2023-2024 Graduate Student Welcome Guide - UTRGV Graduate College

MASCOT

ALMA MATER

Gather as one in voice ascending raising the song and anthem to thee. Orange and grey, your reign’s unending;

Hail to the mighty

UTRGV!

Strength and devotion, we shall sustain. True to your colors we shall remain. Ever our song shall be raised on high.

U.T. Vaqueros til’ we die!

Joyful our days in halls eternal knowledge and skill forever endured. Let it be said “your love’s maternal”.

Welcome and congratulations on your decision to pursue a graduate education at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley!

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the start of an exciting journey in your pursuit of advanced study at our institution. The faculty and staff of the Graduate College at UTRGV are dedicated to ensuring your success through our commitment to academic excellence, cuttingedge research, and extraordinary support for the Vaquero graduate student community.

Whether you are pursuing a degree in person or online, you are part of the UTRGV family, and we are so glad you have chosen to be a Vaquero. Whether studying for a certificate program, master’s degree, or doctorate, graduate school is a big commitment of time and energy. One thing is certain: the dedication, studying, and countless hours spent researching to succeed in a graduate program are worth it.

Our mission is to ensure the highest academic program standards while enhancing your personal and professional growth innovative programs and relevant courses and in collaborative and focused scholarship. The graduate programs at UTRGV are uniquely structured to provide you with the essential professional development opportunity to grow in your analytical skills and your ability to be a problem solver. I encourage you to explore the many resources available to you as a graduate student at our institution, including research workshops, guest speakers, and other events. These resources are designed to enhance your academic learning and provide you with valuable insights into your field of study. By participating in these opportunities, you can expand your knowledge and skills, network with other students and faculty, and gain practical experience that will benefit you in your future career.

We value the vast array of interests, perspectives, and experience you bring to our university, and we are so glad you have joined us. Once again, congratulations on your decision to pursue a graduate education!

Sincerely,

Dr. Can (John) Saygin Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College

Can (John) Saygin Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College

Dr.

New Student

Set up Your myUTRGV Account

When you applied, a UTRGV student ID number and UTRGV email address were automatically created for you. Now that you have been admitted to UTRGV’s graduate program, you will use that same UTRGV email address to access various accounts, online systems, and services. Both your student ID number and email address will serve as your gateway to the graduate student experience at UTRGV.

If you have not yet activated your UTRGV email, please check the personal email account you provided to apply for graduate school. An email containing your login information will have been sent to that email address. If you are unable to locate the email or experience any issues accessing your account, please contact IT Support at 1-844-ATUTRGV.

Obtain Your Vaquero ID Card

Every student enrolled at UTRGV must have an official student identification card. First-time graduate students will receive their original ID card at no charge. Replacement cards are $12.00 each. For more information, visit the Vaquero ID Card Offices located on the first floor of the Academic Services Building in Edinburg or the first floor of the Library in Brownsville.

Distance/online students are not required to obtain a Vaquero ID Card.

Request Your Parking Permit

All students that attend classes on campus and use the designated parking lots, must obtain a parking permit from the UTRGV Police department. Visit the Parking Services website (www.utrgv.edu/myparking) to order your parking permit.

Student Checklist

View Your Degree Requirements

Visit DegreeWorks regularly to view your degree requirements and track your progress towards graduation. You can access DegreeWorks through your student account. Contact your graduate program coordinator with any questions or concerns.

Meet With Your Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC)

Reach out to your GPC via email to schedule an advisement session. Your GPC will help you review your degree plan, advise you on course selection, and be your support guide through your entire program. Find you graduate program’s GPC here.

Register for classes

Register online through ASSIST by logging in to myUTRGV with your username and password and clicking on the ASSIST icon under the Applications area:

• Click Registration

• Select a term

• AOP students will need to select “module” such as Fall 2023 Module 1

• For all other program modalities, please select the term “Fall, Spring, or Summer”

• Search for your course, and click Add in your schedule summary

• Click Submit to register

Getting Started

The best place to start navigating everything UTRGV has to offer is to explore my.utrgv.edu . Here you can find links to the most commonly used online systems and services offered to students, faculty, and staff.

myUTRGV Account

Your myUTRGV username and password was assigned to you when you were admitted to UTRGV. You should have received an email containing your login information to the email address you provided when you applied for admission. This login information will allow you to access a variatey of different accounts, online systems, and services. Your myUTRGV account will be used throughout your time as a UTRGV graduate student.

