Admissions
Want to know if you'll be classifed as a transfer student? Or what the requirements for admissions are for transfer students? Or what's the application deadline? Or the status of your application?
Find the answers to all of these questions and more on the TWU Admissions Transfer website.
Getting Started
After I’m admitted, how do I know what courses to take?
New freshman and transfer students will meet with an adviser during orientation. New graduate students should contact their faculty adviser. The adviser will recommend which courses to take and how to enroll for those courses.
Do I need a parking permit to park on the Denton, Dallas or Houston campuses?
Yes. Parking permits may be purchased at the Denton Public Safety Office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Parkland DPS hours are Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm. and Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Houston DPS hours are Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
I am accepted. Now what do I do?
We're excited you have chosen Texas Woman's University! Newly accepted undergraduate students should contact the Center for Student Development regarding New Student Orientation (940-898-3626) or visit our Orientation Home page http://www.twu.edu/orientation/
Do transfer students attend Orientation?
Accepted transfer students may attend a one-day Orientation for the fall or spring designed to meet their needs and to answer questions specific to transfer issues. For additional information, please contact the Center for Student Development at 940-898-3626, or register online.
When is orientation?
For information regarding orientation at our Denton campus, see http://www.twu.edu/orientation/. We encourage Houston students to learn more about orientation.
Advising
After I’m admitted, how do I know what courses to take?
New freshman and transfer students will meet with an adviser during orientation. New graduate students should contact their faculty adviser. The adviser will recommend which courses to take and how to enroll for those courses.
What exactly is advising?
Advising is one of the first steps that a student takes toward their academic goals! The advising process is a consultation between the student and his/her adviser to discuss and determine the best educational plan according to the student’s interests, capabilities, and personal circumstances.
Who provides academic advising?
Students Advised by College Advisers
All freshmen
Students Advised by Departmental Advisers
These students should go to their major department to be advised:
- Sophomores (30 hrs) and above who have a declared major
- Education majors already admitted into the education program
You can find your academic adviser on the advising website.
Can any adviser advise me?
If you are a freshman or a transfer with fewer than 21 credits, see your college adviser. Other students should see a faculty adviser in the department of their major.
Can I have my transcripts evaluated by an academic adviser?
The official evaluation of transcripts is part of the admissions process. Transfer guides are available online for area community colleges. Academic advisers are not equipped to evaluate high school or college transcripts, which should be given to Student Records. However, advisors may be able to suggest which courses will count toward the major. You can also find current degree plans online, as well as area community college course equivalencies.
Are parents/family members allowed to attend advising sessions?
Students have the responsibility for their academic plans so it is important that they speak for themselves. Although family members may attend advising sessions, students are the central concern of advisors.
Yes, parents/family are allowed to attend the sessions. However, students are more inclined to express their needs, interests, or concerns in one-on-one sessions, which ultimately help the adviser in properly assisting the student. Since college is one of the first steps in becoming independent, we encourage students to grow and develop as an individual as well as help prepare them to become responsible citizens.
Grades & GPA
When will grades be posted?
Final grades for a current semester are usually officially posted one week after all final examinations end. Students can see their grades through the Pioneer Portal section of the TWU website.
Do parents and family members have access to the student’s grades/records?
No. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s school record. Once your child has enrolled in a higher education institution parents and family members are not allowed to gain accessibility to student’s grades and/or records. All rights thereafter are transferred to the student.
If I repeat a course, how is my GPA calculated?
If a course is repeated more than once for credit, the highest grade earned will be recognized for transfer. However, be aware that taking a course more than twice at TWU will result in out-of-state tuition for that course.
Dropping & Withdrawing
What’s the difference between dropping and withdrawing?
Dropping a class means that there is at least one other course left in your registered schedule. Withdrawing means that you will no longer be attending any class that semester. The refund rates and deadlines are quite different, so you should consult the Directory of Classes and the Bursar’s Office for specific information. Failure to withdraw will lead to receiving the grade of “F” in those classes. Withdrawals are initiated in the Office of Student Life.
How do I drop a course?
Before the semester begins, drops may be done online through the registration system. After the semester begins, all drops and withdrawals must be completed by a paper transaction. If this is the only course for which you are registered, you will be withdrawing from the university for this semester, and that is done through the Office of the Vice President for Student Life. Final dates for dropping or withdrawing are listed in the Academic Calendar.
