Q: What type of Tutoring does the ASC offer and what are TutorHubs?
A: The Academic Success Center offers tutoring available in highly-requested, core-curriculum courses and in a number of subjects. You can expect to receive assistance for your immediate tutoring needs and acquire the tools necessary to take charge of your future learning. http://asc.tamu.edu/
Q: What is a StudyHub and is it different than a TutorHub?
A: StudyHub is an online, searchable database of on-campus academic resources created and maintained by the Academic Success Center. Think of it as a one-stop shop for finding all types of academic support by subject area, type of support, or location. A TutorHub was a (pre-Covid) location for on-campus, drop-in tutoring.
Q: What is (SI) Supplemental Instruction and how can it help me with my classes?
A: In conjunction with The Association of Former Students, we host Supplemental Instruction (SI), an award-winning academic assistance program providing regularly-scheduled, out-of-class group study sessions for select lower-level undergraduate courses, led by an SI Leader. SI leaders, undergraduates who have taken and excelled in the courses they lead, can help you master course content and prepare for quizzes, exams and class projects.
Q: What is an Academic Coach and how can they make my life better?
A: Academic coaching combines aspects of advising and counseling into a dynamic and personal interaction between a student and a coach. Academic coaches work holistically to help students examine their learning preferences, study strategies and barriers to academic success. Students are encouraged to create and implement effective plans, and strategies for future success. Coaching is conducted one-on-one via in person and online resources, but we also offer coaching for small groups. We also host some coaching services at the Veteran Resource Student Center.
Transition Academic Programs (TAP)
Transition Academic Programs (TAP) Advising Office supports students and degree-granting majors at Texas A&M through a variety of programs as students navigate the change of major process, acclimate to academic rigors in college, and create plans toward professional goals.
TAP Q&A
Q: What is academic advising?
A: Academic advising is a collaboration between a student and an academic advisor. Through teaching and learning experiences, the student sets goals, acquires information and services, and makes decisions consistent with interests, goals, abilities and degree requirements. TAMU Catalog - Academic Advising
Q: Where can I find my academic advisor’s contact information?
A: Student Success - Find My Advisor
Q: I am worried I chose the wrong major, where do I go to find out about changing major?
A: Transition Academic Programs’ advisors. General Studies is TAP’s temporary, temporary major designed to accommodate students needing one or two semesters to complete coursework necessary for entrance into a specific major course of study. Find our how to meet with a TAP advisor at TAP Advising.
Q: What type of student participates in General Studies?
A: Any student that is looking to transition from one major to another and wants to discuss change of major opportunities.
Q: Where are you located?
A: TAP Advising is located on the 1st floor of the Academic Building in Room 107. Advising hours are weekdays; more details about advising hours can be found on the website at TAP Advising.
Q: What type of programming is available for me if I don’t know what I want to do with my life?
A: The Explore Program will be able to help you identify realistic majors that match your interest and talents. Visit this website to learn more: TAP Explore Program.
Q: How do I schedule a meeting with an advisor in TAP?
A: Visit our website for advising hours and information on how to reserve an appointment: TAP Advising. Please note: During pre-registration and other busy times our office will experience higher advising volume and we will switch to walk-in advising.
Q: When and where can I apply to be in General Studies?
A: The applications are available on our website http://tap.tamu.edu. Please read directions carefully. First term students at Texas A&M, non-Gateway students, should complete the Fish Form. Application timelines vary; please check the TAP website for more information.
Q: Is it possible for me to change major to General Studies if I am below a 2.0 GPA?
A: Please visit with a TAP academic advisor to discuss realistic change of major opportunities.
Q: Can I change to any major I want or do I have to meet certain requirements?
A: Each major at TAMU has specific requirements that must be completed before you can apply to change major, visit the Change of Major page for information: TAP Change of Major Information . Visit a TAP academic advisor to make a plan.
Q: Will I be able to graduate on-time if I switch to General Studies?
A: Of course! All General Studies students have an opportunity to graduate on-time.
Current GEST Students
Q: I’m in Gateway, how long can I stay in General Studies?
A: A maximum of two semesters, fall and spring semesters, but you must complete a required form before you may register for spring semester. At the beginning of spring semester, you will have a registration hold prohibiting you from registering for future courses until you change major. Make sure you are regularly meeting with a TAP academic advisor to resolve holds and taking required courses to change major.
Q: I’m in TEAM, how can I get into my major quickly?
A: Make sure you are regularly meeting with a TAP academic advisor to make sure you are on track to complete TEAM and take the required courses to change major.
Q: Why do I have a hold from General Studies?
A: We encourage you to check your TAMU email and Howdy portal frequently to view holds. If TAP places a hold on your account, we always email students with the information needed to resolve the hold early.
Q: What is considered a disability?
