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Orientation Dates for 2024

Summer 2024 Module 1 – Monday, April 29, 2024
Summer I 2024 – Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Summer II 2024 and Summer 2024 Module 2 – Monday, June 24, 2024
Fall 2024 & Fall 2024 Module 1 – Monday, Aug. 19, 2024
Fall 2024 Module 2 – Monday, Oct. 14, 2024
Spring 2025 & Spring 2025 Module 1 – Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
Spring 2025 Module 2 – Monday, March 3, 2025

All sessions will be from 6:00pm – 7:30pm
We will send an invitation with registration link to your UTRGV email account a week or two before the start of the orientation session.
For questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at gradcollege@utrgv.edu

Policies and Procedures

Academic Calendar
Appealing a Grade
Graduate Catalog
- Academic Standing
- Continuous Enrollment
- Course Expiration
- Dropping
- Leave of Absence
- Probation
- Suspension
- Withdrawal

Financial Information &
Payment Options

Center for Online
Learning and Teaching
Technology (COLLT)

Newly Admitted Resources

Graduation

Academic Advising

Graduate Program Coordinator (Advisor) List
Contact your Graduate Program Coordinator to:

Discuss your degree plan.
Receive advising.

Degree Plans

List of Degree Plans

A sample degree plan for your program can serve as a reference as you prepare for registration.
For an up-to-date degree plan, please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator.

Graduate College Contact Information

Email – gradcollege@utrgv.edu
Call – 956-665-3661

Scholarships

scholarships@utrgv.edu

IT Service Desk

Important Phone Numbers

Student Accounting Services

956-665-(7824 or 2191)
student_billing@utrgv.edu

Emergency Loans

956-665-(2191 or 2824)
LoanOffice@utrgv.edu

Financial Aid
(Asst. Dir. - Felipe Olivarez)

1-888-882-4026
felipe.olivarez@utrgv.edu

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR NEW AND CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS

(Updated May 21, 2021)

Whether you are a newly admitted student activating your UTRGV account for the first time or are looking for registration assistance as you continue your graduate education, you can find answers to common questions below. If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, please contact the U Central at ucentral@utrgv.edu.

What are the first steps as a newly admitted student?

The first steps you need to complete are:

Activate your UTRGV account ( utrgv.edu/myaccount).
Review your Degree Plan with your Graduate Program Coordinator
Register for classes ( Registration Instructions).
Submit tuition and fee payment ( Payment options).

I am a newly admitted international student. Who should I contact for my immigration requirements?

Please contact the International Student Services by email at international@utrgv.edu or by phone (956) 882-7092 or (956) 665-2922.

I need to defer my admission until the F-1 status is approved, what can I do?

We recommend reaching out to the International Student Services for further advisement. You can reach the International Student Services by email at international@utrgv.edu or by phone (956) 882-7092 or (956) 665-2922.

I was admitted but not be able to start this semester/module. Am I able to defer my admission for the next semester or module?

The Graduate Program Coordinator must approve a deferral request. To request a deferral of admission, applicants should complete the Graduate Admissions Deferral Request Form.

I was admitted to an on-campus program (16-week semester) but meant to apply to the accelerated online program. What should I do?

We recommend that you contact your Graduate Program Coordinator to request a written approval via email; once you receive permission to change modality, please forward the approval to gradcentral@utrgv.edu for final consideration.

Can I pursue two degree-seeking programs (master’s or doctoral) concurrently?

Unfortunately, students are unable to pursue two degree-seeking programs concurrently (at the same time).

I am not sure if I was admitted to an on-campus program (16-week semester) or an accelerated online program (7-week module). Can you tell me?

Please contact us at gradcentral@utrgv.edu and include your student ID and semester/module.

Can I switch from the traditional version of a program to the accelerated online version or vice versa? If I change my mind, can I switch back?

