FAQ for Parents / Families

How many hours of credit can I transfer from another school to TWU?

Up to 72 hours of credit may be transferred from a community college. Students may transfer unlimited hours from 4-year schools, but they must still take 30 of their last 36 hours at TWU.

How many hours must I have to graduate?

Student must have a minimum of 120 hours to receive an undergraduate degree. Individual departments or degree plans may require additional hours.

Do you accept CLEP and AP scores?

A student may be able to gain university credit for past educational experience. There are four types of examinations which are given to determine a student’s eligibility for credit. They include: The Advanced Placement Program, the College-Level Examination Program, professional society tests in specific disciplines, and departmental examinations and/or reviews. Departments will determine the credit to be awarded. Credit received at another college or university will be accepted in transfer upon receipt of an official transcript.

What about correspondence courses?

TWU does not offer correspondence courses, but will accept credit for such courses that have been completed at other accredited schools and appear on official transcripts.

Is there some way other than repeating courses to get rid of old grades that are destroying my GPA?

TWU offers a RESTART program for a student whose GPA is less than 2.0 AND who has not enrolled in any college or university during the previous seven-year period. In this program, the student may declare "academic bankruptcy" and simply start over.

TWU also offers the FRESH START program. This allows students to "discard" ANY course work ten years or older. Students who choose this plan must realize that if they elect to discard ANY course work more than ten years old, they must discard ALL course work from that period. Unlike the RESTART program, these students may have recent college credit.

How will I know what courses will transfer from my previous college?

Students must submit an official transcript to the Office of Admissions. The transcript will be evaluated and transferable credits will be assigned. Also, students may check the transfer guides in the Office of the Registrar to determine if/how a course from another school will be transferred.

I’m not sure about a major--what do you suggest?

Students who are uncertain about a career path should visit with the staff in Career Services. The student can participate in testing and counseling that may guide her or him toward a specific degree.

Do I have to be a full-time student to live in a residence hall?

No, but you must be enrolled in at least one credit hour. Also, all full-time, single undergraduates who have not completed 60 hours and are not living with a legal guardian, must reside in a residence hall.

If I drop a course, will my financial aid be affected?

MAYBE! A student must maintain full-time status (12 or more credits during a regular semester) in order to avoid financial aid penalties. If a student falls below full-time status, financial aid may be adjusted accordingly. Always check with a financial aid counselor for the latest information.

If I was home-schooled can I still attend TWU?

Students who are home-schooled through high school must successfully complete the GED exam. Then, as with other students, they must take the ACT or SAT. Their admission status will be determined based on the results of these exams.

Can I have my transcripts evaluated by an academic adviser?

The official evaluation of transcripts is part of the admissions process. Transfer guides are available on-line through the admissions office for areas community colleges.

Academic advisers are not equipped to evaluate high school or college transcripts, they should be given to the admissions department.

Does TWU offer online classes?

There are some classes and entire programs which may be taken online. For more information contact the Office of Distance Learning.

What exactly is advising?

Advising is one of the first steps that a student takes toward their academic goals! The advising process is a consultation between the student and his/her adviser to discuss and determine the best educational plan according to the student’s interests, capabilities, and personal circumstances.

Are parents/family members allowed to attend advising sessions?

Yes, parents/family are allowed to attend the sessions. However, students are more inclined to express their needs, interests, or concerns in one-on-one sessions, which ultimately help the adviser in properly assisting the student. Since college is one of the first steps in becoming independent, we encourage students to grow and develop as an individual as well as help prepare them to become responsible citizens.

Do parents and family members have access to the student’s grades/records?

No. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s school record. Once your child has enrolled in a higher education institution parents and family members are not allowed to gain accessibility to student’s grades and/or records. All rights thereafter are transferred to the student.

When are the deadlines to pay for tuition?

We understand that tuition, by far, is an important part of your child’s college experience. For more information concerning tuition deadlines please view the university’s Academic Calendar.

Are there on-campus tutoring services available for students?

Certainly. Texas Woman’s University provides several support services available to students. For more information about these various services please contact Academic Support Services.

My son/daughter is taking 3 hours at a community college and 9 hours at TWU. Is he/she still considered full-time?

No. In order for an undergraduate student to be considered full-time, he/she must be enrolled in at least 12 hours during the semester here at TWU.