To access you myUTRGV account for the first time or to reset your password, visit myaccount.utrgv.edu

ASSIST

ASSIST is the student self-service portal that allows you to access most of your student information and academic records at UTRGV. As a student, ASSIST will help you access your student profile, financial aid information, registration, and finances.

Blackboard

Blackboard is UTRGV’s learning management system. Blackboard provides one-stop access to online courses and academic resources. Blackboard is used by most instructors, for both in-person instruction and online learning. It offers a set of features and tools, which enables you to engage with course content, submit assignments, participate in discussions, collaborate in groups, watch/listen to media, and much more.

UTRGV Email

Your UTRGV email account is the official communication method for university/student communications including messages concerning notifications and alerts as well as course information from instructors. You can access your email by selecting the “Office 365” application which also gives you free access to the Microsoft Office suite including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive and more.

24/7 COLTT Help Desk

The Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) provides technical assistance for online learning tools such as Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate, Respondus Lockdown Browser, etc.

IT Service Desk

The Information Technology Service Desk is responsible for supporting the university’s technological infrastructure. If you require assistance with logging into myUTRGV or downloading software you can contact the IT Service Desk.

Did you know that UTRGV now has a mobile app to keep you connected?

Now you can have UTRGV at your fingertips. Visit your mobile app store and download the UTRGV Mobile app today. Students must use their UTRGV ID account for authentication to log onto app, customization features and to access functions like Blackboard and myUTRGV.

Information

Maps

The Maps module allows you to navigate to search for directions to all UTRGV campus facilities using Google Maps.

Directory

Browse or search for students, faculty and staff, and easily connect.

Campus Life

News

Read the latest news releases from UTRGV.

Athletics

View UTRGV’s athletics teams top stories.

Academic Calendar

Stay up to date with all the important academic dates on campus.

Events

Check out all the latest happenings on campus..

Dining

Browse through the various dining places around campus, find your way to them and view schedule details.

V Link

Browse through the various events and news on campus organizations.

App

Academics

Course Catalog

Search through our course catalog, view scheduled times and course information.

BlackBoard

Review your assignments, grades and courses with Blackboard integration.

Student Services

myUTRGV

Access essential features from myUTRGV portal, such as apps, email and student account information.

Key Contacts

Quickly access the important contact info like Health Services, Security, Admissions Office and more.

Library

View quick reference links from the Library website.

Bookstore

Search through the bookstore with one-click buying options for course material and textbooks.

Parking Spaces

UTRGV maintains an inventory of almost 11,000 parking spaces distributed across its various campuses. Quickly find availability of parking spaces for Lot E9.

CampusShield

Directly call campus police in emergency situations and report safety concerns with photos/videos.

Graduate Academic Advising

Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC)

Every student in a graduate program has a faculty advisor who serves as your graduate program coordinator. This coordinator will work closely with you to help you navigate the requirements of the program, select courses, and identify research and career opportunities that fit your interests.

They are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the program, evaluating its effectiveness, and providing support services to students.

Your graduate program coordinator will be your go-to person for any questions or concerns you may have and will help ensure you successfully navigate the policies and procedures for your program. We encourage you to take advantage of the resources they offer and to make the most of your interactions with them to ensure your success in the program.

Click here to find your Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC)

Degree Works

Degree Works is an online academic planning tool that helps graduate students track their progress toward meeting the requirements for their degree program. It mirrors the degree requirements listed in UTRGV’s graduate catalog and allows students to see which requirements they have completed and which ones they still need to fulfill in order to graduate. It is a valuable tool for graduate students to stay organized and focused on their academic goals.

How to Access Degree Works

Sample Degree Works degree plan

1. Log in to myUTRGV

2. Select ASSIST

3. Select Student Profile

4. Select Degree Works

Research

Research Spotlight

As an international authority in the field of railway transportation systems, Dr. Constantine Tarawneh is leading research efforts to promote safety in the industry. With a significant $10 million grant to support his endeavors, and as the senior associate dean of the UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science and director of UTRGV’s University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS), Dr. Tarawneh is making groundbreaking contributions to the field of railway safety.

