Section One

Academic Calendar

The Texas A&M University System and University Administration

General Information

University Core Curriculum

Degree Information

Admission

Academic Fresh Start Policy

Course Credit and Testing

Registration and Academic Status

Grading System

Grade Reports

Section Three

Academic Curricula (Undergraduate)

Graduate Studies

Section Four

Course Descriptions

Section Five

Faculty

Section Six

Texas Common Course Numbering System

Previous Catalogs

Previous Catalogs

Welcome to the Texas A&M University at Galveston
2007 - 2008 Catalog No. 130

Section Two

View Section Two  in a printable PDF Version

Tuition, Fees and Other Financial Information
Student Financial Aid
Student Services
Student Life (Housing and Activities)
Corps of Cadets

Tuition, Fees and Other Financial Information

General Information 

The expenses for each semester will vary according to the personal needs of the student and the course of study pursued. The tuition rate differs according to which of the three following categories a student qualifies: resident of Texas, non-resident of Texas, or pursuing a license-option curriculum. 

The tuition and fee amounts provided in this catalog represent the most accurate figures available at the time of publication and are subject to change due to economic conditions, legislative requirements, or actions of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. 

Payments 

Students must meet all financial obligations to the University by their due dates to avoid late penalties. Failure to pay amounts owed may result in cancellation of the student’s registration and their being barred from future enrollment and receiving official transcripts. State law requires that tuition and fees be paid prior to the first day of classes. Students may choose to pay fees in installments which is explained below. 

Payments to Financial Management Services may be in the form of cash, cashier’s check, personal check, or money order payable to Texas A&M University at Galveston (or TAMUG). All checks and money orders are accepted subject to final payment. Discover, Mastercard and American Express credit cards and E-checks are accepted for tuition and fee payments over the web at http://epay-tamug.tamu.edu or http://myrecord.tamu.edu.   

No tuition and fee statements will be mailed. Notices of amounts owed should be obtained through http://epay-tamug.tamu.edu or http://myrecord.tamu.edu.  An e-mail will be sent to a student’s official campus e-mail address through NEO e-mail when the tuition and fee statement is available to view on line.  Students must use their NEO e-mail Net ID and password to log into these two programs.   

Students who plan to pay their bill in full by the due date will receive notification through their NEO e-mail that the fee statement is available to view on-line and when tuition is due and payable. 

Students on the installment plan will receive notification through their NEO e-mail account that the fee statement is available to view on line and when each installment payment is due and payable.  In addition, students will be notified through this medium when any changes have occurred to their tuition and fee statement and if and when they have a refund check available. 

Installment Plan 

Tuition, most fees, room, board, and parking may be paid in three installments with one-half payable prior to the first day of classes and the remainder payable in two equal payments during the fall or spring semester. A $15 service charge will be assessed each student who chooses to use the installment plan. Students who wish to pay fees in installments must select the installment plan option during registration. 

Students who have paid at least 50%, but not 100% of tuition and fees, will be given the option to choose the installment plan by the end of the second class day in the fall and spring terms. 

Tuition and Fees: Texas Residents (undergraduate and graduate students) 

Texas residents, except those in license-option curricula, pay $50 per semester credit hour for tuition, plus additional University Authorized Tuition (currently $106 per semester credit hour) and fees. The schedule listed below is for all Texas resident students except those in license-option curricula or graduate programs. Graduate students pay an additional $50 per credit hour ($750 total for 15 hours). This is based on a student registered for 15 credit hours during the regular school year and 6 credit hours during a summer term. 

*The fees for one summer session should be doubled if you enroll for both sessions for the same number of credit hours. 

**Includes state and city tax of 8.25%. 

Tuition and Fees: License Option Students 

License-option students (Cadets) pay $62.50 per semester credit hour for tuition, plus additional University Authorized Tuition (currently $106 per semester credit hour), and fees. The following is based on 15 hours during the regular school year and 4 hours for summer cruise (excluding international students): 

*Includes state and city tax of 8.25%. 

** Other expenses may include uniforms with an initial outlay of $1,440, special training and incidentals. 

Students who are dismissed or withdraw from a license-option curriculum after the semester begins will have fees adjusted to the appropriate resident or nonresident rate retroactive to the beginning of the semester. 

License-option students who are granted a leave of absence for the summer and who enroll in the onshore summer program at the Mitchell Campus instead of the summer training cruise will pay license-option fees as appropriate for that period. License-option students must complete all three cruises within four summers. Under special circumstances, non-license option students may be granted permission to participate in the Corps of Cadets. Non-license option students in the Corps of Cadets are not eligible for the special license-option tuition and will pay normal resident or nonresident fees as applicable. 

Tuition and Fees: Nonresident Students (undergraduate and graduate students) 

Nonresident students, except those pursuing a license option curriculum, pay $328 per semester credit hour plus additional University Authorized Tuition (currently $106 per semester credit hour) and fees. Graduate students pay an additional $50 per credit hour ($750 total for 15 hours). The fees listed below are based on a student registered for 15 credit hours during the regular school year and 6 credit hours during a summer term. 

*The fees for one summer session should be doubled if you enroll for both sessions for the same number of credit hours. 

**Includes state and city tax of 8.25%. 

Late Fees and Penalties 

Penalties include: 

• $20 late payment penalty for failure to make payment on the scheduled due date. 
• $100 late registration/re-registration penalty for registration/re-registration between the 1st and 12th class days. 
• $200 late registration penalty for registration after the census day (12th class day). 
• $50 late class-add penalty for adding a course after the census day (12th class day) when a net result of the change is an increase in the number of credit hours. 
• $50 reinstatement fee. 

These penalties will apply to all students, including those who are dropped for nonpayment and are required to reregister for classes. Please refer to Payment Due Date table published in the online Class Schedule. 

Student Financial Responsibility 

Students are responsible for the balance in their accounts. Late payments and delinquent balances (tuition and fees, installments, student loans, returned checks) remaining at the end of the semester will cause a student to be blocked from registering for the next semester or from obtaining a transcript. 

Students Dropped for Non-Payment:  Fall and Spring Terms 

Students that have not paid their tuition and fees in full or have not paid their first installment payment by the due date will be “administratively dropped” from their classes on the Friday before the first day of classes each semester. Students may still attend classes after they have been administratively dropped, but a $100 Late Registration Fee will be assessed and students must make the required payment for their classes to be restored. Students that have not paid their tuition and fees in full or have not paid their first installment payment by the 20th class day will be “hard” dropped from their classes. At this point in time, students may no longer attend classes in the current term. 

Students Dropped for Non-Payment:  Summer Terms 

Students that have not paid their tuition in full by the due date (there is no installment plan for the summer terms) will be “administratively dropped” from their classes on the Friday before the first day of classes each summer term.  Students may still attend classes after they have been administratively dropped, but a $100 Late Registration Fee will be assessed and students must make the required payment for their classes to be restored. 

