GENERAL INFORMATION

The Total University Experience

If you are a high school junior or senior with a proven record of academic achievement, you are invited to apply for admission to Concurrent Enrollment at The University of Texas-Pan American. Through this special program, you will have the opportunity to enroll in University courses, benefit from the expertise of highly qualified University professors, take advantage of our outstanding academic facilities and — best of all — earn college credit while you’re still in high school! Concurrent Enrollment at The University of Texas-Pan American offers you the "Total University Experience" because we believe it’s the best way for you to prepare yourself for a successful academic career after high school graduation.

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On-Campus Attendance

As a participant in Concurrent Enrollment, you may enroll in a wide variety of University courses offered on the UTPA campus in Edinburg. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the "Total University Experience" as you attend classes with regular college students and interact with outstanding University professors. Also, being on campus will give you easy access to a wide range of UTPA resources including the library, tutoring services, counseling and advisement, computer labs, recreational facilities and much more.

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Distance Learning

A growing number of South Texas school districts are making UTPA courses available through interactive television (ITV). This distance learning arrangement enables you to participate in University courses while sitting in a specially equipped classroom on your high school campus. Cameras, monitors and Internet technology allow you to interact with UTPA professors and students as well as Concurrent Enrollment students from other distance learning sites – all without having to travel to the UTPA campus! For more information about the availability of ITV courses on your high school campus, ask your school counselor or contact High School to University Programs and Testing Services.

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Awarding of Credit

University Credit

When UTPA receives your official high school transcript indicating a graduation date, your University credit can be applied to a degree program. Submit your official transcript to:

The University of Texas-Pan American
Admissions and New Student Services
1201 West University Drive
Edinburg, Texas 78541-2999

High School Credit (Dual Credit)

Your school district may also award high school credit for your UTPA course if it determines that the course meets the requirements of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). You should check with your high school counselor for additional information on the process for determining dual credit prior to enrolling in a University course.

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Before you Apply, please consider...

Your Schedule

The days and times you choose for your Concurrent Enrollment classes should conform to your personal schedule (i.e., high school classes, employment, extracurricular activities and availability of transportation). You are encouraged not to overextend yourself and to allow plenty of time for study. Please remember that UTPA Concurrent Enrollment courses are regular university courses and are often more demanding than high school classes.

Course Credit

If you plan to use your university credit for special purposes (e.g., to qualify for the DAP diploma or the University Scholars scholarship), it is your responsibility to confirm that you are enrolled in the correct courses and the required number of hours. If you plan to take Advanced Placement exams or community college courses, you should consider the credits you may potentially receive to avoid duplicating courses.

Credit hours taken at UTPA will transfer to all other public institutions of higher learning in Texas; however, you should determine if they will help you fulfill the requirements for your particular degree plan. For private and out-of-state public colleges and universities, we strongly suggest that you ascertain how the credit will transfer prior to enrolling at UTPA.

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Admission Criteria

Prior to being accepted into Concurrent Enrollment at UTPA, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be classified as a high school junior or senior on target toward graduating under the Recommended High School Program or higher
• Submit official verification of having met the criteria for one of the programs below

High School to University Programs (HSUP)

UTPA has formed partnerships with many school districts across South Texas to make Concurrent Enrollment accessible and affordable for qualified students through this program. The University works closely with participating districts to place you in appropriate courses and help cover a portion of your costs.

To participate as an HSUP participant you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Rank in the top 10 percent of your graduating class
• Have a 90 or above grade point average (based on grades in academic courses such as English, math, natural sciences, social studies and foreign languages)
• Score a minimum ACT composite of 22
• Score a minimum SAT combined score of 1030 (Verbal/Critical Reading and Math)

Independent Student Program
(On-Campus Attendance)
Outstanding high school students may apply on an individual basis to participate in Concurrent Enrollment. As an independent student, you are responsible for your own tuition, fees and other costs associated with enrolling in the program.

Independent applicants must score a minimum ACT composite of 22 or SAT composite of 1030 (Verbal/Critical Reading and Math). In addition, one of the following criteria must be met:

• Rank in the top 10 percent of your graduating class
• Have a 90 or above grade point average (based on grades in academic courses such as English, math, natural sciences, social studies and foreign languages)

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Application Deadlines

Priority Deadline*
Meeting this deadline will help us provide you with a better opportunity to register earlier.

Final Deadline*
No applications will be accepted after this deadline.

Fall Semester
Priority: March 5
Final: August 5

Spring Semester
Priority: March 5
Final: May 5

Summer Session I
Priority: March 5
Final: May 5

Summer Session II
Priority: March 5
Final: June 5

*Applications for deadlines that fall on a weekend must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the previous Friday.

