Denise Siler, Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Administration Building

Box T-0030, Stephenville, TX 76402
(800) 687-8236
(254) 968-9125
e-mail: uadm@tarleton.edu
www.tarleton.edu/~admissions

Admission to The Texas A&M University System and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or educationally unrelated handicaps.
Transfer services such as Transfer Equivalency Guides, Texas Common Course Numbering System Equivalency Guides, Common Core Equivalency Guides, and 2+2 Degree Plans are available to aid students in transferring to Tarleton State University from a junior or community college. Please check with the Coordinator of Transfer Services at 1-800-687-8236 or review the information online at www.tarleton.edu/~admissions

PRE-ENROLLMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR APPLICATION
1. The State of Texas Common Application for Public Universities,*
available at the following locations:
a. the Undergraduate Admissions Office,
b. local high school or community college counselor's office,
c. www.applytexas.org (application is submitted electronically)
d. www. tarleton.edu/~admissions (printed or on-line version).
2. Official transcripts from high school/colleges previously attended (see next page)
3. Official scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or the American College Test (ACT), if applicable,
5. Application fee, $25, and
6. Section of application form used to determine Texas residency for tuition purposes (Part B). Texas residency is determined in accordance with state law. See p. 64.

Each of the above items must be received before an application can be evaluated. Other documents may be requested as needed.

* Used by U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for undergraduate admission

Materials should be on file well in advance of registration. Students are encouraged to apply on or before the following dates:

Materials submitted by applicants who do not enroll at Tarleton are destroyed after one calendar year. If a student reapplies within the calendar year, he/she must complete a new application and pay the application fee. Official documents received for a previous term may be added to the new file. If a student has completed work since applying with Tarleton, he/she must provide final official transcripts and/or score reports. If a student applies for admission more than a year after submitting a previous application, he/she will be required to submit the completed application, the application fee, test score reports, and a complete set of transcripts.

Official High School Transcripts
A freshman applicant who has not graduated from high school at the time of application must submit an official transcript indicating grades, projected graduation date, and class rank.
A freshman applicant who has graduated from high school at the time of application and transfer applicants with less than 30 semester hours of college credit and a GPA of 2.00 through 2.79 must submit an official high school transcript that includes class rank and date of graduation.
Class rank shall be calculated at the end of the 11th grade, middle of the 12th grade, or high school graduation, whichever is most recent when the application is complete.
If an applicant is accepted during his/her 11th or 12th grade year of high school, he/she must submit an official, final high school transcript upon graduation. The transcript must show final class rank, graduation date, and a seal displaying the high school program the student completed. The final high school transcript must be submitted by the end of the first semester of attendance at Tarleton.
To be considered official, the high school transcript must bear an original signature of a school official and an original school seal. Faxed copies are not official. Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.

Courses in Progress
Freshman applicants must provide a list of all courses in progress and those yet to be taken in high school. The list should include exact course titles. A copy of the applicant's senior class schedule will fulfill this requirement.

Official College Transcripts
An official transcript is required from every post-secondary institution attended, even if the applicant did not earn credit or receive a course grade from the institution, or the course is not transferable. Course work from one college posted on the transcript of another college will not satisfy this requirement.
For readmission to Tarleton, only those transcripts from institutions attended since the last enrollment at Tarleton State University are required.
Faxed copies are not official. Electronic transcripts are considered official transcripts. Check with sending/receiving institutions for availability.
Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation and an evaluation of course work by a foreign credentials evaluation service. Check with Undergraduate Admissions for information on transcript evaluation services.

APPLICATION FEE
Students applying for admission to Tarleton are required to pay a non-refundable application processing fee of $25. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Tarleton State University. The application fee must be submitted with the application forms or mailed at the time the application is submitted electronically. Credit card payments can be made at the time of electronic submission or over the phone. Tarleton does not accept fee waivers for the application fee.

HOUSING APPLICATION
Housing requirements apply to certain students enrolled at Tarleton State University. Please refer to Housing and Residence Life in the Student Life section for details.

TEXAS ACADEMIC SKILLS PROGRAM (TASP)
Although TASP results are not used for admission purposes, students planning to attend Tarleton need to be aware that, unless they are exempt under TASP guidelines (see p. 18), they must take the TASP test prior to enrolling their first semester. Students may not enroll in upper-level courses that will bring their cumulative credit hours to 60 or more until they successfully meet all TASP requirements.
The Texas State Education Code requires that all students "who enter public institutions of higher education in the fall of 1989 and thereafter must be tested for reading, writing, and mathematics skills" (Texas Education Code, Sec. 51.306). All full?time or part?time students who have not earned at least 3 semester hours of college?level credit prior to Fall 1989 must take the TASP test if any one of the following conditions apply:
1. The student is enrolling in a college-level degree program;
2. The student is entering a certificate program that contains 9 or more semester credit hours, or the equivalent, of general education courses as defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;
3. The student is transferring from outside Texas or from a private Texas college or university;
4. The student is seeking admission to a Texas upper?level institution or program that requires the TASP test as a condition of admission.

