Parents and Families

Dual enrollment allows eligible high school students to enroll in approved college courses while they are still completing high school. These courses may count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credit, depending on the student’s school district, program pathway, and course selection.

Because dual enrollment courses are college courses, students are expected to meet college-level expectations. This includes attending class, completing assignments on time, communicating with instructors, checking email regularly, and asking for help early when needed.

Dual enrollment courses are college-level courses. Students are expected to attend class, complete assignments on time, communicate with instructors, and manage their responsibilities with increasing independence.

Families can support students by helping them stay organized, encouraging regular communication, and making sure they understand important dates, deadlines, and program requirements.

Some dual enrollment students may qualify for cost support through the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer, or FAST, program. FAST helps eligible students enroll in approved dual credit courses at no cost to the student when eligibility and institutional participation requirements are met. 

Families should check with the Office of Dual Enrollment or the student’s high school counselor to confirm whether the student may qualify for FAST or whether other costs may apply. 

Important cost questions to ask include:

• Is the student eligible for FAST?
• Are tuition and fees covered?
• Are books, course materials, or supplies included?
• Are there deadlines for confirming eligibility?
• Does the student’s school district have a specific process for cost coverage?

Dual enrollment courses become part of the student’s official college academic record. This means grades earned in TSU dual enrollment courses may appear on the student’s Texas Southern University transcript.

Families should understand that college grades can matter beyond high school. They may affect future college admission, transfer credit, academic standing, scholarship eligibility, or financial aid considerations after high school.

Students should take dual enrollment courses seriously and seek help early if they are struggling.

Parents and guardians play a key role in helping students prepare for success. You can support your student by:

• Encouraging them to check email and course platforms regularly
• Helping them create a weekly study schedule
• Reminding them to ask questions early when they need help
• Reviewing important deadlines together
• Encouraging responsibility, independence, and self-advocacy

Students should not wait until the end of the course to ask for help. If a student is having difficulty with assignments, attendance, technology, time management, or course expectations, families should encourage the student to take action as soon as possible.

Recommended first steps:

1. The student should contact the instructor directly.
2. The student should check the course syllabus and learning platform.
3. The student should notify the high school counselor or dual enrollment contact.
4. The student or family may contact the TSU Office of Dual Enrollment for guidance.
5. The student should ask about tutoring, academic support, or other available resources.

Early communication gives the student the best opportunity to recover and complete the course successfully.

Students who receive accommodations in high school will continue receiving their accommodations in the scenarios of embedded instructors. A separate college process to request accommodations for dual enrollment courses shall be needed if the student is taking courses on the university campus and/or through online distance learning. High school accommodations do not always transfer automatically to college courses.

Families should begin this conversation early. Students may need to provide documentation and work with the appropriate TSU office to request approved accommodations for college coursework.

Students should not wait until they are struggling in a course to begin the accommodations process.

Because dual enrollment students are enrolled in college-level coursework, certain student records and academic information may be protected by federal privacy guidelines. Families are encouraged to speak directly with their student about course progress, grades, assignments, and communication from the university.

The Office of Dual Enrollment can provide general program guidance, deadline information, and support resources.

The TSU Office of Dual Enrollment can assist families and students with general questions related to:

• Dual enrollment eligibility and participation
• Application and onboarding steps
• Course registration guidance
• Program deadlines
• Partner school coordination
• Student success resources
• Pathway and program implementation questions

Withdrawing from a dual enrollment course can have academic, high school, college transcript, and cost implications. Students and families should never assume that simply stopping attendance removes the student from the course. 

Before considering withdrawing from a course, the student should speak with:

• The high school counselor
• The TSU Office of Dual Enrollment
• The course instructor, when appropriate
• The parent or guardian
• Any program staff connected to the student’s pathway

Families should review withdrawal deadlines carefully. Missing a deadline may result in a final grade being posted to the student’s college transcript.

For the fastest and most consistent support, families should contact the Office of Dual Enrollment directly.

Email: DualEnrollment@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7152

Using the office email helps ensure that questions are received by the appropriate team member and that students, families, and school partners receive timely support.

General dual enrollment questions: Office of Dual Enrollment
Application or onboarding questions: Office of Dual Enrollment
FAST or cost questions: Office of Dual Enrollment or high school counselor
Course progress questions: Student should contact the instructor first
High school schedule questions: High school counselor
Withdrawal questions: Office of Dual Enrollment and high school counselor
Transcript questions: TSU Registrar
Accommodation questions: High School Counselor, Office of Dual Enrollment