First, contact your Graduate Program Coordinator to request a written approval; once you receive written authorization, you can forward the approval to gradcentral@utrgv.edu for final consideration. As a courtesy, you may ONLY change modality (online to on-campus or vice versa) once. If you are not able to continue in that modality, you cannot be changed.

I have not received an email to activate my UTRGV account. Who should I contact?

You will receive an email with instructions to activate your account within 24-48 hours after being admitted. If you don't receive the email, please contact the IT Service Desk at 956-665-2020 or 956-882-2020 or visit myaccount.utrgv.edu

How do I obtain a copy of my degree plan?

To request a copy of your degree plan, please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator via email.

I want to speak to an advisor. Are we assigned an advisor?

Each graduate program is assigned a faculty advisor that serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC). A Graduate Program Coordinator will advise you on what classes to start with and be your support guide through your entire program. To find out who your graduate program coordinator is, visit the Program Coordinators page.

I have not heard from my Graduate Program Coordinator; what should I do?

The best way to reach out to your Graduate Program Coordinator is via email (using your UTRGV email address). To find out who your graduate program coordinator is, visit the Program Coordinators page. Please allow the Graduate Program Coordinator 2-3 business days to respond. If you have not received a response by then, contact the department.

REGISTRATION 101

How do I register for my classes?

To register for classes, visit my.utrgv.edu, sign-in, and click on ASSIST. For detailed instructions on how to register for classes, visit the registration instructions page. If you are not sure what classes to register for, please contact your graduate program coordinator and request a degree plan copy if you have questions or issues, email gradcentral@utrgv.edu or call at 956-882-4026.

What is a CRN number?

CRN refers to the Course Registration Number (CRN) generated for each class section.

Who can advise me on which courses to take?

The Graduate Program Coordinator is your advisor for the program and will provide you with a copy of the degree plan.

I have been admitted but cannot register. Why?

Registration issues can be due to a handful of reasons. Email us at gradcentral@utrgv.edu (using your UTRGV email) and provide us with the following information:

Full Name
Student ID
Semester or Module
Course Name(s), course number(s), and CRN(s)

As a graduate student, am I automatically enrolled, or do I need to register every semester?

Each graduate student must register for courses every semester on their own. You can review the registration instructions by clicking here.

PREREQUISITES AND HOLDS

I received a "Prerequisite Required" error when I tried to register for a course. Who should I contact for assistance?

Please contact your Academic Department’s Administrative Assistant for assistance regarding prerequisite restrictions. You can click here for the Department Directory.

I am trying to register for classes, but there seems to be a hold on my account, what should I do?

Please send us a screenshot of the hold to gradcentral@utrgv.edu and provide us with the following information:

Full Name
Student ID
Course and CRN

I tried to register but received a "Campus Restriction" error. What does this error mean?

This registration error appears when a student, admitted to an on-campus program in a 16-week semester, or vice versa, selects a course offered in an accelerated online format. On-campus program students may ONLY enroll in on-campus classes, and accelerated online program students may ONLY enroll in accelerated format courses. The courses cannot be mixed, and the system generates an error message indicating a restriction.

ISSUES WITH COURSES

I noticed that my classes are not offered during a specific semester. Will more classes be added?

Please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.

The course I need is not being offered. Who can I contact?

We recommend contacting your Graduate Program Coordinator to see if the course will be offered that semester or module.

I am waitlisted for a course; how will I know if I can register?

The system will notify you via UTRGV email. Please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator to see if there are any other courses/sections available.

I am trying to register for a class, but the section is full; what can I do?

First, contact your Graduate Program Coordinator to see if there any other courses available for you to take or to check if a new section for the course is open. Please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER

When is the last day to register for a class for an on-campus/online program (16-week semester)?

Although you can register up to the first day of classes, we recommend registering ASAP to avoid late registration fees. Make sure to review the Academic Calendar for the deadline.

When is the last day to register for a class within an accelerated online program (7-week)?

Although you can register up to the first day of classes, we recommend registering ASAP to avoid late registration fees. Make sure to review the Accelerated Programs Calendarr for the deadline.