Students that have not paid their tuition and fees in full by the 15th class day will be “hard” dropped from their classes.  At this point in time, students may no longer attend classes in the current term. 

Emergency Tuition and Fee Loans: 

Emergency Tuition and Fee Loans are available through the Student Financial Services office.  There are limited funds available, so they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  Loans are available for residents, non-residents and students enrolled in the License Option curricula.  These loans are 60-day, short term loans for fall and spring terms and 30-day short term loans for summer terms. Only one loan is available for the summer.  Students that anticipate their financial aid or some other third party payment may be delayed are encouraged to pursue an emergency tuition and fee loan so they will not get dropped from their classes or incur additional fees. 

Unpaid Check 

If a check accepted by Financial Management Services, the bookstore or any other campus department is returned unpaid by the bank on which it is drawn, a penalty of $30 in the form of cash or money order will be assessed. If not redeemed, the student may be dropped from the University. The student is eligible for reinstatement after payment of penalties that include a $50 reinstatement fee and redemption of the check. 

Computer Use Fee 

The computer use fee is charged at the rate of $12.50 per semester credit hour. This fee will be used to compensate for services provided by various microcomputer facilities on campus. 

General Property Deposit 

Every student, unless registered in-abstentia, must make a property deposit to protect the University from damage to or loss of University property. This deposit, less any outstanding charges, will be returned to the student graduating or withdrawing from school. Deposits not requested within four years from date of last attendance will be forfeited into a student deposit scholarship account. 

Health Center Fee 

This fee is required of all students enrolled in undergraduate classes at the rate of $36 for each regular semester, $36 for the summer training cruise, and $18 per five-week summer term (all fees pending approval). This fee will finance health services provided by a local clinic, and a physician and two medical assistants on the summer training cruise. 

Housing and Meal Plans 

All undergraduate students enrolled in more than nine credit hours are required to reside in campus housing if available and are required to purchase a 15 or 21 meal plan. The limited exceptions are detailed in the Housing section of this catalog. All changes must be made through Housing/Residential Services.  Any student living off campus at the beginning of the semester who adds enough hours to require living on campus must pay for room and board for the entire semester. Residence hall fees are included in the fee schedules listed earlier. 

Meal Plan Fees 

Students requesting to change meal plans during the semester will have 30 days from the first day of classes to make any change. Requests for changes to a meal plan after that time will not be permitted. All changes must be made through the Food Service Office. 

Fall and Spring 

    15 Meal Plan - Mon. - Sun., 3 meal/day limit, $1,315 + $108.49 tax = $1,423.49 

    21 Meal Plan - Mon. - Sun., no limit on meals per day, $1,410 + 116.33 tax = $1,526.33 

Each 5-Week Summer Session 

    15 Meal Plan - Mon. - Sun., 3 meal/day limit, $430 + $35.48 tax = $465.48 

    21 Meal Plan - Mon. - Sun., no limit on meals per day, $470 + $38.78 tax = $508.78 

Summer Cruise - $1,035 + $85.39 tax = $1,120.39 

    Two optional meal plans are available for off-campus students. 

Fall and Spring 

    Any 5 meals per week      $585 + $48.26 tax = $633.26 

    Any 10 meals per week    $1,015 + $83.74 tax = $1,098.74 

Summer (Optional meal plan) 

    Any 5 meals         $130 + $10.73 tax = $140.73 

    Any 10 meals        $290 + $23.93 tax = $313.93 

Identification Card Maintenance Fee 

All students must have an identification card. This card is used in registration procedures, collection of fees, cashing of checks, for dining hall privileges, etc. During the fall and spring semesters, the identification card fee will be $5.00. Summer identification card fee is $3.00. Replacement cards will be issued upon payment of an $8.00 fee. 

Library Use Access Fee 

The library use fee is assessed at the rate of $10 per semester credit hour. Funds collected for this fee are devoted to enhancement of library holdings and services. 

New Student Conference Fee 

The New Student Conference fee is required of all new freshmen and transfer students enrolling in fall or spring semesters and selected summer terms at the rate of $75 per student. This fee supports the provision of advanced materials to accepted students, the conduct of professional orientations and student activities. 

Housing Deposit 

A deposit of $250 is required to apply for a room in a residence hall. This fee will be retained as a deposit against damage or late cancellation, or to keep the application on active file. Upon withdrawal from TAMUG or graduation, any charges associated with damage to the dorms by the student may be withheld from the housing deposit. A reservation may be canceled and the deposit refunded upon written request prior to July 1 for the fall semester, December 15 for the spring semester, May 10 for the first summer session and June 20 for the second summer session. Any cancellation after the above dates will result in forfeiture of the deposit. A refund may be made in accordance with the TAMUG policy for a student graduating or withdrawing from school, upon request, after clearance by the Residential Services and the Student Life Offices. The balance of the refund due will be issued through Financial Management Services after deducting all room damage charges owed by the student to the University. Seniority in campus housing and on the residence hall waiting list will be based upon the date of receipt of the room deposit; however, the deposit does not guarantee assignment to on-campus housing. Housing deposits can be paid by cash, cashiers check, money order or personal check only. 

Student Center Complex Fee 

The student center complex fee is required for all students at the rate of $30 per semester ($15.00 per five-week summer term or cruise). This fee will be used for the operation, maintenance, programming improvement, and purchase of equipment for the student center complex and for the acquisition or construction of additions to the complex. 

Student Services Fee 

The student service fee is required of all students at the rate of $11.90 per semester credit hour not to exceed $142.80 per semester or $71.40 per five-week summer term. Student services fees finance recreational activities, student government, student publications, student organizations, campus movies, intramural athletic programs, and social activities. The fee also provides counseling, graduate placement, financial aid and multicultural services. 

University Authorized Tuition 

This fee of $106 per semester credit hour is assessed to compensate for occupancy, services, use and/or availability of all or any of the property, buildings, structures, activities, operations and other facilities of the campus. 

Software License Fee 

This fee funds campus-wide software site licenses for students as well as the associated administrative costs of managing these licenses. This fee is assessed at $1.25 per semester credit hour. It provides students with many software programs at greatly reduced prices. 

Supplementary Fee for Courses Attempted More than Twice 

A course that is repeated by a student more than twice at a public institution of higher education in Texas may not be reported for state funding. As a result, the institution must either pass the non-funded portion to all students, or charge a supplementary fee to the student who is repeating the course. Texas A&M has chosen to assess a supplementary fee to those students repeating a course more than twice. A student attempting certain courses more than twice at Texas A&M University will be subject to a supplementary fee of $125 per semester credit hour ($375 for a 3 hour course) for the repeated course, in addition to tuition and required fees associated with the course. The general criteria for determining which courses are subject to the supplementary fee are stated in the Degree Information section of this catalog. 

