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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions. . .
What is degree outline and when and where do I get one?
The degree outline is a document prepared to provide a helpful guide for you, the student, as you plan your academic degree. The outline consists of a list of all courses already completed at the time the outline is prepared as well as a list of remaining courses for the chosen major and/or minor.
Typically, you should apply for a degree outline when you have accumulated between 45 semester credit hours of work. You can apply for your degree outline in your major department.
When are degree outline substitutions appropriate and how do I obtain them?
Degree programs have been prepared by faculty members and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. These programs were developed through careful study of the best courses to help you achieve your academic goals at the highest levels.
Occasionally, because of unforeseen circumstances, substitutions may be necessary. Some of the major reasons for approving substitutions are:
The proposed substitution is justifiably similar to the required courseTo seek approval, consult your departmental adviser or contact the Advising Center. Approval to substitute a course must be obtained before you register for a possible substitute.The proposed substitution is necessary to meet your academic and/or work schedule needs
The proposed substitution is necessary to avoid an unnecessary delay in your planned graduation (This reason will be accepted only upon evidence that you have done your best to follow the recommended course sequence shown in the Undergraduate Catalog.)
How can I get ELNA and ELADV transfer courses considered for use in my Texas State Degree Outline?
While Texas State University-San Marcos is continually working to indicate equivalent transfer credit for all courses taken at other institutions, you may still see ELNA or ELADV on your evaluated transcript. DO NOT misinterpret these symbols.
ELNA simply means that you have received elective credit for a lower division (Freshman or Sophomore) course taken elsewhere, and ELADV simply means that you have received elective credit for an upper division (Junior or Senior) course taken elsewhere. You do have an opportunity to seek consideration of these courses for use in your degree requirements, and the details of this procedure are found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
In general, if you want to have an ELNA orELADV reconsidered for application to your General Studies requirement or a major in the School of Fine Arts and Communication, you will appeal to the University College, and if you want to have an ELNA or ELADV reconsidered for application to your major or minor, you will appeal to the Director of the College of Fine Arts and Communication Advising Center.
What is a degree summary and when and where do I get one?
A Degree Summary is an official document prepared for you at least one semester prior to your scheduled graduation which shows your current schedule of courses and the courses still remaining to be completed. The Summary is a critical document to help you be assured that you are on schedule to complete all of your requirements on a timely basis.
You should apply for a Degree Summary in the Advising Center when you think you have approximately 30 hours remaining to be completed. At the latest, you should apply at the beginning of the semester prior to your scheduled graduation semester.
How do I challenge a final grade in a course?
Grades are determined by the teacher of record for the courseIf you receive a grade which you believe to be incorrect, your first obligation is to meet with your professor to discuss the grade. If an error was made in computing the grade, the professor will submit a request to change the grade. If no error was made but you still are not satisfied, you may appeal to the chair of the department in which the course was taught. In those instances when the department chair is not able to resolve the grade assignment to your satisfaction, you may appeal to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. In this case, you must begin this final appeal process by presenting a letter signed by you which outlines your concerns and the related facts of the case.
What is an advising hold and how do I have it removed?
An advising hold is a procedure used by departments to ensure that you receive appropriate assistance before you register for courses. Advising holds are typically used when a certain prerequisite test result (TASP) is not available, if a required grade-point average is not available, etc.
If you attempt to register and encounter an advising hold, you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office to determine the nature of the hold. In some cases, your hold can be discussed and removed by telephone. In other cases, however, the hold may require that you appear in person at the appropriate department to discuss the reasons for your hold.
What does it mean to be on Academic Probation?
Academic probation is an emphatic warning that the quality of your work has not met Texas State’s minimum academic standards and that the quality must improve during the probationary semester in order for you to continue at Texas State University-San Marcos. You will be placed on academic probation at the end of the fall or spring semester in which the Texas State GPA is less than 2.00. You will be advised to come in to the Advising Center to discuss your academic plan. You will be removed from academic probation at the end of any long term or summer term if the Texas State GPA is 2.00 or higher.
What does it mean to be on Academic Suspension?
First Academic Suspension — A first academic suspension will be for the first long semester following placement on academic suspension. Appeals for reinstatement, based on extenuating circumstances, may be made prior to the Monday of registration week to the Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication, who will render a decision on the matter. If the Dean denies reinstatement, you may then appeal to the Suspension Appeals Committee of the University.
Unless other special conditions are imposed by the Dean or the Suspension Appeals Committee, you will be re-admitted on academic probation, and you must raise your Texas State GPA at the end of the first probationary semester or be placed once again on academic suspension. If you do raise your Texas State GPA at the end of the first probationary semester, but it remains below 2.00, you may continue your studies for a second probationary semester. You must raise your Texas State GPA to at least 2.00 by the end of the second probationary semester, or you will be placed on second academic suspension.
If you are placed on first academic suspension following a spring semester, you will be automatically reinstated for the following fall semester provided that you (1) attend both summer terms at Texas State or the Mini-Term and at least one summer term, (2) pass nine semester hours, and (3) earn a 2.00 GPA on all work attempted in both terms. If your Texas State GPA is at least a 2.00 at the end of the second summer term, you will be removed from probation.
Readmission Following a First Academic Suspension — When you re-enter Texas State University-San Marcos following an academic suspension, you do so on probation (see the paragraph above on probation). If your Texas State GPA is not raised at the end of the first probationary semester, or is less than 2.00 at the end of the second probationary semester, you will be placed on second academic suspension.
Second Academic Suspension — If you fail to meet the minimum academic standards defined above, you will be placed on academic suspension for a second time, for a period of two calendar years. If you believe that extremely extenuating circumstances pertain to your case, you may appeal prior to the Monday of registration week to the Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication, for reinstatement. If reinstatement is denied, you may then appeal to the Suspension Appeals Committee. If the appeal is approved, you may return to Texas State on academic probation, subject to special conditions imposed by the Dean or the Suspension Appeals Committee. In addition to any special conditions imposed by the Dean or the Suspension Appeals Committee, you must meet the conditions under Academic Probation explained above.
How do I compute my Grade-Point Average?
Your GPA equals the course letter grade (A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, everything else = 0) times course credit hours divided by the number of credit hours attempted.
For Example:The second number in the course number represents the number of hours the course is worth. In this instance, 14 hours were attempted.
History 1310
English 2320
Math 1316
Biology 1410
PE 1104B
C
D
B
A3 X 3 =
2 X 3 =
1 X 3 =
3 X 4 =
4 X 1 =9
6
3
12
4
Grade Points 34
So, the grade points (34) are divided by the number of hours attempted (14) giving a GPA of 2.43