Texas Tech University

TSI Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about TSI. For more information, contact the TSI Skills Development Office at tsi@ttu.edu or (806) 742-3242.

What is TSI?

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-mandated developmental education program that provides support to students who have not demonstrated college-readiness in reading, writing, or mathematics. TSI at Texas Tech University creates customized academic support plans for developmental coursework in these key areas to ensure students will be successful in their selected academic majors and beyond.

How much does TSI cost?

The TSI course fee is $50 per lecture and discussion section.

Who can I talk to about TSI?

Find out if you are TSI Complete, if you need to take the TSI Assessment, and turn in TSI test scores and exemptions:
TSI Compliance Office
West Hall 103A
(806) 834-3491
registrar.tsi@ttu.edu

Take the TSI Assessment or learn more about taking the TSI Assessment at TTU or where you live:
Academic Testing Services
West Hall 214
(806) 742-3671
testing@ttu.edu

Schedule TSI Advising, get help registering for TSI courses, and learn more about TSI coursework:
TSI Skills Development Office
Drane Hall 214
(806) 742-3242
tsi@ttu.edu

Why do I have to take TSI?

The State of Texas requires that all students who do not pass one or more areas of the TSI Assessment to be placed into an academic support program to improve individual skill sets in reading, writing and/or mathematics. Proper placement into entry-level coursework increases a student's ability to graduate in four years from 30% to 60%. TSI advisors use multiple measures of placement to create a customized plan for academic success. TSI coursework helps students fill knowledge and skill gaps to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed in college.

Am I exempt from TSI?

Visit the TSI Exemption Guide or contact the TSI Compliance Office at (806) 834-3491 to determine if you are exempt from TSI.

What is the TSI Assessment?

The TSI assessment determines whether a student knows key prerequisite skills for college-level coursework. All students enrolling in Texas colleges and universities are required to take the TSI assessment unless they are exempt.

Where can I take the TSI Assessment?

The TSI Assessment can be taken at any university, college, or testing center that administers the test. 

If you would like to take the TSI Assessment on the Texas Tech University campus, Academic Testing Services administers the assessment in West Hall Room 214 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 2:00pm. No appointment is required. 


If you would like to take the TSI Assessment at a different college, university, or testing center, please complete the TSI Off-Campus Testing Voucher request or contact the Academic Testing Services at (806) 742-3671 to learn more.

Can I retake the TSI Assessment? How many times can I take the TSI Assessment?

There is no limit to the number of times the TSI Assessment may be taken. However, the TSI Assessment fee of $50 must be paid each time the TSI Assessment is taken at Texas Tech University. 

Do I have to take/re-take both sections of the TSI Assessment?

The TSI Assessment is composed of two sections: Math and English Lanuage Arts Reading (ELAR). Students are allowed to take one or both sections at the time of testing. A student must be exempt or have taken the TSI Assessment in both areas before the student can be advised by a TSI Advisor.

How much does it cost to take the TSI Assessment?

The TSI Assessment fee is $50 each time the TSI Assessment is taken at Texas Tech University. Academic Testing Services accepts check, money order, VISA or MasterCard as payment. A photo ID is required.

I just took the TSI Assessment. What do I do next?

After you have taken the TSI Assessment, you will need to turn your scores in to the TSI Compliance Office. Their office is located in West Hall Room 103A and they can be contacted at (806) 834-3491 or by email at registrar.tsi@ttu.edu.

If I re-take the TSI Assessment and pass it, can I drop my TSI course?

Students who pass the TSI Assessment or submit an exemption can drop the TSI course until the "Last Day to Add a Course" (TTU Academic Calendar). After that date, students cannot make schedule changes based on retesting, exemption, or scheduling issues without special permission from the Associate Director (if extenuating circumstances exist).

I have a TSI hold on my account. What should I do?

If the hold on your account says “TSI Hold New Student” or “TSI Holds Needs …”, your hold is from the TSI Compliance Office. You can reach them at (806) 742-3661 or by emailing registrar.tsi@ttu.edu.

If your hold says "TSI FALL 2022", "TSI SPRING 2022", or "TSI ADVISING REQ", please contact the TSI Developmental Education Office at (806) 742-3242 or by emailing tsi@ttu.edu. Please include your R# in your email request.

I have been advised and I am enrolled in my TSI course. Why do I still have a hold?

The TSI hold will remain on your account until you have successfully completed all of your TSI coursework and your subsequent college-level coursework in the area of remediation.

The TSI hold protects you from dropping your required TSI coursework and being withdrawn from Texas Tech University for TSI Non-Compliance.

If you need to make a change to your schedule, contact the TSI Office at (806) 742-3242 or email tsi@ttu.edu to have your hold temporarily lifted. Please include your R# in your email request.

What happens if I fail my TSI course or am withdrawn from the university?

If you fail your TSI course or withdraw from Texas Tech University for any reason, you will be required to re-take the TSI course during your next semester of enrollment.

When do I meet with my TSI advisor?

Until you are "TSI Complete" you are required to meet with your TSI advisor before registering for every upcoming term to discuss your upcoming TSI coursework move your TSI hold.

The TSI Office will contact you at your TTU email address and in Raider Success Hub when it is time for you to meet for TSI advising.

How do I make an appointment with my TSI Advisor?

Students can schedule an appointment with any TSI advisor in Raider Success Hub. Please follow the steps below or view this guide:

  1. Log into Raider Success Hub using your eRaider information.  
  2. On the home screen click "Schedule Appointment."
  3. Once the Schedule an Appointment box appears, click Teams, or if you would like to schedule with a specific TSI Advisor, you can search for their name in the search bar. 
  4. Select "TSI" -> "Academic Support Services" -> "TSI: Texas Success Initiative"
  5. Select the date you would like to schedule an appointment. You view all available time slots with all TSI Advisors for that date. You can also view the location of the appointment (e.g. virtual or in person). You can scroll down to view more time slots. 
  6. Once you have selected a time, date, and a TSI Advisor to meet with, you can enter a comment to let your advisor know what you would like to discuss.
  7. To confirm appointment, click Schedule Appointment/Schedule Virtual Appointment. Note the location of your appointment before confirming.
  8. Attend your TSI Advising appointment!
    1. For in-person appintments, please check in at Drane Hall 214.
    2. If you are meeting virtually then you will need to follow the link and instructions provided by the TSI advisor.

Please email the TSI Office (tsi@ttu.edu) or call the TSI Office at (806) 742-3242 for additional assistance. You can also stop by the office located in Drane Hall room 214.

What are the course restrictions and requirements for TSI?

If you are not TSI Complete for reading and/or writing, you will be REQUIRED to enroll in ENGL 1301. If you are not TSI Complete for mathematics, you may restricted from taking any college-level MATH course or you may be REQUIRED to enroll in MATH 1300, Math 1320, Math 1330, or Math 2300. 

Your TSI Advisor will determine your course restrictions and requirements based on your TSI placement. 

If you are enrolled in a restricted course, a TSI advisor will drop you from that course. If you are required to enroll in a college-level course, a TSI advisor may add it to your schedule.