Fees for other Services 

Academic Enhancement Fee for the Texas Success Initiative: This $50 per course fee will be used to provide tutoring, classroom materials and textbooks to students required to take academic enhancement developmental courses in math, reading and/or writing (for CAEX or MATH 102 courses) in compliance with Texas Success Initiative regulations. 

Application Fee: Students who submit an application for undergraduate studies pay a $45 fee. Students who submit an application for graduate studies pay a $50 fee. 

Career Center Fee: This $35 fee is required of students in the semester they register for on-campus interviews to support full-time and internship placement services. 

Cruise Fee: Students pursuing a license-option curriculum pay a $875 fee for each cruise attended.  This fee is assessed to compensate for activities, services, and general operations of the Texas Clipper. 

Distance Education Fee: $50 per semester credit hour is assessed to students taking courses using distance education resources. 

Engineering Instructional Enhancement Fee: A student registering in certain engineering courses may be required to pay a  Engineering Equipment Access Fee (between $0 and $200). 

Field Trip Fees: A field trip fee ranging from $15 to $2,000 may be charged for courses that include field trips. 

Graduation Fee: A non-refundable fee of $40 per degree sought is assessed the semester a student applies for graduation. This must be paid within the first 15 class days of the student’s final semester. Late payment of the Graduation Fee will result in a $50 late charge. 

Instructional Enhancement Fee: This fee is used for the purchase and maintenance of equipment, visual aids, supplemental materials and educational supplies to provide students with a rich learning environment. The fee will not exceed $200 per course. 

International Student Service Fee: International students who are not sponsored are assessed a $20 fee each semester to defray administrative support costs. 

Laboratory Fees: A laboratory fee ranging from $8 to $30 is charged for each laboratory course each semester. 

Mail Service Fee: The university operates a mail service for students living on campus wishing to receive mail on campus. The fee is $20 per semester for each student and $20 per 10-week summer term. 

Parking Permit: All students parking an automobile or motorcycle on the campus pay a fee of $66 for the academic year. A $33 summer parking fee, independent of the academic year fee, is assessed for the entire summer term. All Cadets leaving a vehicle on campus during the summer cruise must purchase a summer permit. 

P.E. Service Fee: All students taking Physical Education (kinesiology) courses are required to pay a $20 service fee for each Physical Education course. 

Recreational Sports Center Fee: This $20 fee assessed for the fall and spring terms and $10 for each 5-week summer term will provide building maintenance and programming support for the Recreational Sports Center at the Offatts Bayou Campus. 

Sailing Course Fee: This $110 fee is charged only to students registered in P.E. sailing courses to cover the costs of maintaining the boats, fuel for the instructor’s boat, and safety equipment. 

Scuba Tank Rental Fee: $110 will be charged to students enrolled in a scuba diving course who require the University to supply tanks for the course. This fee is used to maintain tanks, regulators, and compressors. 

Software Licensing Fee: This $1.25 per semester credit hour is charged to allow students to purchase certain software at a reduced price due to licensing options afforded the University. 

Testing Administrative Fee: This $5 per test fee will be used to pay for personnel to proctor credit-by-exams and THEA tests and to pay shipping costs to send tests to testing centers. 

Utility Fee: The $6.50 per semester credit hour fee is required of all students to cover rising utility costs for educational and general facilities on the Texas A&M University at Galveston campus. 

10-Week Summer Semester: Students may register for 10-week summer semester courses during the first summer term registration. All mandatory and/or optional fees will be based on the number of hours taken. 

Expenses 

Textbooks and Supplies: The cost of textbooks and supplies will vary with the quality of items purchased and with the course of study pursued. Students can expect to pay an amount ranging from $650 to $800. These amounts are estimates for the combined fall and spring semesters. Expenses for the summer term should amount to approximately one-half of the above estimates. 

License Option Expenses: License-option students must purchase uniforms with initial outfitting estimated at $1,440. Other items such as caps, belt buckles, name tags may be required to be purchased from the TAMUG Bookstore. 

Tickets to Texas A&M University home games may also be purchased at registration. Refunds are not allowed for individual games or games missed. 

The University operates a bookstore which supplies textbooks, stationary, drawing instruments, toiletries and other supplies. All merchandise is sold at retail prices prevailing in the area. Major credit cards are accepted in the bookstore. For more information regarding the bookstore, please call (409) 740-4488. 

Refunds and Adjustments 

Withdrawal from the University 

Once the University has accepted a fee payment, a student is considered officially enrolled. Stopping payment on a check for fees or allowing the check to be returned unpaid by the bank for any reason does not constitute official withdrawal. A $30 unpaid check fee will be applicable in this instance. Students wishing to withdraw should contact the Admissions and Records Office. Failure to follow procedures for withdrawing from the University may result in financial penalties and difficulty with future enrollment in the University.   

Refunds of fees shall be made to students officially withdrawing according to the following schedule: Tuition, University Authorized Tuition, Computer Access Fee, Student Services Fee, Student Center Complex Fee, Health Center Fee, Equipment Access Fee, P.E. Service Fee, Laboratory Fee, Residence Hall Rent, and Meal Plans: 

     Fall or Spring Semester:

     Prior to the first class day                                     100 percent

     During the first five class days                                80 percent

     During the second five class days                           70 percent

     During the third five class days                               50 percent

     During the fourth five class days                             25 percent

     After the fourth five class days                              None

     Five-week Summer Term

     Prior to the first class day                                     100 percent

     During first, second, third class day                         80 percent

     During fourth, fifth, or sixth class day                      50 percent

     Seventh day of class and thereafter                        None

Meal Plan Refunds 

Meal fees are refundable in full prior to the first day of classes, after which time refunds will be made on a percentage basis according to the University’s refund schedule. In case of a consecutive absence of 10 or more days due to illness of the student or member of his or her family or for some other unavoidable cause, a pro-rata refund will be made, computed on a daily basis. 

Financial Aid Recipients Refunds 

Students receiving financial aid may owe some portion of any refund back to the appropriate federal or state programs. Financial aid refunds are determined prior to the release of any funds to the student who has withdrawn. 

Drop/Add Refunds 

A student may drop courses during the first 5 class days of a fall or spring semester or 4 days of a summer semester. For Fall or Spring Semesters, students may also drop classes with special permission of the dean/department head between the 6th and 12th class days. Full refunds will be given for courses dropped during these periods. For a Summer semester, a Student may add classes during the first 4 days of a summer semester. All fees must be received in Financial Management Services on the day the course is added. Students may drop classes during the 1st through 5th class day with full refunds. Refunds will not be issued for classes dropped after the 5th class day. 