Students who failed an area of the TASP Test and have not successfully completed remediation are not permitted to enroll in the following classes.
1. Students who failed the Writing portion of TASP may not initially enroll in ENGL 1113 or ENGL 1123. However, the Writing Program reserves the right to allow TASP-failing writers to take English 1113 or 1123 if they perform well on the Composition Placement Test.
2. Students who failed the Reading portion of TASP may not enroll in HIST 2013 or 2023; ENGL 2203; POLS 2013 or 2023; or PSY 1013.
3. Students who failed the Math portion of TASP may not enroll in MATH 1073 or 1093.

The fee for the TASP test will be paid by the student. To obtain a copy of the TASP Registration Bulletin, contact the Admissions Office in the Administration Building or the Division of General Studies on the third floor of the Humanities Building.

TASP Exemption
There are certain conditions that may exempt students from requirements of the TASP law.
1. Students performing at or above the following levels are exempt:
a. ACT -- composite score of 23 or higher with individual Math and English scores of no less than 19. Scores must be no more than five years old.
b. SAT -- composite score of 1070 or higher with minimum scores of 500 on both verbal and math. Scores must be no more than five years old.
c. TAAS -- scale scores of 1770 or higher on the writing test and a Texas Learning Index (TXI) of 86 on math and 89 on reading. TAAS scores must be no more than three years old.
2. A student who earned at least 3 semester hours of college-level credit prior to Fall 1989 is exempt.
3. Transfer students with accumulated hours from out-of-state or private institutions may use transferred courses that correspond with those courses designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to satisfy TASP requirements. A student must have earned a course grade of B or higher in each of the three skill areas. If the student does not meet this requirement, he/she must be tested for the remaining skill areas and must comply with all other TASP requirements.

If you qualify for one of these exemptions, please contact the Admissions Office at (254) 968-9125 or (800) 687-8236.

Students with disabilities may request special testing accommodations from the Coordinating Board or the Texas Education Agency.

PLACEMENT POLICIES
Math Placement Policy
Students who are exempt from the TASP test will be placed in college-level mathematics. Students who are required to take the TASP test will be placed according to their TASP scores. If TASP scores are not available, placement is determined by ACT or SAT scores. TASP scores take precedence over ACT or SAT. Students placed in a developmental course may take a placement exam during orientation to place into the next higher course.

MATH course TASP score ACT score SAT score
1073 270 or higher 20 or higher 500 or higher
1013 230-269 17-19 460-490
1003 229 or lower 16 or lower 450 or lower

English Placement Policy
All students who fail the writing portion of TASP will initially be placed in English 1003. Students who pass the writing portion of TASP are required to take the Composition Placement Test (CPT) at orientation unless they score 19 or more on the ACT verbal or 500 or more on the SAT verbal. Students who are exempt from the CPT or have passed the CPT should enroll in English 1113.
Students who are placed in English 1003 by TASP or the CPT will be given additional diagnostic writings on the first and second days of class. A good performance on either of these two writings will permit a student to switch from English 1003 to English 1113.

Reading Placement Policy
No reading course will be required of students who are exempt from the TASP test or who passed the reading section of TASP. All other students will be assigned to RDG 1003.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Students enrolling in health-related courses that involve direct patient contact (i.e., Nursing and Clinical Laboratory Science) must meet the following immunization criteria:

Requirements (for students enrolling in health-related courses)
Measles - Persons born since January 1, 1957, must have two doses since 12 months of age, with the doses coming at least 30 days apart.
Mumps - Persons born since January 1, 1957, must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.
Rubella - Must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.
Tetanus/Diphtheria - Must have one dose within the past 10 years.
Hepatitis B - A complete series or proof of immunity is encouraged for any student enrolling in health-related courses that involve direct patient contact, especially with patients' blood (i.e., Nursing, Clinical Laboratory Science, Emergency Medical Procedures, and some Pre-Med courses). Nursing students are required to take the hepatitis series or sign a waiver.

