TSI Advising
The Academic Advising Center supports students who are working toward meeting the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). In partnering with a TSI advisor, you will learn more about your TSI standing and how it impacts your educational journey at UTRGV. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your options for meeting TSI requirements. You will be encouraged to reflect on your progress. Through TSI advising, you will be able to:
- Articulate your standing in each area of TSI
- Identify developmental education needed based on requirements not met
- Recognize options for meeting TSI requirements, including developmental education and/or retaking the TSI Assessment, which could lead to a change in TSI standing
- Discuss policies that are relevant to your continued enrollment at UTRGV
What is TSI?
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI), a state law, requires all students entering a public institution of higher education to be assessed for readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics. The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is used to determine readiness in each area. Students who are not exempt from the TSIA are required to submit their TSI scores to UTRGV. After taking the TSIA, students who need additional support to meet readiness standards will be provided that support through mandatory developmental education at UTRGV.
What is TSI Advising?
Students who are working toward meeting TSI requirements are required to participate in TSI advising each semester, prior to registration. A TSI advisor will provide you with up-to-date TSI information in a timely manner. The TSI policies and procedures discussed in your advising session include:
- Up-to-date information about taking the TSI Assessment, which is administered by UTRGV Testing Services
- Up-to-date information about benchmarks (passing scores) for each section of the TSI Assessment
- Course restrictions based on TSI requirements not met, including the advanced coursework restriction
- Continuous enrollment in developmental education
- Potential changes in TSI standing based on academic performance in developmental education
- Two-semester TSI deadline
To support your goal of meeting TSI requirements, we offer you two options for TSI advising: (1) a group format and (2) a one-to-one (advisor-student) format. Group advising sessions are utilized in an effort to maximize the Academic Advising Center’s outreach before registration begins. In a group advising session, you are provided with an individualized advising form, while TSI policies and procedures are discussed in general terms. A one-to-one advising session covers the information provided in a group advising session and offers you the opportunity to discuss scenarios specifically relevant to your unique circumstances.
Your Role and Responsibilities
As with any academic support, a key element in your success is your active participation and engagement. In order for you to have the best TSI advising experience possible, we expect that you will:
- Meet with a TSI advisor at least one time each semester (until all TSI requirements have been met)
- Keep scheduled appointments and arrive at least 10 minutes early
- Accept responsibility for your choices, decisions, and the resulting consequences
- Become personally responsible for being knowledgeable of and following UTRGV academic policies and procedures
- Become personally responsible for being knowledgeable of and following TSI policies and procedures
- Communicate questions and concerns with a TSI advisor
- Actively engage and participate in your TSI advising session
TSI Advisor Responsibilities
Equally as important, you can expect your TSI advisor to:
- Treat you respectfully and maintain confidentiality
- Be adequately accessible via email, advising hours, and scheduled appointments
- Understand and effectively communicate UTRGV policies and procedures
- Understand and effectively communicate TSI policies and procedures
- Encourage and guide you as you gain the skills to develop clear and attainable educational plans
- Help you monitor your progress toward meeting your TSI goals
- Provide you information and strategies for utilizing university resources and services
|
TSI |
The TSI Assessment is administered by UTRGV Testing Services. Students should only test in the TSI areas they have not met. The TSI Pre-Assessment Activity must be completed prior to taking the test. |
|
TSI Scores |
TSI scores should be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions. You are encouraged to notify a TSI advisor each time you submit a new score report. This will ensure that your most recent academic records are being reviewed by the Academic Advising Center and that you are provided with a TSI update in a timely manner. |
|
TSI Hold |
The purpose of the TSI hold is twofold. First, it ensures that students enrolled in developmental educational do not drop the required courses. Second, it ensures that students meet with a TSI advisor before registering. Upon completion of TSI advising, the hold will be temporarily lifted to allow for registration. Arrangements must be made with a TSI advisor to temporarily lift the hold for the purposes of dropping a non-required course or requesting a transcript. |
|
Session |
Session attendance is mandatory. You are encouraged to complete TSI advising early in the semester. Attending a TSI advising session is an important step in preparing for registration. Doing so in a timely manner will allow you to partner with a TSI advisor to identify future developmental education needs. |
Keep in Mind
Connect to Campus Resources
Our top priority is to position you to achieve your academic and professional goals. That includes giving you the support you need along the way for you to thrive! Here you will find a comprehensive list of academic and campus resources to aid you all the way to graduation day! Take advantage of some of them (or all of them!) during your time at UTRGV.