Remember, to be eligible for drop refunds, you must remain enrolled for the semester. Otherwise, please refer to the “Withdrawal Refund” section of this book. Refunds will not be issued for classes dropped after the 12th class day. As of the first day of the semester, students may not drop all of their classes through the drop/add process because that would constitute withdrawal from the University. Students must go through the official withdrawal process to drop all courses and withdraw from the University. To withdraw, contact the Admission and Records office. 

A student may add courses during the first 5 days of a Fall or Spring semester. You must pay the additional tuition and fees immediately; otherwise your registration will be subject to cancellation. 

Exemptions 

Certain students in the following classifications are exempt from paying tuition and some of the required fees by action of the State of Texas and the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Specific eligibility requirements under these provisions can be obtained from Financial Management Services. 

Dependent children of disabled or killed-on-duty firemen are exempt from paying tuition and laboratory fees. 

Blind and deaf students who are eligible for the rehabilitation services of the State Commission for the Blind and/or Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Texas Education Agency are exempt from tuition and laboratory fees. 

Certain veterans (and dependents of veterans who died in active service), who are not eligible for federal educational benefits, who are Texas citizens and who were honorably discharged, may be exempt from paying tuition and laboratory fees. Orphans of members of the Texas National Guard and Texas Air National Guard killed since January 1, 1946, while on active duty either in the service of their State or the United States may also be eligible under this provision. 

Officers, enlisted persons, selectees, or draftees of the Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard, or Coast Guard Reserve of the United States, who are assigned to duty in Texas and their spouses and children, are entitled to pay the tuition fee required of Texas residents. 

Teachers or professors employed at least one-half time on a regular monthly salary basis by institutions of higher education in Texas, and their spouses and children, are entitled to pay the tuition fee required of Texas residents. 

Most non-resident students who are awarded competitive academic scholarships of at least $1,000 by the TAMUG Scholarship and Awards Committee for the academic year are entitled to pay Texas resident tuition for the academic year that the scholarship covers. Waivers are limited to 5% of the total number of students enrolled. The non-resident status is unchanged. 

Students registered only in courses which have been designated as “off campus” will be charged tuition and fees based on their specific distance education courses category. Please check with Financial Management Services for the required tuition and fees for each category. 

Students registering concurrently at two Texas public institutions of higher education are subject to the following tuition procedure: 

1.       A student must register at the institution with the lower minimum tuition and pay the full tuition charge. 

2.       Generally, only the hourly rate is paid at the second institution. However, if the minimum amount is less at the first institution, then the student must pay the difference in the two minimums to the second institution, but not less than the hourly rate. 

Fee Schedules for Special Circumstances 

DE (Distance Education Instruction): This group includes traditional off-campus classes, all university centers and telecommunications, video and other nontraditional Distance Education Instruction delivery models. 

IA (In Absentia): The traditional student who is performing individual research or completing degree requirements that do not require classroom instruction. 

OC (Off-Campus): Courses offered in person at an off-campus location or courses comprised solely of field trips. Students enrolled in these courses do not have physical access to campus resources. 

SA (Study Abroad): Students participating in Texas A&M University at Galveston Study Abroad programs. 

GG (Galveston Graduate Students): Texas A&M University graduate students who are enrolled at College Station, but who are taking courses exclusively at Galveston. 

Tuition Rebates After Graduation 

Certain undergraduate students who attempt no more than three hours in excess of the minimum number of semester credit hours required to complete the degree under the catalog which they were graduated may be entitled to a $1,000 tuition rebate after graduation. Several conditions apply and students must meet all of the specified criteria. Please see website http://finance.tamu.edu/sbs/tuition/tuition_rebate.asp for a complete set of institutional and student responsibilities and other criteria. 

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Student Financial Aid

The purpose of student financial aid at TAMUG is to assist students in meeting the reasonable costs of their education. Financial aid is available to eligible U.S. citizens and resident aliens who are enrolled in degree granting programs making satisfactory academic progress toward a baccalaureate degree. 

Financial aid may include federal and state grants, scholarships, work opportunities, and student loans. Students submitting a complete application will be considered for all types of need-based assistance. 

To apply for financial aid, please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use Title IV Code 003632, Texas A&M, College Station. 

If your application is selected for Verification, you will be asked to substantiate the information you reported on the FAFSA. 

Costs of Attendance 

TAMUG uses average costs of attendance in determining  the financial need budget. These costs include tuition and fees (30 hours per year FTE), room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, transportation and loan fees (if applicable).  Additional costs may be added for child care or disability-related expenses. There are three major categories of student budgets: Texas resident, non-Texas resident, and license-option students (based on 12 months and includes summer cruise). 

General Priority 

Priority Deadlines: The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program requires financial aid applicants to be prioritized by Pell Grant eligibility and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and awarded based, generally, on Pell eligibility and the lowest EFC. In order to fulfill this requirement, Texas A&M University at Galveston has the following FSEOG priority deadlines for the academic year: 

    April 1 for the following Fall semester. 

    October 1 for the following Spring semester. 

    March 1 for the following Summer semester. 

If FSEOG funds remain after the initial awards are made, an additional deadline will be made to award the remaining funds. This deadline applies only to the FSEOG program. Students who do not meet the deadline are still eligible for other financial aid. 

General Information 

The Financial Aid Office at Texas A&M University at Galveston follows the same general policies and procedures as Texas A&M University. A complete general listing may be found at website  http://financialaid.tamu.edu/. Information specific to TAMUG may be found at website www.tamug.edu/finaid. For information, call 409-740-4500 or email 4finaid@tamug.edu. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy 

The purpose of the TAMUG Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for financial aid is to ensure that students benefitting from financial assistance make reasonable and consistent progress toward a baccalaureate degree.  TAMUG’s policy is consistent with U. S. Department of Education and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board guidelines.  The policy measures both qualitative and quantitative progress and is the applicable minimum standard for all types of financial assistance awarded by TAMUG. 

The Department of Student Financial Aid must monitor the progress of each student toward the completion of a certificate or degree in order to meet federal and state guidelines governing the administration of student financial assistance. Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal, state, and university aid administered by the Department of Student Financial Aid. 

There are three components to SAP. Failure to comply with any component may result in a loss of aid eligibility. The three components are as follows: 

1. Minimum Grade Point Ratio (GPR): 

• Undergraduates is 2.0. 
• Graduate students is 3.0. 

2. Deficit Hours: 

While students are expected to enroll full-time to be eligible for financial aid, each student must complete at least 75% of all credit hours attempted at Texas A&M University. This percentage includes all credit hours attempted at Texas A&M University, regardless of whether or not financial aid was received. Grades of W, F, I, U, Q, X, NG, repeated courses, and grade exclusions are not considered to be adequate grades for completion. 