If you have at least one course remaining in your schedule after you drop a class, submit a paper drop form, signed by the instructor and you, to the Registrar's Office. The instructor must assign a grade on the form. Students at a distance from Denton are allowed to fax drop forms.
The date that the form is turned in to the Registrar determines (1) if there is any opportunity for refund, (2) whether it is before the academic penalty period, and (3) whether it can be accepted at all. In all cases, be sure to read all of the directions printed on the drop/add form itself: If you are a distance learner, be sure to read information that is specific to distance learners.
What is the 6-drop rule?
Students who entered higher education Fall 2006 or afterwards are limited to 6 unexcused course drops. After that limit is reached, students must remain in the courses for which they enroll. Requests for excused drops are submitted to the Registrar’s Office with documentation to support the request.
If I drop a course, will my financial aid be affected?
MAYBE! A student must maintain full-time status (12 or more credits during a regular semester) in order to avoid financial aid penalties. If a student falls below full-time status, financial aid may be adjusted accordingly. Always check with a financial aid counselor for the latest information.
Do I get charged fees for adding or dropping?
If you add, drop or withdraw, you will be charged a $10.00 processing fee for each transaction, as well as the actual costs for any increase in tuition and fees, for schedule changes made as of the last day.
Financial Info
How much is tuition?
Specific semester tuition information can be found at http://www.twu.edu/bursar/
How many credit hours are considered full-time?
To be considered full-time student at TWU, you must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours at the undergraduate level. An undergraduate student may not enroll for more than 19 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester, or more than 17 semester credit hours during the summer.
Can I receive financial aid if I am taking nine hours at TWU and three hours at a community college?
You are eligible for part-time financial aid if your enrollment is at least six credit hours at TWU. You may contact the Office of Financial Aid for information about consortium agreements if you are concurrently enrolled at TWU and another institution.
How much will I have to pay?
You can find tuition and fee charts on the Bursar’s websites. You can also find important payment deadlines and information about setting up a payment plan on this site.
How do I pay my bill?
Bills will not be mailed. Students must access their bill through the Pioneer Portal. Payment may be made online, by mail, or in person at the Bursar’s office.
When are the deadlines to pay for tuition?
You will need to pay for courses before the pre-determined payment deadlines, generally a week before the semester starts. An installment payment plan is available for the long semesters. Payment plans must be set up online and more information is available at http://www.twu.edu/bursar. For information concerning tuition deadlines, please view the university’s Academic Calendar or access dates on bursar’s website.
What is the deadline for transfer scholarships?
You must have completed and submitted the TWU Scholarship Application by March 15th. In addition, you must have all required admission applications and academic transcripts in the TWU Admission's Office by this same date. Scholarship and Financial Aid applications can be found on the Financial Aid Office Website.
What happens if I don’t pay for my registration before the payment deadline?
Your schedule will be deleted, unless financial aid has already been approved and accepted. You may attempt to reconstruct it during Late Registration. There is an additional fee for late registration.
Do you offer scholarships?
The STARS system allows applicants, accepted new students and currents students to apply for scholarships. Prospective students who have NOT YET APPLIED FOR ADMISSION TO TWU must first apply for admission to TWU at ApplyTexas.org before using the STARS scholarship application. Contact the TWU Student Life Office for assistance using the STARS system. FAQ for Scholarships and the Scholarships Tracking and Review System (STARS). TWU Financial Aid Scholarship Information http://www.twu.edu/finaid/scholarships.asp
What is the federal school code for financial aid?
The federal school code for Texas Woman’s University is 003646.
How do I apply for financial aid?
- Complete the current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Request your information be sent to TWU Denton, Texas. TWU’s Title IV code is 003646.
- You and your parent, if you are dependent, must have a U.S. Department of Education PIN to sign the FAFSA electronically. If you do not have a PIN you (and your parent) can apply for one at www.pin.ed.gov.
- If you do not have computer access and wish to complete a paper FAFSA, you should call 1-800-4FEDAID to request a paper FAFSA be mailed to you.
- Complete a 2010-2011 TWU Financial Aid Certification and Information Form (CIF).
