Dual Credit Program Guide: Student Guide

With dual credit college courses, you can earn high school and college credits at the same time! This opportunity can fast-track your progress toward a college degree and prepare you for the academic rigors of higher education.

Are you interested in participating in our dual credit program? To begin, tell your high school counselor that you are interested. Your counselor can give you more information about Dual Credit Information Night and Texas Success Initiative (TSI) testing dates at your high school.

This PDF will help guide you and your parents through the dual credit process:

Dual Credit Student Handbook

Dual Credit Information Night

At Dual Credit Night, you can:

Connect with your high school official.

Learn about dual-credit courses offered at your high school.

Discuss the benefits and responsibilities associated with taking dual credit classes.

Clarify tuition costs and financial responsibility.

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply

Fill out Eat Texas A&M’s free dual credit online application with ApplyTexas. You must have an active, personal email address. If you need help filling out the application, contact your high school counselor or your parent. If you are a student who needs to reverse-transfer your credits back to another college, please indicate this in your application. Then stay tuned for an email confirming that East Texas A&M received your application.

  • It is only necessary to apply if you are completely new to dual credit OR have not taken dual credit classes for a full year.

Step 2: Submit Transcripts

Official high school transcripts must be submitted through your high school counselor. For students who have taken college-level courses at another institution, transcripts must be sent to:

East Texas A&M University

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

PO Box 3011

Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Step 3: Stay Tuned

An acceptance email will include your student identification number, otherwise known as your campus-wide ID (CWID).

Step 4: Submit Docs

Submit TSI Scores or Exemptions

  • If you have TSI Scores, you will need to log in to Accuplacer to send those records to East Texas A&M.
  • If you have SAT or ACT scores that can exempt you from TSI, you will need to log in to their respective websites and have the SAT or ACT scores sent to East Texas A&M.

Contact your high school counselor for help sending in your TSI scores or exemptions.

Submit Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Records

  • This requirement is only applicable to students who are taking dual credit classes at the main campus in Commerce, Texas or the Dallas location. Students taking dual-credit classes at their high school are exempt from submitting bacterial meningitis vaccination records.

For instructions on how to submit bacterial meningitis records, please visit Meningitis Requirements.

Step 5: Login

  • Log in to MyLEO for the first time:
    • Your username is your CWID (campus wide ID number). Check your acceptance email for your CWID. Follow this link if you can't find your CWID.
    • Your password is your birthdate in this format: (example…Jun081979). If you have logged in previously, you were prompted to change/update this password.
    • Our university now requires two-factor authentication – the system will direct you.

Then:

  1. Check your LeoMail.
    • Log in to MyLEO
    • Your student email account called LeoMail is accessible through the Apps tab at the top of your screen.
    • Select the LeoMail icon.
    • Right click on the app and select “open link in new tab” so you can check email and still have access to other things in MyLeo.
    • Make certain to check this email daily, as this is where the majority of university communications will be sent.
    • When you email through your online class, emails are sent and received through your LeoMail.
  2. View and resolve any academic holds.
  3. Sign the Financial Agreement Form.
    • This agreement must be accepted each time registration opens. Whenever you login to MyLeo for the first time, a screen prompting you to review the Financial Responsibility Agreement will pop up. Whether you are or are not paying for your dual credit classes, you must read the agreement and click on the box asserting that you have read through the prompt. If you do not receive this prompt, you can view the Financial Responsibility Agreement in the Student Resources tab. When you click on the Registration Menu under Student Information, the form should pop up.

Step 6: Register

All registration is completed through your high school counselor and East Texas A&M. Dual credit students are currently not allowed to register for classes on their own and have a mandatory registration hold on their accounts.

