Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
The Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test is designed to determine whether students possess the basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, necessary for university courses. In accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 51.3062, all students must take the THEA test (or an approved alternative assessment test) prior to enrolling at the University.
With approval, students not meeting TSI requirements may be granted a one-semester TSI waiver. Future enrollment may be denied if the TSI standards have not been satisfied at the conclusion of the waived term.
The following students are exempt from taking the test:
- For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards: (A) ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both the English and the mathematics tests; (B) Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): a combined verbal and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on both the verbal and the mathematics tests; or
- For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student with a TAKS math score of at least 2200 is exempt from the math requirement. A student with a TAKS English/Language Arts score of at least 2200 and an essay score of at least 3 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements.
- A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.
- A student who transfers to an institution from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of- state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution.
- A student who has previously attended any institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution.
- A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college.
- A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
- A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
- A non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking student.