3. Excessive Hours: 

Undergraduate students are eligible to receive financial assistance for a limited period of time while pursuing a degree. A student should not exceed 150 percent of the number of credits that it takes to obtain their degree. Our policy for Excessive Hours is based on the minimal credit hours an undergraduate student must have in order to be eligible to receive a baccalaureate degree. The minimum hours required to receive a degree is 120 credits based on the TAMUG 2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog. Therefore, students must not exceed 180 attempted credit hours in order to remain eligible for financial aid. Students that exceed 180 attempted credit hours are considered ineligible for financial aid based on Excessive Hours. The Excessive Hours policy does not apply to graduate students. 

Financial Aid Available: 

Grant Programs: Grants are awarded based on financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid. TAMUG participates in these programs: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, State Student Incentive Grant, Texas Grant and Texas Public Education Grant. 

Scholarships: Scholarships are generally based on academic achievement and leadership. The TAMUG Scholarship and Awards Committee evaluates applicants and makes awards in the spring for the following academic year. The committee uses the admission application for freshman awards. There is not a separate freshman scholarship application for TAMUG-awarded scholarships, except for designated awards. A limited number of non-resident students awarded a competitive TAMUG scholarship valued at $1,000 or more are eligible to pay resident tuition. All students are encouraged to apply for scholarships offered in their hometowns or from national sources. Information regarding such sources is available from high school counselors and reference materials in public libraries. 

Part-Time Student Employment: All students who are making satisfactory academic progress are eligible to work on campus without regard to financial need. The Human Resources Office coordinates on-campus employment. The Career Planning and Placement Office coordinates off-campus employment. Interested students may seek positions through the job listings posted with the Human Resources Office. Student employment is limited to 20 hours per week, there are no fringe benefits, and students must maintain a 2.0 GPR. A limited number of Federal and Texas Work-Study awards are made each year through the Financial Aid Office. Students awarded from either source still must seek their positions through the regular student employment process. 

Student Loan Programs: TAMUG participates in these loan programs: Federal Stafford Student Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan and Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students. All loans require an application and a promissory note. Credit reviews may be performed on Federal PLUS loans. New borrowers are required to attend entrance loan counseling before receiving the first disbursement of any loan. Students who have borrowed money through federal or state student loan programs are required to receive exit loan counseling when they graduate, withdraw, or drop below ½ time enrollment. 

Disposition of Student Aid Funds: Students awarded grants or TAMUG scholarships will have funds credited to their accounts by the first day of class in Financial Management Services. Outside scholarship awards must be sent to the Financial Aid Office indicating the recipient and made payable to TAMUG. These will be credited to the student’s account. Student employees are paid biweekly. 

Student loan and parent loan (PLUS) proceeds are available for EFT. EFT is a system of electronic fund transfer, which credits the loan funds to the student’s account. This eliminates standing in line for loan checks. Otherwise, student loan checks are made payable to the student and are available in Financial Management Services. Veteran’s Benefits are paid directly to the student. 

Enrollment is verified prior to the release of any financial aid. Fiscal refunds due to financial aid credits are made after the 12th class day.  

Cadets on summer cruises are considered to be one-half time students for financial aid purposes since they are enrolled in only four credit hours.  

Students should come to campus prepared to pay for deposits, books, supplies, sundries, and for Cadet uniforms (approximately $1,440). 

Emergency Tuition and Fee Loans are available through Financial Management Services for students needing assistance with fee payments. The loans are made on a first-come, first served basis. 

Withdrawing from the University-Financial Aid 

Federal law specifies how Texas A&M University must determine the amount of Student Financial Aid program assistance that a student earns if he or she withdraws. This law requires that, when a student withdraws during a semester, the amount of Student Financial Aid program assistance that the student has earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If a student received (or Texas A&M University received on the student’s behalf) less assistance than the amount the student earned, the student will be able to receive those additional funds. If the student or the parent on the student’s behalf received more assistance than the student earned, the excess funds must be returned. 

The amount of assistance that a student earns is determined on a pro-rata basis. That is, if the student completed 30 percent of the semester, the student earned 30 percent of the assistance he or she was scheduled to receive. Once the student has completed more than 60 percent of the semester, he or she is considered to have earned all of the assistance disbursed to him or her. (Adapted from the U.S. Department of Education’s publication “The Student Guide”.) 

The specific formula takes into consideration the average institutional costs used to award students financial assistance. For example, the standard cost of attendance at Texas A&M University is based on 15 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours for graduate students. Therefore, if a student was registered for fewer credit hours a semester, he or she may be required to return the additional funds disbursed to him or her. 

Students should also be aware that as a recipient of financial assistance compliance of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy must occur. By withdrawing, a student may not be eligible for financial assistance in the future from Texas A&M University because he or she did not complete a specified number of credit hours for which aid was disbursed. Information regarding this policy can be found on the Texas A&M University homepage at http://financialaid.tamu.edu/. . 

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Student Services

Veterans Benefits 

The Admissions and Records Office files claims for Veterans Benefits verifying a veteran’s enrollment at TAMUG. Students are asked to submit the following documents to substantiate their claim: certified copy of their DD-214 showing an honorable discharge from service, a signed degree plan for their major indicating all of the courses necessary to receive that degree, VA form 22-1990 to establish eligibility or VA form 22-1995 to transfer their eligibility. Other documentation may be required. Enrollment is certified and claims are forwarded to the appropriate VA regional office. Adjudication may take four to six weeks; therefore, VA students should come to TAMUG ready to pay the initial costs of enrollment. Veterans are required to maintain a cumulative GPR of 2.0 or greater and successfully complete 24 credit hours per year to maintain eligibility. Students failing to meet the standard are placed on probation for one semester. Students who achieve a 2.5 GPR in the probationary semester and complete every class they start are eligible for a second probationary semester. A student who fails to meet the terms of their VA probation, or have not achieved a cumulative GPR of 2.0 after their second probationary semester, will be reported to the VA as making unsatisfactory progress. 

Hazlewood Tuition Exemption: Texas residents who have fully exhausted all potential Veterans Benefits and are not eligible for any other federal or student grant benefits (including Pell, SEOG, and SSIG) should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine if they are eligible for a Hazlewood tuition exemption. 

 Inquiries regarding veterans benefits may be addressed to the Office of Admissions and Records, Texas A&M University at Galveston, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, TX 77553-1675. Phone: 409-740-4416. 

Health Services 

Medical Clinic: Texas A&M University at Galveston contracts with a local community clinic for health services for enrolled undergraduate students. Terms of the contract may vary from year to year, but generally office visits to the doctor are free of charge. Medications, inoculations, x-rays, physicals, and other services provided at the clinic are available at the student’s expense. Hospitalization and emergency room visits are full-charge at the student’s expense. Educational pamphlets concerning HIV/AIDS, meningitis and other health concerns are available to students from the Counseling Office. 