Step 7: Confirm Class Schedule

Login to MyLeo

  • Access D2L Brightspace.
  • MyLeo Online is where you will enter online courses and/or where you might access any materials your instructor provides to you online. Select the Apps tab. Please note that an online course is NOT accessible until the first class day.
    • Select the MyLeo Online (D2L Brightspace) icon below. You can right click on the app and select “open link in new tab” so you can work inside your class and still have access to other things in MyLeo.
    • Select your course by using the course selector tool at the top or by scrolling down to locate the My Courses section:
  • Or download Brightspace Pulse App (on a mobile device)

TSI Assessment

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state of Texas legislatively-mandated program designed to guide public institutions of higher education to determine if a student is ready for college-level course work in the general areas of Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

If you are an incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment unless you are already exempt (see exemption requirements below) to determine your readiness for college-level work. Within the Dual Credit program, students must meet the minimum required scores (see below for qualifying scores) in the areas of ELAR (Reading/Writing), and/or Math to take certain courses.

TSI Assessment Requirement Details

  • TAC Rule 4.85 (b) Student Eligibility – outlines dual credit requirements and eligibility, with changes effective May 16, 2024.
  • TAC RULE 4.52 TSI Applicability
  • (b) This subchapter does not apply to the following students, and an institution shall not require these students to demonstrate college readiness pursuant to this subchapter.
  • (4) A student enrolled in high school who is a non-degree-seeking student as defined in §4.53(8) of this subchapter (relating to Definitions);
  • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board clarified in its Frequently Asked Questions that a high school student who is not degree seeking is not required to be TSI-met, i.e. college ready to attempt dual credit. (Rule 4.52(b)(4)). An institution is prohibited from making these students be college ready.
  • TAC 4.85(b)(1) Dual Credit Requirements
  • School districts/charters/private schools may only require the same dual credit course enrollment pre-requisites or additional requirements that are imposed on a high school student by the partnering institution of higher education at which the student is enrolled.
  • TAC RULE 4.53 TSI Definitions
  • The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context indicates otherwise.
  • (8) Non-Degree-Seeking Student–A student who has not filed a degree plan with an institution of higher education and is not required to do so pursuant to Texas Education Code, §51.9685.
  • Texas Education Code 51.9685 (c-2) Required Filing of Degree Plan
  • TAC RULE 4.54 TSI Exemption
  • (b) A student who achieves the passing standard on an assessment as set out in this subsection shall be deemed exempt from the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative. An institution shall not require an exempt student to provide any additional demonstration of college readiness and shall allow an exempt student to enroll in an entry-level academic course as defined in §4.53(13) of this title (relating to Definitions).
  • (d) An institution may exempt a non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking student not otherwise exempt under this section.

How does the TSI Assessment work?

If you are not exempt from taking the TSI Assessment based on the list of exemptions listed in the next section, you will need to take the TSI Assessment in the area(s) relevant to the Dual Credit course you wish to take.

The assessments are computer adaptive, which means that questions increase or decrease in difficulty level depending on how you respond. The assessments are untimed.

Do all students have to take the TSI before taking dual credit?

Not all students need to take the TSI Assessment; there are several ways to be exempt. Qualifying for a TSI Assessment exemption means that you can enroll in any entry-level college course without restrictions. A student is exempt from TSI requirements if they meet one of these exemptions listed here. Students may not combine scores from different administrations of the same test.

Students who have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in mathematics, reading or writing with a grade of ‘C' or better, including a high school student who has earned college credit for a dual credit course or a course offered under §4.86 of this chapter (relating to Optional Dual Credit or Dual Enrollment Program: College Connect Courses), with a grade of ‘C' or better, is considered coursework exempt. An official college transcript of coursework completed is required.

Once School Starts

  • Confirm with your professor that you are on the class roster on the first day of class.
  • Your achievement will be assessed at five weeks for early intervention.
    • If you have a D or F at eight weeks, you will be dropped from the course and placed in a high school-level class.
  • It is recommended that you meet with your instructor and high school counselor during the semester if you are struggling.
  • If you wish to drop or withdraw from a dual credit class, you are required to meet with your high school counselor first. The high school will then submit the drop/withdraw documentation.

College Level Expectations

Dual credit courses are university courses. Expectations are higher, so students must be adaptable and resilient.

