Academic Matters
Reciprocal exchange students are registered at UT in non-degree status. Course work completed at UT is credited toward students’ degrees at their home universities. Academic departments make every effort to accommodate exchange students in appropriate classes, however this is not always possible. At times, UT degree-seeking students experience difficulty getting the classes they want or need as well. Departments have high demand for certain courses; sometimes sections of a course are canceled or departments must give priority to graduating students who need to fulfill UT degree requirements. Academic advisors can often suggest a substitute course that will be useful to you.
Required Course Load: Exchange students are required to take a full course load, which is 12 credit hours of undergraduate courses or 9 credit hours of graduate courses. (Course credit hour values are usually indicated by the first digit of course numbers. For example, CH 325 is a three credit hour course.) Under certain, rare circumstances, exchange students may be allowed to register for less than a full-time course load. These modifications must be discussed and approved by your exchange program coordinator in the International Office, and documented to comply with U.S. immigration regulations.
Exchange students must be registered or they will not have access to any University services nor be “in status” for immigration purposes.
Be aware of University policies, regulations, and deadlines regarding adding and dropping courses, changing from a letter grade to credit/non-credit, scholastic dishonesty, specific class attendance requirements and assignment due dates. The Course Schedule, available on-line on the UT website or from campus area bookstores, contains a complete academic calendar. Course syllabi give instructor’s policies and requirements. Exchange students are also responsible for knowing the academic requirements and policies of their home universities that apply to them while studying abroad.
Registration, Adding and Dropping courses: Be sure to check your registration early each semester to be sure that you are registered and are in the classes you think you are. If for some reason you do not intend to continue taking a class, do not just quit attending. You must formally drop the course.
Each instructor sets the requirements and policies for his/her class and states them in the course syllabus given to each student at the beginning of the semester. Most instructors expect students to attend class. Some will lower grades for poor attendance and/or take off points for turning in assignments late. Instructors are required to hold office hours outside of class time. Don’t hesitate to visit your instructors if you need help with coursework, can’t understand an assignment, or would just like to talk about the course materials. Many professors encourage and enjoy student interaction. A few may be less accessible, have long lines of students, or use teaching assistants to meet with students. However, follow the procedures to make contact. Communication early in the semester is especially important if you are having difficulties in a course.
We urge you to save the syllabus (required to be given to students by the instructor), and exams and papers for each course you take. This information can assist your university in giving you more accurate credit or grades for the courses you took at UT.
Grade Reports, Transcripts, Certificates: Unofficial grade reports will be sent to your home institution exchange office as required by program agreements. However, some universities abroad require official transcripts to transfer credits. At the end of your last semester at UT, we suggest that you order an official transcript of grades from the Office of the Registrar for $10.00. Check this website for complete information on ordering a transcript. At the end of a student’s exchange program, the International Office will prepare a University of Texas certificates for each student.
Address & E-mail updates: Important notices are sent by UT departments, schools or colleges, libraries, and other student services by email and/or through the U.S. mail. U.S. immigration regulations require international students to keep their e-mail address and Austin address current and updated. Addresses must include apartment numbers or dorm mail box numbers.