A: While a disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, it is important to remember disabilities are not just exclusive to things we can see (like someone who is blind or who uses a wheelchair). Disabilities can be attentional, learning, mental health, sensory, physical, or chronic health conditions, and can be short or long-term, from birth, or acquired later in life. If you are unsure whether or not something is a disability and eligible for accommodations, you can always talk with an Access Coordinator with Disability Resources for more information.
Q: What are academic accommodations?
Accommodations are individualized considerations which ensure students with disabilities have equal access to their academic experience. What might be an accommodation for one student may be unnecessary or unreasonable due to the unique barriers and impacts experienced by another. Accommodations could include resources like extra time during testing, a quieter space to take exams, the ability to audio record lectures, or the use of assistive technologies. An Access Coordinator will meet with the student to determine what barriers might impact the student in the classroom and accommodations which can address these barriers. It is important to remember accommodations create a level playing field by supporting access, but do not work to guarantee a student's success or outcomes.
Q: If I am a student with a disability, will Disability Resources seek me out to provide services like my counselors did in high school?
No, unlike the process for receiving accommodations in high school, college students with disabilities self-identify their disability with Disability Resources and make a request for accommodations themselves. Disability Resources has a short application on their website which asks questions about the student's disability, barriers they experience, and accommodations they are requesting, and the student is then assigned an Access Coordinator to talk through next steps and how to use their accommodations in college. If a student has had accommodations in the past, it is important to reach out to Disability Resources if they may want accommodations in college. You can get more information about requesting accommodations and begin an application at https://disability.tamu.edu/process.
Q: With classes being online what is the best way to maintain Academic Integrity?
A: Read your syllabus, ask your faculty if you have any questions, assume work is to be done individually unless the instructor details approved collaboration with students. Be responsible when seeking information from approved resources.
Q: How many definitions of Academic Misconduct are there?
A: 9 - see the Aggie Honor System Office website for additional information: https://aggiehonor.tamu.edu/Rules-and-Procedures/Rules/Honor-System-Rules
Q: Can I turn in an assignment that I did for credit in another class?
A: This is known as Multiple Submissions. A&M wants to make sure that all work is original and authentic. Your faculty want to know what it is you learned and you cannot show that if you submit the same work for credit more than once without approval from the instructor. This also includes writing assignments, homework assignments, group projects, etc.
Q: Do you have any examples of Academic Misconduct?
A: Yes, we have examples of some case studies: https://aggiehonor.tamu.edu/Case-Studies
Q: Who can turn a student in?
A: Honor Code Incident report options are available on our website and include instructor, graduate teaching assistant, student, staff, and community member reporting forms.
Q: Will I get kicked out of school?
A: It depends on the allegation and several other factors including how many times the behavior has occurred. If you commit academic misconduct, the usual penalty is an F* in the course.
Q: What’s most likely to happen to me if I get caught:
A: The university states the result for a first offense violation should be an F* in the course. Know that your Faculty can handle cases by themselves and can choose a sanction they believe is responsive to the violation so they can choose anything from a 0 on the assignment up to an F*. This is known as the Autonomous process. If Faculty decide to handle a case Autonomously, they seek the student's input, either through email or in person. It is important for you to participate in this process. The Faculty can also send allegations straight to the Honor Council if they believe it’s too difficult to determine whether or not misconduct occurred.
Q: If the case is sent through the Honor Council, will I automatically be found responsible?
A: Students are not responsible until it is proven by a preponderance of the information standard that a student committed the alleged academic misconduct.
Q: What’s an F*?
A: A student who is assessed a grade of “F*” shall have it documented on his/her transcript with the notation “FAILURE DUE TO ACADEMIC DISHONESTY” or other similar language approved by the Director for the Aggie Honor System Office. It is recorded by the Office of the Registrar immediately upon a finding of academic dishonesty. The grade of F* is intended to denote that the student has been penalized for failing to uphold the values of academic integrity at Texas A&M University. It shall be treated in the same way as an F for the purposes of calculating the Grade Point Ratio and determination of academic standing. A student with an F* is automatically on Honor Violation Probation.
Q: What’s Honor Violation Probation?
A: It’s a designation letting the university know that you are considered not in good standing with the University. You cannot order your Aggie Ring, get your diploma, represent the university to anyone outside of the university community, and you cannot hold leadership positions. There are a lot of things you cannot do while on Honor Violation Probation, so please see our website: https://aggiehonor.tamu.edu/Rules-and-Procedures/Rules/Sanctions#HVP
Q: How do I get off of Honor Violation Probation?