The challenges posed by dual credit will vary by student and course. But some generalizations apply:

  • Note-taking and good study habits are critical.
  • College-level reading—both amount and complexity— is challenging.
  • College-level writing requires attention to detail and longer preparation time.
  • Balancing high school and college obligations is essential.
  • Material presented in class may challenge personal belief systems.
    • College courses deal with controversial or difficult topics and while dual credit instructors know they are working with high school students, they may have different beliefs or opinions on issues of the day. Their aim is to help their students learn and grow.
    • Academic freedom protects such exploration so long as it is legitimately connected to course content.
  • The university expects respectful classroom behavior and a mature approach to personal technology.
  • Grades are not negotiable and grading systems for university courses are stringent.
    • College courses have fewer assignments, so each is worth more to the course grade.
    • Smaller assignments may exist but have less of a cumulative impact on the course grade.
  • East Texas A&M has a strict policy regarding cheating (academic dishonesty). Expect that, within the parameters of East Texas A&M's procedure, dual credit instructors may establish and enforce their own policies regarding cheating.

Scholastic Probation and Suspension

To maintain a high level of scholarship among the students of East Texas A&M, standards of scholarship must be maintained. Policy 13.99.99.R0.41 Undergraduate Academic Probation, Suspension, Appeal and Readmission delineates the process afforded to undergraduate students for probation, suspension, appeal and readmission.

A satisfactory level of academic achievement is determined on the basis of each student’s institutional grade point average calculated on the basis of all college level academic work attempted. To be eligible for continued enrollment in good standing in the university, a student must maintain a minimum institutional grade point average of 2.00.

Academic Probation Intervention Process

Should any dual credit student fail to maintain satisfactory progress as specified by these regulations, the student will be permitted to enroll for further work under our Academic Probation Intervention Process. The goal of this intervention process is to educate dual credit students and our high school partners on the effects of not remaining in good standing academically and to keep students from progressing to academic suspension. This academic intervention process coupled with our early intervention and mid-term grade reporting, tutoring resources and high school interventions will ultimately assist students with staying on track for timely completion of their dual credit courses.

Starting with students enrolled for fall 2024 and after, East Texas A&M will begin grade checks at the end of each semester, reviewing students' final grades. For students earning a D or F in a course, if allowed to continue taking dual credit per school district guidelines, the next term, the student will be required to:

To qualify for continued enrollment while on probation, however, the student must maintain a semester grade point average of at least 2.00. A student on academic probation will remain subject to the requirements of probation until such time as their institutional GPA rises to a 2.0 or higher.

  • Repeat courses failed the following semester (if offered) or as soon as available (exceptions will be determined if extenuating circumstances).
  • Meet with high counselor before being registered for next semester.
  • Meet during the second week of August (fall terms) or second week of January (spring terms) after the start of the term with an ETAMU representative from Secondary Partnerships and high school designated personnel to discuss their academic probation and review of ETAMU policy 13.99.99.R0.41 Undergraduate Academic Probation, Suspension, Appeal and Readmission and signing of the Academic Probation Intervention Contract.
  • Complete at least 9 documented hours of tutoring by the end of the semester in the respective course(s).

Academic suspension ensues when a student already on academic probation fails to earn and/or maintain at least a 2.0 institutional semester GPA. Students on academic suspension are no longer eligible to be enrolled at the University. If already registered for the following semester, their course schedule will be dropped.

Should the student fail again to maintain an adequate 2.00 semester grade point average in academic courses attempted during that semester, academic suspension ensues. Students on academic suspension may appeal that status. Appeals are heard at the conclusion of fall and spring only after grades are posted. The student will be required to leave the university on academic suspension for up to one calendar year as specified above. After the period of academic suspension, the student will be permitted to enroll again on academic probation.

A student must be in residence at East Texas A&M to remove the conditions of probation. If the student comes out of school for any intervening period, either voluntarily or as required by the regulations of the university or attends another college or university, the conditions of probation will not be removed.

Student Resources

Student Guidebook

Students Rights & Responsibilities includes Student Code of Conduct and Student Concerns & Incident Reporting.