NOTE: You do not need to be admitted to TWU before you submit your financial aid application. However, you must apply for admission to TWU and be accepted as a regular student in a degree seeking program before your financial aid application can be reviewed to determine your eligibility for any financial aid programs.
You may view financial aid eligibility requirements.
Is TWU a private university? What is the cost of attendance?
No, we are a public institution. Although TWU has the look and feel of a private university, it is one of the most affordable public institutions in the state. Check out our Tuition and Fees charts and Housing rates.
What types of financial aid do you have available?
Texas Woman’s University participates in numerous scholarship, grant, loan and employment programs. You may find out more information about these programs by visiting the Office of Financial Aid
Financial Aid available at TWU
-
Academic Scholarships
- Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
- Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant)
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAP)
- Toward Excellence, Access and Success Grant (TEXAS Grant)
- Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)
- Undergraduate Board Authorized Tuition Grant (UBAT)
- Graduate Board Authorized Tuition Grant (GBAT)
- TEACH Grant
- College Work-Study
- Texas B-on-Time Loan (BOT)
- Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
- Federal Perkins Loan
- Nursing Student Loan
- College Access Loan (CAL)
- Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
- Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan
- Private or Alternative Loans
General Info
Is TWU a private university? What is the cost of attendance?
No, we are a public institution. Although TWU has the look and feel of a private university, it is one of the most affordable public institutions in the state. Check out our Tuition and Fees charts and Housing Room Rate chart.
Does TWU offer online classes?
There are some classes and entire programs which may be taken online; additionally, TWU offers hybrid courses which combine traditional face-to-face meetings with online learning. For more information contact the Office of Distance Learning.
Where can I find the academic calendar?
For information about final exam dates, registration dates, commencement dates or vacation dates please visit the Academic Calendar page.
What is the final exam schedule?
Each course has an assigned time or schedule for its final exam. For information about final exam dates, registration dates, commencement dates or vacation dates please visit the Academic Calendar page.
How do I log into my Portal E-mail?
- Log into Portal, then click on My Email.
- In the username box, type: pioneer\username
- Then enter your password.
If you are an AOL subscriber, minimize the AOL window and use Internet Explorer or Firefox to access Portal email.
What is your address?
Texas Woman's University
304 Administration Drive
P.O. Box 425589
Denton, TX 76204
Is there any limit to how many classes I can cut?
The university expects all students to attend all class sessions.
How many students are enrolled at TWU?
You can find enrollment information by going to the Institutional Research Factbook.
Where is there a map of TWU?
A parking map of the Denton campus is here.
Maps and driving directions of all campuses are here.
What is a Colleague number?
This is a TWU number assigned to you for academic identification. Using this number helps protect your social security number from identity theft. When you access your Portal account, it is the number in RED on the front page.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is the primary web based course delivery system for Texas Woman’s University. To log in, visit http://online.twu.edu/ or http://twu.blackboard.com/. For assistance please call the Help Desk at x3971.
How do I log into Blackboard?
To login to Blackboard, use your Pioneer Portal username and password, and go here to login.
What is DARS?
The Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) is TWU’s official tool to track a student’s academic progress toward a bachelor’s degree. Students should access their DARS through the Portal each semester to follow their progress to degree completion.
Where is TWU located?
Our main campus is located in Denton, just 35 miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We also have campuses in the heart of the Houston Medical Center, and near Parkland Hospital in Dallas.
Where am I allowed to commute from?
There is no distance limit on commuter students. You may travel as great a distance as you like to our campuses and you can even take courses online from the comfort of your own home.
Do men attend TWU?
Yes! Men have been attending TWU since the 1970's. Male students make up about 10% - 15% of total enrollment.
Where is the bookstore?
Books may be purchased at the Denton campus bookstore in the Student Union or online at http://www.twu.bkstr.com/.
Why should I attend Texas Woman's University?
It's affordable, friendly and most of all, a quality education. Just come and see for yourself!
Find the current TWU catalogs and academic calendars online.
TWU has several ways to visit the campus:
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Want to visit during the week? |
Register for a Weekday Campus Visit |
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Can't visit us during the week? |
Register for a Saturday Campus Visit
Register for a Saturday Open House in Denton! |
How do I know my residency status?
Your residency status is determined by your responses to the residency questions on the ApplyTexas application. To find out more on the Core Residency Questions or Texas residency rules, go to the Registrar’s Office.
