Counseling & Testing:
voice: (Counseling) 956.364.4310
voice: (Testing Center) 956.364.4308
voice: (GED Reservations) 956.364.4316
Director:
Liz Silva
voice: 956.364.4311
fax: 956.364.5215
Email: Counseling & Testing
Mailing Address:
Counseling & Testing
TSTC Harlingen
1902 North Loop 499
Harlingen, TX 78550
Location:
Counseling/Advisement Office - Student Services Building, Room 147 ____________________ Testing Center - Student Center, Room 138
Office Hours:
M - Th: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat.: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sun.: Closed

ONLINE ADVISEMENT SERVICES

 Advisement/Counseling &Testing Center (CAT)

Welcome to TSTC's Online Advisement

Welcome to Texas State Technical College Harlingen Advisement/Counseling/Testing Center Online Services.  Online services are designed to provide students with the ability to access services remotely utilizing message forums for quick questions and e-mail when necessary.

Who should use online services?

Any TSTC or future student may use online services.  Online Services are designed to be particularly helptful to anyone who may find it difficult to come to the campus.

Services Available:

  • Information regarding TSTC classes, programs, and services
  • Admissions and registration information
  • Transferability of TSTC courses
  • General academic advisement
  • General education options (CORE Curriculum)
  • College procedures and academic policy
  • Transfer preparation
  • Educational problem-solving
  • Answers to quick questions

Services requiring an in-person meeting:

  • Personal Counseling
  • Career Counseling
  • Assessment Test Results
  • Class Schedule Planning

To obtain services that are not available online, students are encouraged to schedule an in-person counseling appointment by calling 956.364.4310.

Academic Advisors are available for LiveChat Monday through Friday from 1-2 p.m. 

Simply type your question and submit.  If you submit a question during "active" hours, you'll get an immediate response to your question.  If you submit a question during an "inactive" hour, please provide an e-mail address where we can send a reply.  Please be sure to include your name and TSTC ID number (if you have one and know it).

 

If you have a quick question, you may find the answers listed under "Frequently Asked Counseling Questions" below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

NOTE:  Questions are listed by keywords, in alphabetical order.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

 
 
 
Question:
What is an Associate Degree and which one is offered by TSTC?
 
Answer:
An associate degree is an academic degree awarded by community colleges and technical colleges upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years.  An Associate of Applied Science Degree consists of a combination of general education courses, major, and elective classes.  TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science Degrees and Associate of Science Degrees in Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions, Nursing Preparatory, and Physics.
 
  
 
 
Question:
How do I apply to TSTC?
 
 
Answer:
To apply to TSTC, complete an online application or come in to the Admissions Office to complete an application in person.
 
 
 
Question:
Am I required to take an assessment test?
 
 
Answer:
All first-time college students attending TSTC are required to complete an approved Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Test, or present proof that they are exempt from the TSI requirements.  Additional assessment may be required for entry into specific courses or programs.  If you are not a first-time college student and are enrolling in an English, Math, or College-Reading Course (History, Government, Psychology, Sociology), you are required to complete the appropriate assessment process.  Based upon your scores, you will receive a Reading, Writing, or Math placement recommendation.  A placement waiver will be issued if you meet the assessment exceptions.
 
 
 
Question:
What assessment tests are accepted at TSTC?
 
 
Answer:
TSTC administers the Accuplacer Test.  However, scores from the following approved assessment tests will also be accepted:  THEA, ASSET, and COMPASS.
 
 
 
Question:
What is a certificate program and which ones are offered by TSTC?
 
 
Answer:
Certificate programs are designed for individuals seeking short-term education and training in preparation for work.  These programs emphasize laboratory and shop experience, rather than theory. All graduates of certificate programs demonstrate competence in oral communication and the use of computers by satisfactorily completing at least one course in which oral communications and basic computer skills are covered.  Graduates of these programs receive Certificates of Completion.  To see a list of available certificate programs, please see the Certificate Program Catalog.
 
 
 
Question:
How can I get career counseling at TSTC?
 
