11.04.99.R0.02 Basic Skills Requirements

Effective: September 1, 1996

Supplements System Policy: System Policy 11.04

1. All new undergraduates (freshmen and transfer students) must submit evidence of a level of competence in reading, writing and mathematics that will not impede their success in University Studies courses. Documentation of skills in these areas will consist of the following:

a. Skill Area Proof of Competency

(1) Reading Passing scores in reading on the reading section of the official TASP test or *TASP exemption through TAAS, SAT, or ACT;
ACT reading score of 16 or greater;
SAT verbal score of 410 or greater after April, 1995; 330 prior to April, 1995; or
Passing grade in English 101, transferred equivalent course, or **credit for course.
(2) Writing Passing score on the writing section of the official TASP test or *TASP exemption through TAAS, SAT, or ACT or
Passing grade in English 101, transferred equivalent course, or **credit for course.
(3) Mathematics Passing grade in Math 141 or 175 or 179 or higher level mathematics course, a transferred equivalent course, or credit for course.

b. Students who do not submit documentation of basic skills are required to take the appropriate section(s) of the Texas A&M University-Commerce diagnostic test before enrolling. Students whose scores indicate a need for remediation must be enrolled in and participate in remediation in all indicated areas during their first semester of enrollment until they have completed the remedial sequence and must be in continuous remediation each semester they are in attendance until they complete the remediation sequence.

c. All students must include an English course and a mathematics course in their schedule until the basic skills requirements of English and mathematics are met (ENG 101 and MATH 141 or MATH 175 or MATH 179).

2. Freshman Students who do not meet the Standard Admissions Requirements

Students who fail to meet the admissions standards will be permitted to enter the university on a provisional basis beginning with the first summer session. Students must take nine or ten semester hours of university designated courses which will require two summer terms to complete. Students will be placed in the appropriate English and mathematics courses on the basis of their diagnostic tests and in an elective course with the approval of Academic Advising. The student must earn a minimum grade of a "C" in each course to be eligible for fall enrollment. Appeals may be made to the office of the academic vice president.

3. GED Applicants

Students admitted with GED certificates will be required to take the diagnostic tests for advisement and placement before registering. Those students requiring remediation will be subject to the basic skills remediation policy.

References: Prior ETSU Policies V E 17 and B-25 approved April 6, 1984; revised June 25, 1985, January 19, 1990, May 6, 1994, and May 1996; and B-26; Procedure A11.16

Contact for Interpretation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs