Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

TSI is a program mandated by Texas law and its requirements apply to all students in Texas public colleges and universities.

In order to help students be successful in their academic careers, the TSI program evaluates each student's abilities in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. Students are then assigned into the appropriate developmental coursework as necessary.

You may view your current TSI Status online by logging on to your mySFA account, click on the Student tab, click on the Student Records link and click on the View Student Information link. Choose the most current term (if applicable) and click the Submit button. Your TSI Status is located at the bottom of the page. You may also view what testing scores that SFA currently has on file for you: after clicking on the Student Records link, click on the View Your Test Scores link.

Freshman Orientation -- It is your responsibility to have any required testing scores on file before attending orientation. Please fax any scores to 936-468-7611. Be sure to indicate on the score results your SFA ID number to make sure the scores are posted to your account; reports without a verifiable identification number will not be processed.

Transfer Students -- If you have not completed your TSI requirements in one or more areas, you will be required to enroll in the appropriate developmental course(s) at SFA during the first semester of your enrollment.

If the transcript that SFA has on file does not have your most recent TSI status, then be sure to either fax us the correct information or be sure to bring a copy of your updated transcript with you when you come to campus to be advised.

Please be aware that developmental courses do not transfer between colleges and universities, it is your TSI status which will be reviewed.

Exemptions from TSI

Using exit-level TAKS, SAT and ACT tests:

NOTES:

• The Writing sections of the SAT/ACT are not used in determining TSI exemption.
• Exempting scores must be from the same testing date.
• Must meet both the subject score and the combined/composite score for exemption.
• TAKS scores expire 3 years from test date; SAT, ACT scores expire five years from test date.
• TSI exemption may not satisfy certain prerequisite requirements for college-level courses, particularly in math. Contact an academic advisor in your major about course prerequisites that might apply to you.
  
  

PARTIAL EXEMPTION

You may earn partial exemption from TSI testing by meeting both the combined or composite score AND the subject score from the same testing date. For example:

• ACT 23 composite + 19 math = exempt from Math.
  
  
• SAT 1070 combined + 500 verbal = exempt from Reading and Writing.

It is possible to be totally exempt from TSI testing by combining partial exemptions.

If you meet the score requirements for English/Verbal, then you are exempt from testing in both writing and reading.

NOTE: 10th grade TAKS test scores may not be used for exemption; however, they may be used for concurrent/dual enrollment. Contact the Academic Advising Center at 939-468-5803 to find out more information and how this may apply to you.

Other exemptions: (applies to transfer students, active/former military and non-degree seeking students)

• You possess an associate or baccalaureate degree (must be verified by Admissions).
  
  
• You are not a degree-seeking student.
  
  
• You have met collegiate readiness standards at another public college or university in Texas (must be documented on transcript or addendum).
  
  NOTE: Your TSI status must be resolved BEFORE you will be allowed to register for courses at SFA. If you are transferring from an accredited Texas public college or university you must supply a transcript with your TSI status clearly indicated. Please be aware that many electronic transcripts sent between institutions may not have all information needed, a printed official transcript is preferred. If this transcript does not state that you are TSI Complete or Exempt in one or more areas, you will be required to enroll in developmental courses at SFA regardless of earn college-credit.
  
  
• You have earned college-level credit from a private or out-of-state accredited higher education institution in Reading, Writing and Mathematics with a grade of C or higher in each course.
  
  Note: Only certain courses may be used for this exemption, contact the Academic Advising Center to see if any of your courses may be used to satisfy this requirement.
  
  
• You are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces, Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces and have been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
  
  
• You have been honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces or the Texas National Guard on or after August 1, 1990.

  If you want to be considered exempt from testing by any of the above conditions, it is YOUR responsibility to provide official documentation to SFA's Office of Admissions. Most of the mentioned exemptions require a transcript, while the military exemptions require the form DD214. All exemptions are subject to verification by SFA's Academic Advising Center.

Please note: regardless of exemption, testing is required of students seeking admission into a teacher education program. Contact the College of Education for details.

TSI TESTING

If you are not completely exempt from testing, it is your responsibility to arrange for testing and submit your results prior to being allowed to register for any classes at SFA.

• SFA accepts scores from the following: THEA, Quick-THEA, ACCUPLACER, ASSET and COMPASS. You may check with your local community college about test availability in your area.
  
  
• Testing scores are required in ALL indicated areas before your registration in classes can proceed.
  
• You may submit your scores by fax 936-468-7611.  Be sure to indicate on the score results your SFA ID number to make sure the scores are posted to your account; reports without a verifiable identification number will not be processed.

When taking any of the THEA tests, you must indicate that you want your scores sent to SFA (SFA's school code is 283); your score is then automatically sent to us. When taking the other tests (ACCUPLACER, ASSET, or COMPASS), YOU will need to provide your official scores to us. You may send us your scores by fax at 936-468-7611 or by mail to Academic Advising Center, PO Box 6154, Nacogdoches, TX 75962; handwritten scores are not acceptable.

THEA Test
Go to http://www.thea.nesinc.com/ to obtain information on how to register, available test dates and locations, sample test questions, full-length practice version of the THEA Test and suggestions on testing. You may also order The Official THEA Test Study Guide.

ACCUPLACER Test
AT SFA the ACCUPLACER is administered on a frequent basis. You must reserve your seat at least one day in advance by calling the Testing Center at 936-468-3958.

Notes:

• Scores from any of the above tests must be verified and on file with the Academic Advising Center prior to enrolling in any coursework.
• TSI testing does not affect your admission to SFA; it is used only for placement purposes.

TEST SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Students who are not college ready must be enrolled in developmental work immediately and continuously until they demonstrate college readiness with the following exception: developmental work in Math may be delayed until after developmental work in Reading has been completed.

You may not register for any credit-bearing course in English or Math until you have been designated as college ready in the discipline or are exempt from TSI.

Students who have completed 12 or more credit hours at SFA (exclusive of 098, 099) are not required to register for developmental courses during summer. Students with fewer credit hours must register for one developmental course during the first term of summer enrollment.

If you have any questions or concerns about TSI, please do not hesitate to contact the Academic Advising Center at any time.