What is the difference between withdrawing and dropping course(s)?

A drop is when you remove one or more classes, but you stay enrolled in at least one course. If you want to drop ALL the classes, that is called withdrawal. A withdrawal has different financial implications than a drop. Click here for more information.

How do I drop a course?

Classes can be dropped online via ASSIST before the drop deadline. To learn how to drop a course, click here. The online option is not available for withdrawals.

Please note if you registered for classes and decide not to attend, it is your responsibility to withdraw from the term before the first-class day of a semester/module using ASSIST. Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal, and students must not assume that they will "automatically" be dropped from their classes if they do not attend or do not pay.

Is there a deadline to drop a course or withdraw from the university?

Yes, make sure you check the Academic Calendars for the drop and withdrawal deadlines. Graduate students enrolled in the Accelerated Online Programs have different deadlines; therefore, different refund periods, click here for more information.

For On-Campus and Online 16-week programs please refer to the Academic Calendar.

For AOP programs please refer to the Accelerated Programs Calendar .

I am registered for only one course this semester, but I need to drop it. ASSIST will not allow me to drop it. What do I need to do?

If you registered for only one course, you need to submit a Withdrawal Form to the Registrar's Office, as you are technically withdrawing from the semester. Please contact the Registrar's Office for more information. Complete the Student Withdrawal Form if you want to drop all classes for the current term and send it to registrar@utrgv.edu.

How do I withdraw from my course(s)?

Complete the Student Withdrawal Form if you want to drop all classes for the current term and send the form to registrar@utrgv.edu.

If you wish to drop one or more courses but remain enrolled in at least one credit hour, you must complete the course drop online instead of using the Student Withdrawal Form. Please refer to drop deadlines posted on the Academic Calendar.

How long does it take for registered courses to appear on Blackboard?

Access to Blackboard courses begins on the first day of the term. However, a few instructors may choose to make the course available before the start date. If you are unable to see the Blackboard course by the second day, please contact the Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) to request your course(s) to be manually added.

I was admitted to an accelerated online program. Will I need to log in to Blackboard at a specific time?

Although accelerated online programs are structured to allow students to log in to Blackboard at various times, some instructors may have predetermined lectures or schedules for students. Please contact the instructor of the course for more information.

Classes are starting in a couple of weeks, and I cannot view my courses on Blackboard?

Access to Blackboard courses begins on the first day of the term. Occasionally, an instructor may choose to make the course available before the start date.

I was admitted conditionally and did not qualify for financial aid. Do I have any other options for financial assistance?

UTRGV offers different payment plans to assist students during the term of registration. To learn more about the payment plans offered, please click here.

Why was I admitted conditionally?

The reason(s) for the conditional admission is stated in your admission letter.

I was admitted conditionally and met my conditions. Why haven't my admission conditions been lifted?

Conditions are reviewed by the Graduate College Admissions team 3 to 4 business days after grades post for the semester/module. If your conditional status has not been updated, please contact us at gradcentral@utrgv.edu.

What are my payment options?

For payment options, please visit the Bursar Office page.

Where can I find the payment deadlines?

The payment deadlines are listed on the academic calendar. Please make sure you check the specific Academic Calendars:

For on-campus and online programs (16-weeks), please refer to the Academic Calendar.
For accelerated online programs (7-week modules), please refer to the Accelerated Programs Calendar .

What is an Emergency Loan? How do I apply?

An Emergency Loan is a loan provided by the university that assists you in covering the mandatory tuition and fees for a specific term. To learn more and apply for an Emergency Loan via ASSIST, click here.

If I request an emergency loan on the last day to make a payment, will I have any issues?

It is recommended you request the emergency loan as soon as possible to prevent from being dropped due to nonpayment. The Emergency Loan process may require additional documentation to be submitted and applying late is not advised.

Can I apply for a new emergency loan if I have an outstanding balance from a previous emergency loan?