Group Insurance: Since there are numerous health needs and costs which are not provided or paid for by the Campus Health Service, students are strongly encouraged to maintain medical insurance. A group plan is available to all students in the Texas A&M University System. Applications for this program will be distributed during new student orientation and are available from the student counseling office. Students and parents should give careful consideration prior to dropping any current health insurance. 

Summer Cruises: Each year the T/S Texas Clipper is staffed with medical personnel to operate an onboard dispensary. All services provided on board are free of charge. Should a student require hospitalization ashore or evacuation, the student will be responsible for all costs incurred because of such hospitalization or evacuation. 

Student Counseling 

The Office of Student Counseling provides free and confidential counseling assistance to students. Counseling services are designed to help students improve personal, academic and professional skills related to academic success. The counseling staff helps students meet these needs by providing short-term individual counseling sessions, seminars, workshops and small-group experiences. The following services and resources are available to TAMUG students: Individual counseling, academic skills training, career testing and counseling, community referrals drug/alcohol abuse prevention education. Computers, academic skill enhancement software, videos, tutor referrals and written information are available to students wanting academic and or personal assistance. The function of the Counseling Office is to provide the students of this college with wellness and counseling services aimed at maximizing the personal growth and development of its members. These services include a wide variety of preventive, curative, educational, and crisis management activities. 

Our counseling philosophy is built on the assumption that counseling must address the whole person as a physical, rational, emotional, sexual, social, and spiritual being. Accordingly, we attempt to offer a variety of services relevant to an extended range of student concerns. Our clients are encouraged to grow in knowledge and understanding both generally and specifically regarding their presenting and underlying issues. As they pursue wholeness our aim is that they will gain an appreciation of personal worth and potential as individuals. We strive to help students: 

1) Develop a more integrated sense of self 

2) Work towards individual meaning and purpose for their lives 

3) Develop respectful and enduring relationships with others 

4) Evaluate their personal and career oriented strengths and weaknesses 

These goals are sought in an atmosphere that is confidential as well as comfortable for all students regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, age, citizenship, disability or physical status. 

Inquiries or appointments regarding counseling may be addressed to the Office of Student Counseling, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, TX 77553-1675, call 409-740-4736. 

Career Planning and Placement 

The Office of Career Planning and Placement provides career development and professional employment assistance to alumni and currently enrolled students. The Office provides individual and group career counseling; workshops on resume preparation, interviewing skills, and job search techniques; and a wide variety of vocational testing and interest assessments. The Office maintains a career resource room containing company and career information, as well as career development materials.  Companies and organizations post job vacancy notices on a web-based job board and in the career resource room and visit the campus throughout the year to interview graduating students for full-time positions. Students and alumni may post their resumes on the job board and participate in the resume referral service. In addition, the Office hosts an annual Career Fair targeted to all students and alumni, providing an outstanding opportunity for career exploration and networking with prospective employers. 

Students who wish to use the services provided by the Office of Career Planning and Placement should register with the office as early as their sophomore year and acquaint themselves with the available resources.  Before participating in on-campus interviews, students are required to submit a professional resume. Appointments are required for individual counseling. All other services are available during regular office hours.   

For further information contact the Office of Career Planning and Placement, TAMUG, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, TX 77553-1675. 

International Student Services 

The Office of Student Counseling serves as the liaison with the International Student Services Office at Texas A&M University in College Station. Personal counseling, financial planning, liaison with embassies and consulates, legal referrals, academic referrals, immigration matters, orientation programs, and advisement to groups, are among the services offered. 

For more information regarding International Student Services, contact the Office of Student Counseling, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, TX  77553-1675 or call 409-740-4587. 

Disabled Student Services 

The Office of Student Counseling provides services to students with documented disabilities.  The Office offers information on disabilities, campus services, and related resources. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply for services early and to request a meeting to discuss their individual needs prior to registration. Accommodations provided to students are based on individual need. Information regarding disabilities can be obtained through the Office of Student Counseling, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, TX  77553-1675, call 409-740-4736. 

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Student Life (Housing and Activities)

Housing 

The Office of Student Life coordinates on-campus housing in modern student residence halls. Rooms are double occupancy and furnished with beds, desks, chairs, wardrobes or closets, and dressers. Students are expected to furnish pillows, blankets, shower curtains, linens, and cleaning supplies. With limited exceptions, all students are required to live in campus housing and participate in the board plan if campus housing is available. Approximately 40 percent of the undergraduate students are housed on campus, and returning students are given priority in granting permission to live off campus. Campus residents accepting housing in the fall semester are required to sign a nine-month contract and are not permitted to move off campus for the spring semester. An application for campus housing, which is separate from the application for admission to the University, is available from the Office of Student Life. This application, along with the $250 housing deposit, should be returned to Financial Management Services. Rooms are assigned in accordance with the date on which the housing application and room deposit are received in Financial Management Services. Housing applications may be forwarded prior to acceptance to the University, but housing assignments will be contingent upon admission to the University. 

A waiver for the $250 housing deposit may be submitted. To do so, the student should submit the housing application with an attached letter stating reasons for the waiver request. In order to be considered, the student must have a FAFSA submitted to TAMUG. 

 It is recommended that housing applications be submitted early. In the event that on-campus housing is not available, information concerning off-campus housing will be provided upon request. Since license-option students are required to live on campus, students will be able to pursue a license option only if campus housing is available for them. A failure to receive campus housing does not preclude students from enrolling in the degree program of their choice but simply restricts participation in license-option programs until campus housing is available. License-option students are housed separately from non-license-option students. Questions concerning license-option housing should be directed to the Office of Student Life. 

Student Activities 

A wide variety of student activities are coordinated through the Office of Student Life in the Mary Moody Northen Student Center. The Northen Student Center contains dining facilities, counseling, student activities, graduate placement offices and other facilities. Adjacent to the Northen Student Center are the P. E. facility, swimming pool, tennis courts, and other outdoor recreational facilities.. 

Clubs on campus include the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Sail Club, Dive Club, Propeller Club, Fine Arts Association, Future Students Club, Pre-Vet Society, Society of Naval Architects and Mechanical Engineers, the Drama Club, Circle K Service Organization, Residence Hall Association, several leadership organizations and many others. 

The student government is the Student Government Association (SGA). The SGA serves as a direct link to the administration regarding student life. The SGA includes the Senate, the Executive Branch and the Student Judicial Board. Members are elected each year. Students also publish a newspaper (The Nautilus) and a literary publication (Seaspray). 