 
Answer:
If you need assistance in identifying your career goal, career counseling services are available for TSTC students at the Counseling/Advisement Center.  To make an appointment or for more information about services offered, please call 956.364.4310.
 
 
 
Question:
What classes should I take for my major?
 
 
Answer:
The classes required for your major depends both on the major you choose and on your educational goal.  For example, the courses required to transfer to a university may differ from those required for an Associate of Applied Science Degree.  To learn the specific courses required for your goal, please meet with a program advisor or a TSTC counselor.
 
 
 
Question:
What is the CORE Curriculum?
 
 
Answer:
The CORE Curriculum is a group of classes that will automatically transfer as a block (48 credit hours) to any other public college or university within the state of Texas.  The CORE Curriculum is ideal for:  students who intend to transfer to another public college or university, students who intend to complete their AAS and then transfer to another public college or university, and students who want to take some “basic” classes.  Click on the following link for a listing of courses offered under the CORE Curriculum.
 
 
 
Question:
Where is the Counseling/Advisement Center located?
 
 
Answer:
The Counseling/Advisement Center is located in Room 144 of the Student Services Building, which is located at the corner of Loop 499 and Oak Street.
 
 
 
Question:
What counseling services are offered at TSTC?
 
 
Answer:
There are several specialized counseling services offered at TSTC.  For a listing of Counseling Services, please visit the Counseling webpage.
 
 
 
Question:
What is a college credit hour?
 
 
Answer:
The credit hour is the basic unit of measurement for college credit.  Most courses at TSTC are offered for three semester hours of college credit.  This means that the student invests the equivalent of three hours per week in the formal instruction process for each three hour course.  Laboratory classes are exceptions to this.
 
 
 
Question:
How do I drop a class and what are the drop dates?
 
 
Answer:
You may drop a class by coming to the Admissions Office and completing a Course Schedule Change Form.  For a list of withdrawal dates and deadlines, please call the Admissions Office at 956.364.4101.  It is your responsibility to drop a class.  Stopping your attendance in a class dot not withdraw you from the class, and will often result in a grade of “F”.  You may also want to make an appointment with a counselor to determine if dropping a class will impact your academic or financial aid status at TSTC.
 
 
 
Question:
What are electives?
 
 
Answer:
There are three components to any degree or certificate:  major preparation classes, general education classes, and elective classes.  An elective course is essentially any class that is not required for major preparation or general education.  Electives are often required to accumulate the number of credit hours needed for the degree or certificate or for transfer.  Often, electives are used to supplement an educational program.
 
 
 
Question:
How can I be exempted from TSI assessment requirements?
 
 
Answer:
The following students are exempted from assessment and will not be required to take the assessment test when the appropriate documentations is on file:
 
ACT:  Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the mathematics section and/or the English section.  The exemption will be given for those sections only (i.e. you score a composite of 23 and have a 23 in math and an 18 in English – you would be exempted from the math portion only.  The scores cannot be more than five years old and must be achieved in a single test session.
 
SAT:  Combined score of 1070 (the combined score includes only the verbal/math score for tests taken before April 2004or the critical reading/math score for tests taken since April 2004) with a minimum of 500 on the mathematics and/or verbal/reading tests.  The exemption will be given for those sections only (i.e. you score a composite of 1070 and have a 590 in math and a 480 in the verbal – you would be exempted from the math portion only).  Scores cannot be more than five years old and must be achieved in a single test session.
 
TAKS:  A minimum of 2200 on the mathematics section and/or a minimum of 2200 with a writing subscore of at least 3 in English/Language Arts section of the Exit-Level exam.  The exemption will be given for those corresponding sections only (i.e. you score a 2313 with a 4 subscore on the English/Language Arts section and a 2199 on the Math section – you would be exempted from the Reading and Writing sections.
 
DEGREE:  A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.
 
RESERVE:  A student who is currently serving, and for at least a three year period preceding enrollment, has served as a member of a reserve component of the armed services of the United States.
 
VETERAN:  A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the United States or the National Guard or served as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
 
ACTIVE DUTY:  A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard.
 
 
Question:
How do I request evaluation of coursework completed at other institutions?
 
