Tarleton State University offers student financial aid in the form of loans, grants, work opportunities, and scholarships. In determining the type and amount of financial aid necessary to meet a student's financial need, the University expects parents and spouses to make a maximum effort to assist the student with college expenses. Financial aid resources of the University should be viewed only as supplementary to the financial resources of the applicant and family. To apply for financial aid, a student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Federal Central Processor will mail Renewal applications to students who applied for federal student aid for the 2000-2001 academic year and those students who apply in subsequent years. Students should use the Renewal FAFSA to make their annual application for assistance. Financial aid applications are available from high school counselors, most college or university student financial aid offices, the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or contact:

Student Financial Aid
Box T-0310
Stephenville, TX 76402

(254) 968-9070 or (254) 519-5442

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR FINANCIAL AID

Various federal and state regulations governing student financial assistance require that an institution develop standards to measure academic standing and progress toward a degree objective. These regulations are subject to changes in the Tarleton academic policy regarding probation/suspension. The financial aid program is designed for all students who have a demonstrated financial need for assistance to meet college expenses and who are making satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the Department of Student Financial Aid. All students must be enrolled at least half time (6 hours) and accepted for enrollment in a program leading to a degree or certificate. Financial aid eligibility is contingent upon continued satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate. To maintain satisfactory academic progress, a student must meet the standards listed below.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Undergraduate students with 60 or more hours must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for Tarleton coursework. Graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on Tarleton coursework.

EXCESSIVE HOURS
Financial aid will not be available to undergraduate students with more than 192 attempted credit hours. All courses that a student registers for (including courses that were completed, drops, and withdrawals) or transfers to Tarleton are included in the excessive hour calculation.
Financial aid will not be available to graduate students with more than 54 attempted credit hours. All courses that a student registers for (including courses that were completed, drops, and withdrawals) or transfers to Tarleton are included in the excessive hour calculation.

DEFICIT HOURS
Financial aid recipients are expected to complete a defined number of credit hours each semester or academic year. This number is based on the number of hours a student enrolls in, as follows:
Undergraduate students who are enrolled full time are expected to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work in an academic year or 12 hours if enrolled for only one semester. Students who are enrolled three-quarter time are expected to complete at least 18 credit hours in an academic year or 9 hours if enrolled for only one semester. Students who are enrolled half-time are expected to complete12 credit hours of course work in an academic year or 6 hours if enrolled for only one semester.
Graduate students enrolled full-time are expected to complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of course work in an academic year or 9 hours if enrolled for only one semester. Graduate students enrolled half time are expected to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work in an academic year or 6 hours if enrolled for only one semester.
Students who do not meet their minimum standards are not eligible for financial aid. All financial aid offers will be cancelled for noncompliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.

APPEALS
A student who is denied financial aid under the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards has the right to appeal. The submission of an appeal is only a request and does not imply that financial aid holds will be removed or that approval of the appeal is forthcoming. The appeal must be submitted to the Financial Aid office in writing and should demonstrate the occurrence of extenuating circumstances that were beyond the student's control.
All appeals must include the following information:
1. student's name
2. student's ID number
3. student's local or permanent mailing address
4. student's local telephone number
5. date of the appeal
6. a signed letter from the student requesting a waiver of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. This letter must include the facts or reasons pertaining to the student's inability to maintain stated standards. If the extenuating circumstances include medical reasons or the death of an immediate family member, documentation must accompany the appeal.
A decision will be reached within ten working days, and the student will be notified of the results by mail.

PRIORITY DATES
Priority is given to students who have submitted to the Financial Aid Office all requested and required documentation (including appropriate electronic data exchange) prior to the following dates:
March 1 summer semester
April 1 fall/spring semesters

DEADLINES
No financial aid will be processed after the following dates:
May 1- summer semester
October 15- fall semester
March 15- spring semester

Applicants are responsible for the timeliness and promptness of their applications. Note: Electronic data from outside processing agencies and all other required documentation must be on file in the Financial Aid Office to ensure first consideration for awards.