Dr. Tarawneh’s research in this field has garnered widespread attention, and his work has been featured in several national news outlets such as CNN, The Washington Post, Bloomberg News, trains.com, crossroadstoday.com, and the Pittsburg Post-Gazette, as well as segment with Scripps News Morning Rush. He has also successfully patented a railroad industry improvement invention, furthering his reputation as a leading authority in railway safety.

3MT

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition challenges graduate students to present their research in a clear and concise manner, using only three minutes and a single slide. This event helps students develop their communication and presentation skills while sharing their research with a broader audience.

Research Symposium

The research symposium provides a platform for graduate students to showcase their research through poster presentations and compete for the best presentation. This event helps students receive feedback, network with others, and gain experience in presenting their work to a diverse audience.

Graduate Student Travel Awards

The Graduate Student Travel Awards program offers financial support for graduate students presenting original research at conferences, encouraging and supporting them to share their work with a broader audience and network with other scholars in their field. The program reimburses graduate students up to $500.00 for travel expenses associated with presenting at conferences. This award is designed

to encourage and support graduate students to share their research with a broader audience, gain experience in presenting their work, and network with other scholars in their field.

Thesis and Dissertation Workshops

Thesis and dissertation formatting check workshops help graduate students ensure their final research drafts meet UTRGV’s formatting requirements. These workshops offer guidance and support, including best practices for formatting, feedback, and ensuring the final submission meets university standards.

Guest Speakers

At UTRGV, we believe in providing our graduate students with a well-rounded education, which is why we invite guest speakers to share their knowledge and expertise with our community.

Our guest speakers come from various fields and backgrounds, and they cover a wide range of topics related to research and society. Attending these events offers our graduate students the opportunity to learn from top experts in their respective fields, participate in engaging discussions, and gain valuable insights into the role of research in society.

Research is the cornerstone of graduate education at UTRGV, and we take pride in our commitment to supporting and mentoring our students in their research endeavors. To help them achieve their research goals, we offer various resources and support services, including the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, research symposium, Graduate Student Travel Awards program, thesis and dissertation workshops, and guest speaker events.

Academic Policies & Procedures

To ensure our graduate students have a successful academic journey, we’ve highlighted some of the key policies and procedures that govern graduate programs.

Academic Standing

MASTER’S STUDENTS

GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING For a masters-level graduate student to remain in good academic standing, the student must maintain a cumulative and semester or module grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and meet their department’s academic progress criteria toward degree completion. The minimum GPA of 3.0 is based on all coursework taken, regardless of whether the courses are part of the student’s degree plan. Some programs may require a higher minimum GPA in the program or in specific courses for progression into subsequent courses.

ACADEMIC PROBATION— A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 cumulatively or in a given semester or module is placed on academic probation the next semester or module. Within the probationary semester or module, the student’s cumulative and semester or module GPA must return to 3.0, or the student will be suspended.

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION— Probationary students who do not raise their GPA to the minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of the probationary semester are suspended. Students who receive an F in any

course are suspended without a probationary semester or module, regardless of cumulative GPA. Suspended students who nevertheless register or have registered prior to completion of the semester in which academic standing is determined will be dropped from coursework.

DOCTORAL STUDENTS

GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING For a doctorallevel graduate student to remain in good academic standing, the student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale), maintain a semester GPA of 3.25, and maintain a 3.25 in 8000 and 9000-level coursework. Some programs may require a higher minimum GPA in the program or in specific courses for progression into subsequent courses.

ACADEMIC PROBATION— A student who does not meet the criteria for Good Academic Standing is placed on academic probation the next semester. Within the probationary semester, the student’s cumulative and semester GPA must return to 3.25, or the student will be suspended.

meeting academic progress requirements may result in the student being placed on academic probation, suspension, or dismissal by the Program through the Dean of the Academic College. Students suspended or dismissed under the program or academic college policies may submit an academic appeal.

Appealing an Academic Suspension

To continue graduate studies, suspended students must submit an appeal via the graduate college portal, which will automatically route it to the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) and the Academic College Dean to the Graduate College Dean, for review, and upon approval, may continue in the program of study.

Dismissal— Students whose suspension appeals are not approved are dismissed. Students who do not meet the conditions of an approved reinstatement appeal are dismissed.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress (SAP)

ACADEMIC

SUSPENSION— Probationary

students who do not raise their GPA to the minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of the probationary semester are suspended. Students who receive an F in any course are suspended without a probationary semester, regardless of cumulative GPA. Suspended students who nevertheless register or have registered prior to completion of the semester in which academic standing is determined will be dropped from coursework.

