Alamo On-TRAC
On-TRAC (Transitioning Roadrunners at Alamo Colleges) is a program for first-time freshman students who apply to UTSA but may not qualify for guaranteed admission into UTSA.
Why should I sign up for On-TRAC if offered the program?
- To be provided a pathway to UTSA.
- To be offered guaranteed admissions to the university upon successful completion of On-TRAC requirements (Note: This does not guarantee admission to majors with additional admission criteria).
- To not have to reapply for admission to UTSA.
- To build a strong foundation academically.
- To have a UTSA Student Success Transfer Advisor to support you along with a Alamo College advisor during the first year.
What Classes would I be taking?
As part of this program, students will be taking courses at Alamo Colleges and UTSA.
Credit earned from AP exams, dual credit courses, CLEP, etc. will not count toward these hours needed to complete the On-TRAC requirements. Students who have earned the prescribed courses through AP, dual credit courses, etc. can take additional courses that are applicable to the UTSA core component area.
24 hours of prescribed courses will be taken at Alamo Colleges:
| Area | Courses | SCH |
|---|---|---|
| Rhetoric | ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302 | 6 |
| Math | MATH 1314 or MATH 1342 or required Math for intended major at UTSA | 3 |
| American History | Any 2: HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2301 | 6 |
| Political Science | GOVT 2305, GOVT 2306 | 6 |
| Student’s Choice | Courses applicable to the UTSA core component area (as noted in DegreeWorks, Alamo Transfer Advising Guide, or other equivalent) | 3 |
| Total | 24 | |
6 hours of prescribed courses will be taken at UTSA:
| Area | Courses | SCH |
|---|---|---|
| AIS | AIS 1203** | 3 |
| Student’s Choice | Courses applicable to intended major or other core component area (as noted in DegreeWorks, Alamo Transfer Advising Guide or other equivalent) | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
To inquire about On-TRAC, email: TransferAdvising@utsa.edu
Course Descriptions
The On-TRAC program is for first time freshman students who apply to UTSA but may not qualify for direct admission into UTSA. Students who are offered this opportunity will register for and take a total of 24 hours of college level coursework at Alamo Colleges (15 hours in the Fall and 9 hours in the Spring semester) and a total of 6 hours at UTSA in the spring semester.
ENGL 1301 – Composition I
Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis.
This course fulfills the Communication foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility.
Prerequisites: Demonstrate College Readiness through appropriate placement scores and/or completion of developmental sequence in English and/or Reading.
ENGL 1302 – Composition II
3 Credit Hours
Intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. Emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions.
This course fulfills the Communication foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility.
Prerequisites: Students must earn a “C” or better in ENGL 1301 or its equivalent.
MATH 1314 – College Algebra
3 Credit Hours
In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included.
This course fulfills the Mathematics foundational component area of the core and addresses the
Math Basic Skills Prerequisite: MATH 0320
HIST 1301 – United States History I
3 Credit Hours
A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from the pre-Columbian era to the Civil War/Reconstruction period. United States History I includes the study of pre-Columbian, colonial, revolutionary, early national, slavery and sectionalism, and the Civil War/Reconstruction eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History I include: American settlement and diversity, American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, and creation of the federal government.
This course fulfills the American History foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility.
HIST 1302 – United States History II
3 Credit Hours
A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from the Civil War/Reconstruction era to the present. United States History II examines industrialization, immigration, world wars, the Great Depression, Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History II include: American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, urbanization and suburbanization, the expansion of the federal government, and the study of U.S. foreign policy.
This course fulfills the American History foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility.
HIST 2301 – Texas History
3 Credit Hours
A survey of the political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of Texas from the pre-Columbian era to the present. Themes that may be addressed in Texas History include: Spanish colonization and Spanish Texas; Mexican Texas; the Republic of Texas; statehood and secession; oil, industrialization, and urbanization; civil rights; and modern Texas.
This course fulfills the American History foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility.
Prerequisites: Credit for three semester hours of history.
GOVT 2305 – Federal Government
3 Credit Hours
Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.
This course fulfills the Government/Political Science foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility.
GOVT 2306 – Texas Government
3 Credit Hours
Origin and development of the Texas constitution, structure and powers of state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political participation, the election process, public policy, and the political culture of Texas.
This course fulfills the Government/Political Science foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility.
AIS 1203 - Academic Introduction & Strategies: Exploratory Pathway (UTSA Course)
3 Credit Hours
*This course is required for all majors
AIS Exploratory Pathway is designed to orient first-year college students to the fields of study within an academic pathway. This course develops critical thinking, communication, social responsibility, and leadership skills. This course also provides an opportunity for students to better understand the core values, cultures, and assumptions within fields of study through involvement in a signature experience within an academic pathway.
On-TRAC Transfer Plan
If you get admitted into the On-TRAC program, you will first work with the advising center at the respective Alamo Colleges to enroll in 15 hours at Alamo Colleges this fall. In the fall, you will also be required to attend an Orientation at a designated date in order to get registered for the 6 hours you’ll take at UTSA in the spring. When you meet with your Alamo Colleges advisor, please bring your On-TRAC Admittance email and this On-TRAC program plan to your appointment. To be successful in the program, you will need a cumulative GPA of a 2.25 at both institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alamo On-TRAC?
Alamo On-TRAC is a program for first-time freshman students who apply to UTSA but may not qualify for guaranteed admission into UTSA. Students can not apply directly to Alamo On-TRAC but instead are offered the opportunity to be a part of the Alamo On-TRAC program. Students who are offered the program and accept will begin at one of the Alamo Colleges in the fall semester of their freshman year. In the spring, students will be co-enrolled both at Alamo Colleges and UTSA. If all the necessary criteria are met, then the student will be taking all of their courses at UTSA beginning the following fall semester. Alamo On-TRAC provides students with a pathway to a bachelor’s degree at UTSA, dedicated resources and support to them prior and during their transition to UTSA, thus improving student success.