Students are not allowed to obtain another Emergency Loan or Installment agreement for a future term until a previous Emergency Loan payment has been made.

Are installment plans available for everyone?

Unfortunately, installment plans are not available for accelerated online programs nor summer semesters. For further information, contact the Bursar's Office at student_billing@utrgv.edu.

What financial assistance options exist?

UTRGV offers several types of scholarships that vary by program and eligibility. For more information, please visit www.utrgv.edu/Scholarships or contact scholarships@utrgv.edu.

For any other kinds of financial assistance, please contact our Assistant Director for Financial Aid, Felipe Olivarez, at felipe.olivarez@utrgv.edu .

Do I need to accept a scholarship awarded for the funds to be applied to my online student bill?

Yes, all scholarships require students to accept them for the funds to be applied.

To accept a scholarship, please follow the steps below:

Log into my.utrgv.edu
Click on the ASSIST icon
Select the Financial Aid tab
Select "Award"
Click "Award for Aid Year"
Select the current academic year
Select "Terms and Conditions"
Read Terms and Conditions and click "Accept"
Click "Accept Award Offer" tab
Final Step: Accept Award and Submit

Does UTRGV offer any financial assistance for full-time UTRGV employees?

UTRGV offers an exceptional educational incentive, the Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP), to encourage and support full-time benefits-eligible employees to continue their education and improve the skills needed to develop their careers by providing partial or full payment of tuition and mandatory fees. For more information, please click here.

I applied for the Employee Tuition Assistance Program but have not received a response. Who can I contact?

Please contact the Office of Human Resources at (956)-665-2251 or email employee.tuition@utrgv.edu.

How do I review my financial aid status?

To review your financial aid status, click here.

How long does before the Financial Aid Office notifies me of an award?

Once you have been admitted clear to a graduate program, and UTRGV has received the FASFA application, it may take from 3-5 business for the award to be offered on your ASSIST Account.

As a reminder, students need to check their ASSIST account to review their status.

How long will it take for my financial aid award to appear in my online student bill?

Financial Aid will be paid out by the end of the tenth calendar day before the first-class day. Students need to confirm that there are no pending requirements for their award to be available on their online student bill.

My financial aid award covered my tuition & fees; however, there is still some funding left. Will I receive the funding for the term?

If any funds remain after your online student bill is paid in full, disbursement of the difference will be processed within ten calendar days after your balance is paid in full.

My financial aid is still pending. Will I be dropped for non-payment? Do I have to pay out of pocket?

If your financial aid award does not appear on your ASSIST account, please ask yourself the following questions:

Did I complete every requirement the Financial Aid Office requires? Do the requirements on the Financial Aid tab (within ASSIST) appear to be cleared?
For students in on-campus/online programs (16-week semesters): Am I enrolled for a minimum of 6 credit hours?
For students in accelerated online programs (7-week modules)? Am I enrolled for a minimum of 3 credit hours?
Am I maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress ?

If you answered "no" to any of the questions above, you would need to complete that requirement to be eligible for financial aid. If you answered "yes" to any of the items or have any concerns regarding the conditions above, please contact Mr. Felipe Olivarez, Assistant Director for Financial Aid felipe.olivarez@utrgv.edu .

I submitted my Financial Aid application last week but did not receive a response. How long does a FAFSA application take to be sent to UTRGV for processing?

The FASFA application may take between 3-5 business days for UTRGV to both receive it and process the required documentation.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

The first step is to complete and submit a FAFSA application at www.studentaid.gov or by clicking here.

What are the deadlines to apply for Financial Aid?

FAFSA priority deadline: January 15
TASFA state application deadline: January 15
UTRGV Graduate Student Scholarship Application deadline: February 1
Summer Notification Priority deadline: February 15
FAFSA deadline for the current year: June 30

Are international students eligible for financial aid?

Please contact Mr. Felipe Olivarez, Assistant Director for Financial Aid felipe.olivarez@utrgv.edu .

