Navigating UTRGV: A Comprehensive Guide to Student Services

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is committed to providing a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. To that end, UTRGV offers a wide array of student services designed to address various needs and enhance the overall college experience. This guide provides a detailed overview of the resources available to UTRGV students, ensuring they have the support they need from orientation to graduation.

Academic Support Services

Academic Advising Center

Academic advising stands as one of the most vital services a college campus can extend. With locations in both Edinburg and Brownsville, the Academic Advising Center delivers undergraduate students a holistic advising experience, nurturing them through every phase of their academic journey at UTRGV. By imparting essential information on university policies and procedures, an academic advisor empowers undergraduate students to explore their options and make well-informed decisions about their academic paths.

The UTRGV Learning Center (LC)

The UTRGV Learning Center (LC) is dedicated to fostering academic success for students at all levels, from introductory freshman courses to advanced graduate studies. The Learning Center's primary goal is to cultivate independent learning skills in students. Everyone in the Learning Center is committed to ensuring student success by offering diverse support services in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

The Writing Center

The Writing Center aims to support and guide students in becoming more proficient and independent writers. It offers one-on-one and small group tutoring on writing for all disciplines and levels, from first-year courses through graduate work. Located in the Student Services Bldg., First Floor, the Writing Center provides a valuable resource for students looking to improve their writing skills.

Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning (ES&L)

The Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning (ES&L) champions student learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting by incorporating hands-on learning opportunities into their academic paths. These experiential learning avenues, such as service learning, research, or creative endeavors, can propel students to excel in their studies, thrive in class, and successfully graduate. Students engaging in experiential learning often forge deeper connections with their work, gain practical experience in field-related activities, and establish valuable professional connections.

University Library

The University Library provides services and collections in support of research, teaching and learning at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The libraries in Brownsville and Edinburg are dedicated to designing innovative processes to make instant access to our resources and individual study.

Testing Services

UTRGV offers testing services at multiple locations, including Brownsville Testing Services at the Interdisciplinary Academic Bldg. and Edinburg Testing Services at CESS 1.1011407 E.

Career Development Services

The UTRGV Career Center

The UTRGV Career Center offers comprehensive support to undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni in formulating and executing their career plans. The Career Center provides assistance to undergraduates, graduate students and alumni who seek help in formulating and implementing career plans. Various programs and workshops are offered each semester to assist students who are selecting a major or trying to relate educational experiences to employment opportunities. Whether finding a major, critiquing résumés, preparing for an interview or finding a job on campus, the Career Center is there every step of the way.

Financial Support Services

U Central

U Central is UTRGV’s one-stop service center for student support, including Financial Aid, Registration, Admissions, and the Bursar’s Office. U Central plays a critical in the University’s mission by removing administrative hurdles and providing students with user-friendly tools to navigate their UTRGV experience. U Central’s priority is to provide exceptional student enrollment services by delivering convenient, highly efficient admission, financial aid, and registration information and assistance that enhance the student experience. Experienced, supportive staff of financial aid counselors offer individualized guidance to students and their families to ensure they position themselves for the best possible financial aid package. Students can visit U Central at either the Tower (Brownsville) or the Student Services Building (Edinburg).

Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund offers limited, last resort, financial assistance to currently enrolled students facing a sudden emergency, accident, or unforeseen event that requires additional emergency monetary assistance in order to support their ability to stay enrolled and focused on their academic career. Award amounts may vary per student and are only awarded once per year to an eligible student. Decisions regarding disbursement of funds are made on a case-by-case basis. Awards do not require repayments.

Read also: Finding a Job at UTRGV

Financial Hardship Resources

Significant changes in financial circumstances, either for you or your family, may help you qualify for a reconsideration of your financial package at UTRGV.

Emergency Loans and Installment Plans

Students can take out an emergency loan provided by the university to avoid your classes being dropped in case your financial aid is arriving late or you don’t have the funds by payment deadline. Installment plans are available for students during Fall and Spring semesters. Please contact an account representative at 956-665-2191 or 956-665-2723.

