evaluation, fill general education core curriculum requirements and others may be acceptable to your major. 

      A three-digit core component code number in front of the course prefix identifies an ELNA or ELADV course that fulfills core curriculum requirements at Texas State. 

      • Such a course will be used to satisfy that portion of the core curriculum. 
      • Other courses labeled ELNA or ELADV may meet requirements in the major or minor you choose. Your advisor will make that determination. 
    • VocEd denotes course work that is vocational education. This course work does not transfer and is not computed in your GPA for admission purposes. VocEd course work is not applicable toward a degree at Texas State. 

      • If you have courses that you think may apply toward a degree at Texas State, you may request a course-bycourse review by the chair of your major. 
      • If approved for credit, these courses will then be added to your academic record for that particular major. 
      • If you change your major, the applicability of the VocEd credit toward your new major will be subject to review. 
    • NOCRED stands for nontransferable. No credit is accepted for admission or degree purposes. Generally these courses are remedial, preparatory, or developmental in nature.

    • The ACT evaluation indicates physical fitness and wellness activity courses.

  • Nontraditional Credit

    • Credit earned by examination may be awarded for meeting minimum score requirements on any of several standard exams for credit, such as CLEP, AP, or IB. For more information on the tests accepted for credit by Texas State and the minimum scores required to award credit, refer to the Testing, Evaluation, and Measurement Center (TEMC) website at txst.edu/temc. 

      Credits also may be awarded as transfer credit when listed on an official transcript of another college or university where you have been enrolled. Such credits are evaluated by the admissions office according to transfer credit criteria and awarded grades of credit (CR) only. 

      Credits earned through examinations satisfy degree requirements in the same way as earning credit by passing courses. However, credit by exam does not count as credit earned in residence. 

    • Eligible former members of the armed forces admitted or readmitted as undergraduate students could be given course credit for: 

      • all physical education courses required by Texas State 
      • additional semester credit hours (not to exceed 12) that may satisfy elective course requirements 
      • two hours of physical activity credit upon receipt of Form DD214 verifying two years of active military duty

      Other military course work may be considered for transfer credit. You should submit Form DD214, Joint Services Transcript (JST), or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Texas State grants credit for both lower- and upper-division baccalaureate catalog courses but not for vocational or graduate-level work. 

      The “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services” will be used for evaluating the course work. Evaluations will be completed after your enrollment, and transfer credit is subject to approval by the chair of your major department.

    • The Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS) is the only academic unit at Texas State that awards academic credit for prior learning assessment. Credit for prior learning assessment is further determined through the required portfolio in OCED 4350. Should you change majors, the validation of extra-institutional credit will be reevaluated. Credit for prior learning assessment is evaluated after enrollment.

  • Transfer Credit Policies

    • The grade you earned at the previous institution is the grade transferred to Texas State. A grade of D or F transfers for admission purposes and is calculated in the GPA but may not be accepted by your major department. 

      Courses evaluated as NOCRED (nontransferable) or VocEd (vocational education) are not computed. Nonpunitive grades such as W or P are disregarded, while grades of WF and I are computed as F. 

      At Texas State, an “incomplete” designation for a course is entirely the instructor’s option, not the student’s right. Incompletes are granted only when students do not complete final assignments due to circumstances beyond their control. 

    • When you repeat a course, all grades except the first one earned for the course are computed in your GPA. 

      • You must repeat a Texas State course at Texas State to replace the first grade. Retaking it at another school will not erase the low grade at Texas State. 
      • Repeating a course at Texas State will not erase a grade from a previous college. To replace a low grade earned at another institution, you must repeat the same course at another institution and transfer the new grade to Texas State. 

      It makes sense to repeat courses at Texas State for which you received poor grades at Texas State. Doing so not only puts a new, and hopefully higher, grade on your record, but it also removes the bad grade from the GPA calculations.

      Be aware that if it takes more than one repeat to succeed, the university’s policy requires that all grades except the first one count. State law requires that you be charged a fee, in addition to tuition, for any course you attempt more than twice at Texas State. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for details.

    • Texas State transcripts separate transfer course work and grades from Texas State course work and grades. Your transfer GPA and Texas State GPA will also remain separate. The transfer GPA will appear on your evaluated transcript. 

      Your GPA is computed on a four-point system for all transferable hours attempted: 

      A = 4 points B = 3 points C = 2 points 
      D = 1 pointF = 0 pointsNC = no credit
    • Texas State will apply no more than 66 transferable semester hours from an accredited junior/community college to a degree at Texas State. With the approval of the dean, six to eight hours may be added. 

      • At the time of transfer, all transferable work attempted will be recorded on your official transcript. 
      • If the number of hours transferred from a junior or community college exceeds 66 hours, your academic advisor will determine which courses may be used to satisfy degree requirements. 

      There is no limit on the number of hours you may transfer from a four-year institution. However, your advisor will determine which courses satisfy degree requirements. 

      You must complete at least 24 of your last 30 credit hours in residence. Also, at least 25% of the credit hours required for your degree must be completed at Texas State.

    • Your catalog designation will be identified on your advising transcript. If you are transferring from a private school in Texas or any out-of-state institution, or if you began college more than six years ago, you will be assigned the current catalog. If you are transferring solely from Texas public institutions (two-year and/or four-year), you will be assigned the catalog in effect when you started college.

Pride & Traditions

From Old Main to Sewell Park, Boko to the graduation river jump, Texas State takes immense pride in our history and traditions. Since 1899, Bobcats have been writing and rewriting history, creating a university like no other.

 

Fun Fact: The Texas State Strutters have performed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and two U.S. Presidential Inagurations!

When I say Texas you say State

boko
Boko the Bobcat

In 1964, the Texas State Bobcat was given the official name of "Boko" by Beth Greenlees, a sophomore from Luling, Texas.

river jump
River Jump

A uniquely TXST tradition, river jumping is at the heart of commencement day. As families and friends watch, Bobcats jump into the San Marcos River with their cap and gowns on as a way to celebrate.

derby
Soap Box Derby

The Soap Box Derby has been held since 1967 and is an annual favorite during Homecoming Week. Student organizations build homemade cars and race them against each other for a trophy and bragging rights.

gaillardia
The Gaillardia

Texas State’s school colors, maroon and gold, are taken from the gaillardia, a beautiful wildflower native to the state of Texas.

crowd
The Loud Crowd

The Loud Crowd is the official student spirit organization of Texas State University Athletics. They promote school spirit both on and off campus and create the best home-field advantage possible.

president
The President's Cup

The President’s Cup is an engagement program designed to encourage and expand student engagement and involvement in campus life through participation in campus-wide events.

hand signs
Hand Signs

"Eat 'Em Up, Cats" with your right hand.      
"The Heart of Texas State" with your left. 
 

gaillardia
Ring Celebration

Bobcats plunge their rings into the fountain of water from the San Marcos River. This act connects Bobcats with the spirit and tradition the river has carried through this campus for more than 100 years.

bobcat build
The Big Event - Bobcat Build

The Big Event serves as a one-day event for the university community to come together and volunteer their time to engage in various service projects throughout the community. 3,000+ students, faculty, and staff volunteer!

Directory

Below is a list of campus offices and departments that you should get to know as a new Bobcat