Recommendations (for all students)
Measles - It is strongly recommended that students enrolling in institutions of higher education have two doses of measles vaccine prior to the start of classes.
Tetanus/diphtheria - Tetanus vaccines are effective for about 10 years and need to be boosted at that interval; they should be given in combination with the diphtheria vaccine.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER DISCLOSURE
Section 7(b) of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) requires that when any federal, state, or local government agency requests an individual to disclose his/her social security account number (SSAN), that individual must also be advised whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority the number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it.
Accordingly, applicants for admission are advised that disclosure of a student's SSAN is strongly recommended for admission as a student at Tarleton State University, in view of the practical administrative difficulties that would be encountered in maintaining adequate student records without continued use of the SSAN. It is used to verify the identity of the student, and as a student account number (identifier) to record necessary data accurately. As an identifier, the SSAN is used for such activities as determining and recording eligibility for admission as a student; reporting initial physical examinations; determining and recording assessments and payments of student fees and charges; determining and recording eligibility for student financial assistance including loans, scholarships, grants, allowances, and official student travel and per diem; recording student grades and related academic data; determining and recording eligibility for participation in Reserve Officers Training Corps programs and in athletic, rodeo, and similar events; registering private vehicles and issuing parking permits; issuing student identification cards; recording issue and return of library books and other materials; registering for placement services, including resume preparation and furnishing information to prospective employers; and other such related requirements that might arise. Tarleton State University has for several years consistently requested disclosure of the SSAN on student application forms and other necessary student forms and documents used pursuant to statutes passed by the State of Texas and United States and regulations adopted by agencies of the State of Texas and United States, and by the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System.
If a student chooses not to disclose his/her SSAN, he/she may request a random number to be assigned to his/her records while attending Tarleton State University. The student should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more details.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN

At the time of application, students with no college credits since graduation from high school or entering Tarleton directly from a Texas public high school accredited by the Texas Education Agency or a Texas non-public school accredited by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission are first-time freshmen.

REGULAR ADMISSION
To be granted regular admission status, first-time freshmen must meet one of the following requirements:
1. Score 930 or higher on the Recentered SAT or 20 or higher on the Enhanced ACT (Test scores must be no more than six years old.) and provide a complete high school transcript;
2. Complete one of the high school programs similar to New Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program as outlined by the Texas Education Agency and provide SAT or ACT scores;
3. Rank in the top quarter of their high school graduating class, provide SAT or ACT scores, and provide a transcript showing successful completion of four years of English and three years of college preparatory mathematics, including Algebra I and Algebra II. Courses such as Correlated Language Arts, Pre-Algebra, and Fundamentals of Math will not satisfy these requirements;
4. Rank in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.

EARLY NOTIFICATION OF ADMISSION
Students seeking early notification of admission must submit all required application materials. Upon graduation a final high school transcript showing graduation date and class rank must be submitted.

Completion of Sixth High School Semester
Students who are in the top ten percent of their class or who meet the SAT/ACT requirement shown above will be admitted after completion of their sixth semester. High school transcripts showing grades through the junior year, projected date of graduation, estimated rank, and SAT or ACT score must be submitted before a decision will be made regarding admission to the University.

Completion of Seventh High School Semester
Students submitting a seventh semester transcript and SAT/ACT scores who meet regular admission requirements will be given early notification.

GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (GED) TESTS
A GED will be considered equivalent to a high school diploma, provided the average standard score is at least 55 or no subscore is less than 50. The student's high school class must have been graduated at least one calendar year before the intended date of enrollment at Tarleton. An official copy or photocopy of the results must be submitted. Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores with a minimum score of 930 on the Recentered SAT or 20 on the Enhanced ACT.

HOME-SCHOOLED OR NON-ACCREDITED HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Students who graduate from high schools not accredited by the Texas Education Agency or who are home schooled may be considered if they have a score of 930 or above on the Recentered SAT or 20 or above on the Enhanced ACT.

ADVISED ADMISSION
Applicants who are slightly short of the requirements for regular admission will be considered for advised admission. Only a limited number of advised admissions will be allowed. Advised admission does not constitute full admission to the University. A student who is granted advised admission will sign a contract for a one-semester enrollment at Tarleton. The conditions of the contract generally will be to enroll in no more than 15 semester credit hours; to pass at least 12 semester credit hours, including an English course and a mathematics course, with a GPA of 2.00 or higher; to make at least a C in any developmental courses taken; and to be advised by the Division of General Studies. Students who meet these conditions will then be fully admitted to the University. Students who fail to meet the conditions of the contract will not be allowed to re-enroll at Tarleton State University until they succeed academically at another institution and are able to meet Tarleton's transfer requirements.

LIMITED ADMISSION FOR OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Students who (1) have completed their junior year of high school; (2) are ranked in the top quarter of their graduating class; and (3) have scores of at least 1100 on the Recentered SAT, or 110 on the Recentered PSAT, or 24 on the Enhanced ACT or PACT may apply for one of the following programs. Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from their high school principal or counselor addressing students' maturity and academic capabilities and a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Summer Program
Those admitted to this program typically are awarded the credit earned at Tarleton following their graduation from high school.

Concurrent Enrollment Program
Students admitted to this program may enroll in a maximum of 6 hours and will be awarded the credit earned at Tarleton following graduation from high school. University and high school course loads must be agreed upon before enrollment.

