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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For your convenience, we have prepared this document to assist you, our students, by providing answers to your frequently asked questions.  The questions are classified in the following categories:

• Admissions - First Year (Freshman)
• Admissions - Transfer
• Advising
• College of Business and Technology
• Counseling Services
• Financing Your College Experience
• General Information
• Graduate School
• International Student Services
• Math
• Residence Life

Q: How do I apply for undergraduate admissions?
A: When applying to only A&M-Commerce, students can use the Application for Undergraduate Admissions. Students can also apply online using the ApplyTexas application when applying to multiple colleges or universities in the state of Texas.

Q: What are the deadline dates to submit an application for undergraduate admissions?
A:

Q: How will I know if I am admitted?
A: An acceptance letter will be mailed to the applicant’s permanent address. An applicant can also check his or her admission status on MyLeo using the Campus-Wide Identification (CWID) number and Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Q: When/How do I register for classes?
A: First-year students are required to attend an orientation session. While attending orientation, first-year students will meet with an academic advisor and register for classes.
Undergraduate Advisement Services
College of Arts & Sciences                                 (903)886-5174
College of Business & Technology                       (903)468-3197
College of Education & Human Services               (903) 468-3144

Q: Will getting admitted to TAMU-C automatically be admission to TAMU? 
A: No, TAMU located in College Station is a separate institution.  Students should contact TAMU to determine admission policies specific to that institution.

Q: Transcripts, what makes one official? 
A: High School and College transcripts must arrive in a sealed envelope from the sending institution.

Q: Why is my record marked as inactive?
A: Students who do not attend classes for one long semester (spring or fall), their records are marked as inactive and these students will need to apply for readmission to become active again.

Q: Why do I have to reapply if I have missed a fall or spring semester? 
A: Students will be required to reapply for admission after missing a fall or spring semester so that TAMU-C can make sure all personal information is correct and whether a student attended another institution during the time away from TAMU-C.   Also, when reapplying, official transcripts will be required from each school attended while away.

Q: I applied for a previous semester, do I have to reapply?
A: Occasionally students will apply for admission for a fall semester but does not attend and then decides to attend in the following spring.  These students do not need to submit a new application.  They can contact the admissions office and ask to have the previous application updated. The student will be asked a few questions to update the previous application.

Q: If I applied and was accepted for a previous semester, does this guarantee I will be accepted again?
A: It depends on a student’s individual situation.  If a student applied as an incoming freshman and have since attended another college or university, official college transcripts will then be required before an admission decision can be made on the new application.  The same applies for a transfer student who has attended additional semesters since applying with us.  TAMU-C will need to verify a student’s GPA before an admission decision can be made. 

ADMISSIONS - TRANSFER

Q: What are the admission requirements for a student who has previously attended another college or university?
A: A transfer student with twenty-one (21) transferable hours is required to have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Q: Why do I have to send in official transcripts from every school I have attended when all the classes are listed on my last transcript?
A: TAMU-C must receive an official transcript from each school attended in order for the student to receive credit for each and every class previously attended.  Although classes may be listed on one transcript, the school that accepted the transfer course may have listed it as the course it transferred in instead of the original course from the previous institution.    Using each school transcript in the transfer process allows TAMU-C to give students all credits they have previously earned. 

Q: Will TAMU-C accept transfer work from my junior college or university? 
A: To accept transfer work from a junior college or university, the transfer school must hold a regional accreditation at the higher education level.  There are six regional bodies:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Middle States Commission of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
• New England Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission  
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Q: How will you know if a class will transfer and be accepted at TAMU-C?
A: Students transferring courses from a Texas junior or community college can browse the Transfer Course Equivalencies page to determine if a specific class will transfer to TAMU-C and what the equivalent number is for the class.
If a Texas junior college course is not listed at the above Web page, please contact the admissions office.

Q: If I made a “D” in a class, will it transfer to TAMU-C?
A: Yes, it will transfer to TAMU-C. However, if a “D” is received in a class that is required for the student’s major, the student may be required to retake the class. Generally, a grade of “C” or better is required for courses in the major.

Q: When/How do I register for classes?
A: Transfer students will make an appointment with their academic advisor after they have been accepted. To determine who your advisor is, please contact your college’s advising office.

