IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

2018-2019

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TEXAS MICROMAJOR gives Texas high school students the opportunity to earn an advanced academic recognition from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The credit-based transition program is founded on three operating principles:

GUIDE Through academic support, students learn how to plan, pace and participate in high-quality, college-level courses while in high school.

PREVIEWStudents identify and engage in an academic area of interest, helping them make informed decision about their college focus and demonstrate college readiness.

PREPAREFirsthand experience with college-level courses gives students the tools and means to access college and succeed in the long term.

HOW TEXAS MICROMAJOR WORKS

The Texas MicroMajor initiative seeks to better prepare students for postsecondary success through aligning the academic experiences students are having in high school with college expectations. It provides students the opportunity to demonstrate college readiness in ways outside of traditional indicators such as class rank, grade point averages, and standardized test scores. Participation helps students build confidence and academic motivation, increasing their chances of enrolling in, successfully navigating, and completing college or university.

TEXAS MICROMAJOR REQUIREMENTS

To earn a Texas MicroMajor, students must:

• be currently enrolled in a Texas high school;

• register to participate on the Texas MicroMajor webpage;

• identify, select, and successfully complete four approved college-level courses offered in their high school, fulfilling the requirements for their intended Texas MicroMajor track;

• and submit their materials for verification.

Texas MicroMajor courses can be selected from any program that offers college credit on a student’s high school campus; however, at least two courses must be from UT Austin.

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Courses counting toward a MicroMajor must meet the following criteria:

• Advanced Placement (AP): 3 or above on the AP exam

• Dual Credit: C or above

• International Baccalaureate (IB): 4 or above on the IB exam

• Texas OnRamps: C or above in the college course

• UT Extended Campus: C or above

STEM ARTS & HUMANITIES

Math Course

Writing Course

Science Course

Humanities/Fine Arts Course

Additional Course

*

*

*

*

*Must be from UT Austin

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STUDENT PARTICIPATION

Any student enrolled in a participating Texas high school may register to participate in the Texas MicroMajor initiative. Ideally, students should register in ninth or tenth grade. This will best enable them to benefit from the experience.

There is no formal cost to participate in Texas MicroMajor; however, students are responsible for any fees associated with dual credit or dual enrollment tuition, AP exams, IB exams, textbooks, or transcript fees.

VERIFICATION PROCESS

During the fall semester of their senior year, students will receive communication from the Texas MicroMajor team detailing the course verification process, which will confirm if they have successfully completed the necessary requirements. Students must provide the following transcripts and score reports, as applicable:

• High School Transcript

• College Transcripts

• Unofficial AP/IB Test Score Report and Test Score Report Upload Form

Note: Courses taken Pass/Fail cannot be applied toward Texas MicroMajor requirements.

It will be the responsibility of the student to scan and submit all necessary documentation to the

Texas MicroMajor team by the verification deadline, which will be provided to participants via the aforementioned email. Communication will also be provided to campuses regarding the status of their registered students at the conclusion of each semester.

Should a student complete the requirements for their intended Texas MicroMajor track early and wish to begin the verification process before their senior year, they should contact Kyle Beasley, OnRamps Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, via email at kyle.beasley@austin.utexas.edu.

TEXAS MICROMAJOR RECOGNITION

Students who participate in Texas MicroMajor and successfully complete the required coursework will receive two items in their recognition packet:

• Recognition certificate signed by the UT Austin Provost

• Texas MicroMajor graduation cord to be worn at graduation, campus policy permitting

Students are encouraged to highlight their Texas MicroMajor achievement in college and scholarship applications, resumes, and/or internship and job applications.

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CAMPUS SUPPORT

The Texas MicroMajor initiative seeks to encourage students to enroll, engage, and successfully navigate high-quality college credit-bearing courses; however, these students may need assistance and guidance along the way. Campus counselors play an important role in this process.

Students participating in Texas MicroMajor may need assistance with the following:

• Identifying, selecting, and planning to incorporate appropriate coursework into their schedules, as it aligns with college/university expectations

• Reflecting and thinking critically about how their engagement in a diversity of college credit-bearing course opportunities shapes their academic and personal growth

• Obtaining materials necessary for the verification process, including transcripts and test scores

The Texas MicroMajor team will provide ongoing and timely updates regarding the initiative and its deadlines; however, it will be the responsibility of the student to ensure that necessary documents and materials are submitted on time.

CAMPUS RECRUITMENT AND OUTREACH

To assist in the recruitment of participants in the initiative, the Texas MicroMajor team will provide an outreach toolkit to campus counselors and administrators that highlights the purpose and value of the initiative and its benefit to students. The Texas MicroMajor toolkit includes:

• Student Course Catalog with FAQS

• Student Recruitment Brochure

• Campus Implementation Guide

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FAQHow does a student register to participate in Texas MicroMajor?

Students who are interested in participating will need to complete the online registration form, which can be found at https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9HmdqhrzIIWdm4J.

How will counselors know which students on our campus have registered with Texas MicroMajor?

The Texas MicroMajor team will provide student registration information at the conclusion of both the fall and spring semesters.

What tracks are offered through Texas MicroMajor?

Students will have their choice of one Texas MicroMajor track to complete—STEM or Arts and Humanities—and will be required to take and successfully complete four courses in that track.

Once a student has completed their Texas MicroMajor coursework, how do they inform the Texas MicroMajor team?

Students will receive an email from the Texas MicroMajor team at the beginning of their senior year with information about the verification process. Students who have completed requirements ahead of their senior year and wish to start the verification process should email the OnRamps Strategic Initiatives Coordinator Kyle Beasley at kyle.beasley@austin.utexas.edu.

What if the student is finishing the Texas MicroMajor course requirements their senior year? Will they still have the opportunity to earn the recognition?

Students who complete the requisite coursework in their senior year will still have the opportunity to earn a Texas MicroMajor recognition and receive it by mail. To do so, students must still initiate the verification process by submitting their grades/scores. Students with coursework still in progress will receive a formal letter indicating that they on track for completion as long as two of the four courses have been completed successfully.

Is Texas MicroMajor only for students interested in attending UT Austin?

No. Texas MicroMajor can be included in applications to other colleges and universities, as it demonstrates college readiness and the ability to perform well in corresponding courses.

Does participating in Texas MicroMajor give students a batter chance of getting into UT Austin?

Texas MicroMajor does not guarantee admission to UT Austin. It does, however, give students

the opportunity to indicate to colleges and universities their willingness to engage and ability to succeed in college-level courses. For more information about the UT Austin admission process, contact the Admissions Office directly at https://admissions.utexas.edu.

Who should I contact with questions or concerns?

All questions should be directed to the OnRamps Strategic Initiatives Coordinator Kyle Beasley via email at kyle.beasley@austin.utexas.edu.

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