Select Program
Students completing the Summer Program with a 3.0 GPA or higher in at least 12 hours may be considered for full-time enrollment in the fall. Fewer hours may be considered with special permission from the dean of the college in which the student is enrolling. Those admitted must enroll for a normal 15-semester hour course load. A second letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian is required.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Admission of international students to the undergraduate program at Tarleton is based upon graduation from a secondary school (lyceum, senior middle school, high school, preparatory school, or other equivalent) in a system equivalent to at least 12 grades. Students must supply the University with official transcripts of academic work and with an evaluation of foreign credentials from an approved foreign evaluation service. See the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more details. The quality of the applicant's prior secondary or collegiate?level work is judged from the grades, class attained, or class rank achieved. International applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission. The SAT score must be 930 or higher; ACT score must be 20 or higher.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service, is required with a minimum score of 520 on the paper-based test or 190 on the computer-based test. Completion of six semester hours of regular first?year college English composition at an accredited college in the United States with a grade of C or better in each course will satisfy the TOEFL requirement.
The student must have a reliable financial sponsor in the United States or the country of origin. The sponsor can be a company, a consular official, or any individual who can be responsible for financial support while the student is studying in the United States.
International applicants must submit two passport-style photos taken within six months of application, a $100 (US) processing and admission fee and a $25 application fee. Both fees are nonrefundable. Payment must be made by bank cashier's check or money order, payable to Tarleton State University. The Department of Immigration and Naturalization requires that all international students have medical insurance with coverage in the United States. Students may wish to purchase insurance through the University upon arrival.
All application materials must be sent to the Office of International Academic Programs. Applications cannot be processed until all materials are received. The I-20 will be issued only after a formal admission letter has been issued by Tarleton State University. All undergraduate students are required to take the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) test before admission to the university.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

At the time of application, students who have earned college level credit at an accredited institution after high school graduation are considered transfer students. Applicants must be eligible to enroll at all colleges and universities previously attended and submit final official transcripts from each college or university attended. For students who have previously attended Tarleton State University, transfer work and Tarleton work will be combined to determine a cumulative GPA.

TRANSFER STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
The following minimum standards must be met:
1. Students with fewer than 30 semester hours of college credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher will be admitted. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 - 2.79 will be admitted, provided they also meet the regular admission standards for first-time freshman applicants.
2. Students with 30 or more semester hours of college credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher will be admitted.

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY - CENTRAL TEXAS

To be admitted to Tarleton State University - Central Texas, an applicant must have:
1. Completed 45 hours of college level credit before being accepted; and
2. Passed all portions of TASP or provided official proof of TASP exemption. (See p. 18 for TASP exemptions.)
Applicants who meet these requirements and have a cumulative transfer grade point average of 2.0 or higher will be admitted.

POST-BACCALAUREATE ADMISSIONS

A student who has a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution and who is in good standing at all schools previously attended but who is not seeking a master's degree or professional certification may apply as a post-baccalaureate student. A post-baccalaureate student may work on a second bachelor's degree or teaching certification or take courses of interest. To be admitted to post-baccalaureate status, an applicant must submit official transcript(s) from all schools attended, a signed application form, a $25 application fee, a copy of social security card, and a tuition residency form. Undergraduate academic standards apply to post-baccalaureate students.

READMISSIONS

Students who have previously attended Tarleton and are returning after one or more long semesters' absence may apply for readmission. Applicants must submit an application for readmission, pay a $25 application fee, and be clear of any blocks by Tarleton offices (Police, Business Office, Financial Aid, etc.).
1. Students who have not enrolled at any other college or university since last attending Tarleton and are free of suspension will be admitted.
2. Students who have enrolled at any other college or university since last attending Tarleton and who meet transfer requirements and are free of suspension may be admitted.

INDIVIDUAL APPROVAL (APPEALS)

APPEALS. Students not admitted may ask to be considered for individual approval. If the case has sufficient merit, it will be referred to the Academic Standards Committee. Appeals will be considered only in cases of highly extenuating circumstances. An appeal will not be considered for applicants who are ineligible to return to a previous institution.
Appeal requests must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions no later than two weeks before the first class day for that semester. Any exceptions to this deadline must be approved by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The form to be used when requesting consideration for individual approval may be obtained from the Admissions Office.

ACADEMIC FRESH START

Senate Bill 1321 entitles residents of the state of Texas to seek admission to public institutions of higher education without consideration of courses taken ten or more years prior to enrollment. This bill gives students the option of electing to have course work taken ten or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll either counted as usual or ignored for admission purposes. Applicants who elect to apply for admission under this law and who are admitted as students may not receive any course credit for courses taken ten or more years prior to enrollment.

TRANSFER ARTICULATION POLICIES

Because of differences in institutional degree requirements and course content, some credits transferred from other colleges and universities may not apply toward satisfying degree requirements at Tarleton. A maximum of 68 semester hours of academic credit will be accepted for degree credit from a two-year institution.
Only those courses that carry a grade of "D" or better will be considered for articulation to the Tarleton transcript. Remedial/developmental courses will not be entered and will not be used in the admissions decision. Courses that are vocational or technical in nature are not automatically accepted by Tarleton State University. These courses must be approved by the appropriate academic departments and resubmitted for articulation to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students with a significant number of hours in a technical field and who wish to use those hours toward a Tarleton degree should consider the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree programs. (See p. 49 for additional information.)
When a course has been repeated at another school or schools, only the best effort will be transcribed.
The current admissions rules (see Transfer Student Qualifications above) will be applied to all work completed.

