The Center for Women’s Studies
The center’s principal goals are to support the academic interests of the Texas Lutheran University community, to provide informal support and referral networks for students, faculty and staff, and to enhance awareness of women’s issues across the campus and in the community. To fulfill these goals, the center sponsors both formal and informal programs on a wide variety of topics.
Study Abroad
To enhance the value of the liberal arts education through international experiences and global education, Texas Lutheran University offers several study abroad programs and hosts international students from various countries. The international education staff advises students regarding the various study abroad programs, assists with the application procedures and provides pre-departure orientations and a post-return reorientation class. For the incoming international students, the international education staff provides an orientation to life in the United States, university procedures, information to ensure that students comply with the regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and general support and counsel.
Texas Lutheran University seeks to heighten international and global understanding of all students and offers a minor to equip students for international careers. Students who choose an International Studies minor should review requirements in the courses of study section of this catalog.
To stimulate interest in international perspectives and to increase students’ global understanding, Texas Lutheran University sponsors several study abroad programs.
- Students may use most of their current financial aid on semester and academic year affiliated study abroad programs as well as faculty-led programs.
- TLU offers study abroad scholarships for summer, semester and academic year affiliated study abroad programs.
- Most of the program providers also offer scholarships.
- General requirements are a minimum TLU cumulative GPA of 2.25 to 3.0 (depending on the program) and a good campus discipline record. Students must have completed at least two semesters at TLU before studying abroad.
- Programs and details change frequently. Students should consult the director of international education for the most current information.
TLU Faculty-led Programs
A variety of study abroad programs are offered periodically through Texas Lutheran University. These are typically ten days to two weeks in length and are led by a TLU professor. Past programs have included:
- Arts and Psychology in Europe
- Nutrition in Norway
- Kinesiology & Education in Italy
- Environmental Science in Belize & Costa Rica
- Geography in Canada
TLU Affiliated Programs
TLU has partnered with several universities and organizations to provide study abroad programs in over 100 locations throughout the world for most majors at TLU. Year-long, semester and summer study programs are available in addition to internship and civic engagement opportunities. Students must participate in an affiliated program to use scholarships and ensure credit transfer. TLU’s provider partners are:
API-Academic Programs International
API offers comprehensive study abroad programs year-round in 17 countries across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. They offer a wide variety of courses in almost every major discipline and in various languages of instruction. While courses are available in English in many locations, if foreign language acquisition is the primary goal, API offers high quality language and culture programs for all levels of language learners. Through their new division called Cultural Embrace by API, participants may also pursue intern, teach, volunteer or work abroad opportunities in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America or Oceania.
CGE-Center for Global Education
Augsburg University’s Center for Global Education has programs in Mexico, Central America, and Southern Africa. The Central America program visits three countries (Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico) and the Southern Africa program visits both Namibia and South Africa. Programs focus on peace, justice, community engagement, migration/immigration, international development/policy, health and women’s issues. CGE’s programs are experiential, so key learning takes place via direct contact with local people, rural and urban homestays, community visits and excursions.
CIEE-Council on International Educational Exchange
CIEE has been sending students abroad since 1947. Today they offer more than 150 programs in 41 countries in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Students can choose to spend a semester, year, or summer abroad studying subjects ranging from architecture, business, language study and everything in between.
Harlaxton College-University of Evansville
The University of Evansville in Indiana and their British campus, Harlaxton College, hosts students from various parts of the U.S. to study in a lovely 19th century manor house on 117 acres of gardens, parks and woodlands. The campus is near Grantham, England and just one hour from London by train. Local and visiting professors teach a variety of courses, which include group excursions. Students also have time for independent travel.
IES Abroad-Institute for the International Education of Students
One of the nation’s oldest, largest and most reputable study abroad providers, IES Abroad is a Chicago-based, nonprofit academic consortium with nearly 100 high-quality academic study abroad programs and internship opportunities in 34 cities. They are dedicated to fostering cultural immersion and intercultural development. Since their founding in 1950, nearly 80,000 students have participated in their international study abroad programs. IES Abroad operates programs in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand.
Japan Exchange
TLU has an exchange relationship with Kansai Gaidai University-a private, nonprofit university in Hirakata, Japan. Foreign students participate in the Asian Studies Program designed to help students gain first-hand knowledge of Japan and East Asia. Courses taught in English include business, economics, history and religion. Introductory courses in Japanese language and culture are offered as well.
