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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take XL?


XL helps you with opportunities for academic and personal skills development. XL teaches you to be not only efficient but effective. In order to get your desired results (A's and B's) consistently! We can help you hone your study and note-taking skills, increase the effectiveness of your reading, develop memory techniques, and improve your test taking skills. XL also helps you to develop personal management skills. Personal management skills are more than learning to budget your time. In XL, you'll learn to manage the complexities of your life! You'll identify what motivates you to be in school, what long term goals you have, how to create stepping stones toward your larger goals, and how to keep your life in balance.

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Is it mandatory for me to take XL?


The following students are required to take XL: Freshmen who did not achieve a 2.0 GPA their first semester at Texas Tech; or freshmen of the College of Arts & Sciences who do not achieve a 2.25 GPA their first semester at Texas Tech; all students returning from academic suspension; all students previously required to enroll in XL but did not complete the course because of nonattendance or other reasons; all students previously required to enroll in XL but failed the course.

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How do I determine my status?


Probational: With less than 12 hours transfer credit freshmen who did not achieve a 2.0 GPA their first semester at Texas Tech
Returning: All students returning from academic suspension
Optional: It is not mandatory for you to take the course, but you opt to take the course.

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What happens if I miss class?


Because attendance is vital to academic success, the attendance policy is strictly enforced.
If you are enrolled in XL as a condition of your enrollment in the University, attendance is mandatory. The XL Coordinator sends attendance reports to the dean of your college. If you are absent from your XL class a total of three (3) times (TR classes), four (4) times (MWF or MTWR classes), you will be withdrawn.
If you are enrolled in XL as a condition of your return from suspension to the University and are withdrawn from your XL class because of non-attendance, you will be withdrawn from the University. If you are passing your courses at the time of withdrawal, you will receive a grade of "W." Should you be allowed to enroll at Texas Tech in the future, you will be required to re-take XL and pay the appropriate fees.
If you are enrolled in XL as a condition of your academic probation (but you are not returning from suspension), you will not be withdrawn from your other courses. However, you must repeat XL until you pass the course; you will be required to pay the appropriate fees when you repeat the course.
Remember it is your responsibility to keep track of your absences. It is suggested you track this in your required planner. Students may verify their recorded absences by checking the XL web.

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I have exceeded the number of allowed absences for the XL course.
How can I avoid withdrawal from class/university?


Once you have exceeded the number of allowed absences (number of allowed + 1 day) The first absence after the allowed absences you will be AUTOMATICALLY dropped from the XL course. The XL advisor will withdraw you and notify you by email. However, if there have been documented, verifiable circumstances you may file an appeal. Following are instructions of how to file an appeal for extenuating circumstances.
1. Complete an appeal form which you may pick up in the XL office (Holden Hall 59)
2. You may be asked to include a status report and recommendation letter from your XL instructor. (He/she can also do this online)
3. One or both of the following forms of documentation:
Type 1- Original documentation of any substantive or extenuating circumstance you feel warrants consideration, such as serious illness, death in the immediate family, child’s illness.
Type 2- Original documentation that indicates an error in any information communicated on the part of a University official
4. Typed letter from you fully explaining your absence/s.
Your appeal is due to the XL office no later than 5:00pm on the fifth University class day following your third absence. Should you accrue an additional absence beyond the number allowed, the option to appeal is void and you will be immediately dropped. Certain special circumstances may allow the submission of a late appeal. Such issues should be discussed with the XL Advisor in HH 59.

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How much is the course fee for XL 0201?


There is a $200 nonrefundable course fee.

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Am I required to purchase any books?


Yes. XL uses a custom text book available only in local bookstores that includes all course assignments. Keys to Effective Learning,The 7 Habits of Highly Effective College Students Guidebook and a planner with monthly, weekly and daily pages.

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What is the course length?


During Fall and Spring semester, the course lasts thirteen weeks. There are two 1 hour and 20 minutes class sessions each week for Tue/Thur classes and three fifty minute class sessions each week for MWF classes. We also offer some accelerated sections which meet 4 times a week for seven weeks.

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What happens if I fail XL or am withdrawn from XL?


If you fail in XL, You will have to repeat the course until you pass. There will be a hold on your registration and you need to take the XL class again to clear the hold. If you are withdrawn from XL due to absences or other reasons, you will have to repeat the course. If you are a returning student and withdrawn from XL, you will be withdrawn from university also. However if you are a probational student and withdrawn from XL, you will not be withdrawn from the university but still you have to repeat the course.

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I am trying to register for XL on RaiderLink, but it says all sections are closed. What should I do?


Actually, we have many sections. We always try to accommodate students with their preferred time schedule. However, the XL office controls the registration process and that is why you may not be able to register by yourself. You may email our office at xl.pass@ttu.edu or call the XL office at 742-3928 Monday thru Friday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. or just stop by our office. We are located at 59 Holden Hall.

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I have already taken XL 0201 this semester.
I am trying to register my courses for next semester but it says there is a hold from the XL Office. Why?


We put a hold on your registration if you are failing XL at mid term. To clear the hold, you need to register for XL. However, if you pass XL you will not need to repeat the course and will be allowed to drop XL from your schedule. If you have additional questions about this hold call the XL office at 742-3928 Monday thru Friday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. or just stop by our office. We are located at 59 Holden Hall.

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I have already passed XL but now I am returning from suspension. Do I need to take XL again?


If you have ever passed XL you will never be required to repeat the course regardless of your circumstances.

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