Undergraduate Advisement Services
College of Arts & Sciences                                 (903)886-5174
College of Business & Technology                       (903)468-3197
College of Education & Human Services               (903) 468-3144

ADVISING

Q:  How do I find out who my academic advisor is?
A: Advisors are assigned based on your Texas Success Initiative (TSI) status and by your major.  If you are not TSI complete, then your advisor is housed in the Advising Center in the College of your major (College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business & Technology, or College of Education & Human Services).  All undecided majors go to the College of Arts and Sciences.  If you are TSI complete, see your major department to make an appointment with the departmental faculty advisor.  If you are still unsure how to find your advisor, call 903-886-5122 or one of the College Advising centers and ask for assistance.

Q:   How do I contact my advisor?
A:  Please contact the Advising Center for your major. (See list below) Advising appointments are required by some Advising Centers, so it is recommended that you call prior to your visit.

College of Arts and Sciences majors call 903-886-5174 or visit Ag/IT 110. 

College of Business & Technology majors call 903-468-3197 or visit McDowell Administration room 314. 

College of Education & Human Services call 903-468-3144 or visit Binnion 212. 

Q:   What is the role of advising?
A:   Academic Advising is a developmental process that assists students in the classification of their life/career goals in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor. It is ongoing, multifaceted, and both the responsibility of both student and advisor. The advisor serves as a facilitator of communication, a coordinator of learning experiences through course and career planning and academic progress review. The advisor is also an agent of referral to other campus agencies.

Q:   What is a degree plan?
A:  A degree plan specifies all course requirements for your degree.

Q:   Do I need to file a degree plan? How do I do this?
A:  Yes. You should meet with your advisor to have a degree plan developed.

Q:   Who do I contact for help on my degree plan?
A:  First, check with your college advisor to determine your specific academic advisor.

Q:   What is a prerequisite?
A:  A prerequisite is usually a course that is required before you can take another course. For example, college algebra may be required before you can take calculus.

Q:   Do I have a minor?
A:  Your degree plan will specify whether you have a minor.

Q:   How long do I have before I declare a major?
A:  All students must file a degree plan before completing 75 semester credit hours or within the first semester of enrollment for transfer students with more than 75 hours.

Q:   How do I go about changing my major?
A:   First, contact your advisor and explain that you desire to change your major. The advisor should contact the dean’s office and the college advisor will direct you to the appropriate college advisor for a new degree plan.

Q:  What are acceptable THEA test scores?
A:  Reading 230, Math 230, Writing 220 (Teacher certification requires a Reading score of 250 before a student may intern.)

Q:  What does my academic advisor do?
A:  Once you have been admitted, your academic advisor will clear you for registration and will consult with you about your degree plan and course selection.  The academic advisors are broken down by college based on your major. 

College of Arts & Sciences                                 (903)886-5174
College of Business & Technology                       (903)468-3197
College of Education & Human Services               (903) 468-3144

Q. What is the university catalog and where to I get one?
A.  The university catalog provides information about degree programs and specific university requirements. Please see:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/catalogs/

Q. What degree programs does the university have?
A. Degree programs are located at:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/vpaa/Myplan/degreeindex.htm

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY:

For frequently questions regarding the College of Business and Technology, please visit the following website: http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/cbt/cbtfaq.asp#Q1ApplyForAdmission

COUNSELING SERVICES

Q:  Why seek counseling?
A:  You want to feel better about yourself or a relationship and you can benefit from the help and support of a trained counselor.

Q:  What kind of counseling is available?
A:  You can get help with your personal, academic and career concerns.

Q: What are some common concerns students often deal with in counseling? 
A:  They deal with issues related to academic progress, daily living, adjustment to the university, and relationships with others. 

Q:  What are specific reasons students may decide to seek counseling? 
A:  They need help in clarifying values and priorities, increasing self-confidence, coping with anxiety and stress, and overcoming loneliness and depression. 

Q:  Who can use the Counseling Center?
A:  Currently enrolled students can receive counseling during the academic semester.

Q:  What does it cost to receive counseling services? 
A:  Counseling Services are free to university students? 

Q:  When is the Counseling Center open?
A:  Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additional hours are available upon request.