REFUND POLICIES ON STUDENT FINANCIAL AID AWARDS

If a student withdraws from Tarleton before a certain period of time has elapsed, a portion of the financial aid awarded (excluding work?study) will be required to be repaid. The amount to be repaid is determined by the following policy.

TUITION, STUDENT SERVICE FEE, STUDENT DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX FEE, AND LABORATORY FEES
Students withdrawing from Tarleton will owe a refund on these fees according to the following schedule.

Fall or Spring Semester
Prior to the first class day- 100 percent
During the first five class days- 80 percent
During the second five class days -70 percent
During the third five class days- 50 percent
During the fourth five class days-25 percent
After the fourth five class days-none

Summer Semester
Prior to the first class day- 100 percent
During the first, second, or third class day -80 percent
During the fourth, fifth, or sixth class day- 50 percent
Seventh day of class and thereafter- none

ROOM, MEALS, PERSONAL, AND TRANSPORTATION
Students withdrawing from Tarleton may receive a refund on these fees according to the following schedule with day 1 being the day the residence halls open:

LOANS

Each student must complete pre-loan counseling before release of the first disbursement of the first Stafford or Hinson-Hazlewood loan. After initiating an application in the Financial Aid Office, the actual loan transactions are made between the student borrower and a lending institution participating in the program. All loan amounts are determined by the cost of education, less other financial aid, less expected family contribution or the program limits.

FEDERAL STAFFORD (GUARANTEED STUDENT) LOANS
These Guaranteed Student Loans are made by banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions. Undergraduate loan limits may not exceed $2,625 for freshmen, $3,500 for sophomores, and $5,500 for juniors and seniors for an undergraduate maximum of $23,000. These limits apply to the amount that can be borrowed every academic year or every grade level. Graduate loan limits may not exceed $8,500 every academic year with an aggregate of $65,500. All loan amounts are determined by the total cost of education, less other financial aid, less expected family contribution, or the program limits. Repayment will begin 6 months after the student ceases to be at least a half-time student. The borrower is required to pay a combined lender fee and insurance premium of 3 percent on the principal amount of the loan.

UNSUBSIDIZED FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS
These loans are made by banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. This program is designed for middle-income borrowers who do not qualify for any or all of the federal subsidies under the Federal Stafford Loan program. The annual and aggregate loan limits for undergraduate and graduate students are the same as under the Federal Stafford (subsidized) Loan program. The interest rate is also the same as a subsidized Stafford Loan. However, payment of interest is the responsibility of the borrower during the in-school and grace periods, but may be allowed to accrue and be capitalized. Repayment of principal begins on the day after a 6-month grace period that follows after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, unless the student requests repayment to begin at an earlier date. The borrower is required to pay a combined origination fee and insurance premium of 3 percent on the principal amount of the loan. The combination of subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans for a borrower may not exceed the annual and aggregate limits for loans under the Federal Stafford Loan program.

FEDERAL PLUS LOANS (PARENT LOANS)
Parent Loans are made by banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and others to parents to assist in meeting education costs. Parents, on behalf of their dependents, may borrow the annual loan limit of the cost of education, less other financial aid. Repayment begins on the date of disbursement with a variable interest rate determined annually on June 1 equal to the 52-week T-bill rate plus 3.1 percent, capped at 10 percent. The borrower is required to pay an origination fee of 3 percent on the principal amount of the loan.

SHORT-TERM LOANS

Application for all short-term loans is made through the Student Financial Aid Office. Distribution and repayment of funds is made in the Business Office. Student ID must be presented upon application. Students will be allowed to have only one Tarleton Loan, and one Tuition and Fee Emergency Loan for the first installment only, plus one Stephen or Student Memorial or Score or Porter Leigon or Potishman Loan per semester. Students will also be allowed only one Potishman or short-term Porter Leigon Loan per semester. Loans will cease to be disbursed 30 days before all loans are due. All short-term loans are paid at the cashier's window in the Administration Building.