Doctoral students must also meet departmental and institutional academic progress criteria toward doctoral degree completion. Not

Federal Title IV financial aid regulations require students receiving federal student financial aid to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the University in order to remain eligible for this aid. SAP standards are also required for some state and institutional financial aid programs. All semesters of enrollment including summer must be considered in the determination of SAP. SAP standards, including GPA, pace and maximum time frame, begin anew for students seeking a graduate of professional degree after completing an undergraduate degree. The UTRGV Office of Student Financial Aid will be able to answer your questions about current financial aid policies, SAP, and guide you

through an appeals process, if necessary.

Maximum Course Load

The normal load for a full-time graduate student is nine hours in a regular Fall or Spring semester. A student may be permitted to enroll for 15 hours with the approval of the dean of the college. Normal load during a summer session is six hours, with up to nine hours permitted with the approval of the dean of the college. In the case of doctoral students, approval to register for more than 12 hours must be given in advance by the Dean of the Graduate College, or his or her designee.

Attendance

The University’s Handbook of Operating Procedures requires regular attendance at all classes for which the student is registered. A student who enrolls for a course and then does not attend is considered absent from the class until the student officially drops the course.

Continuous Enrollment

All graduate students are expected to enroll and pay tuition and fees by the Census day (refer to Academic Calendar) of each academic term until graduation.

Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a temporary cessation of degree-seeking study and may be granted for no more than two consecutive long semesters or four consecutive modules up to one year for documented medical reasons or other unavoidable circumstances (e.g., active military duty, etc.).

Students enrolled in Accelerated Online Programs (AOP) are not required to submit an LOA for leaves of one module; however, AOP students who anticipate leave of two or more modules should submit one.

Dropping and Withdrawal

To withdraw from the University, a student must complete a formal withdrawal process, which is available online in the students’ selfservice system. Questions about withdrawal can be addressed to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@utrgv.edu. A student may withdraw during the first 75% of each semester/term. Refer to the my.utrgv.edu account for withdrawal deadlines for each term. Students who withdraw will be given a grade of “W”. After the deadline, if the student does not withdraw, they will remain on the class roll and receive the letter grade earned.

Incomplete Grades

A grade of “I” may be given when students have not completed the required coursework within the alloted time of a regular semester or summer session, if the instructor determines the reason for the work being incomplete is valid and the grade of “I” is justified. A written agreement between the student and the instructor specifying the work to be made up and the deadline for its accomplishment must be filed in the office of the School Director/Department Chair at the time the “I” is submitted. The work agreed upon must be satisfactorily completed and the “I” changed no later than the end of the next regular (Fall or Spring) semester from the date the “I” was received (unless an extension is requested by the instructor), or the grade will automatically be recorded as the grade alternatively assigned by the faculty at the time of submitting the written agreement.

Appealing a Grade

Students wishing to appeal final grades or misunderstandings in academic standards should first discuss the matter with their instructor. If no resolution occurs, and the student wishes to pursue the matter further, the student should appeal in writing to the

appropriate Program Director/Department Chair within one long semester after the disputed grade is issued or the misunderstanding occurred. The Program Director/ Dept. Chair will respond in writing to the student within 14 calendar days (excluding holidays) of the receipt of the student’s written appeal. Pursuant appeals will be written and directed within 14 calendar days (excluding holidays) of the date of the Program Director/Dept. Chair’s decision to the College or College Academic Appeals Committee. The committee will consist of a panel of three faculty members, two of whom may not be from the department in which the appeal originated. The Dean will appoint the panel members upon receipt of the written appeal and notify the student in writing of the date, time, and location of the hearing and the names of the members of the panel. The student and the faculty member involved may appear in person before the panel and present evidence and/or witnesses (to provide evidence and then leave). The hearing will be closed to the public, and no person other than the student, the faculty member involved, and panel members may be present. No person may represent the student or the faculty member. After the College Academic Appeals Committee has heard the appeal, it will deliberate and come to a decision. The committee’s decision will be written and mailed, or delivered in person, to the student and faculty member within five calendar days (excluding holidays) of the close of the hearing. The student may appeal in writing within 14 calendar days (excluding holidays) to the Dean. The Dean’s decision will be final, and it must be mailed or delivered in person to the student within 14 calendar days (excluding holidays) of the receipt of the student’s written appeal.