Athletics 

The Recreational Sports Program provides each student with the opportunity to participate in regularly organized activities. Co-rec teams are organized in flag football, soccer,  water polo, racquetball, tennis, basketball, softball and volleyball. Texas A&M University at Galveston also has soccer, and rugby teams which compete in local leagues. The Campus Sail Team and Rowing Club compete in intercollegiate competition and are varsity sports. 

Multicultural Services 

The Department of Multicultural Services works with other programs on campus to support the cultural, educational, social and personal development of all students attending TAMUG. Departmental services include personal advising; a resource library including multicultural books, articles and video/audio tapes; and tutoring and mentoring services.  Computers and skill enhancement software are also provided for incoming students wanting to review basic  chemistry and calculus. Graduate school prep software including LSAT, GRE and GMAT is available for upperclassmen.  Multicultural Services is also responsible for the Culture Club which is open to all persons seeking to gain valuable experience in promoting diversity through multicultural programming.  For more information, call the Office of Student Life at 409-740-4582. 

Hazing 

Anyone who participates in hazing is in violation of University rules as well as state law. Violators may be subject to University disciplinary action in addition to state criminal penalties. Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus by one person, alone or acting with others, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are (or include) students at the University. A complete definition of hazing is available in the Office of Student Life. 

Office of Academic Enhancement 

The Office of Academic Enhancement provides support services to maximize the academic experience of all Texas A&M University at Galveston students. Services provided include academic advising, credit by exam, support for students in academic difficulty, freshman transition courses, academic excellence programs, tutoring, supplemental instruction, THEA testing, and developmental education. Students needing support for their courses are encouraged to visit the tutoring lab for one on one, or group support.  Supplemental Instruction (SI) is also offered for selected courses and is facilitated by an SI leader who is an undergraduate that has already successfully completed the course. Each SI leader attends all lectures of the course again and conducts 2-3 one hour sessions per week outside of class where they employ a variety of techniques to increase student mastery of the material.  Currently, SI support is provided for selected courses at the freshmen and sophomore level.  Both tutoring support and the SI sessions are free of charge and available to all TAMUG students. To learn more about the services of the Office of Academic Enhancement, schedules for tutoring and SI sessions, please visit our web site at www.tamug.edu/acen. 

University Police 

The University Police are responsible for the protection of persons and property of Texas A&M University, and for the enforcement of the laws of the State of Texas and the rules and regulations of Texas A&M University as promulgated by the Texas Education Code. University police are commissioned peace officers involved in regular foot and vehicle patrol of campus, late-night security escorts, crime prevention programs for the campus community, and criminal investigations for the recovery of property and apprehension of criminals. Officers also provide regular security checks of buildings and property on campus. All University personnel are requested to cooperate with University police officers. 

Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act 

In compliance with the Federal Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, a brochure is available which includes information on campus security and safety resources, policies and procedures for safety (reporting crimes and emergencies, crime awareness and prevention, security of campus facilities and residence halls), alcohol, drugs and weapons, and crime information and statistics. This information is available from the University Police Office, BLDG. 3025, and can be reached at 409-740-4545. 

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Corps of Cadets

Students pursuing a University degree program leading to a U. S. Coast Guard license as a Merchant Marine Officer are required to join the U.S. Maritime Service Corps of Cadets. Participation in the Corps provides Cadets with leadership and management training appropriate to the needs of a Merchant Marine Officer. The Corps is organized as a paramilitary unit and is subject to special Cadet discipline and performance requirements. Cadets are required to stand watches on the training ship and have muster, training, uniforms, room inspection and similar requirements. Uniforms are worn each day during the academic year and during the summer training cruises. Cadets are required to complete Basic Safety Training, Advanced Firefighting, Radar/Automated Radar Plotting Aids, Global Marine Distress Safety System (GMDSS), Bridge Resource Management and additional professional certifications. Many of these qualifications require payment of fees in excess of those paid by non-license option students. Courses in the curriculum that lead to required professional qualifications or earn sea service require a grade of 70% (75% for GMDSS) or better for licensing. The Cadet will be required to repeat the course until the minimum grade requirement is satisfied. 

International students are permitted to join the Corps of Cadets and follow a curriculum leading to a license as a Merchant Marine Officer. However, only American citizens can be licensed.  A foreign Cadet need not take and complete the license examination as a prerequisite to graduation. Questions about the Corps of Cadets should be directed to the Student Relations Office at (409) 740-4428. 

Admission to a License-Option (LO) Curriculum 

Students who meet the admission criteria established by the U. S. Maritime Administration and the University may participate in the Corps of Cadets and a LO curriculum. Such participation is a privilege and not a right. Serious or excessive violation of Corps Rules may be considered as evidence for a lack of aptitude for the demanding responsibilities of a Merchant Marine Officer and warrant dismissal from the Corps of Cadets and a curriculum which prepares the students for a Merchant Marine Officer’s license. Notification of acceptance to the University is not final approval for appointment to a LO program or acceptance into the Corps of Cadets. The application for admission into the Texas Maritime Academy Corps of Cadets is available from the Student Relations Office. Final review of a student’s credentials cannot be completed until after enrollment and prospective cadets will not be sworn into the program until this review is completed. The initial enrollment of students in a LO curriculum must be at the beginning of a fall or spring semester. Students may not enter the program after the 12th class day of the semester. 

License-option students are subject to alcohol and drug screening for admission to the program and to a continuing random drug-testing program while in the license-option program. 

Among the criteria evaluated are: 

1.       Age. Entering students must be at least 17 years old. There are no maximum age limits for Cadets in the license-option program. Cadets accepted into the various U.S. Armed Forces and Coast Guard commissioning programs must comply with any age restrictions of the applicable program. 

2.       Physical Requirements. Strict physical requirements are specified for licensing as a merchant marine officer. Prior to entering a license program, prior to certification for licensing, and at any other time deemed appropriate by the University, students are required to furnish verification from a physician that they meet the specified physical requirements. Specific details of the required physical examinations are contained in the Title 46 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations part 10. Waivers cannot be granted by the University. These are summarized as follows: 

          Deck Cadet -Minimum vision 20/200 in each eye correctable to 20/40 in each eye. Vision beyond these parameters requires a waiver. Pass a Coast Guard approved color vision test. 

          Engineer Cadet-Minimum vision of 20/200 in each eye correctable to 20/50 in each eye. Vision beyond these parameters requires a waiver. Distinguish between red, blue, green, and yellow. 

          All Cadets-Epilepsy, insanity, badly impaired hearing, and mind-altering drug use are disqualifying conditions. 

3.       Background Investigation. All applicants for admission to license-option curricula and enrollment in the Corps of Cadets are subject to a federal background investigation. Adverse information revealed by the investigation may result in denial of license by the U.S. Coast Guard. The University will not accept a candidate into a license-option curriculum nor allow continued participation in the program when conduct infractions preclude license qualification. 

