The Texas Success Initiative
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state mandate that requires students to be assessed in reading, writing and math skills prior to enrolling in college, and to be advised based on the results of that assessment (See TSI Rules). For students enrolling without a TSI Exemption, UTD uses primarily the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), to measure student proficiency in the basic areas of study for fulfillment of the TSI requirement. Each Texas institution determines an individualized education plan to encourage academic success for those students who score below the deviation standard (or do not pass the THEA test). Students are required to retest if they do not pass the initial test.
UTD requires incoming students who are not TSI exempt to take the THEA test or other approved assessment instrument. The required passing standards on the THEA are:
- Reading - 230
- Math - 230
- Writing - 220
Note: If you are a student with a TSI Hold on your record, it must be removed prior to registering for courses. Contact an academic advisor in your program for more information
Texas Success Initiative State Regulations - Texas Legislative Requirements
Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4 of the Texas Administrative Code describes in detail the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) for Texas public institutions of higher education. As noted, "It is the intent of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that Texas public institutions of higher education use the flexibility and responsibility granted under these rules to improve individualized programs to ensure the success of students in higher education."
Texas Success Initiative Transfer Student Provisions
Students transferring to UT Dallas from private or out-of-state institutions must meet TSI requirements (be tested or exempted) prior to being allowed to enroll in any college-level work. Students who transfer with 60 or more accumulated semester credit hours or the equivalent to UT Dallas from a private or out-of-state United States institution may use transferred courses which are given common course numbers corresponding to courses approved by UT Dallas to satisfy TSI requirements. Students must have earned a course grade of C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better in each of the three skill areas; if they do not, students must be tested for the remaining skill areas and must comply with all other TSI requirements.
Students transferring from other Texas public institutions of higher education must be TSI exempted or comply with the UT Dallas policies for Developmental Education.