Tuition Due Dates

It is important to remember Tuition Due Dates and make the necessary arrangements to pay for your tuition and fees on time. You may run the risk of not maintaining your classes if payment is not received. It is the student’s responsibility to know the due dates for all payments.

Student Life and Well-being Services

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) exists to ensure all students are able to participate in the full range of college experiences. Their top priority is to position you to achieve your academic and professional goals, giving you all the support you need along the way for you to thrive! SAS ensures students with disabilities are able to participate in the full range of college experiences. Their goal is to facilitate students’ equal access to all university programs and services while fostering independence and self-advocacy. SAS works to promote an environment that is free of physical and attitudinal barriers.

The Counseling Center

The UTRGV Counseling Center is a place that provides free and confidential counseling services to address mental health concerns and to promote personal growth for currently enrolled UTRGV students. Appointments can be made by calling our center or walking in. Students will be seen for the first appointment usually within the same day or within 1-2 days.

Health Services

Health Services at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is here to meet the health care needs of our students so they can focus on their studies. As a UTRGV student you have paid a Medical Service Fee that allows you to be seen at either of our clinics as often as needed. Health Services offers the same types of services available from the student’s family doctor and much more. Services include general medical care as well as specialty clinics in women's wellness, skin care and STD screening. Routine immunizations and tuberculosis (TB) testing are also available. Office visits are free of charge as are most educational services. Health Services offers low-cost charges for medicines, supplies and any needed lab tests.

Students with common medical problems are diagnosed and treated on a walk-in basis, however appointments are necessary for students requesting elective procedures. UTRGV students requiring a physical exam prior to admittance to a school program can have a physical exam done at Health Services for a nominal fee. A fully licensed Class D pharmacy is conveniently available. The pharmacy carries both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Immunizations such as MMR, TD, hepatitis B, varicella, meningitis and flu vaccines are available. Free confidential HIV testing and counseling is available through Valley AIDS Council. Assessment, education and counseling is available on eating disorders, weight gain and loss, iron deficiency, elevated cholesterol and diabetes. UTRGV Health Services is committed to providing high quality health care and a wide range of prevention and education services. We provide accessible, confidential, and cost effective women's health services. Assessment and management of common women's health concerns such as vaginal infections, STD diagnosis and treatment, menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome, pelvic pain, urinary tract infections, breast evaluation and mammogram referral as needed. Many family planning options are currently available for UTRGV students. Your provider will help you decide what is the best option for you during your visit. Both urine and serum pregnancy testing are available. Family planning counseling and referrals to appropriate agencies is available according to the wishes of the student. Women's wellness services are provided by appointment only. A routine annual evaluation is scheduled as a three-part process and can be scheduled by calling 956-665-2511 or 956-882-3896.

University Recreation (UREC)

University Recreation (UREC) will meet the needs of a diverse university community by providing quality programs, services and facilities which encourage the lifelong pursuit of active healthy lifestyles. The Fitness and Wellness department at University Recreation offers group exercise, personal training, and a variety of fitness equipment to promote health and well-being. Programs and services offered and intended to be interactive, fun, and educational. Annual memberships have the option of being deducted on a monthly basis via credit card. University Recreation is committed to the enhancement of the collegiate experience through comprehensive programming, facilities, and services which encourage holistic growth that supports lifelong healthy habits and lifestyles.

Department of Housing and Residence Life

The Department of Housing and Residence Life provides convenient and affordable housing to enrolled students attending UTRGV. Living on campus is a great way for you to get connected, meet friends, and be involved. For residents that live it up on campus, we offer opportunities for leadership, civic and community engagement, and social and recreational involvement to further enhance your on-campus living experience. In choosing to live on campus, you are investing in your academic success and benefiting from engaging in the full university experience.

Student Union

The Student Union is considered the living room of Campus. The buildings host numerous Campus events hat enrich student life and promote continuous learning outside the classroom, serving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community.