Why was I offered Alamo On-TRAC?
Based on UTSA’s admission requirements, you did not qualify for direct admission or guaranteed admission to UTSA. Your application and supporting documents were reviewed during the holistic review process. Thru this review, you were offered the opportunity to participate in On-TRAC. If you accept this program, then you don’t have to reapply for admission as long as you meet the criteria and successfully complete all the requirements of the program.
What if I decide not to participate in the On-TRAC program?
If you decide not to participate in the program, you will need to meet transfer admission requirements and apply for admission for a future semester. Visit https://future.utsa.edu/admissions/transfer/
What are the Alamo On-TRAC criteria that I need to meet to be guaranteed admission to UTSA?
- Enroll in and complete 24 semester credit hours of college level coursework at an Alamo College, from a prescribed list of courses, by the need of the spring term.
- Enroll in and complete 6 semester credit hours of college level coursework at UTSA during the spring term.
- Must have at least a 2.25 Alamo College GPA (cumulative) on the completed 24 hours from Alamo.
- Must have at least a 2.25 UTSA GPA (cumulative) on the completed 6 hours from UTSA
- Must have all Texas Success Initiatives (TSI) requirements met.
- Must have met all meningitis vaccine requirements and submitted proof.
What classes will I be taking?
Prescribed courses at Alamo
| Prescribed Courses at Alamo Colleges | |
| Courses | SCH Hours |
| ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302 | 6 |
| MATH 1314 or MATH 1342 or required Math for intended major at UTSA | 3 |
| Any 2: HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIS 2301 | 6 |
| GOVT 2305, GOT 2306 | 6 |
| Courses applicable to the UTSA core component areas (as noted in DegreeWorks, Alamo Transfer Advising Guide or other equivalent) | 3 |
| Total SCH | 24 |
Prescribed courses at UTSA
| Prescribed Courses at UTSA | |
| Courses | SCH Hours |
| AIS 1203 | 3 |
| Courses applicable to the UTSA core component areas (as noted in DegreeWorks, Alamo Transfer Advising Guide or other equivalent) | 3 |
| Total SCH | 6 |
What if I already have credit in the courses that are listed in the prescribed courses I must take at the Alamo Colleges?
The UTSA Student Success Transfer Advisor and your Alamo Colleges advisor can work with you to find other courses that meets your academic needs
What happens upon successful completion of On-TRAC requirements?
- An Alamo On-TRAC student will automatically be admitted to UTSA the following Fall semester without submitting another application (no need to reapply)
- Alamo Colleges will automatically send students’ transcripts to UTSA
- UTSA will automatically send students’ transcript to Alamo College (Reverse Transfer) upon successful completion of 60 SCH
- An Alamo On-TRAC student will become eligible for the Distinguished Transfer Scholarship at UTSA if the minimum requirements for the scholarship is met and funding is available (future.utsa.edu/scholarships)
Is there financial aid available?
Financial aid may be available by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.ed.gov. If participating in this program, the FAFSA needs to be completed at the home institution. Alamo Colleges will be considered the home institution. Once the student makes the transition to UTSA, the FAFSA will need to be submitted with UTSA as the home institution.
How do I sign up for the Alamo On-TRAC program?
Once the student receives an email from UTSA offering the Alamo On-TRAC program, the student will complete the agreement form online, submit the form and UTSA will process. A letter with the next steps will be sent from the UTSA Transfer and Transition Student Success Service unit.
Once I accept to be a part of the program, what do I need to do next?
For those students that have not applied to one of the Alamo Colleges, the student will need to do so by visiting http://www.alamo.edu/alamoenroll. Deadline details are listed at http://www.alamo.edu/calendars
The student will then meet with an advisor at the Alamo College to determine which classes will be taken for the fall and the spring semester.
What is the TSI Assessment and why is it required?
TSI – stands for Texas Success Initiative assessment. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state mandate required for all incoming students to be assessed in the areas of reading, writing and math. Alamo On-TRAC students must be TSI met after their first year.
What is the GPA requirement?
GPA Calculation A GPA will be calculated at each institution based on the courses taken by the student at that institution. Grades for all transferable courses are to be used in the computation of the GPA at the respective institution, including the following: Failing grades (F), repeated courses, withdraw Failing (WF), Incomplete, etc. Grades reported as “Incomplete” are computed as Fs until the Incomplete is replaced with a permanent grade.
The GPA requirement is to have a minimum 2.25 Cumulative GPA from Alamo Colleges and a 2.25 Cumulative GPA from UTSA.
What happens if I need to drop a class or withdraw from the Alamo On-TRAC program?
Withdrawals An Alamo On-TRAC student who withdraws or drops from his/her UTSA course(s) and drops to zero UTSA SCH will be withdrawn from UTSA for that semester, thus forfeiting all UTSA student privileges (i.e. use of campus facilities, etc.). The student will no longer be an Alamo On-TRAC student but can go through the tradition transfer admission process to be admitted to UTSA. The Transfer and Transitions Student Success Services unit will still provide support and guidance.
Removal from Alamo On-TRAC Program Students removed from the Alamo On-TRAC Program for either academic or disciplinary reasons will not be guaranteed admission to UTSA. An Alamo On-TRAC student removed from the program will not be permitted continued enrollment at UTSA. An Alamo On-TRAC student removed from the program may continue at Alamo Colleges at the discretion of Alamo College officials.