TARLETON LOANS
These loans of up to $510 must be used for room and board only. There is a $15 service charge or 10 percent interest, whichever is greater. Loans not paid on time will be assessed a $10 late fee. Loans are due 10 days before finals begin in the spring and fall and 5 days before finals begin in each summer term.

STEPHEN, STUDENT MEMORIAL, SCORE, PORTER-LEIGON LOANS
These loans must be used for books only. Students may borrow up to $300. A voucher will be issued, which the student will then present to the Campus Store. The purchase amount, up to $300, will be recorded on the voucher; this amount becomes the principal due on the loan. A $15 service charge or 10 percent interest, whichever is greater, will be assessed. Loans are due 10 days before finals begin in the spring and fall and 5 days before finals begin in each summer term. Loans not paid on time will be assessed a $10 late fee.

POTISHMAN LOANS
These loans may be made up to $40 for a 30-day period with a $5 service charge or 10 percent interest, whichever is greater. Loans not paid on time will be assessed a $10 late fee.

TUITION AND FEE EMERGENCY LOANS

Conditions are as follows:
1. Tuition and Fee Emergency Loans are for the first installment of tuition and fees only. Loan applications must be completed in person at the Financial Aid Office. These loans are applied automatically to the student's account.
2. Eligible students' applications will be processed on a first?come, first-served basis.
3. Maximum loan amount per student may not exceed the amount owed in tuition and required fees for the courses in which the student is actually enrolling.
4. A promissory note with an interest rate of 5 percent per annum will be executed by the student to be repaid over a period not to exceed ninety days for a loan made for a regular semester, or thirty days for a summer session.

PORTER-LEIGON LOAN FUND
The V. O. Porter and Nell Porter Leigon Fund was established in 1986 by a gift from the Anthon M. Leigon Estate to Tarleton.

THE POTISHMAN FUND
This is a short-term loan program, which began in 1971 through a $5,000 donation of Fort Worth businessman Leo Potishman.

THE SCORE LOAN FUND
This fund is used to make loans up to a maximum of $100 to any business major.

THE STEPHEN MEMORIAL LOAN FUND
This fund was established from the will of Na Homer Stephen in memory of M. L. Matt and Mattie Stephen.

THE STUDENT MEMORIAL LOAN FUND
This fund has been established from the will of Will C. Hogg of Houston. Other friends have contributed to it. The original endowment has been invested in securities and the income is being used for Tarleton student loans.

TARLETON LOAN FUND
When the state of Texas took over Tarleton State College in 1917, among the many gifts provided by citizens of Stephenville was a cash gift of $75,000 with which to commemorate the name of John Tarleton, the original benefactor who made the establishment of Tarleton State University possible in 1899. Citizens of Stephenville and Erath County remembered John Tarleton with great affection, and for that reason this money was raised by private subscription and turned over to the Board of Directors to be used as a student loan fund. The Board of Directors immediately invested the $75,000 as an endowment, making available for loans the income from interest. The first student loans were made in 1920.

LATE PAYMENTS ON LOANS

When a student does not make payment on any outstanding loan by the due date, his/her records will be blocked immediately.

GRANTS

FEDERAL PELL GRANTS
Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduates; amounts range from $400 to $3,300. Pell Grant funds that are disbursed are based on the number of hours enrolled when the funds are received. All other sources of aid will be given in addition to the Pell Grant.

SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS
These grants, ranging from $100 to $1,200 per year, are available to help needy undergraduates meet education expenses.

THE TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION GRANT
This grant was established by the Texas State Legislature to help needy students. Under this program, students may receive grants ranging from $100 and up.

STATE STUDENT INCENTIVE GRANTS (SSIG)
SSIGs furnish financial assistance to students with need attending public institutions of higher education. To be eligible, the applicant must be at least a half?time student, a citizen, a national or a permanent resident of the U.S., and otherwise eligible to pay Texas resident tuition.