Q:  Do you need an appointment to see a counselor? 
A:  Counseling sessions are by appointment.  Come by the office in the Student Services Building #204, or call 903-886-5145.

Q:  What if there is an emergency or a crisis situation and you need to talk to someone?
A:  A counselor is available after office hours through our on-call system.  Contact the University Police Dept at 903-886-5868.

Q:  Who are the counselors? 
A: The counselors are licensed professionals or supervised doctoral and master interns. 

Q:  Will the information shared in counseling be held confidential?
A:  Your contact with the Counseling Center is strictly confidential and not part of your academic record and no information will be disclosed without your written permission.

FINANCING YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Please note:  The Financial Aid office has a new website that answers many questions. If your question is not located in this section, please see:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/home/finAid/default.asp

The Bursar’s office has a new website that contains additional information. Please see:

http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/vpba/studentAccounts.html

Q:  When will financial aid and scholarships be posted to accounts this fall? 
A:  Awards will be posted no later than August 17.

Q:  When will I receive my refund/difference payment? 
A:  Refunds should be received no later than Friday, August 24. 

Q:  Are there any scholarships available?
A:  Scholarships are available for new freshmen, transfer, and graduate students. Please see:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/scholarship/
 
Q:  What is your school code?
A:  TAMU-C’s financial aid school code is 003565.

Q:  What does it cost to attend? 
A: Tuition and fees for each academic year can be found on the Bursar’s website at:  
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/fiscal/PaymentInfo/Tuition_Fees/studentfees2008.htm

Q:  Is financial aid available?
A:  Yes.  Approximately 85% of our students receive financial aid.  To apply, complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Q:  When are Fall 2007 charges due?
A:  For critical payments dates, please refer to the Bursar’s website:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/fiscal/PaymentInfo/Dates/index.html

Q:  What payment methods does the University accept? 
A:  Cash, checks, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).  Webchecks are accepted for online payment in addition to credit/debit cards.

Q:  What are the University’s cashier hours? 
A: Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday from 8 – noon during the fall and spring semesters.  

Q:  What is the mailing address for payments? 
A:  Texas A&M University – Commerce; Attention: Tuition Payment; P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429

Q:  Can I make a payment by phone? 
A:  Yes – call 903-886-5050 or 903-886-5501

Q:  Is there an extra charge for phone payments or for credit card payments?
A:  There are no extra charges for telephone or credit card payments.

Q:  How are refunds distributed? 
A: Students may sign up for direct deposit of refunds through MyLeo using the LeoPay link and accessing the refunds tab.  Students not signed up for direct deposit will receive their refund by mail.

Q:  When will I receive my refund? 
A:  After funds are released by Financial Aid, refunds require a minimum of two (2) business days for processing. Upon completion of the refund process, direct deposit refunds are sent to the bank for TAMU-C’s transmittal to student bank accounts; therefore, it may take an additional 2-3 business days to get to an individual account. 

Refund checks are generally mailed within 3 business days after funds are released by Financial Aid.  Mail delivery times can vary.

Q:  Can I pay my charges on installments?
A:  During the fall and spring semesters, tuition/fees and housing may be paid in full or in three installments. The first installment payment is equal to one-half of all tuition/fees and housing and is due in advance of the beginning of the semester. The second installment payment is equal to one-quarter of total assessed tuition/fees and housing and is due prior to the start of the sixth class week. The final one-quarter payment is due prior to the beginning of the eleventh class week. A $20 late fee is assessed on past due balances after each payment date. Payment of less than 100 percent of assessed tuition/fees and housing by the first payment date constitutes acceptance of the installment plan agreement.
A student selecting the installment payment plan will be charged a $17 fee.  Students adding classes after an initial payment must maintain at least one-half payment of tuition/fees for fall and spring semesters. Students will be dropped from the last class(es) added after an initial payment, if one-half payment of assessed tuition/fees is not maintained.
The installment payment plan is not available during summer and mini terms. Each summer and mini semester is assessed separately with different payment deadlines.  Summer tuition/fees must be paid in full.

Q:  How do I enroll in the Installment plan? 
A:  Go through MyLeo and click the LeoPay link – then click the Payment Plan tab and the system will guide you through the process.

