Texas Tech University

Recovery: Planning Your Return to Texas Tech

Through the Academic Recovery program, the University Advising Academic Advisors  assist students who have found themselves on Academic Suspension and Academic Dismissal. Our academic advisors can guide you through the process of reapplying to the university as a Texas Tech University Undeclared (TTUD) student, creating a plan for academic success, exploring academic and career options, and progressing toward graduation.

To get started, here are your next steps:

1. Reapply

Reapply for admission! Go right now and fill out the Former Tech Readmission application. February or March is the best time to apply if you want to come back for a Summer or Fall semester, and September or October is the best time to apply if you want to come back for a Spring semester. You can submit this application even if you have coursework in progress somewhere. It's just important to get the readmission progress started as soon as possible. Academic Suspension requires that you be absent from TTU at least one long semester. Academic Dismissal requires that you be absent from TTU at least one calendar year, and readmission from either situation requires the approval of the Academic Dean. The entire summer counts as one semester for the purposes of serving a suspension.

2. Schedule

Contact University Advising at 806-742-2189 to set up the hour-long Academic Recovery Plan appointment to talk with one of our advisors. We are located in 347 Drane Hall, and we can meet in person or via phone if you are out of town. Don't wait until you return to Lubbock to schedule this important meeting! We will work with you at that appointment to create a plan for academic success that will lead you where you want to go.

3. Plan

The Academic Success Workbook walks you through identifying roadblocks and hindrances to your academic success and allows you to determine pathways to improve your chances of being successful at Texas Tech. The components of this Workbook will be the foundation for the conversation with your academic advisor. You should complete the Academic Recovery Workbook before your appointment, and if possible, advising@ttu.edu or fax (806-742-2200) it to University Advising. Having that background in advance helps your Advisor better prepare for your Academic Recovery advising appointment.

4. Send

If you have taken (or are currently taking) coursework at any institution of higher learning since leaving Texas Tech University, you must request that the official transcripts be sent to TTU right away. It's important to note that you are NOT required to take coursework while away on Academic Suspension. You may choose to work, just take a break from classes, or address other issues that were holding you back previously. You may take courses elsewhere if you choose, but if you do, you should be certain that you remain in "Good Standing" academically with that institution. Pass your classes while you're gone! Also, be sure to use the Registrar's Transfer Equivalency Search tool to determine what equivalent TTU credit you'd be receiving for those courses. If you previously earned a "D" or "F" in a course at Tech, you should strongly consider  repeating that class at Tech for grade replacement instead of taking that class at another institution. 

How is Academic Dismissal different from Academic Suspension?

Students on Academic Dismissal will spend at least one calendar year away from Texas Tech. Readmission from Academic Dismissal takes work on your part. This readmission is not automatic; it is rare. You need the permission of the Academic Dean of the College to return. Since University Advising reports to the Provost's Office, rather than an individual College, you'll need the Associate Vice Provost's permission to return. Keep in mind, this is not automatic. Here's what we typically need to see:

  • Proven academic success – It's pretty safe to say that a 3.0 GPA on at least 12 credit hours at a college or community college goes a long way in providing compelling evidence of a change in behavior, attitude, and circumstances that indicate a better academic career at TTU.
  • A dedication to academic success at Texas Tech – That means making a commitment to meeting with an Advisor every week or two, working with The Learning Center for tutoring and building academic success strategies, holding yourself accountable.
  • A real, honest explanation of the previous situation and changes made to suggest a marked improvement. The Academic Success workbookwalks you through identifying roadblocks and hindrances to your academic success and allows you to determine pathways around these to improve your chances of being successful at Texas Tech. The components of this Workbook will be the foundation for the conversation with your advisor.

During your Academic Recovery Plan appointment, your Advisor will gather the information needed to seek approval for your readmission from the Associate Vice Provost. You should hear back on a decision within a week. If you have coursework in progress, you will probably hear that your readmission is conditional, pending your academic performance in those courses.

The Policy

It is important that you be knowledgeable about the institutional policies on academic status. Additionally, you should use the current TTU Catalog to familiarize yourself with the updated entrance and graduation requirements of your desired degree. While a 2.0 institutional GPA is the minimum required for graduation from TTU, the majors you are considering may have higher GPA standards.

Please let us know what questions or concerns you may have. We are here to help!