WORK OPPORTUNITIES

Many students hold Tarleton part-time jobs. Student assistants are employed in faculty and administrative offices, laboratories, the library, Student Development Center Complex, University farm, and campus maintenance. Because all wages are on an hourly basis, work schedules are arranged around class schedules.
Tarleton participates in the College Work-Study Program, sponsored jointly by the federal government and the University, and in the State Work-Study Program, sponsored jointly by the State of Texas and the University. Students must show financial need to be eligible for work-study. Approximately 130 students are employed in various departments and facilities on campus. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis; current work-study employment does not guarantee a student work-study for the following year.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Tarleton State University Office of Scholarships is committed to providing assistance to students in pursuit of their education.
Scholarships are awarded for academic ability and achievement, demonstrated leadership, ability to perform (music, band, etc.), extracurricular activities, financial need, and other criteria as defined by specific scholarship programs. Scholarship consideration for current Tarleton students has full-time status as a part of the criteria unless otherwise defined by specific scholarship programs. More than 450 endowed, local, and departmental scholarships are available to students attending Tarleton State University. Some of these scholarships are awarded in specific academic areas, such as science, humanities, agriculture, and business.
Scholarship information and application forms may be obtained from the Office of Scholarships, Box T-0760, Stephenville, TX 76402 or at http://www.tarleton.edu/~scholars/. The Office can also be contacted by telephoning (254) 968-9922.
Any student receiving institutional scholarships valued at $3,000 or more is generally not eligible for other institutional scholarships.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINES
APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS MUST BE FILED ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 15 FOR THE FOLLOWING FALL OR DECEMBER 1 FOR THE FOLLOWING SPRING.

THE PRESIDENTIAL HONORS PROGRAM
The Presidential Honors Program offers exceptional opportunities for outstanding students. Presidential Honors Students are given priority in such areas as preregistration and housing assignments. They also enroll in two interdisciplinary Honors Seminars, participate in the Honors Degree Program, have the opportunity to travel to a professional meeting in their major field of study, and receive annual scholarships of $4,500.
For more information about the program, contact Dr. Craig Clifford, Director of the Presidential Honors Program, Box T-0545, Tarleton Station, TX 76402; (254) 968-9423.

OTHER AID

VETERANS' ASSISTANCE
The Veterans Affairs Office, in the Registrar's area of the Administration Building, serves students eligible for educational benefits from the Veteran's Administration. Records are maintained and reports made to the Veteran's Administration on behalf of veterans, dependents, and active?duty service members enrolled at the University.

HAZLEWOOD ACT
A veteran need not have been eligible for or received GI educational benefits from the federal government to qualify for exemptions under the Hazlewood Act. However, veterans eligible for GI educational benefits must have exhausted their benefits.
Veterans may be eligible for exemption of tuition and certain fees if they:
1. were citizens of Texas at the time they entered the service,
2. have resided in Texas for at least a period of 12 months before the date of registration,
3. were honorably discharged from the service;
a. were not discharged because of being older than 38 years;
b. were not discharged because of personal request.

Other requirements for exemption under the Hazlewood Act include:
1. Undergraduate veterans must apply for the Pell Grant and the Supplemental
Education Opportunity Grant.
2. Graduate-student veterans must let the Student Financial Aid Office know one month in advance of their intent to attend any given semester.
3. ALL veterans applying for exemption must submit a copy of their DD214 and a letter from the Veteran's Administration certifying their veteran's benefits have been exhausted.
4. The exemption shall not exceed a cumulative total of 150 credit hours.

Veterans should contact the Student Financial Aid Office for procedure to follow to determine eligibility.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
The Texas Rehabilitation Commission offers assistance for tuition and required fees to students who are physically or otherwise challenged, provided the vocational objective selected by the unusually challenged person has been approved by an appropriate representative of the Commission. Through this state agency, other rehabilitation services are available to assist these students in becoming employable. Application for this type of assistance should be made to the nearest Rehabilitation Office. Address inquiries to: Commissioner, Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Jefferson Bldg., 1600 W. 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78731.

TUITION AND STUDENT FEE EXEMPTIONS

A student may qualify for legislative exemption from the payment of tuition and certain fees and charges according to the following conditions. Contact the Student Financial Aid Office for procedures for determining eligibility prior to the registration process.

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY FEE EXEMPTIONS

**Awarded yearly to the highest ranking graduate of any accredited high school in Texas. Recipients are exempt from tuition payment for the two long semesters of their freshman year, providing that they attend the same school for both semesters. Eligible students should send or bring their certificate to the Financial Aid Office prior to registration.

Claims for exemption from any charges and/or fees must be supported by evidence sufficient to enable the Student Financial Aid Office to verify the student's exempt status and determine the duration of the exemption and the fees and charges to which it is applicable. Supporting document(s) must be in the Student Financial Aid Office before a student registers.

THE UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Undergraduate academic programs at Tarleton State University integrate the two necessary components of a liberal education: first, the broad basis of knowledge essential to the education of a citizen in a democracy; second, the particular knowledge and skills needed in fields of major and minor concentration essential to our modern technological society. To accomplish these goals for each student, University programs provide three choices:
1. Four-year degree programs in most academic areas, with courses necessary for
certification in public teaching offered in education;
2. Pre-professional two- and three-year programs in most professional fields; and
3. Special programs designed to meet unusual requirements of an individual, usually consisting of a rearrangement of university-level subject matter courses for cogent reasons.
The general approach in any case is to require during the first two years an arrangement of courses presenting basic ideas and ideals of civilization and perfecting tools of the learning process. The foundations curricula for the first two years are essentially the same, except for a slight emphasis on mathematics and science for science and business majors and on language and communication skills for liberal arts majors.
Special emphasis on major and minor subjects comes in the third and fourth years. Here the choice is made by each student, normally at the end of the second year, but certainly by the end of the third year. A degree plan is developed in consultation with an academic advisor in the chosen field; thereafter, any changes in this plan must be approved by the academic advisor and the dean of the appropriate college. This applies to the choice of elective subjects that may be permitted in the curriculum, as well as addition of extra courses for enrichment purposes.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Tarleton State University offers the following degree programs:

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree
Occupational specialization in

Agriculture
Business
Industrial
Technical

Bachelor of Arts degree

English
History
Music
Political Science
Spanish
Speech Communication

Bachelor of Business Administration degree

Accounting
Administrative Systems
Computer Information Systems
Finance Marketing
Human Resources Management
Interdisciplinary Business
Management

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree

Art
Theatre

Bachelor of Music degree

Music

Bachelor of Science degree

Accounting
Administrative Systems
Agriculture
Agribusiness
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Extension-Industry
Agricultural Services & Development
Agronomy & Range Management
Animal Industries
Animal Production
Animal Science
Applied Science
Aviation Science
Biology
Biology-Animal
Business Administration
Chemistry
Clinical Laboratory Science
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Economics
Engineering Physics
Exercise & Sport Studies
Farm & Ranch Administration
Finance
General Agriculture
Geoscience
Horticulture & Landscape Management
Human Sciences
Human Sciences - Dietetics Option
Hydrology & Water Resources
Industrial Technology
Interdisciplinary Studies (Elementary Education)
International Agricultural Services
Liberal Studies
Management
Manufacturing Engineering Techology
Mathematics
Nursing
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Speech Communication

Bachelor of Social Work degree

Social Work

No secondary education degree program is available. However, secondary education certification courses may be a part of the curriculum leading to most Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs for the purpose of secondary teacher certification. Students should consult both the College of Education and Fine Arts for information concerning certification requirements and the specific academic department for their recommended degree program.
Please refer to the College of Graduate Studies in this catalog for information about graduate degree programs.