Transfer of Graduate Credits to UTRGV

Graduate coursework completed at other institutions will be reviewed for approval by the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) or Director, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate College or their designee. For details about the type of credit accepted, see the Graduate Catalog.

Residency

One-third of the credits towards a graduate degree must be earned through instruction offered by UTRGV. Transfer students may be required to complete additional hours above those on their degree plan to meet this requirement.

Plagiarism, Fabrication, Falsification

UTRGV strives to create a research and scholarship climate that promotes faithful adherence to high ethical standards in the conduct of research or other scholarly or creative activities, without inhibiting productivity and creativity. Misconduct in scholarly activity is an offense that damages not only the reputation of those involved but also that of the entire educational community and will not be tolerated. Misconduct in scholarly activity includes fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the academic community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research or other scholarly or creative accomplishments. It does not include honest errors or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data.

For more information, visit the Student Rights and Responsibilities student resource page.

University Resources

As a graduate student at UTRGV, you have access to a wide range of resources to support your academic and personal success. These resources are designed to enhance your learning experience, provide valuable opportunities for professional development, and help you thrive during your time at UTRGV.

Bookstores

Purchase textbooks, gear, software, gifts, and much more at the University Bookstores on the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses.

bkstr.com/utrgvstore

Campus Dining

Enjoy many delicious options like Subconnection, The Grid, and The Grille in Brownsville and Chick-Fil-A, Wild Blue, Pizza Hut, and El Señor Cactus in Edinburg. www.utrgvdining.sodexomyway.com.

Career Center

Expand your career opportunities with individual career counseling, internships, part/full time job listings, resume development and interview advising.

www.utrgv.edu/careercenter

Email: careercenter@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-5627

or 956-665-2243

Child Development Center

Balance school, work, and your child-care needs with services available in the center’s caring and nurturing environment (for children ages 3 months – 5 years).

Email: childcare@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-665-2469.

Computer Labs

Utilize the latest software in comfortable, state-of-the-art computer labs in Edinburg and Brownsville.

www.utrgv.edu/it/labs

Phone: 956-665-2469

Counseling Services

Learn about free and confidential counseling services that address mental health concerns and promote personal growth and well-being by contacting the Counseling Services Center.

www.utrgv.edu/counseling

Email: counseling@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-3897

or 956-665-2574

Graduate College

Prepare for success through a variety of programs offered by the Graduate College including monthly workshops, one-onone assistance with formatting thesis/dissertation, travel scholarships for conferences and more.

www.utrgv.edu/grad

Email: gradcollege@utrgv.edu

Phone: 1-833-887-4842, 956-6653661 or 956-882-6552.

Health Services

Visit the Student Health Services Clinic for low cost medicines, supplies, lab tests, routine immunizations and TB testing required by many education programs at UTRGV.

The Class D pharmacy fills most prescriptions and offers a selection of over the counter items. Office visits are free of charge for UTRGV students. www.utrgv.edu/health-services

Email: healthservices@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-665-2511 or 956-882-3896

Student Accessibility Services

Contact the Student Accessibility Services if you need more information about their accessibility assistance. The office promotes optimal development and achievement for all students while fostering independence and selfadvocacy.

www.utrgv.edu/accessibility

Email: ability@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-882-7374 or 956-665-7005

Student Union

Meet your friends at the Student Union to enjoy a quick meal or to participate in fun, educational events held throughout the year.

Email: studentunion@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-665-7989

Transportation

Hop on a shuttle for comfortable, free or low cost bus rides provided by Parking & Transportation Services between the Brownsville and Edinburg

campuses. The Vaquero Express Campus Shuttle operates Monday through Friday. Below are some options:

VALLEY METRO: Valley Metro operates routes throughout the entire Valley, including rural and urban areas. Students, faculty, and staff may ride on any Valley Metro route by showing their validated UTRGV ID Card upon boarding. For more information, visit their website at www.lrgvdc.org/valleymetro.

B METRO: B Metro operates routes within the city of Brownsville. Students may ride on any B Metro route by showing their validated UTRGV ID Card upon boarding. For more information, visit their website at bmetro.cob.us.