Student Resources at ETAMU

  • MyLeo online (D2L Brightspace) including tips and tools
  • Download Microsoft 365
  • Brightspace Pulse App

Lion Card

The Lion Card Office produces the official campus identification card for East Texas A&M University. Simultaneously, the Lion Card also functions as a debit card accessing prepaid Lion Cash accounts. All students are required to obtain and carry their Lion Card with them at all times while on campus. Students have the option to choose to carry either a physical card or a digital card that will go with them anywhere they have a compatible smart phone or smart watch. Students will not have the option to have an active physical card and digital card at the same time. Dual Credit students who take classes on campus at one of our physical locations must obtain a Lion Card. There is a semester fee of $10.00 that goes towards the campus ID card.

Student Disability Resources

East Texas A&M is committed to full equality of educational opportunity. Just as public schools are bound by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, 1975), the university must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and Americans with Disabilities Act (1990).

Section 504 and ADA are applied differently at the University level. At the university level, ADA requires proof the disability, its extent and appropriate accommodations. Students must initiate this process.

The Student Disability Services Office serves as a resource for the individual student, and if need be, an advocate. As university students, participants in dual credit are entitled to access to university disability services. East Texas A&M's Office of Student Disability Services can be reached at 903.886.5150 or [email protected]. Students with disabilities should be connected with this office to start the process of seeking accommodation(s) as quickly as possible. Once accommodations are approved, it is the student's responsibility to request and provide a letter of accommodation to their instructor.

Automatic East Texas A&M Acceptance

By taking dual credit courses through East Texas A&M University, you’ll be automatically admitted as a first-time, full-time student when your high school career comes to a close.

Dual credit seniors MUST OPT IN for the Fall semester following graduation in order to be automatically admitted. Check with your counselor to opt in.

Scholarship Opportunity

Commit To ROAR Dual Credit Scholarship

Commit to ROAR Tier 1 ($4000 per year)
The Commit to ROAR Tier 1 Scholarship awards graduating East Texas A&M University dual credit students a $4000 per
academic year renewable scholarship issued as $2000 for the Fall and $2000 for the Spring for a maximum of three academic years (six long semesters) or until completion of first bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility
Student must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Commit to ROAR Tier 1 Scholarship:

  • Must have a minimum 3.0 East Texas A&M GPA earned through completion of ETAMU dual credit courses.
  • Must have completed a minimum of 30 dual credit hours at East Texas A&M by time of high school graduation.
  • Must enroll the fall semester following high school graduation. Scholarship is renewable. Must earn 15 credit hours per long semester (fall and spring) and maintain at least a 3.0 East Texas A&M GPA.
  • May be combined with additional freshman and donor-funded scholarships.

Commit to ROAR Tier 2 ($3000 per year)

The Commit to ROAR Tier 2 Scholarship awards graduating East Texas A&M University dual credit students a $3000 per
academic year renewable scholarship issued as $1500 for the Fall and $1500 for the Spring for a maximum of three academic years (six long semesters) or until completion of first bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility
Student must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Commit to ROAR Tier 2 Scholarship:

  • Must have a minimum 3.0 East Texas A&M GPA earned through completion of ETAMU dual credit courses.
  • Must have completed 18- 29 dual credit hours at East Texas A&M by time of high school graduation.
  • Must enroll the fall semester following high school graduation.
  • Scholarship is renewable. Must earn 15 credit hours per long semester (fall and spring) and maintain at least a 3.0 East Texas A&M GPА.
  • May be combined with additional freshman and donor-funded scholarships.

Commit to ROAR Tier 3 ($2000)
The Commit to ROAR Tier 3 Scholarship awards graduating East Texas A&M University dual credit students a $2000
non-renewable scholarship issued as $1000 for the Fall and $1000 for the Spring during the student’s first year as a degree-seeking student at East Texas A&M.
Eligibility
Student must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Commit to ROAR Tier 3 Scholarship:

  • Must have a minimum 3.0 East Texas A&M GPA earned through completion of ETAMU dual credit courses.
  • Must have completed 12 – 17 dual credit hours at East Texas A&M by time of high school graduation.
  • Must enroll the fall semester following high school graduation.
  • Must enroll in 15 credit hours minimum each term, Fall and Spring, of degree-seeking first year.
  • May be combined with additional freshman and donor-funded scholarships.

Important Dates

Student Accounts and Registration

Forms and Requests

Navigate This Page