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Texas Success Initiative

In compliance with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements, you must either take a state-approved assessment or be exempt from TSI prior to attending orientation and enrolling in any college-level coursework. Your results will not be used for admission purposes.

State-approved assessments include: THEA, ASSET, ACCUPLACER or COMPASS.

You are TSI exempt if you submit verification that you have completed one of the following:

• TAKS (10th or 11th grade scores): 2200 Math and 2200 ELA with a Writing score of 3
• ACT: 23 Composite with a 19 English and 19 Math
• SAT: 1070 combined score (Verbal/Critical Reading and Math) with a 500 Verbal/Critical Reading and 500 Math

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Testing Information

For more information about THEA, ACCUPLACER, ACT or SAT testing dates and fees, contact:

University Testing Services
956/292-7584
testing@utpa.edu

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Selecting Your Courses

Concurrent Enrollment students must attend orientation and advisement prior to registering for classes. A list of courses can be accessed online via https://assist.panam.edu prior to attending orientation and advisement to view class offerings by clicking on the schedule link.

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Orientation, Advisement and Registration

• Upon acceptance to UTPA and CE, you will receive an invitation to attend a mandatory orientation (a $15 orientation fee deposit will need to be paid prior to attending)
• You will receive academic advisement during orientation
• A Registration Access Code (RAC) will be provided at orientation so that you will be able to register online

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Course Restrictions

Upon gaining access to register please note that as a Concurrent Enrollment student, some course restrictions do exist.

• You are restricted from taking developmental or remedial courses (Math 1300, Math 1334, Eng 1310, Eng 1320).
• You are restricted from taking kinesiology (physical education) and health courses.
• You are limited to taking no more than two classes (6-8 hours) during regular terms (Spring and Fall).
• During the summer terms you are restricted to no more than six hours.
• In addition to Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements, academic departments may require that you meet additional prerequisites (i.e., exam scores, high school courses, college courses) in order to participate in specific University courses. Course prerequisites can be found in the University Catalog and/or by contacting the respective academic department.
• You must make payment arrangements in a timely manner to avoid being withdrawn from your classes:
  • High School to University Program participants make payment arrangements through their respective high school and/or school district.
  • Independent Student Program participants remit payment directly to UTPA at the Office of Payments and Collections.
• If you enroll in a course without having met the necessary prerequisite(s) or you do not make payment arrangements accordingly, you place yourself at risk of being dropped from your course(s).

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Participation Requirements

Applications and Documentation

• Meet eligibility requirements and deadlines
• Submit applications and supporting documentation before deadlines
• Submit a completed Apply Texas Application for Freshman Admission online at http://www.applytexas.org
  • Request to have your application submitted to UTPA
  • Indicate your interest in participating in CE using additional question at end of application
  • A paper version of the Apply Texas Application is available upon request from the CE office
• Apply to CE by submitting a completed “CE Program Application” along with your official high school transcript to the CE office

First-time Applicants

• Submit Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment scores (or TSI exemption scores) to UTPA.
• Upon acceptance to UTPA and CE, attend mandatory orientation where you will be advised and issued a Registration Access Code.

Continuing Students In addition, participants in Concurrent Enrollment must meet the following grade standards each semester:

Satisfactory Grades: A, B, C, DP (Drop Pass), DR (Drop), W (Withdrawal)

Unsatisfactory Grades: D, F, WF (Withdraw/Fail), DF (Drop/Fail), I (Incomplete)

Unsatisfactory grades are reviewed after each grading period. If you receive an unsatisfactory grade, you will not be allowed to continue participation with Concurrent Enrollment in future terms. If already registered for future terms you will be withdrawn from those terms.

If you attain an unsatisfactory grade and are not allowed to continue participation with Concurrent Enrollment courses while still in high school, you are invited to apply for regular admission to UTPA after high school graduation.

Appeal Process for Program Reinstatement

If you earn an unsatisfactory grade, you have the right to appeal for reinstatement into the program. You will need to submit a written appeal that explains in detail the reasons why you should be allowed to be reinstated in the program and what steps you will take to avoid further unsatisfactory grades. At minimum the appeal for reinstatement needs to be submitted at least one month/30 days prior to the beginning of the next term. Late submissions may be processed for the next available term.

All appeals for reinstatement should be submitted to the Concurrent Enrollment Office and will be forwarded to the Associate Vice-President for Enrollment and Student Services. The decision of the Associate Vice-President is final.

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