TEXAS COMMON COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM
A common numbering system has been devised by area colleges and universities to identify those courses that are similar in nature and considered to be equal in transfer. The purpose of the system is to assist students who are transferring between participating institutions. Following is a list of Tarleton courses that are considered as matches with the Common Course identifiers:

Common Course Numbering System

* All other common courses transfer to Tarleton as electives. However, these elective courses are often substituted for degree requirements. If you have any questions regarding transferability of courses, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 1-800-687-8236 or email at uadm@tarleton.edu.

** COSC 1301/1401 will not be accepted if a significant amount of computer programming is not included.

RESOLUTION OF TRANSFER DISPUTES
If Tarleton does not accept lower-division course credit earned by a student at another public institution of higher education in Texas, Tarleton will give written notice to the student and the other institution that the transfer of the course credit is denied. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve any dispute over the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board guidelines. If the dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and the institution at which the credit was earned, the student may file a Transfer Dispute Resolution form (CB-TDR) with Tarleton. It must be submitted within 15 days of the date the student received written notification of the denial of credit. Tarleton will forward a copy of the CB-TDR to the Commissioner of Higher Education who will resolve the dispute if necessary. In this instance, the Commissioner will give written notice to the student and institutions involved.

STUDENT LIFE

The Division of Student Services strives to create an outstanding campus environment for learning and development by serving students' interests in every aspect of University life. The Vice President for Student Services supervises and coordinates all aspects of student life including Career Services, the Dean of Student Life, Financial Aid, Food Services, Housing and Residence Life, Multicultural Services, Recreational Sports, Rodeo Activities, Student Activities, the Student Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, Student Leadership Programs, Student Publications, and the Student Development Center.

CAREER SERVICES

Located in Room 218 of the Student Development Center, the Career Services Center is available as early as a student's freshman year for help in choosing a career field as well as looking for a part-time job. The Pinpoint Guidance System, an interactive computer program, and other career inventories provide feedback for occupational preferences based on personality profiles and personal value systems. Personal career counseling sessions are scheduled by appointment. A career library is available to help with career development: i.e., writing resumes, interviewing, and learning how to dress professionally. The final segment, the job search, is served through job fairs and on-campus interviews that establish networks and identify jobs. Electronic registration is accomplished through the Center's Career Connections system. Students need to register with the Center no later than the second semester of the junior year. To find out more about our services, please visit www.tarleton.edu/~careers/

OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE

The Office of Student Life is dedicated to promoting a campus environment that provides an opportunity for all students to learn and develop. The Dean of Student Life serves as the adviser to the Student Government Association and Greek Affairs. The Dean is also responsible for enforcing University policies, coordinating student legal services, and providing information and support to students who want to become more involved in campus life. Staff members serve as the University contact for student-related grievances and emergencies and as consultants to faculty and staff on student problems and concerns. The Office of Student Life is located in Room 105A of the Student Development Center or check the website at www.tarleton.edu/~stuserv/dean/

MULTICULTURAL SERVICES

Tarleton State University recognizes the importance of building a diversified campus where students interact both academically and socially regardless of culture or race. The Office of Multicultural Services provides support services, multicultural programming, and activities that promote cultural awareness and sensitivity of our diverse student body. The Office of Multicultural Services is located in Room 201A of the Student Development Center. Please visit us at www.tarleton.edu/~multiserv/

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Participation in competitive and recreational sporting activities is an essential part of the student's total educational experience. The Department of Recreational Sports provides a variety of intramural team and individual sporting events, self-directed activities, and special events to meet the physical fitness and personal enjoyment needs of Tarleton's students. Such activities and events provide a means for students to socialize and compete in the spirit of good sportsmanship and serve as an excellent way to relieve stress. A calendar of scheduled recreational activities and events can be obtained at the Office of Recreational Sports, which is located in the Physical Education Annex next to the Administration Building. Please visit us at
www.tarleton.edu/~recsports/

RODEO ACTIVITIES

The Office of Rodeo Activities serves as a central location for students who are interested in rodeo participation or competition. Practice facilities and stock are available, as well as scholarships and travel allowances based on scholastic and rodeo performance. The Office sponsors the Tarleton Rodeo Association, which is open to all students, and hosts several rodeo activities throughout the academic year including the Intramural Rodeo, Alumni Rodeo, and NIRA Rodeo. Tarleton State University is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) and participates in the Southwest Region. The Office of Rodeo Activities is located in Room 104 E-D of the Student Development Center. Please visit us at www.tarleton.edu/~rodeo/