METRO MCALLEN: Metro McAllen operates routes within the city of McAllen. The student fare is $0.50 upon boarding. A regular adult fare is $1. For more information, visit www.mcallen.

net/metro.

University Libraries

Reserve a room, meet a librarian, rent media equipment, use large capacity copying services or simply browse the periodicals - the UTRGV libraries have all this and more. Distance/online students can access library services online using their

UTRGV email and password. www.utrgv.edu/library

Email: university.librarian@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-665-2752

or 956-882-8221

University Police

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the UTRGV Police is available to protect and service the campus community.

www.utrgv.edu/police

Email: police@utrgv.edu

Phone: UTRGV Police Directory

956-882-7777 or Campus

Emergency 956-882-4911

University Recreation

Enjoy the University

Recreational Center’s swimming pools, fitness equipment and exciting classes such as aerobics and pilates and participate in intramural sports, sports clubs, certification courses and workshops.

www.utrgv.edu/urec

Email: urec@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-665-7808 or 956-8827176

Writing Center

Perfect your writing with the Writing Center’s array of services and friendly and accommodating staff. If an extensive session is needed, please make an appointment.

Email: wc@utrgv.edu

Phone: 956-665-2538

or 956-882-7065

Funding Your Degree

UTRGV offers many graduate assistantships, scholarships, financial aid, payment and installment plans, and emergency tuition and fee loans to help you make your graduate education a reality.

Assistantships

Assistantships give students the opportunity to work on campus (up to 20-hour work weeks) and are based on college/institutional demands and funds. Three types of assistantships are offered: teaching, research, and graduate. Please see your program coordinator about the different assistantships available in your field of study. You should also visit careers.utrgv.edu for additional Graduate Assistantship opportunities.

Funding

We realize funding is vital for each graduate student. The UTRGV Financial Aid Office strives to meet the needs of our students through grants, loans, and scholarships. Get more information today through their website at www.utrgv.edu/finaid or contact their office directly at finaid@utrgv.edu. We also encourage you to review the Graduate College official website at www.utrgv.edu/grad for updates on scholarship and assistantship opportunities.

Grants & Loans

UTRGV offers grants and loans as a financial aid option to help make your education affordable. Grants and loans are awarded based on financial need, which is determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submission of the FAFSA is easy and can be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Be sure to include UTRGV on the list of schools you will send your application to by adding your FAFSA School Code 003599.

Graduate applicants or students interested in receiving financial aid must have: (1) admittance into a graduate program and (2) must be enrolled for at least 6 graduate hours (3) graduate hours for accelerated online programs) or more per semester.

International students and students taking courses for professional improvement, certification, and non-degree seeking students are not eligible for federal or state-based financial aid.

Other Forms of Financial Assistance

VETERANS EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS: If you are a veteran, guardsman, reservist, or a dependent of one, be sure to visit the Military and Veteran Success Center at www.utrgv.edu/veterans to start the process of receiving your military educational benefits. If you are seeking the Hazlewood Act, you can receive assistance by contacting hazlewood@utrgv.edu. The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This benefit does NOT include living expenses, books,

or supply fees.

TEACH GRANT: The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a non-need based grant available to graduate students who are highly qualified teachers. For more details regarding grant qualifications, email finaid@utrgv.edu.

Payment Methods

The State of Texas under Sec. 54.007 of the WWEducation Code requires each institution of higher education to provide payment plans for Tuition and Fees. Eligible students may elect one of two payment assistance options during the term of registration:

INSTALLMENT PLAN: This plan is available to any student unable to pay the full amount or partial amount due by the university due dates. Note: This is not available for summer sessions or accelerated online programs.

EMERGENCY TUITION & FEE LOAN: This plan defers the payment of qualified tuition and fee charges to a future date.

You can set both of these plans up online through your my.utrgv.edu account within the ASSIST application. For additional information contact student billing@utrgv.edu or call 956-665-7824 or 956-665-2191.

Scholarships

UTRGV has several scholarship opportunities that use the same scholarship application. These scholarships are highly competitive so be sure to apply early! Visit the scholarship website at www.utrgv.edu/applyscholarships for more information.