4.       Citizenship. Only United States citizens are eligible for officers’ licenses in the U.S. Merchant Marine. 

5.       Drug Screening. All license-option cadets must participate in a drug testing program. All entering cadets will be required to pay for and take a drug screen test prior to entering the Corps. Periodic random tests are required and any serious marine incident will require drug testing. These tests/screenings will be performed at an approved DHHS laboratory, in accordance with 46 CFR 16.340. A positive test during initial screening may result in the student not being accepted into the LO program. A positive test during a periodic or other screening may result in dismissal from the Corps of Cadets and LO programs. 

Fiscal Requirements 

The U.S. Coast Guard presently requires payment for all documents and tests that are required for license and graduation. Firefighting School must be completed prior to the cadet’s first cruise and its costs are the cadet’s responsibility. Cadets are required to have or have ordered, at their cost, all required Corps uniforms during orientation. 

Examination Requirement as a Condition for Graduation 

While not a University academic requirement, in accordance with federal regulations and the University’s participation agreement with the U.S. Maritime Administration, students who enter the U.S. Merchant Marine Licensing program will be required to meet all license requirements as administered by the Coast Guard for the issuance of a license as a condition of graduation from Texas A&M University. Students who are found to be not physically qualified for Coast Guard licensing just prior to graduation may be exempt from the requirement. 

U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) License as a Merchant Marine Officer 

To qualify at graduation for certification by the University and for eligibility to take the USCG examinations for Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer, students must complete all academic degree requirements and successfully complete three summer training cruises. Students must also meet physical qualifications at the time of graduation; and participate in the Corps of Cadets in a satisfactory manner every semester while enrolled in a LO program which will normally require eight long semesters and three summers. Participation in the Corps of Cadets will include the requirement to successfully complete mandatory non-credit training courses such as firefighting, first aid, CPR, and radar certification. USCG evaluation, examination, and issuance fees will be charged over and above fees specified in the University Catalog.  

Students pursuing a license option will not be granted leaves of absence from the Corps of Cadets for any fall or spring semesters in which they are enrolled in the University. Students who are dropped from the Corps of Cadets for academic or disciplinary reasons, but are allowed to remain in the University, will normally be dis-enrolled from the LO program and will not be re-enrolled in a LO program except under very special circumstances and after a careful review by the professional staff of the University. Under exceptional circumstances highly-qualified students may accelerate the program, but in no case will the program be completed in less than six long semesters and three summer cruises. 

Student Incentive Payments (SIPs) 

Freshmen students who enroll in a LO program during their first semester may be eligible for SIPs of $1,000 per calendar quarter ($16,000 for four years) provided by the Maritime Administration to offset the costs of uniforms, textbooks and other requirements of Cadet life. SIPs are awarded to students based on competitive criteria that evaluate the student’s potential for completing the degree program and license requirements and for a subsequent successful maritime career. If a SIP recipient is withdrawn from TAMUG, or found to be non-physically qualified, or found to not have an aptitude for naval service, the student will automatically be terminated from the SIP program and all payments will stop. 

Enrollment in the SIP program requires the Cadet to accept an appointment as Midshipman, USNR and to agree to apply for and accept, if offered, a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Merchant Marine Reserve (USNR/MMR). The Midshipman must meet the physical condition requirements for commissioning at the time of graduation. 

The Department of Naval Science prepares eligible cadets for eventual commissioning in the United States Naval Reserve/Merchant Marine Reserve (USNR/MMR). Cadets under this program who pass a Navy physical examination become Navy Midshipmen. Upon completion of the Naval Science courses, graduation from TAMUG, and successful completion of the U.S. Coast Guard licensing exam, the Midshipman will be commissioned as a restricted line officer with a merchant marine designator and the rank of Ensign in the USNR/MMR. In addition, licensed graduates have the opportunity to obtain USNR/MMR commissions via the direct commissioning program. Applications may be initiated during the Cadet’s final year prior to graduation. Individuals commissioned in the USNR/MMR must fulfill these obligations: 

• Maintain the commission for eight years. 
• Sail on their applicable license at sea for four months each consecutive two-year period for six years. 
• Complete two weeks of active-duty training in the Navy every year for six years. 
• Keep the Merchant Marine Reserve Program Office informed of any changes to address, phone or e-mail. 
• Maintain a current/valid USCG unlimited license. 
• Maintain a current Naval 5-year physical. 
• Submit an annual report to the administrator of the USNR/MMR Program. 

Active-duty service may be requested by the Midshipman under this program. This program provides Merchant Marine Officers who are familiar with Naval procedures to the merchant marine industry. It also provides the individual USNR/MMR officers, when on active duty, the benefits and pay normally provided U.S. Navy officers. 

The U.S. Coast Guard Commission 

The U.S. Coast Guard MARGRAD program offers licensed graduates the opportunity to apply for direct reserve commissions involving extended active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. Applications may be initiated during a cadet’s final year prior to graduation in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard directives. 

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program 

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program offers men and women an opportunity to qualify for a commission in the Navy while attending TAMUG. NROTC students are required to participate in the U.S. Maritime Service Corps of Cadets. Questions about the NROTC Program may be directed to nrotc@tamug.edu or at www.tamug.edu/rotc. 

To become eligible for a commission, NROTC midshipmen must complete all requirements for a bachelor’s degree as well as certain courses specified by the Navy. Scholarship students wear uniforms furnished by the Navy and participate in three 4-week summer training period onboard Navy ships and aircraft, if they are in a scholarship status. 

Students may join the NROTC program as National Four Year Scholarship winners or as non-subsidized college program students. Applications for the National Four Year Scholarships can be obtained through a Navy recruiting office or at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil prior to the submission deadline of January 15 of the year for which the student is applying. College program midshipmen are eligible to compete for three and one half year, three year and two year NROTC scholarships. 

All NROTC scholarships pay for full tuition, fees and uniforms. All scholarship midshipmen and junior and senior level college program midshipmen receive an allowance of $300-400 per month, depending on class standing, and are paid during summer training periods. Scholarship midshipmen also receive a $250 book stipend to offset the cost of textbook purchases. 

Upon graduation, qualified NROTC midshipmen are commissioned as Ensigns in the Unrestricted Line and receive a reserve commission. Scholarship midshipmen and college program midshipmen incur a five-year active duty commitment. 

The Naval Science staff advises and counsels midshipmen on academic, personal and naval career matters. Primary emphasis is placed on educational excellence to produce the highest quality Naval officers. Students wishing to discuss the NROTC program or any other officer commissioning program should contact the Naval Science Department at (409) 740-4594 or 740-4595 or 740-4597. 

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