 
Answer:
Students need to schedule an appointment with their program advisor.  Prepare for your appointment by bringing a copy of all transcripts from institutions you have attended.  The advisor will evaluate your transcript to determine which courses will transfer and will provide you with the necessary forms for requesting the transfer.
 
 
 
Question:
How do I get information about financial aid?
 
 
Answer:
For information about Financial Aid, you may visit the Financial Aid Office located in the Student Services Building or you may access the Financial Aid Office Website.  You should complete the Free Application or Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.  The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid also provides additional financial aid information that will be beneficial to all new and returning students.
 
 
 
Question:
How do I calculate my GPA?

 
Answer:
Your grade point average, or GPA, is the primary indicator of your academic performance in college.  GPAs are based on the following system:
 
A = 4 grade points
B = 3 grade points
C = 2 grade points
D = 1 grade point
F = 0 grade point
 
To calculate your grade point average, multiply the number of course credits for the class.  For example, if you receive an “A” in Psychology, a “C” in Math, and an “F” in English, you would have…
 

Class

Grade

Grade Points

 

Course Credits

Grade Points

Psychology

A

4

x

3

12

Math

C

2

x

3

6

English

F

0

x

3

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total:

 

 

 

9

18

 
 
Divide the number of grade points by the number of hours attempted, and that gives you your grade points.  In the above example, the GPA would be 18 divided by 9, which equals to 2.0 GPA.
 
 
 
Question:
What do I do if I do not agree with a grade I received in class?
 
 
Answer:
If you do not agree with a grade you received in a class, your first step is to discuss your grade with the instructor.  Present the instructor with the appropriate documentation and be prepared to demonstrate why you should have received a higher grade.  If the instructor does not agree to a request for a change of grade and you still feel that your grade should be changed, you may then take up the matter with the Department Chair for further mediation.  The Department Chair can explain the grade appeal process and filing deadlines.
 
 
 
Question:
Where do I get information about housing?
 
 
Answer:
On-campus student housing is available for students wanting to live on campus.  You may access important information at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/housing/index.aspx.  Private off campus apartments and other housing option information is available from the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce at www.harlingen.com or by calling them at 956.423.5440.
 
 
Question:
What is an In Progress (IP) Grade and how can I get one?
 
 
Answer:
A grade of In Progress (IP) may be granted for a course(s) if you have an unforeseeable emergency that prevents you from taking the final examination or completing other course requirements.  If this is the case, you should discuss the situation with your instructor.  If the instructor approves your request, an “IP” (In Progress) will appear as your grade.  When an “IP” is assigned, a student must complete the coursework by a date specified by the course instructor, such date not to exceed within one year from the end of the term for which the “IP” grade was issued.  If coursework is not satisfactorily completed, the “IP” will change to an “F” grade.
 
 
 
Question:
Can TSTC help find a job for me?
 
 
Answer:
If you are looking for a job, TSTC an help.  The Office of Placement Services and Cooperative Education assists students and alumni in securing gainful part-time and full-time employment.  The Placement Services Office also helps students who are enrolled in cooperative education classes to secure work in the private sector.
 
 
 
Question:
What is a major?
 
 
Answer:
A major is the primary focus of your degree, and it is the area in which the greatest amount of knowledge will be developed.  If you are undecided about a major or need assistance selecting a major, make an appointment with a counselor to discuss and assess your options and goals.  If you have decided on a major, make an appointment with a program or academic advisor to discuss the courses necessary to prepare you for your major.
 
 
 
Question:
How do I change my major?
 
 
Answer:
A student may change majors only between terms or prior to the 11th class day of the 15-week semester, the 5th class day of a 12-week term, or the 4th class day of a 6-week term.  To change a major, a student must:
·         request a “Change of Major Form” from the Admissions and Records Office
·         obtain the necessary signatures on the form
·         deliver the form to the Admissions and Records Office for processing
·         enroll for a minimum of 6 semester hours of coursework within the receiving major’s curriculum during his/her term immediately after receiving the change of major.
 
 
 
Question:
What is the maximum number of courses I can take each semester?
 