Apply For Financial Aid

The FAFSA is the first step in applying for financial aid for college. By completing the FAFSA, you can determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, as well as state and institutional aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available at: www.fafsa.gov

UTRGV Recommended Priority Deadline: January 15

2023-2024 Academic Year

The FAFSA for the 2022-2023 academic year became available OCTOBER 1, 2022 and applies for:

Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Summer 2024

*Required documents: 2021 W2 and tax return

Important Reminders

• Students must be admitted to their respective degreeseeking graduate program to be eligible for any financial aid and be taking graduate courses only.

• Students admitted to certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.

• Students admitted conditionally to degree-seeking graduate programs are not eligible for any financial aid. However, students have the option of:

• Applying for an Emergency Loan or paying out of pocket.

• Submit the FAFSA

• After conditions are met and cleared by graduate admissions at the end of the semester or module, the Office Financial Aid will release your financial aid award.

• Student use the financial aid awards towards the Emergency Loan balance.

Academic Progress:

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a set of academic standards that students must meet to maintain eligibility for financial aid.

Quantitative (Grade Point Average minimum)

3.0 for graduate students

3.25 for doctoral students

Qualitative

Student must pass 75% of their overall attempted classes. Calculation will occur at the end of every semester of enrollment. To calculate your percentage, add up all the hours you have passed and divide it by all the hours you have ever attempted (includes DP, F, DF, W)

Maximum Time Frame

First-time Master’s students have 63 hours to obtain a degree*

Second-time Master’s students have 45 hours to obtain a degree

Doctoral Students have 99 hours to obtain a degree

*Certain programs that are longer in length have different MTF lengths (ie. PA and Occupational Therapy programs)

3 factors in Satisfactorydetermining

Preparing For Graduation

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements that must be completed for graduation will be those in effect at the time of a student's entrance or those provided in a subsequent catalog. In any case, the catalog used to determine the degree requirements must not be more than seven years old for students seeking a master’s degree and ten years old for students seeking a doctoral degree. In order to graduate, a cumulative 3.0 GPA is required for master’s students and a 3.25 cumulative GPA for doctoral students.

Completing the required coursework is an important step toward earning your degree, but it is not the only requirement. Depending on the program, you may be required to fulfill additional requirements such as a comprehensive exam, portfolio, publication, thesis, capstone project, or other program-specific requirements.

Applying for Graduation

Graduation applications are available via ASSIST for students who are eligible for graduation. The fee for graduation is $50 and is added to your my.utrgv.edu account. For more information on the graduation application process and to review graduation application deadlines, visit the Graduation Information page or contact gradcertification@utrgv.edu.

Commencement & Regalia

UTRGV offers Commencement Ceremonies at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters only. Students that have 6 hours or less left to complete their degrees during the summer terms are allowed to participate in the May commencement if requested. If not, they will be able to participate in the December commencement ceremony. For more information on commencement, please visit www.utrgv.edu/graduation.

All students participating in the commencement exercises are required to purchase or rent the appropriate regalia from the University Bookstore. Doctoral students will participate in the hooding process as outlined in the graduate catalog. For more information visit bkstr.com/utrgvstore.

Thesis/Dissertation

Students in a degree that requires a Thesis or Dissertation need to be enrolled in at least 6 hours of consecutive Thesis/Dissertation courses (except in the summer terms).

Please be sure to read the Thesis or Dissertation Manual in its entirety, as it is the best formatting guide available. An application of a Thesis or Dissertation Committee must be submitted when a committee has been selected. If there is a change of committee member(s) at any time, a Change of Committee form must be submitted. Lastly, a Certification of Completion of Thesis or Dissertation form must be submitted immediately after a successful defense. These forms can be sent to etd@utrgv.edu. In order to meet graduation requirements, students must meet all published deadlines.

Every Fall and Spring semester, the Graduate College offers a workshop dedicated to Thesis/ Dissertations. You can find the forms, deadlines, manuals, formatting guide, and other information at utrgv.edu/grad.

Edinburg Campus

Transportation Ofce and must properly display an appropriate permit.

Brownsville Campus

All vehicles parked on campus must be registered with UTRGV

1. BMAIN - Main Building

2. BSABH - Sabal Hall

3. BLIBR - University Library

4. BBRHB - Biomedical Research & Health

5. BLCBR - Luis V. Colom Biomedical Research Facility

6. BLHSB - Life & Health Siences Biology Wing

7. BLHSB - Life & Health Science

8. BSTUN - Student Union

9. BCASA - Casa Bella

10. BSETB - Science, Engineering & Technology

11. BVOTS - Vocation Trades Shops

12. BCRTZ - Cortez Hall

13. BCAVL 14. BRUST

15. BSTOR 16. BIMFD

22. BUNPB

Food Pantry - BCAVL 101 & 102 Food Pantry - BCAVL 101 & 102

UTRGV Parking & Transportation and must properly display an appropriate permit.