DISABILITY SERVICES

Students with disabilities may request appropriate accommodation by contacting the Director of Disability Services in the Academic Affairs Office, at (254) 968-9103. Students at Tarleton University System Center - Central Texas may contact the Executive Director's Office in Killeen at (254) 519-5447 or the Disability Services Office in Stephenville. Formal accommodation requests cannot be made until the student has been admitted to Tarleton. However, students are encouraged to make initial contact well in advance of this time to clarify documentation requirements and to allow time to arrange possible accommodations.
It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal, state, and local laws. The Office of Disability Services fully supports this policy. Applicants for admission are not required to disclose disability status in the admission process. Information related to a disability that has been released to the Disability Services Office is not used in the admission review process.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Participation in organizations, activities, and events adds an important dimension to the college experience. In addition to making friends, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills that are important for their futures.
More than 100 student organizations are recognized by the Office of Student Activities. These organizations represent academic departments, honor societies, Greek fraternities and sororities, and a variety of special interest groups.
The Student Programming Association (SPA) is one of the organizations advised by Student Activities. SPA is the main programming board on campus, offering students the opportunity to plan and implement activities (concerts, movies, speakers, and service projects) for the Tarleton campus and local community.
In addition to SPA and student organizations, the Office of Student Activities is responsible for Student Organizational Forum, University orientation programs, and various social programs designed to meet the needs of a culturally diverse student body.
For further information, call (254) 968-9490 or come by the Office of Student Activities in Room 201 of the Student Development Center or visit www.tarleton.edu/~stuact/

STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES

The Student Counseling Center provides counseling and psychological services to students enrolled at Tarleton. These services include individual, couple, marital, and group counseling; consultation; and outreach programming. Concerns addressed in counseling vary widely and include adjustment to college, choosing a major, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, test anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, and depression. Appointments usually last 45 to 50 minutes. The number of sessions depends on the nature of the student's concern. Personality or interest testing is also available. There is no charge for counseling or testing services.
All services provided are held in the strictest confidence. Confidentiality is maintained to the limits provided by Texas law and professional ethics, and no record of counseling is made on academic transcripts. The Student Counseling Center is committed to multiculturalism and to meeting the diverse needs of a changing University community. Appointments may be scheduled in person or by calling (254) 968-9044. The Student Counseling Center is located in Room 212 of the Student Development Center. Additional information about counseling services is available at www.tarleton.edu/~counseling/

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The Student Development Center (SDC) serves as the center of campus life. The SDC has a ballroom that seats 430 in banquet style and five conference rooms with seating from 28 to 98. Five comfortable lounges are available for studying or visiting with friends. A commuter vending lounge equipped with microwave oven, refrigerator, and drink vending machines is available on the main floor. The Fitness Zone has a variety of exercise equipment including treadmills, stair steppers, life-cycles, weight machines, and free weights. The Game Room has nine pool tables, three ping pong tables, an air hockey table, an assortment of video machines, several card and board games, darts, and pinball machines. For additional information visit the website at http://www.tarleton.edu/~sdc/

STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

The Student Health Center provides health care services to all students currently enrolled at Tarleton State University. The student health fees cover office visits. There are very reasonable fees for treatments, injections, tests, and medications. ID presentation is required with each visit.
Services provided include prescription and over-the-counter medication and supplies necessary for treatment of minor acute illnesses and injuries, suturing of simple lacerations, removal of simple skin lesions, service of a medical doctor or nurse practitioner at specified times, administration of allergy injections as directed by the student's allergist, consultations regarding any health problem, blood pressure checks, loaning of crutches, continuation of health care following surgery or illness as directed by the physician, and assistance with referral to specialists or hospital when deemed necessary. TB testing and tetanus, MMR, meningitis, flu (fall semester only), and hepatitis A & B vaccines are available, as well as assistance with referral to physician or hospital when necessary. Physical exams, women's health exams, and oral or injectable birth control are also available for a reasonable fee. All x-rays, laboratory tests, and medical services outside of the Student Health Center are at the student's expense.
Health literature is available at the Student Health Center. Health center staff are Tarleton Allies and advocates for the physically disabled. For more information, call (254) 968-9272 or come by the Student Health Center in Room 212 of the Student Development Center. Visit us online at www.tarleton.edu/~stuheal/

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the representative voice of Tarleton State University students and is directly responsible for bringing the interests and concerns of students to the attention of the administration and University community. SGA works cooperatively with the University administration on policies affecting students in the areas of academics, campus regulations, allocation of student service fees, and student membership on University committees. The SGA coordinates student government elections which are held in the spring of each year. It also initiates programs for the improvement and enrichment of the student body and the University community. The SGA office is located in Room 201H of the Student Development Center.

