Policies

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-legislated program that helps determine if incoming college students are ready for entry-level college coursework in English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and mathematics for students entering Texas public colleges and universities.

The program consists of testing, placement, and developmental education for students who do not pass one or more sections of the assessment. There are several testing options as well as exemptions and waivers outlined by the state mandate. Effective August 26, 2013 (based on House Bill 3468 Texas College-Readiness Assessment and Placement) the new Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) WILL BE THE ONLY accepted placement exam and all prior test scores for students not enrolled will no longer be valid.

Prairie View A&M University will use the state approved TSI Assessment to assess all non-exempt students using the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) *prior to enrollment of the student from the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter C, Rule §4.55.

*To move forward with the PVAMU registration process, valid documentation must first be on file for an exemption, or you must have completed the appropriate TSIA PRIOR to registering for New Student orientation and/or enrolling in any college level classes.

The TSI Hold is a hold that delays registration for the upcoming semester.

If a student has not either passed the TSI Assessment or successfully completed the co-requisite courses then this hold will remain on your account for every semester that these actions are not completed.

For All Incoming Students with a TSI hold, if you have already submitted all you need regarding TSI, next you will register for new student orientation. 

• Incoming Freshmen: Your advisor will temporarily lift your TSI hold & register you for classes for the first semester only. 
• Incoming Transfer or Readmit: At orientation, you will have the opportunity to connect with your *Advisor regarding your TSI hold to determine the appropriate college and co-requisite course(s) you need for registration.

For All Current Students with a TSI hold, you must contact your assigned advisor in order to have the TSI hold temporarily lifted for registration purposes only.

To determine the appropriate college and co-requisite course(s) you need for registration based on your major, please contact your assigned *Academic Advisor.

*Academic Advisor contact information can be found on the Academic Advising Services ‘Meet Our Advisors webpage.

All students entering PVAMU must complete the assessment test unless they meet one of the approved exemptions. A TSI exemption excuses you from having to take the TSI Assessment. These exemptions are from the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter C, Rule §4.54.

Click HERE for detailed instructions for submitting exemptions.

Student must have valid documentation on file with the PVAMU Office of Admissions before any TSI exemptions are applied to the student’s account.

To determine the best way to send your official dual credit college transcript, SAT and/or ACT scores or to check the status of your documents being RECEIVED and UPLOADED by PVAMU Office of Admissions, please contact them at (936) 261-1000 (option 3) or by email at admissions@pvamu.edu.

Texas College Bridge Certificate(s)

• The Texas College Bridge Certificate(s) for TSI Exemption are valid for two-years from the date of the student’s high school graduation provided the freshman-level mathematics and English course(s) are taken during the first year of enrollment in the Institution of Higher Education after qualifying for a TSI exemption.
• Certificates must FIRST be shared with PVAMU through GreenLight Credential; SECOND, complete this PV request form: www.pvamu.edu/tcb 

The Texas First Diploma Program

A student who has earned the Texas First Diploma under chapter 21, subchapter D of this title (relating to Texas First Early High School Completion Program) shall be exempt for the English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and Mathematics (Math) sections of the TSI Assessment with no expiration.

Dual Credit/Transfer Courses

• Official college transcripts must be received and processed by PVAMU’s Undergraduate Admissions Office.
• Must have a “C” or higher in the Freshman Composition or College Level Math course

Holds a Degree or Certificate

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree
• Certificate program of 1 year or less (level-one certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college)

Military

• Serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, Texas National Guard, or a member of the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least 3 years preceding enrollment. A letter from the commanding officer is needed.
• Student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or services as a member of the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States. A DD214 is needed.
• Send clear scanned copies of military documents to tsi@pvamu.edu 

• The Texas College Bridge Certificate(s) for TSI Exemption are valid for two-years from the date of the student’s high school graduation provided the freshman-level mathematics and English course(s) are taken during the first year of enrollment in the Institution of Higher Education after qualifying for a TSI exemption from the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter C, Rule §4.54.
• Certificates must FIRST be shared with PVAMU through EdReady & GreenLight Credential; SECOND, complete this PV request form: www.pvamu.edu/tcb 
• Click HERE for additional support and steps for submitting your Texas College Bridge certificates

‘College Ready’ TSIA 2.0 Scores (After January 11, 2021)

‘College Ready’ TSIA 1.0 Scores (Before January 11, 2021)

‘Not College Ready’ TSIA Scores

Students who did not earn ‘College Ready’ score(s) for the TSI Assessment in one or more sections, must enroll in both the college level course and the appropriate 1-credit hour co-requisite course to be completed in the same semester.

This TSI co-requisite model aims to support students in their college level English or Math course(s). With a final passing grade in the college-level course, a student’s TSI status will be updated, and they will be able to enroll in courses that required a passing TSI status in that section.

To determine the appropriate college and co-requisite course(s) you need for registration based on your major, please contact your assigned *Academic Advisor.

Questions about TSI policies, contact:

TSI Office
Phone: (936) 261-3610
Email: TSI@pvamu.edu