Do you sell discounted software or hardware?
Texas Woman's University does offer software (discounted or regular price) for purchase for faculty, staff or students. Click on the link below for more information regarding purchasing hardware and software.
How do I change my personal information?
Use a change of information form and fax or mail it to:
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY
REGISTRAR'S OFFICE
PO BOX 425559
DENTON TX
76204-5559
940-898-3097
Is there a cafeteria on campus?
Texas Woman’s University offers many options for dining on campus. You can learn more about dining facilities here.
Graduation
How many hours must I have to graduate?
Student must have a minimum of 120 hours to receive a bachelor’s degree, but degree plans vary in the hours required. Individual departments or degree plans may require additional hours.
When is graduation?
The Graduation date is published in the Academic Calendar every semester.
Residence Life
Will I have to live on campus?
Full-time undergraduate students who are single, under 21 and have less than 60 college hours, are required to live on campus, unless you are veterans of the military or living with a legal guardian or parent within the Dallas/Fort Worth commuting area. Check out the TWU Housing website for more information.
Do I have to be a full-time student to live in a residence hall?
No, but you must be enrolled in at least nine credit hours. Also, all full-time, single undergraduates who have not completed 60 hours and are not living with a legal guardian, must reside in a residence hall, unless otherwise exempt.
When can I move into my residence hall room?
Students can generally move in the week before classes begin. Information about Residence Halls can be found at www.twuhousing.com.
Where can I get information on your residence halls?
You can find valuable information on housing’s website.
How much does housing cost?
For the most recent rates for University Housing please visit their website.
Are students required to live on campus?
The University Residency Requirement stipulates that students with less than 60 credit hours and under the age of 21 must live in the residence halls or they must commute from the home of their parent or legal guardian, unless otherwise exempt.
Who can live on campus?
The University Residency Requirement stipulates that students with less than 60 credit hours and under the age of 21 must live in the residence halls or they must commute from the home of their parent or legal guardian.
Majors & Degrees
What degrees and programs does TWU offer?
TWU offers many programs to fit the needs of our students. You can find a list of our degree plans for our majors on the Undergraduate Studies website under Graduate On Time.
I’m not sure about a major--what do you suggest?
You may wish to speak with the advisor for undecided students. In addition, visit with the staff in Career Services where you can participate in testing and counseling that may guide her or him toward a specific degree.
How do I change my undergraduate major?
An approval form must be completed in the department and school or college of your new academic program (undergraduates only) and submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
Registration
When is registration?
You can find information about how to register on the Registrar’s Website, including early registration dates, late registration dates and information about how to register online.
How do I register for my classes?
Accepted students who have been advised will register for classes through the TWU Pioneer Portal. Registration dates and information can be found on the Registrar's page.
Once registration starts, can I register whenever I want?
The beginning of registration is controlled by student classification for an exclusive registration access period, after which the system is open to everyone. Late registrations are charged an extra fee.
Where can I get a copy of my schedule?
While you are in your Portal account, click on Class Schedule under the My Info tab, enter the term and click submit.
How do I take an online course?
Online classes can be found with a search during the registration process: select “Internet Instruction” under the Instructional Method column along with the semester and the academic subject of the class. Online classes require computer skills to use Blackboard, our software program for online courses. Instructors use a course website for posting syllabi, lectures, and assignments. Students participate in the class via discussion boards, chat rooms, and e-mail.
If you would like to see what a Blackboard class looks like, visit our Sample Course. Go to our Log-in page and use the word “online” as the username and password. Also, if you would like to become more familiar with how online learning at TWU works, please go through the Guide for Online Classes.
How do I contact the Registrar’s office?
Phone 940- 898-3036
Fax 940-898-3097
registrar@twu.edu
What is a waitlist?
Waitlist is a registration feature that allows you to indicate that you want to register for a class that is full. If a seat becomes available, you will be notified through your Portal e-mail.
How do I know if I am waitlisted for a class?
You can check your status by logging into the Pioneer Portal and selecting the “Manage Waitlist” link near the bottom of the My Start Page. Any courses you have waitlisted will be displayed. You can register for courses that have become available and/or remove unwanted waitlisted classes there.
