Information for Undergraduate Students

Other Orientation Options through the Dean of Students Office:

Camp Texas
For admitted students beginning in the summer/fall semesters.

Orientation Programs through the Office of the Dean of Students
The UT Office of the Dean of Students offers orientation programs for freshmen and transfer students. Their programs provide on-campus housing, orientation specific to your major field of study, and the earliest opportunity to register for classes. Attendance at the Orientation program does not substitute for the International Student Orientation program; the Summer Orientation fee (orientation and housing costs) is in addition to the required International Student Orientation program fee.

Most international students choose to attend the International Student Orientation; however, if you already attend a US high school or university, if you plan to be in Austin, and if you would like the experience of living on campus during orientation, the Office of the Dean of Students Orientation Program may be right for you.

If you will be entering the US from your home country specifically to attend this Orientation program, please contact an Immigration Advisor in the International Office to determine the effects this might have on your visa status.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Requirements

ALL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS entering a Texas public college must take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test or show proof of exemption prior to enrollment. TSI is a state-legislated program designed to improve student success in college.

There are two components of the program:

1) to diagnose students' basic skills in reading, mathematics & writing
2) developmental instruction, to strengthen those academic skills needing improvement

Students may be exempt from the THEA test if they satisfy certain criteria.

Exempting scores must be obtained in a single test administration.

Direct questions to: UT Austin TSI Office

On-Campus Testing and Credit by Examination

Tests are required of some students before they will be allowed to register for certain courses because the results are used for placement at appropriate instructional levels. Other tests are optional for all students. On most tests, if you perform well enough, you can earn course credit without taking the course(s).

• You are responsible for determining your eligibility to take a particular test and for identifying tests required of you.
• You cannot earn credit by examination for a course (or its equivalent) in which you already have a passing or failing grade.

UT's program of course placement and credit by examination is conducted by: Measurement and Evaluation Center,

Undergraduate Transfer Credit

Contact the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) for information about transfer of credit from your previous university studies. GIAC can also answer questions about credit for International Baccalaureate and "A" level examinations. Contact the GIAC by phone at 512-475-7391 or email their office at intladm@uts.cc.utexas.edu.