Testing, Assessment and Advising

Standardized Test Requirements

In support of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), Del Mar College requires students be tested for reading, writing and mathematics skills to determine their readiness for college-credit courses prior to registration. Del Mar College uses the THEA, THEA QT and the COMPASS as assessment instruments. International students whose primary language is other than English who are taking only English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes will take the Comprehensive English Language Test (CELT) to determine their placement into ESOL classes.

Applicants should request that an official report of test scores be sent to Del Mar College well in advance of the registration period.

Performance on assessment tests will not be used as a condition of admission.

An assessment level chart is found in the Course Descriptions section of this Catalog to assist advisors in determining placement in coursework.

The test fee will be paid by the student. A few fee waivers are available through Financial Aid Services for qualified students.

Exemptions to Test Requirements:

• Students who have previously taken the TASP test.
• Students with recent qualifying ACT, SAT, SAT1 or TAKS scores may be exempt from additional assessment testing. To prove exemption, students must submit official test scores to the Office of Admissions and Registrar.
• Students who have already graduated with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or who are transferring from a private or independent institution of higher education, or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in English and math. Official college transcripts must be provided to the Office of Admissions and Registrar to prove exemption.

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Assessment

Del Mar College has established placement levels which are used to govern admission into every course at the College. The College is committed to helping students succeed. Assessment of basic skills is essential because it helps students know their strengths and weaknesses. Any assessment below Level III as identified in the credit class schedule will require enrollment in developmental courses.

All college-level courses at Del Mar College require specific assessment levels as shown in the Course Descriptions section of this Catalog.

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Counseling and Advising Services

Counseling services are available to assist each student in making the most of his or her college experience. Del Mar College East and West Campuses offer a variety of counseling services. Professional staff is available on a walk-in basis to help students plan and meet personal, academic and career goals.

Services include pre-admission counseling, academic advising for undecided and liberal arts students, transfer information, career testing for students undecided about a career direction, information about job placement and planning for academic success. All counseling is voluntary and confidential.

In addition, counselors and advising professional staff offer a number of personal development workshops including handling test anxiety, stress management, career decision making, self esteem, learning styles and transfer information.

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Advising

Del Mar College recognizes the importance of academic advising and the College supports a program whereby students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members in their major department. Undeclared and liberal arts majors are advised by the Counseling and Advising Center.

Other students are responsible for calling the department of their major to schedule an advising appointment. See the following page for a list of advisors' telephone numbers. Students intending to transfer should bring a copy of the catalog of their transfer institution with them to advising.

Advising is required prior to online registration for students who have earned 24 credits or fewer. Students with more than 24 credits also are encouraged to meet with an advisor. Advising is available to all students who wish to talk to a faculty member about course prerequisites, graduation requirements, career opportunities in their major and suggestions for doing well in class.

• Prior to the appointment, students should think about their goals and reflect on previous academic progress. If students are currently enrolled, they should consider how they are doing in their classes. They need to think about their other commitments (work, family, etc.) and how those impact the time available for classes. Then, advisors and students can discuss how to turn goals into reality by following their degree plan. A copy of the degree plan, given to the student, will show the specific courses needed.
• Each student has the responsibility to insure that the courses selected will meet degree requirements. Students can utilize the Del Mar College Catalog to confirm which courses will meet degree requirements. Failure to obtain correct information will not exempt students from having to meet degree requirements. Students should bring a tentative list of the classes they want to take to the advising appointment.
• Courses should be selected with attention to prerequisites and sequences. Students who preregister for classes for which they lack the prerequisites can be dropped from those classes by the chairperson of the department offering the course in order to release those spaces to students who have satisfied the prerequisites. Students who wish to take courses for which they lack prerequisites will be protected from such removal only if they secure permission of the chairperson of the department offering the course prior to registering.
• It is the student's responsibility to know specific transfer requirements of the college or university to which they plan to transfer. This responsibility includes knowing course requirements, number of credit hours accepted and grade-point average required for admission.
• Students are expected to keep a copy of their degree plan, signed by both themselves and their advisor. Each time students meet with an advisor, the students should bring their most recent degree plan with them for updating.

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Advisors

Call for advising appointment or more information. Note: These numbers are not for admissions. For admissions information call (361) 698-1255 or (800) 652-3357. Advising assistance for the Virtual College of Texas is available at (361) 698-1290.

All numbers are area code 361.

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