TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE

TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI) at UHD
(Replaces TASP)

On September 1, 2003, the 78th Texas State Legislature replaced the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). In order to enhance student success, this state-mandated program evaluates college readiness in math, reading, and writing.

All students (unless exempt) entering UHD as undergraduates for the first time are required to take one of the following tests: ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS, or THEA (previously TASP). Students who score below the minimum standard must enroll in the appropriate developmental courses. Additionally, they must meet with an advisor to develop an individualized success plan. Depending on the scores, the student may be required to retest and to enroll in a tutorial.

ATTENTION! First-Time-in-College Students will be required to test prior to Orientation. Transfer students must contact an Academic Advisor in 370-South or visit the Academic Counseling Center in University College (655-South) to determine exemptions or the need for testing. Students enrolling at off-site locations may consult with the designated UHD advisor at the site.
NOTE: Students who plan to major in Urban Education must take THEA.

Exemptions:

1. Students who took the ACT less than 5 years ago with a composite score of 23 or higher. Individual Math and English scores must be 19 or higher.
   
2. Students who took the SAT less than 5 years ago with a composite score of 1070. Individual Math and English scores must be 500 or higher.
   
3. Students who took the TAAS less than 3 years ago with a composite score of 1770 or higher. Individual scores in Math must be 86 or higher, and individual scores in Reading must be 89 or higher.
   
4. Students who have an associate or a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
   
5. Students who are on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and have been serving for at least three years prior to enrolling.
   
6. Students who on or after August 1, 1990, were 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.
   
7. Students who are transferring from a private or out-of-state, regionally accredited, college or university and who have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by UHD.

   NOTE: Submit transcripts to UHD as soon as possible. In order to determine TSI exemption official transcripts must be submitted to UHD.
   

8. Students who have previously attended any institution and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution. The designation must appear on the transcript.
   
9. Students who are 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.
   
10. Students who are not seeking degrees or certificates.
    
    
    *SPANTRAN and other authorized translations of international courses may also satisfy TSI requirements.
    

Students who score below the minimum standard must complete the following actions:

• Meet with an advisor to develop an individualized success plan.
• Enroll in the appropriate developmental courses.

• Meet with an advisor to develop an individualized success plan.
• Enroll in the appropriate developmental courses.
• Retest with ACCUPLACER or THEA.
• Enroll in a tutorial if obligated in Math or Reading.

Last updated or reviewed on 1/7/13