THE STUDENT HANDBOOK

The Student Handbook provides a detailed explanation of Tarleton State University services, rules and regulations, and policies of The Texas A&M University System. Copies of the handbook are made available to students at the beginning of the fall semester and can be obtained through the Office of Student Publications in Room 20 of the Student Development Center, the Office of the Vice President for Student Services in Room 227 of the Administration Building or the Dean of Student Life's Office in Room 105A of the Student Development Center. The handbook is available online at www.tarleton.edu/~stuserv/handbook/

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

The Office of Student Leadership Programs at Tarleton State University provides learning experiences and service opportunities aimed at developing the leadership potential of Tarleton students. Students have many opportunities to develop personally and gain a deeper understanding of their own leadership potential. These programs encourage students to become agents of positive change for improving their world through a commitment to service.
The Leadership Certification program, TASL, emphasizes community involvement. At completion of the three-phase program, students receive leadership certification on their academic transcripts. One of TASL's many community service projects is the Big Event, a day of community service by Tarleton students. On the day of the Big Event, students give back to the residents of the community by performing tasks from painting to pulling weeds.
Duck Camp (see below) is a summer camp that assists new freshmen in making the transition from high school to college. Returning students have the opportunity to serve as group leaders at Duck Camp.
Students can learn more about Tarleton's leadership programs by calling 254.968.9497 or visiting www.tarleton.edu/~stuserv/leadership/

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

The J-TAC is the official newspaper of the student body and is published weekly during the fall and spring semesters. It is the principal means by which Tarleton State University students, faculty, staff, and friends are kept informed of campus-related business, activities, and events. The J-TAC is also available on-line at www.tarleton.edu/~j-tac/
The Grassburr is the University yearbook, and it records key events and programs that occur at the institution throughout an academic year. It displays pictures of students and student organizations and provides a chronicle of events and activities.

ORIENTATION PROGRAMS

Students have the opportunity to participate in orientation programs designed to assist them in making the transition to college life at Tarleton. Orientation programs introduce new students to the college experience through sessions that emphasize academic requirements, support services, student services, academic advising, and registration. Programs are held throughout the academic year and are specialized to meet the needs of first-time, transfer, and graduate students.

DUCK CAMP

Duck Camp is a student-led camp designed to help first-semester freshmen establish friendships, develop leadership skills, and learn about student opportunities and activities while adjusting to life at Tarleton. Students participate in college life sessions and leadership activities, and they are introduced to Tarleton traditions. Duck Camp is held annually in August.

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE

The Department of Housing and Residence Life at Tarleton State University is committed to providing a residential community that supports and enhances the development of life skills in a safe and clean environment. Research has shown that students who reside on campus tend to be more involved in academic and extracurricular activities, tend to earn a higher grade point average, frequently exceed predicted levels of learning and personal development, and are more likely to complete their college education within the prescribed program length. See more online at www.tarleton.edu/~housing/

RESIDENCE HALLS
Tarleton provides on-campus housing for approximately 1,250 students. Residence hall rooms have telephone, cable TV, and high speed internet outlets provided at no additional cost. Ice and vending machines, TV lounges, and laundry facilities are available in each facility.

Men's Residence Halls
Bender Hall is an air-conditioned hall with space for 184 men. This hall has three floors that are divided into ramps. Each ramp consists of approximately 40 students who share a restroom and shower facility.
Ferguson Hall has space for 237 men. This three-story, air-conditioned residence hall is divided into ramps each with community restrooms and shower facilities.

Women's Residence Halls
Hunewell Hall and Hunewell Annex are air-conditioned residence halls that house 315 women. Rooms are arranged in suites with two rooms joined by a bathroom. A TV lounge is located on the first floor of Hunewell Hall, and laundry facilities are available on the first floor of Hunewell Annex.

Coed Residence Halls
Coed Hall is a four-story, air-conditioned building that houses 186 students. Women reside on the second and third floors and men on the first and fourth floors. Each room has its own private bath. Laundry facilities and ice and vending machines are available on the first floor. Coed houses primarily sophomore, junior, and senior-level students.
Crockett Hall is an air-conditioned hall that is arranged in suites with two rooms sharing a common bath. Crockett houses approximately 150 residents, men on the first floor and women on the second. Laundry facilities and ice and vending machines are available on the first floor of Crockett.

Campus Apartments
Summit, Venture, and Lone Star Apartment complexes are located on the north side of campus. The apartments have one or two bedrooms. Each apartment is furnished, has central heat and air, cable, telephone service, and direct internet access. At Summit and Venture, apartments are assigned with priority given to married students and students with dependents and families. Lone Star apartments are available to students who have met the on-campus living requirement.
A new apartment complex is scheduled to open in Fall 2001. Each apartment will be furnished, have four private bedrooms, cable, telephone, and internet access. The apartment complex will include a clubhouse with a cookout area, a large television lounge, laundry facilities, and a computer lab. Apartments will be assigned with priority given to upper-class students.

HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
All unmarried students under 21 years of age who have completed fewer than 45 semester credit hours accepted by Tarleton must reside in the residence halls and eat in the University dining facilities. Housing contracts are for an academic year (fall and spring). Students who live with a parent or parents at their legal, full-time residence within 60 miles of campus according to the official state mileage chart, who are married, or who have a child are excused from this policy. Proof must be submitted along with a completed off-campus request form. Exceptions will also be considered for students with severe, documented medical problems that preclude them from living in a residence hall, or who wish to live with a brother or sister who is enrolled at Tarleton State University for that semester. The above-mentioned exceptions must be approved by the Director of Housing and Residence Life. A student requesting an exception because of medical reasons must submit a detailed supporting statement from a physician on the physician's letterhead with an off-campus request form.
For all University housing, a completed application and $100 deposit in the form of cash, check, or money order must be submitted to the Office of Housing and Residence Life to reserve a room space. An application should be made as soon as possible because room assignments are made based upon the date of receipt of the deposit in the housing office. Chances for receiving a specific roommate are greatly improved if both students' housing applications are mailed together and are received in the housing office prior to March 1. Roommates must mutually request each other in writing.
The deposit, less deductions for damages, if applicable, will be returned to a student who (1) graduates, (2) requests a refund upon completion of his or her housing contract period, or (3) is denied admission to the University for scholastic deficiencies. The $100 deposit is subject to forfeiture if a student does not fulfill his/her contract. A student who withdraws or is suspended from the University will not be allowed to reside in the residence halls or apartments for more than 24 hours after the date of withdrawal or suspension. To receive a refund in full, a request for cancellation must be received in the Housing Office as follows:
Fall July 15 Summer I May 10
Spring December 15 Summer II June 20

Students who wish to appeal the housing requirement must complete an off-campus request form and submit it to the Office of Housing and Residence Life with sufficient documentation to support the information given. Students who have completed 45 semester credit hours accepted by Tarleton or who are at least 21 years of age by the first class day are not required to complete any paperwork for housing. Students are encouraged to wait until they are notified of their release from housing before making alternative housing arrangements.

Contracts
The original contract is extended to cover the entire length of stay in University housing. A renewal is not required.
For more information, please contact the Housing and Residence Life Office at (254) 968-9083, visit the website at housing @tarleton.edu, or write to Housing and Residence Life, Box T-0280, Stephenville, TX 76402.

ATHLETICS

The Department of Athletics provides for and supports a comprehensive athletic program for men and women. Tarleton State University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Lone Star Conference (South Division), which includes seven other area universities -- Abilene Christian University, Angelo State University, Eastern New Mexico University, Texas A&M University - Commerce, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Texas Woman's University, and West Texas A&M University. Intercollegiate sports programs for men include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, and outdoor track and field. Women's athletic programs consist of basketball, cross country, tennis, outdoor track, fast-pitch softball, golf, and volleyball.
Athletics at Tarleton State University is characterized by a commitment to wholesome athletic competition, a desire for student-athletes to succeed academically as well as on the athletic field or court, and by widespread student participation. Athletic teams at Tarleton State University are known as the Texans/TexAnns, and the official school colors are purple and white.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The Child Development Center provides quality child care for children ages 3 to 5 and early childhood laboratory experience for Tarleton State University students. The Center is located in the Department of Human Sciences in Wisdom Gym. It is open to children of students, faculty, and staff, as well as the community.

PARKING AND AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS

All vehicles owned, parked, and/or operated on campus at any time by students, faculty, and staff must be registered with the Office of University Police. All student vehicles must be registered at the beginning of each semester or at any time they are brought onto campus. Everyone applying for vehicle registration must furnish a driver's license and a vehicle license number. Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the Traffic and Parking Regulations.

THE TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC.

The Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc., exists exclusively for the purpose of providing financial assistance to Tarleton State University. The Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides support for Tarleton primarily from earnings on endowed funds, gifts, or property. The Foundation acts independently of the University and The Texas A&M University System, solely for the benefit and enhancement of Tarleton State University.
Through the generosity of Tarleton alumni and friends, the Foundation fiscally administers more than 100 scholarship accounts and provides financial assistance for related scholarly activities. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board composed of up to 25 members. The Foundation manages, invests, and distributes all funds of the Foundation for the furtherance of educational purposes at Tarleton, including scholarships, opportunity awards for students, student recruiting, and any other activities permissible under the laws of the State of Texas. For further information regarding the Foundation, contact the Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc., Box T-0415, phone (254) 968-9890.

TARLETON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The mission of the Tarleton Alumni Association (TAA) is to preserve traditions and to provide leadership, meaningful services, and active support to Tarleton, its students, friends, and alumni. The TAA, governed by a 21-member Board of Directors that meets four times annually, represents over 50,000 former Tarleton students. Operating from the Tarleton Center, the TAA strives to keep alumni involved and informed about Tarleton by providing numerous activities and services, both on campus and throughout Texas. The TAA also aims to make current students aware of Tarleton's strong traditions, famous alumni from past years, and the importance of remaining associated with the University after graduation.