A: Students may file a written petition to the AHSO to have the grade of F* removed and permanently replaced with the grade of F. The decision to remove the grade of F* shall rest with the Director of the AHSO and is contingent upon the successful completion of the Academic Integrity Development Program (AIDP). The Director’s decision is final. A student will remain on Honor Violation Probation until the F* is removed from the transcript. Additionally, the F* grade, or the F that remains when the “*” designation is removed, will not be eligible for any grade forgiveness or replacement action, and it must be considered in the calculation of a student’s Grade Point Ratio. Students who receive an “F*” will not be allowed to remove the asterisk from their degree plan until the successful completion of the AIDP. Both Undergraduate and Graduate students are not allowed to remove an “F” from a degree program, regardless of whether it was imposed for cheating or academic failure. A student who wishes to re-take the course may do so concurrently with the AIDP.
Q: What rights do accused students have?
A: All charges shall be presented to the accused student in written form. The accused student will be given at least 3 University business days to prepare for a hearing. In all honor council proceedings, the accused student shall be presumed not responsible until it is proven that a violation of the University rules occurred by a preponderance of the information standard. Honor Council Hearings which may result in University mandated separation from the University shall be conducted by the guidelines in Student Rule 20. Accused students subject to less severe sanctions may, at the discretion of the Director of the Aggie Honor System Office, be afforded but are not guaranteed the same guidelines. For additional information on student’s rights please visit our website: https://aggiehonor.tamu.edu/Rules-and-Procedures/Procedures/Adjudication-Process#Student%20Rights
Q: What if my Faculty decides to handle my case Autonomously?
A: Once the faculty has filed the case in our office, then you have the right to decide whether you agree with both the finding of responsibility of academic misconduct and the sanction; if you agree with the finding of responsibility of academic misconduct but want to appeal the sanction; or if you disagree with the finding of responsibility of academic misconduct.
If you decide that you agree with both the finding of responsibility of academic misconduct and the sanction then you will sign a student response form and the case is essentially closed, pending the sanction(s). If you decide that you agree and accept responsibility for academic misconduct but do not agree with the sanction, then you will acknowledge on your student response form that you wish to appeal your sanction. Note that with appealing your sanction you can only appeal on the basis of sanction not commensurate. This means you believe the sanction is too harsh for the violation in which you have accepted responsibility for. Finally, if you believe academic misconduct did not occur, then you will need to elect to send it through the Honor Council panel for a full review of the case.
Q: A Faculty accused me of cheating but I didn’t do it. What are my options?
A: Again if the Faculty has decided to handle the case Autonomously, then you can elect to send the whole case through to the Honor Council Panel. During the Honor Council Panel you will have an opportunity to present information and or tell the panel your account of the allegation.
Q: What kind of help do you offer?
A: - Help Sessions: Drop-in, peer-led tutoring sessions for particular courses. Students may come in whenever fits their schedule and stay for as little or as long as they would like.
- Week-in-Review: Weekly problem solving sessions that review concepts introduced in lectures from the week before. All students are welcomed to attend any of the sessions or review the posted practice problems.
- Virtual Math Learning Center: The VMLC is an asynchronous resource available to all TAMU students at any time. Students can review prerequisite math course materials, prepare for current math courses, and preview future math classes! The VMLC provides handouts, videos from math faculty, and practice problems.
- Hands on, Grades up: Hands on, Grades up sessions consist of active-learning structured activities dedicated to selected courses. Work on practice problems in a group setting to enhance your understanding and confidence with the weekly course material.
- And more! Visit MLC.TAMU.EDU
Q: Where can I find help for my math course?
A: All help available for a particular math course may be found at: https://mlc.tamu.edu/By-Course
Q: Do you record the Week-in-Review sessions?
A: We do not however, you may find the videos on the Virtual Math Learning Center helpful! There are practice problems to try on your own and check your understanding from the faculty video solution! Check it out here: https://vmlc.tamu.edu
Q: I am looking for help for a course that is not listed on your website, do you offer tutoring for my class?
A: If you do not see the course listed on our website, then we do not offer dedicated support for that course. However, please reach out to us at mlc@tamu.edu! The MLC might be able to help you identify where you can find tutoring.
Q: Looks like I need to review some math for a class I’m currently taking, do you have any resources for review?
A: YES! The Virtual Math Learning Center is available 24/7 and offers materials that can help you prepare for your current courses by helping you reinforce your foundational knowledge. Visit vmlc.tamu.edu
Q: I love math, are you hiring Help Session tutors?
A: Yes! Visit our Become a Tutor page to learn more about how to become a Help Sessions tutor: https://mlc.tamu.edu/About-us/Employment-Opportunities/Become-a-tutor
Q: What kind of help do you offer?
A: The Office for Student Success’ resources are offered through Academic Advising, the Routh First-Generation Center, First-Year Experience, and the Transfer Student Program.
Q: What kind of academic advising do we offer?
A: We offer the Student Success Help Desk (SSHD), which is a resource for students who encounter roadblocks or barriers and helps them stay on track for graduation. The SSHD staff actively listens to the student’s issue or concern and determines the best course of action to help find a resolution. SSHD staff explains general policies and procedures, talks through the situation and possible solutions with the student, gives student action items to work on, and directs the student back to their academic advisor or other appropriate campus resources.