I was admitted with conditions, do I qualify got financial aid?

Unfortunately, you do not qualify for financial aid if admitted with conditions. However, after your admission conditions are met (condition(s) are stated in your admission letter), your status will be cleared.

What is the difference between a federal student loan and an Emergency Loan?

The Emergency Loan is a university loan and applied towards tuition and fees only. For this reason, the loan must be paid in full before the end of the term. Whereas, a federal student loan requires for you to submit a FASFA application. You must meet both the enrollment and eligibility criteria. In contrast, this type of loan involves payment after graduation or shortly after a student stops enrolling. Lastly, the Emergency Loans and Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans do not require a credit check; Subsidized Federal Student Loans do.

I am interested in applying for a Graduate Assistantship. Where can I find available positions?

There are three types of assistantships offered: Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant (RA), and Graduate Assistant (GA). Please see contact your Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) about the different assistantships available in your program.

Please visit careers.utrgv.edu (under the Graduate Assistantships section) for current job vacancies.

I applied for a Graduate Assistantship but have not been contacted. Who do I check on the status of my assistantship application?

Please contact the Hiring Department (which appears on the application portal).

Which assistantships qualify for the out-of-state tuition waiver?

To learn which assistantship qualify for the out-of-state tuition waiver, please visit our Graduate Assistantship page

Does the Out-of-state tuition waiver get applied automatically?

It does not; please contact your hiring department or gradassistantships@utrgv.edu within the first week of the semester to request the waiver be applied.

How long before I receive my first paycheck?

Assistantships assignments are paid monthly (usually the first business day of every month) after the start of the appointment. Your first paycheck will usually be paid a month after you start, and you must submit your timecard every month. If you did not receive a paycheck, please contact your direct supervisor.

Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for a Graduate Assistantship?

No, a social security number is not required at the time of application. However, a social security number will be required before starting the assistantship position.

I was admitted. How do I register for the Graduate College Orientation? Is orientation mandatory?

Attendance is not mandatory; however, we recommend that students attend an orientation to learn about relevant policies and student resources. The orientation date and time will be sent to you via email before classes start.

What is the difference between academic probation and academic suspension?

A student whose overall GPA falls below a 3.0 (3.25 for doctoral students) in a given semester is placed on academic probation. If the GPA remains below a 3.0 the following semester, the student is suspended (dismissed from the program). For more information, please refer to the Graduate Catalog.

Am I able to appeal an academic suspension?

To petition for readmission into a graduate program, the student must submit a written request through the Graduate Program Coordinator, and the Dean of the Graduate College will review and make the final decision.

Can I appeal a final grade?

Students wishing to appeal final grades or decisions regarding academic standards should first discuss the matter with the class instructor. If no resolution occurs, and the student wishes to pursue the matter further, the student may appeal in writing to the appropriate department chair/school director within one long semester after the disputed grade or decision is issued.

What do I do if placed on academic suspension?

If placed on academic suspension, you will need to submit a letter (appeal) for reinstatement to your Graduate Program Coordinator.

What happens if my GPA falls below a 3.0?

If your GPA falls below 3.0, you will be placed on academic probation. You must raise your GPA to 3.0 by the next semester. Doctoral students must maintain a 3.25 GPA or better every semester.

What does "raise my GPA" mean?

Within the following semester credit hours, the overall GPA must return to 3.0 for master students or 3.25 for doctoral students. Failure to increase your cumulative GPA may result in suspension (dismissal).

I want to switch to another program. Can I simply let my program coordinator know my plans, or do I need to apply again?

You will need to apply for the new program. You cannot change majors and need to complete and submit a new application and all required documentation. To apply, please visit www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.

Can I take a course outside of my degree plan?

This action requires approval from your Graduate Program Coordinator. You may need to submit a formal request to the Graduate Program Coordinator who oversees the degree from where you intend to take the course. Consequently, it may also affect your financial aid award, if the course is outside of your official degree plan.