Q:  How do I sign up for direct deposit refunds? 
A:   Go through MyLeo and click the LeoPay link- then click on the refunds tab.  You will be prompted for banking information and you can designate an account for refunds. 

Q:  If I put my bank information in MyLeo, can the University charge my account without permission? 
A:  TAMU-C cannot charge a student’s bank account without the student’s permission. Only the student can initiate payment transactions. 

Q:  Can I get help with my books costs? 
A:  The University offers two options:

• Students with pending financial aid may qualify for a book voucher that can be used at the local bookstores or
• Students may apply for a cash loan up to $400 for assistance in purchasing books and supplies. Contact the Bursar’s Office for more information.

Q:  Can the University help with tuition/fees?
A:  Students may apply for a short-term tuition loan that will defer payment of tuition/fees. Contact the Bursar’s Office for more information. 

Q:  Can I pay online?
A:  Payment can be made online. Go through MyLeo and click on the LeoPay link.  Then click on the payment link and proceed with your payment.

Q:  Will I receive a bill?
A:  The University no longer sends paper bills.  Your account information is available through MyLeo.  Statements are posted periodically and can be printed if a hard copy is required. 

Q. Do I qualify for any waiver or exemption of tuition/fees?
A. List of current waivers and exemptions

Q:  Where is a list of financial aid representatives and telephone numbers? 
A:  Please refer to the Student Financial Aid website for a list of Financial Aid staff
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/home/finaid/21.htm

The main telephone number to the Office of Student Financial Aid is (903) 886–5096.

Q:  What forms are needed to apply for financial assistance at A&M-Commerce?
A:  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ((FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA . Please sure to include TAMU-C’s school code of 003565 so that TAMU-C can receive your results electronically. 

Q:  How early can I apply?
A: January 1st of each year is the earliest that an applicant can submit their FAFSA application
The deadline to submit a FAFSA application can be found at the FAFSA web site:
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003a.htm

It takes four to six weeks to process the FAFSA.  To meet the deadlines, you must have a complete file with the Office of Financial Aid that includes FAFSA results; verification documents (if selected) and other supporting documents that may be requested.  If additional forms are needed you will be contacted by email. 

Q:  What kind of financial assistance is offered?
A:  The Office of Financial Aid awards: Federal and State Grants; Work Study; Federal Perkins Loans; Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans and Unsubsidized Loans; Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS); and College Access Loans (CAL).

Q:  If my parents are divorced or separated, which parent do I put on the FAFSA?
A:  Provided information for the parent that provided you with the most support in the past year.  If the parent who provided you with the most support has remarried, your step-parent’s information must also be provided on the FAFSA.

Q:  I do not live at home with my parents.  Do I need to include their information on the FAFSA?
A:  The law governing FSA programs is based on the premise that the family is the first source of the student’s support, and the law provides several criteria that decide if the student is considered independent of his/her parents aid eligibility.  Note that a student reaching the age of 18 or 21 or living apart from his/her parents does not affect his/her dependency status.

Q:  What is the Expected Family Contributions (EFC)?
A:  The EFC is the number the government calculates that represents the amount of money they feel you and/or your family can contribute to your education.  The EFC is determined by the information on the FAFSA.

Q:  How do I apply for a Pell Grant? 
A:  Federal Pell Grants are offered to students based on Financial need determined by the Expected Family Contribution.  By completing the FAFSA you have applied for all Federal & State Programs. 

Q:  How do I apply for a Stafford Loan? 
A:  By completing the FAFSA and indicating you are interested in loans (FAFSA question #26)

Q:  What if my financial aid is not available by the due date for my tuition?
A:  If your funds are not available, you may be eligible for a short-term emergency loan.  More information is available at the Students Accounts home page: http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/fiscal/studentaccounts/studentaccounts.htm

Q:  What does it mean to be chosen for verification?
A:  If you are selected for Verification, you will be asked to turn in additional forms to the Office of Financial Aid.  These forms include, but are not limited to, a copy of the student’s parents’ or spouse’s signed tax returns, copy of student’s signed tax return, and Verification Worksheets.  (include loan link to forms)

Verification is a process whereby the Office of Financial Aid is required to audit the information reported on the FAFSA.  Students are selected randomly by the Federal Processor for this procedure. 