 
Answer:
A student may register for a maximum of 18 credit hours per semester.  Enrollment for more than 18 credit hours per semester required approval from the Vice President for Student Learning.
 
 
Question:
How can I get started at TSTC if I am a new student?
 
 
Answer:
If you are a new student to TSTC, your first step is to complete the online application.  You may also complete a paper application in the Admissions Office.  New students will need to complete the necessary requirements on the New Student Checklist.
 
 
 
Question:
How can I get counseling for personal problems?
 
 
Answer:
If you are experiencing personal problems, you may make an appointment to see one of the counselors in the Counseling Center which is located in the Student Services Building.
 
 
 
Question:
What is the course repetition policy?
 
 
Answer:
Students are allowed to repeat a course only when the initial grade earned was below a grade of “B”.  When a student repeats a course, only the last grade issued, regardless of whether higher or lower than the first grade, will be calculated into the cumulative grade point average; however, the previous grade is retained in the transcript.
 
 
 
Question:
How can I get information on scholarships?
 
 
Answer:
A complete list of scholarships is available from the Financial Aid Office.
 
 
 
 
Question:
What is Scholastic Probation and how do I avoid it?
 
 
Answer:
Scholastic Probation - Students whose Standard of Progress Cumulative GPA and Term GPA fall below 2.0.  Students on scholastic probation may be required to meet with a counselor or advisor prior to registration and may be required to enroll in special programs or courses in order to improve their grade point average.  The student may also be limited in the number of courses authorized for enrollment.  A student who posts a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better will be removed from Scholastic Probation.  Should a student on probation perform below a 2.0 term GPA, he/she will be placed on Scholastic Suspension.
 
 
 
 
Question:
What is Scholastic Suspension?
 
 
Answer:
Scholastic Suspenion occurs when a student on Scholastic Probation fails to maintain college academic standards of a term 2.0 or higher GPA.  A student on Scholastic Suspension is NOT permitted to re-enroll in the college for one academic year.  Students may appeal suspension to an insructional Vice President.  Students who re-enter the college after having been suspended will be placed on Scholastic Probation staus for the term and will be subject to the scholastic standards of the collage on a continous basis until the cumulative GPA reaches 2.0.
 
 
Question:
What are the Scholastic Standards at TSTC?
 
 
Answer:
TSTC maintains Scholastic Standards for monitoring students’ academic progress, as detailed in the following:
 
·         Good Standing – students maintain at least at 2.0cumulative and term grade point average will be in good academic standing.
·         Scholastic Probation – students whose cumulative and term GPA fall below 2.0 at the end of the enrollment period will be placed on scholastic probation.
·         Scholastic Suspension – occurs when a student on Scholastic Probation fails to achieve a term grade point average of 2.0 or higher and will be suspended for the next calendar year.
 
 
 
Question:
What is TSI?
 
 
Answer:
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) has been developed by the state legislature to ensure success at institutions of higher education.  The two major steps of the program are:
·         Assessment of each student’s academic skills in Reading, Writing, and Math before enrolling
·         Advisement into appropriate developmental coursework for any academic skills that need improvement
 
 

Question:

How can I prepare to transfer to another college or university?

 

Answer:

Review the requirements for admission to the college or university you plan to transfer to.  Request from your current college that your official transcripts be submitted to the college or university of your choice.  Also, be sure to provide the college or university with appropriate placement test scores.

 
Question:
How do I transfer classes from another college or university to TSTC?
 
 
Answer:
If you want to transfer classes from another institution to TSTC, you must submit official transcripts from all previously attended college-level institutions to the Admissions and Records Office.  You should request an evaluation from the Admissions and Records Office of the potential transfer credit(s) prior to, but no later than, the end of your first term of enrollment at TSTC.  Transfer credits may be allowed if from a regionally accredited college-level institution and with a grade of “C” or better.
   

 

Question:

How can I withdraw from a class after the semester starts?

 

Answer:

To withdraw from a course, the student should:  report to the Admissions and Records Office to obtain a Course Schedule Change Form, proceed to obtain the required signatures, and turn in the completed form to the Admissions and Records Office.

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