Internship Program
Texas Lutheran University recognizes the need for students in all majors to enhance their learning experiences by participating in internships-programs of part-time or full-time experience outside of the classroom that are closely related to the students’ specific careers and academic interests. The Internship Program provides information, guidelines and support to students, faculty and employers in order to insure opportunities for students to gain maximum benefits through internship participation.
Krost Life Enrichment
Krost Life Enrichment Program received its first funding in 1977 by Dr. Frederick Elliott. After the first funding, others such as the Lily Johnson Foundation followed, which gave a stipend for the construction of the Krost Building. Generous donations have made it possible for students of TLU to take part in an intellectual and physical application to life. The Krost Life Enrichment Program seeks to promote a whole person approach to life, which integrates the physical well-being of an individual with the intellectual, spiritual, and/or social dimension of wellness. The Krost Program creates students who are more complete when they graduate and are more prosperous in the real world.
The Center for Mexican-American Studies
The Center for Mexican-American Studies was established in 1971 to create new opportunities for service to the Mexican-American community and to promote a greater understanding of the Mexican-American experience. Academically anchored by the Mexican-American Studies minor (see description in the “Course of Study” section) the Center also collaborates with other academic departments to provide a variety of courses that complement and enhance any major area of study by examining the Mexican-American experience and the dynamics of interethnic relations. To underscore its academic grounding, the Center for Mexican-American Studies is housed in an academic building (Langner Hall 112) and provides a reading and study center, which allows students, staff, faculty and community individuals to utilize a number of selected library materials (books, journals, magazines, videos and audiotapes) on Mexican-Americans. By providing computer services for student, staff and faculty use, the center extends its service- to-the-community role. As the principal place on campus where students from all backgrounds explore and practice Mexican-American culture in a welcoming and appreciative environment, the center is used as the home base for the Mexican- American Students Association (MASA) -a student group with an active, open- to-all membership on campus and for the Latino Alumni and Friends Association (LAA).
Washington Semester
The Washington Semester is offered in political science, economic policy or journalism. These programs allow a limited number of TLU students to enroll in a 16 semester hour curriculum at the American University in Washington, D.C. The curriculum, depending on the program, involves research, seminars, lectures, and on-site meetings with national decision makers, journalists and others involved in reporting or making national policy. An internship in an appropriate office, agency or organization is included. The programs are open to students, regardless of major, who meet the following criteria: have at least junior standing; have completed POLS 231 with a grade of “C” or better; have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75; and have taken the basic courses in political science, economics or communications studies (see the Course of Study section).
Air Force/Army ROTC
Through a cross-enrollment arrangement with Texas State University in nearby San Marcos, students may enroll in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps or the Army Reserve Training Corps. The purpose of the programs is to commission qualified male and female students who desire to become officers in the United States Air Force or the United States Army. Texas Lutheran University students enrolled in the program take required military leadership coursework and other specialized coursework on the Texas State campus. The coursework counts as elective credit toward a degree at Texas Lutheran University and is added to the student’s transcript. Complete information on the AFROTC or AROTC is available from Texas State University. See Reserve Officer Training Corps in the Course of Study section of this catalog.
Service Members Opportunity College
Texas Lutheran University has been designated as an institutional member of Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC)-a group of more than 1,000 colleges and universities providing voluntary postsecondary education to members of the military throughout the world. As a SOC member, Texas Lutheran University recognizes the unique nature of the military lifestyle and has committed itself to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements and crediting learning from appropriate military training. SOC has been developed jointly by educational representatives of each of the Armed Services, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and a consortium of 13 leading national higher education associations.
When making an evaluation of credentials, Texas Lutheran University considers the work from other colleges and universities, the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Educational Support and service school experiences.
Veterans Affairs
Texas Lutheran University is approved to offer assistance to students using veterans’ benefits for educational purposes. Students using these benefits must contact the VA certifying official (830-372-8045) in the Office of Registration and Records and provide the appropriate documentation to be certified for benefits. Students using VA benefits must complete an application for admission and are subject to admissions requirements as stated in the “Admissions” section of the catalog. Individuals attending Texas Lutheran University using their VA benefits are responsible for payment of tuition to Texas Lutheran University regardless of when or how they are paid by the Veterans Administration. When a student fails to maintain prescribed standards of progress, the VA will be informed. Students using VA benefits are subject to any disciplinary action outlined in the catalog.