If you are selected for Verification, financial aid will not be awarded until all verification is complete.  Data on your FAFSA is subject to corrections resulting from the verification process.

Q:  What happens if I drop a class? 
A:  If you drop a class prior to the census date/twelfth class day, you may be responsible for repayment of the difference between the amount of money you received and the amount specified for the new enrollment status. Please see the university calendar located at:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/registrar/calendarfall07-springsummer08.asp

 If you drop a class, you must make sure you are in compliance with our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/home/finAid/23.htm

Q:  What happens if I withdraw? 
A: If you withdraw completely, you may be responsible for repaying money received from Financial Aid.  You will be ineligible for financial assistance (if you return to A&M – Commerce) and the repayment or grace period begins for your student loans.  Please refer to the Financial Aid Withdrawal Policy.

Q:  Where do I find scholarships?
A:  Scholarships are available from the Scholarship Office (http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/scholarship/); Office of Admissions; Alumni Association (http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/advancement/alumni/request.asp?aid=6&id=11); and several academic departments.

Q:  What if my parents are denied a PLUS loan?
A:  If your parents are denied, you may be eligible for additional funds through the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program. 

Q:  How soon will my parents have to begin payment of a Parent PLUS Loan?
A:  Repayment of PLUS Loans begin no later that 60 days after the final disbursement of the loan. 

Q:  What are the current interest rates for loans? 
A:    Federal Stafford Loans 6.8 % Fixed
         Federal Perkins Loans 5% Fixed
         College Access Loans (CAL) http://www.hhloans.com/cfbin/FAQ.cfm?ProgID=36.
         PLUS Loans 8.5% Fixed

Q:  When does repayment of my student loan begin?
A:  You are given a grace period before you begin to repay loans.  This time allows you to find a job and get settled before the repayment period starts.  For Federal Stafford Loans the grace period is 6 months, and for Federal Perkins Loans it is 9 months.

Q:  Will financial aid be renewed each year?
A:  Students must file a new FAFSA at the beginning of every academic year.  Students who apply for the fall semester will be awarded for fall and spring at one time, and the same information will be used to award in the summer terms.

Q:  When will I receive my loan money?
A:  All students who accept a Stafford Loan must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.dlenote.ed.gov.  This process is completed on the internet. 

If you area first time borrower, entrance counseling is required before any loan money will be made available.  Incoming freshman and students with 30 hours or less will have to wait 30 days from the first day of class before they will receive any loan money.  This is a Federal regulation to make sure that the student plans to stay in school after the money has been awarded. 

If you graduate in December, or if your first semester begins in the Spring, your loan will come in two disbursements within that semester.

If these conditions do not apply, your loan money will credit your tuition and fee bill before the due date of the bill, if the application process has been completed early enough.

Q:   Are there forgivable loans?
A:  The University has no provision for forgiving institutional loans (tuition loans or emergency book loans).  However, Perkins loans (a type of Federal student loans oriented to those entering the teaching profession) may be forgiven in part or in total based on certain specific parameters.  These include teaching in a low-income district or teaching certain high-demand subjects such as science or math. Contact Shelby Swinson in the Bursar’s Office for more details.  Ms. Swinson can be reached by phone at 903-886-5058 or by email at Shelby_Swinson@tamu-commerce.edu
Q:  How do I apply for work-study?
A:  By completing the FAFSA and indicating on the FAFSA you are interested in work-study (Question #26).

Q:  Is job placement available?
A:  No.  However, available positions are posted with the Department of Human Resources located in the Ferguson Social Sciences Building and the Office of Financial Aid.  We are located in the Halliday Student Services Building – Office 100. 

A student must be issued a WORK-PERMIT from the Office of Financial Aid before seeking interviews for work-study positions. 

WORK-PERMITS will be available one week before the beginning of each semester. 

Q:  How much and when will I get paid? 
A:  The maximum award varies per award year, However for the last award year, the maximum Fall/Spring award was $3,000.  The maximum summer award was $800.  You can only earn up to your award.  The pay rate is generally minimum wage.  You can only work up to 19 hours per week.