Six main reasons that students will seek assistance from the SSHD:
• Change of major
• Academic Concerns
• Academic Dismissal
• Registration/Holds
• Degree Planner/Holds
• General Advising
Q: How can a student reach out to us about academic advising?
A: Advising appointments are made solely by students through means of Navigate Student. Walk-in advising hours are offered during peak advising times for each semester. Students do not need an appointment to see a SSHD advisor during these hours and all students can be seen regardless of major, situation, or question.
• Email: sshelpdesk@tamu.edu
• Website: https://studentsuccess.tamu.edu/Academic-Advising
• How to make an appointment: https://studentsuccess.tamu.edu/StudentSuccess/media/mainmedia/Advising/Advising%20Toolbox/OSS-Advising.pdf
Q: How does the Routh First-Generation Center support students?
A: Support for our first-generation students includes programs and advocacy for students as well as coordination, professional development, and advocacy for the faculty and staff that work with them. From campus-wide celebrations to meetings with a Peer Mentor, first-generation student programs help students thrive at Texas A&M University.
The Routh First-Generation Center, located in Hotard Hall, offers a physical space on campus for first-generation students to gather throughout the year. First-Generation students have access to a computer lab with free unlimited printing, a TV lounge equipped with cable and study areas, and a quiet room with additional study space. All study areas are equipped with multiple white boards! The Center also has a breakroom with a refrigerator, Keurig coffee machine (Starbucks coffee), water station, and vending machines. First-generation students who utilize the Center have the opportunity to meet first-generation peer mentors, the Office for Student Success staff who are and/or support first-generation students, and the First-Generation team such as Dallas Reyes, Felicia Galaviz, and Dr. Leticia Palomin.
Q: What kinds of program does First-Year Experience offer?
A: First-Year Experience coordinates details for all of the Hullabaloo U courses. Participation in a Hullabaloo U section equips first-year students to achieve academic and personal goals, take advantage of campus resources, develop community and a sense of belonging, and contribute to our diverse and inclusive Aggie community.
Q: How can the Transfer Student Program help me?
A: We offer transfer-specific support services; post-admission, transfer-friendly advising; and opportunities to meet other students like you who have transferred into our university.
Q: What kind of help do you offer?
A: We have librarians who can help answer your research related questions, help you find and get the materials you need including tech, audiovisual project support in the Studio, and offer a variety of study spaces from quiet study areas to more lively study spaces.
Q: How many libraries are there on campus?
A: There are five libraries on campus: 1) Evans Library & Annex, 2) Business Library and Collaboration Commons, 3) Medical Sciences Library, 4) Policy Sciences and Economics Library, and 5) Cushing Memorial Library.
Q: How late are the libraries open?
A: During the Fall and Spring semesters, the Business Library and Collaboration Commons and Evans/Annex are open until 2am.
Q: How do you book a study room in the library?
A: Go to the library website and click on Study Spaces. Under “Reserve a Study Room,” select the link for your preferred building and room type (e.g. “Evans Library Group Rooms.”). Choose the date you are interested in and look for available spaces, which are marked in green. Click on a green square and then select the best end time. Fill out the information form using your @tamu email address. If you are meeting a group, be sure to give your booking a title that will help them find you (e.g. “BIOL 104 study group”).
Q: Where can you find the TutorHub in the library?
A: TutorHub is located on the 2nd floor of Evans Library, right outside the University Writing Center.
Q: Where can you find the University Writing Center?
A: The University Writing Center can be found in two libraries: Evans Library and the Business Library and Collaboration Center. In both cases, the University Writing Center is located on the 2nd floor.
Q: Can you get textbooks from the library?
A: The University Libraries puts some (not all) textbooks on course reserves for short-term checkout (two to four hours). Search for your textbook in the search box on the library homepage, and you’ll see if we have your textbook and which library has it.
Q: How can I get help from the library?
A: There are several ways that you can get help! You can get in-person help by walking in to any of the five libraries and asking for help at the AskUs desk. You can also get help by phone, email, chat, and text. Visit the library homepage and click on the Help button in the top right corner for more information.
Q: How can I get help with my writing or public speaking assignments?
A: The University Writing Center provides consultants with College Reading and Learning Association certification to help you with any writing or public speaking project at any stage. Locations are in Evans Library and in the Business Library & Collaboration Commons. Need someone to read over a draft or hear your practice your speech? Want to make sure your slides are clear or your grammar is correct? Need help with interpreting an assignment and thinking up what to say? Want ideas on revising your work? You can make an appointment to meet with a consultant, either face-to-face or online, or you can send in your work for an online review by going to writingcenter.tamu.edu.