When using Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits, students must adhere to certain satisfactory progress standards in their academic program. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to achieve satisfactory progress. Students who fail to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 will be notified that they are placing their education benefits in jeopardy. If a student achieves a semester grade point average of 2.0 or better during the next semester of enrollment, but has not achieved the required 2.0 cumulative grade point average, the student may continue for one more semester. A student who fails to achieve a 2.0 cumulative grade point average after two consecutive terms of enrollment will be reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs for unsatisfactory progress.
Veterans who have successfully completed basic training will be granted 8 hours of credit (7 hours in kinesiology and 1 hour in political science) after providing satisfactory documentation to the Registrar. Additional credit for other military training may also be available. Credit will be based on the ACE guide and will be awarded only when the training can be equated to courses that are currently in the university course listings and only when they apply toward the student’s degree at Texas Lutheran University.
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry at Texas Lutheran University provides a focal point for the community of faith where people:
- Proclaim Christ in Word, Encounter Christ in Sacrament and experience Christ in relationship.
- Place what they learn in conversation with what they believe and value.
- Witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ, reaching out to all people.
- Respond to human need, work for peace and justice and care for the sick and suffering.
- Find people in a supportive experience of community.
- Welcome one another warmly no matter what faith, tradition, nationality, race or denomination.
- Seek sensitive, personal and confidential pastoral care.
- Join in praise and worship, exploring the rich liturgical Christian worship tradition.
Active Campus Ministry groups include The Campus Congregation, The Catholic Student Organization, The Wesley Foundation (Methodist), Canterbury (Episcopal), The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Habitat for Humanity and the One Campaign.
Campus Recreation and Fitness
The university offers a well-rounded program of intramural sports open to all students, faculty and staff, with activities for individuals, groups of men or women and co-ed groups. Competition includes teams from fraternities and sororities, independent students, residence hall floors, faculty and staff. The program includes flag football, volleyball, racquetball, soccer, basketball, kickball, dodge ball, sand volleyball and softball. Other activities are added according to the diverse interests of the current student body. The Mabee Aquatic Center is heated and is open from March to October for lap swimming, water basketball, water aerobics and recreational swimming. The Jones Complex houses basketball courts, racquetball courts, volleyball courts, and a functional training gym. The complex is open for student use during the evening when not reserved for collegiate sports. Tennis courts, a 1km walking/ jogging track and sand volleyball courts are also available. A 13,000-square-foot fitness center with treadmills, bikes and elliptical machines, as well as Life Fitness weight machines and a large free weight area, is available from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days of the week. A variety of fitness classes are offered throughout the week.
Food Service
TLU Dining Services provide service in three convenient locations: Hein Dining Hall, Lucky’s Kennel in the Alumni Student Center and the Tschoepe Cafe located in Tschoepe Hall. All students who reside in university residence halls are required to choose one of the three meal plans offered, and students who reside in campus apartments or commute may choose a meal plan geared to apartment living/commuting or purchase Bulldog Bucks. Our professional culinary team provides nutritious, balanced options for our TLU community.
Students may change meal plans without penalty up to and including the last official day to drop a class for that semester. Students may purchase a larger meal plan but may not move to a smaller meal plan or cancel a meal plan after this point. All meal plan changes are made through the Office of Campus Living.
Student Employment
There are a limited number of on-campus job opportunities for students. Although students do not have to qualify for federal or state work-study funds to work on campus, preference may be given to students with federal or state work- study awards. New student employees are also required to complete an I-9 and a W-4 form. These documents must be completed before beginning work. Students will need to provide original documents for the I-9 form that establish proof of identity and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Federal law mandates completion of the I-9 form (including the appropriate documentation) within three days of the initial date of employment.
University Police
The university police department is under the command of the TLU chief of police. The police officers at TLU are fully licensed and commissioned officers through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer’s Standards and Education. Police officers are on duty 24 hours a day/365 days a year. The university police are responsible for, but not limited to, (1) the protection of the students, faculty, staff and visitors, their property, and the physical structures and premises of TLU, (2) the enforcement of federal and state laws, (3) enforcement of the rules and regulations of the TLU administration and the Board of Regents. The police department is also responsible for the issuing of campus parking permits and the enforcement of parking regulations. The police department is community oriented which includes crime prevention programs as well as criminal investigations, patrol and administrative divisions.
Parking Regulations & Motor Vehicle Registrations
See a separate campus traffic publication
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