Students will be paid in the form of a bi-weekly check which can be picked up with a current students ID at the Cashier’s Window in the McDowell Administration Building. 
If a student owes a balance to the University, all or part of the check may be retained to pay
toward the balance. 

Q:   Why do they take away part of my grant money if I get a scholarship?
A:  Grant funds are made available to assist you with the expenses of attending college. Because grant funds are limited, the government recognizes that a scholarship assists you with tuition and fees.  Therefore, the government reduces your grant by the scholarship amount so that funds can be allocated to other deserving students.

Q:   How come my scholarship doesn’t show up on my account?
A:    As per federal regulations, scholarships and financial aid may not be released to a student’s account until 10 days prior to the first day of class each semester. To view what will be awarded, access your myLeo account, click on “Financial Aid” under the MyLeo section, click on “Financial Aid”, click on “Award”, click on “Award for Aid Year”, and then select the aid year. This will show you what awards have been offered, accepted, declined or canceled.

Q:   If I don’t qualify for work study, am I still eligible for a job on campus?
A:   Yes. Regular campus employment is available regardless of work study eligibility.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Q:  Which Dean should I talk to?
A:  There are five Deans on campus and each performs a different function. If your need is an academic issue, contact the college dean. (i.e. Dean of Arts and Sciences; Dean of Business & Technology; or Dean of College of Education and Human Services)  If your question is regarding student discipline or student activity you would contact the Assistant Vice-President and Dean of Student Affairs. If you are a graduate student, please contact the Graduate Dean. Please see the following site for links to each dean:

http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/administration/provost%5Fvp%5Facademic%5Fstudent%5Faffairs/

Q:  What athletic programs are available? 
A:  TAMU-Commerce is a Division II school and member of the Lone Star Conference.  Please visit the athletic website for more information http://lionsathletic.cstv.com

Q:  Where is Commerce, Texas?
A:   Commerce is approximately one hour east of Dallas.

Q:  What are TAMU-C’s school colors and mascot? 
A:  TAMU-C’s school colors are blue and gold.  The mascot for TAMU–C is Lions. 

Q:  How many students attend TAMU–C? 
A:  Student enrollment is approximately 8,600 students.

Q:  Is on-campus employment available for students?
A: We have both work study positions as well as regular on campus jobs available.  Student Employment is available for work-study, regular or off-campus positions.  More information, as well as, job postings can be found at the following link:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/hreeo/employment.html
Work-Study Positions: Includes student positions funded by
federal and state.
Regular Positions: Includes student positions funded 100% by
campus department.
Off-Campus Positions: Includes positions from off-campus
employers located in the surrounding area of Texas A&M
University-Commerce. 
Q:  What is the difference between TAMU-C and TAMU? 
A:  TAMU and TAMU-C are both members of the Texas A&M University System. Both universities have the same Board or Regents, but each university operates independently. The Texas A&M University System is comprised of nine (9) institutions and a health science center.   Please visit the website for an overview of all members of the Texas A&M University System: http://tamusystem.tamu.edu/overview/

Q:  Is TAMU-C the Business school for Texas A&M?
A:  No.  TAMU–C is its own university with off-site locations in Dallas, Mesquite, Corsicana and Midlothian.

Q:  Where is TAMU?
A:  Texas A&M University is located in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M University – Commerce is located in Commerce, Texas.

Q:  Does TAMU-C have a toll-free number?

A:     Office of Admissions                (888) 868-2682
         Office of Admissions                (866) 649-4919
         College of Business & Technology    (866) 622-3899

Q:  How can I contact other alumni?
A:  The Alumni Relations Office can offer assistance in locating alumni. The Alumni Relations Office can be contacted via email (alumni_relations@tamu-commerce.edu) or by telephone (903-886-5765 or 1-800-67LIONS).  The Alumni Office will make every attempt to contact the person you are looking for and ask the person to contact you.

Q:   How and when can I get my transcript?
A:  Please see the following website for information about requesting a transcript:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/registrar/transcript.asp

Q:   How do I get a duplicate diploma?
A:   Please see the following site for specific instructions:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/registrar/diploma.asp

Q:   How and when do I apply for graduation?
A: Please see the following site for specific instructions:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/registrar/graduation.asp

Q. What is the course retake fee?
A. Students enrolling in a course for the third time will be assessed a course retake fee of $278 per credit hour for that course only.  Please contact the Registrar at (903) 886-5102 if you have questions regarding this fee.