- Cavalry Hall

- Rusteberg Hall

- Bookstore

- Intramural Fields

- Academic Support Facilities

- Gymnasium Annex

- Garza Gymnasium

- Research Office Building

- The Arts Center

- University Police

- Recreation, Education and Kinesiology Center

- Portable Buildings

25. BRAHC - UTHealth Houston RAHC 26. BNOBL - North Office Building 27. BVAQP - Vaquero Plaza (Buildings A,B & C) 28. BMSLC - Music Science & Learning Center 29. BINAB - Interdisciplinary Academic Building 30. BRACG - Research & Community Garden 31. BNAPN - Native Plant Nursery

Important Campus Phone Numbers

Academic Services Graduate College gradcollege@utrgv.edu

956-665-3661

Registrar’s Office registrar@utrgv.edu

956-665-2201

Campus Services

V OneCard Office

cardservices@utrgv.edu

956-665-7276 or 956-665-2224

Parking parking@utrgv.edu

956-2738 or 956-882-2036

Academic Resources and Computing Services

Bookstore

utrgv@bkstr.com

956-665-2252 or 956-882-8249

Computer Labs

956-665-2020 or 956-882-2020

Computer Support Service

itservicedesk@utrgv.edu

956-665-2020 or 956-882-2020

Learning Center

learningcenter@utrgv.edu

956-665-2585 or 956-882-8208

Shuttle Services

transportation@utrgv.edu

956-665-2738

Transportation transportation@utrgv.edu

956-665-2036 or 956-882-2036

Library university.librarian@utrgv.edu

956-665-2752 or 956-882-8221

Writing Center

wc@utrgv.edu

956-665-2538 or 956-882-7065

Accounting Services, Bursar’s Office, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Bursar’s Office

bursaroffice@utrgv.edu

956-665-2718 or 956-882-7009

Emergency Loan Office

loanoffice@utrgv.edu

956-665-2191 or 956-665-2723

Financial Aid

finaid@utrgv.edu

888-882-4026

Military & Veterans Success Center

veteranservices@utrgv.edu

956-665-7934 or 956-882-8980

Scholarships and Enrollment

Communication scholarships@utrgv.edu

956-665-2935 or 956-882-4026

Student Accounting Services

student_billing@utrgv.edu

956-665-7824 or 956-665-2191

(one-stop service center for student support, including Financial Aid, Registration, Admissions, and the Bursar’s Office)

ucentral@utrgv.edu

956-665-2201 or 1-888-882-4026

Accessibility Services, Campus Police, Counseling, & Victim Advocacy

Advocacy & Violence Prevention

oavp@utrgv.edu

956-665-8287 or 956-882-8282

Campus Police police@utrgv.edu

956-882-7777

956-882-4911 (Emergency)

Campus Life

Child Development Center

childcare@utrgv.edu

956-665-2469

Dining Services

aux@utrgv.edu

Counseling Services

counseling@utrgv.edu

956-665-2574 or 956-882-3897

Health Services

healthservices@utrgv.edu

956-665-2511 or 956-882-3896

Student Accessibility Services

ability@utrgv.edu

956-665-7005 or 956-882-7374

University Police police@utrgv.edu

956-665-7151 or 956-882-8232

Housing and Residence Life

home@utrgv.edu

956-665-3439 or 956-882-7191

Student Food Pantry

foodpantry@utrgv.edu

956-665-3663 or 956-882-8980

Student Affairs/Student Services

Dean of Students

dos@utrgv.edu

956-665-2260 or 956-882-5140

International Admissions and Student Services

international@utrgv.edu

956-665-2922 or 956-882-7092

1-888-882-4026

University Recreation

urec@utrgv.edu

956-665-7808 or 956-882-7176

Student Rights and Responsibilities

srr@utrgv.edu

956-665-5375 or 956-882-5141

“The best way your future is

way to predict is to create it”

-Abraham Lincoln