How will I know when my waitlisted class is available?
Check your Portal e-mail daily! If a seat becomes available in a course you have waitlisted, you will receive an email giving you 24 hours in which to register for that course. If you do not register for the course within that time, the opportunity expires and will be given to the next person on the waitlist. Remember that if you register for a waitlisted course, your account balance will change so be sure to check it and make a payment accordingly.
Why should I pre-register?
Because it guarantees your course selections, and you won’t have to pay any earlier than if you waited to register.
How do I pay my bill?
Bills will not be mailed. Students must access their bill through the Pioneer Portal. Payment may be made online, or in person at the Bursar’s office.
What happens if I don’t pay for my registration before the payment deadline?
Your schedule will be deleted, unless financial aid has already been applied. You may attempt to reconstruct it during Phase II or Late Registration. There is an additional fee for late registration.
What if I have already registered, but decide not to attend?
Even if you have not paid, you must go into the Pioneer Portal and drop all your classes to be certain a previous credit balance does not hold your schedule.
How do I add or drop a class if I change my plans before the semester starts?
During registration, you have complete access to changing your own schedule. You should confine your alterations to the courses that your advisor recommended to you. After you have paid for your registration, you may add classes during a portion of the first week of the semester through the Pioneer Portal. Any resulting differences in fees and tuition must be paid at the Cashier’s Office.
Do I get charged fees for adding or dropping?
You will be charged a $10.00 processing fee for each transaction and the actual costs for any increase in tuition and fees for schedule changes made as of the last day to add or the last day to drop or withdraw.
Student Life
What TWU activities and organizations are available for students?
You can get involved on campus with Student Government Association, Greek Life, or any number of our Student Organizations. Check out some of the upcoming events at TWU!
What sports does TWU offer?
TWU is a NCAA Division II school that sponsors five varsity sports for women - basketball, gymnastics, soccer, softball and volleyball.
Do you have sororities or fraternities on campus?
Greek Life offers a supportive environment of chapter study halls, tutoring and scholarship programs that will enhance your educational career at TWU! TWU Greek students are involved in many community service projects for the Denton and Dallas/Ft. Worth areas. Greek Life offers endless opportunities to develop leadership skills that will be helpful in all campus organizations. TWU Greek Life promotes and supports career networking, diversity, leadership, friendships, athletics and community service. You can learn more about current Greek Life chapters. For more information please contact us at 940-898-3718 or come by the Center for Student Development located on the first floor of the Student Center.
What clubs and organizations do you have?
Make the most of your TWU experience by getting involved outside of the classroom. Being in a student organization will enhance your TWU experience, help you meet new people and make new friends. Join one of our existing 100 + student organizations, or if you don't see a group that interests you, we'll help you form a new student organization! For more information please contact the Center for Student Development at 940-898-3626 or come by our office located on the first floor of the Student Center. We maintain an alphabetical listing of all current student organizations.
For information on clubs and organizations on our Houston campus, please visit their website at http://www.twu.edu/student-life-houston/.
For information on clubs and organizations on our Dallas campuses, please visit their website at http://www.twu.edu/student-life-dallas/
Tutoring & Support Services
Are there on-campus tutoring services available for students?
Certainly. Texas Woman’s University provides several support services available to students. For more information about these various services please visit the Office of Undergraduate Studies.
Do you have a career services office?
Career Services provides a number of programs to educate, develop and assist students in successfully meeting the challenges of an ever-changing world of work. The Career Services office is located in room 200 of the Human Development Building on the Denton campus.
Where is the bookstore?
Books may be purchased at the Denton campus bookstore in the Student Union or online at http://www.twu.bkstr.com/
What health services are available?
The office of Student Health Services offers a variety of services including, but not limited to, doctor and nurse appointments, immunizations, well woman exams, prescriptions, and health education programming. Please visit their website for information on specific services, location, and operating hours.
What is the Pioneer Alert?
Texas Woman's University Department of Public Safety uses a variety of methods to alert students, faculty, and staff in case of a significant emergency on a campus. In case of an emergency the Pioneer Alert system can deliver emergency messages from the police to an affected campus.
Is there a cafeteria on campus?
Texas Woman’s University offers many options for dining on campus. You can learn more about dining facilities here.
page last updated 5/13/2013 8:28 AM