Q:   How do I drop a course?
A:   Please print and review this form:

http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/registrar/pdfs/dropform.pdf

You must obtain all appropriate signatures. Please note that effective with the Fall 2007 semester, new students will be limited to six drops, including classes dropped at other institutions.

Q:   When is the last day to drop during the fall semester?
A:   Please refer to the academic calendar:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/registrar/calendarfall07-springsummer08.asp

Q:   What are the most frequently used phone numbers and where do I find them on our website?
A:   http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/university/contact.asp

Q:   What disability services are provided for students with special accommodations and what documentation is required?
A: The variety and combinations of accommodations received by students with disabilities are almost infinite depending on the nature and severity of the student’s disability, the physical topography of the institution, the particular buildings and classrooms the students will use, and the nature of the program in which the student is enrolled. Generally, there are two basic types of accommodations:

• Academic adjustments which are modifications to the academic program such as its requirements or method of delivery to accommodate the needs of a student with a disability. These could include
• the scheduling of classes and other activities to provide adequate time for a student with mobility problems to get from class to class on time; for a student to get necessary medical or psychological treatment, or for a student to adequately rest and recuperate between academic activities
• extending the time for examinations
• offering examinations in alternative locations
• or providing examinations in alternate formats

AND

• Auxiliary aids and services which are accommodations to meet the needs of students with disabilities who have sensory, mobility, systematic, learning, psychiatric, or acquired brain injury or other impairments—accommodations such as:
• Priority access to registration
• A special parking space for a person with, for example, a chronic medical problem such as kidney disease that makes walking distances difficult
• A note taker or tape recorder for a person with impaired vision or hearing or a learning disability
• JAWS-(Job Access with Speech)
• Braille embosser, Braille printed materials and translation software
• Interpreters or real-time captioning for the deaf
• Readers and scribes for testing
• Academic, personal, and career counseling
• CCTV (Closed Circuit TV)
• Mobility Instruction
• Wheelchair accessible desks and tables
• Materials provided in alternative media such as large print

Required Documentation:

1. Application for the services
2. Attach Medical Documentation which must be current (within the past 2 years) The documentation should include the answers to questions such as:

• Is the student currently under your care and an active patient on your case-load?  If not, when was the last contact you had with the student/patient?
• What is the student's diagnosis?
• What are the student's diagnostic symptoms and how do they interfere with one or more major life activities (e.g., learning)?
• Have you prescribed any medication(s) for treatment of the student's diagnosis?
• Does the prescribed medication alleviate the student's diagnostic symptoms to such an extent that symptoms are controlled?
• If the student's diagnosis and symptoms appear to be controlled by medication, does the diagnosis continue to substantially limit the student in one or more major life activities (e.g., learning)?
• If the student is prescribed medication, does the medication have significant side effects that would substantially limit the student in one or more major life activities (e.g., learning)?
• The name, title, and professional credentials of the physician as well as the area of specialization, employment, and state/province in which the physician practices should be clearly stated in the documentation. 
• All letters should be on letterhead stationary, typed, dated, signed, and otherwise legible.  (Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD, 1997)).  
• Guidelines for documentation of disabilities in adolescents and adults. Columbus, OH.

Q:   What do I do or who do I go to if I have a problem with a professor?
A:  First, please address the problem with your professor. If you are not successful, then contact the academic department head. Finally, if you are not satisfied with the resolution, you may contact your college dean. The dean’s office can also help you if you are not satisfied with the final grade received for a class.

Q:   What do I do if I get a parking ticket?
A:  You have several options that may fit your situation

• If you are a visitor and have no affiliation with the university, and received a citation pertaining to the permit display just fill out the back and return to the office you are visiting or directly to the University Police Department for dismissal.
• If-you are a member of the university you have 5 days to appeal the citation and 10 days to pay it
• Payment of citations can be done in person or by phone with a credit card
  
• You may call with questions or special needs 24 hours a day Telephone Number: (903) 886-5868

Q:   What is there to do in Commerce?
A:    Students can take advantage of the university Morris Recreation Center for swimming, exercising, racket ball, basketball and more.