Center for Student Involvement

At the Center for Student Involvement Vaqueros can participate in leadership development opportunities and get involved with the community.

Dining Services

Dining Services oversees all retail food and resident dining operations and consults on food-related issues across all campuses. Our mission is to deliver delicious, high-quality food to a diverse campus community through a wide variety of food venues. Offering a dynamic food program with a variety of options, meal plans, concessions and more.

Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP)

The Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) offers services to help students work through the process of recovery from addiction/substance use disorder or other addictive behaviors. It is an opportunity to find support by connecting with fellow students who are also going through recovery.

Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC)

The Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is dedicated to serving student veterans, guardsmen, reservist and their dependents. The center assists students in certifying education benefits, advocating for services, developing projects to unite the university with our local community, providing counseling services specifically for veterans, and promoting student involvement through the Student Veterans of America National Organization. We are proud to assist those who have served our country and are committed to helping military students and their dependents start or continue their education. The Military and Veteran Success Center (MVSC) seeks to assist student veterans, guardsmen, reservist, and their dependents in the pursuit of educational goals.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Student Rights and Responsibilities office educates students of their rights and responsibilities as community members, to help them understand the balance between individual and community rights, and to foster a community atmosphere conducive to academic success.

Additional Resources

V OneCard Office

Every student enrolled at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley must possess an official identification card, issued through the V OneCard Office. First-time undergraduate student will receive their original ID cards at no charge. Replacement cards are $12.00 each. Worn cards can be replaced for $5.00.

Parking & Transportation Services

UTRGV maintains an inventory of almost 11,000 parking spaces distributed across its various campuses. Parking is regulated through a system of permits and citations. Students, faculty, and staff are expected to obtain a permit for use on campus and park in their respective zones. Visitors are expected to obtain temporary permits for use during their visit. Students can purchase a permit, pay a fine, or appeal a citation through the online system at www.utrgv.edu/myparking. Parking & Transportation Services operates free public bus service known as Vaquero Express. The Vaquero Express Connector route provides transportation between the campuses located in Brownsville, Edinburg, Weslaco and Harlingen on a scheduled route. Additional routes provide connectivity to the Rio Grande City campus and the VABL building in Edinburg.

A number of transportation options are provided for students, faculty and staff. Vaquero Express operates bus service on the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses through the Vaquero Express Campus Shuttle. The two campuses are connected through the Vaquero Express Connector Shuttle. The system operates Monday through Friday. In addition, all services offered by the University are FREE to use. Valley Metro operates routes throughout the entire Valley, including rural and urban areas. Students, faculty, and staff may ride on any Valley Metro route by showing their validated UTRGV ID Card upon boarding. B Metro operates routes within the city of Brownsville. Students may ride on any B Metro route by showing their validated UTRGV ID Card upon boarding. For $5 a day, a rider may purchase a pass good for rides anywhere in the Metro Connect route system, an express service linking the UTRGV Edinburg campus to the McAllen Central Station, Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, Harlingen bus terminal, and Brownsville La Plaza Terminal (near to the UTRGV Brownsville campus). For $25, a rider may purchase a 30-day pass.

IT Support Center

Forgot your password? Submit an IT Help Request through the IT Support Center. Log in to my.utrgv.edu, then click the IT Support Center icon under Applications, and click Something broken?

UTRGV Campus Stores

The UTRGV Campus Stores are the preferred source for students to purchase textbooks, class supplies, graduation regalia, and officially licensed gifts and clothing. Products can be purchased online at ShopUTRGV.com or in store at one of our convenient locations. You can find the necessary textbooks and other course materials for your classes by using the Get Your Textbooks page. Address: 1201 W.

Food Donations

For any donation of $120.00 or more, a donor may select either a medium length beige apron or a long length black apron. Monetary donations can be made by clicking on the University Advancement donor's form. You may also donate food items at our on-campus food drives. More information regarding food drive locations will be posted soon!

Additional Support Resources

UTRGV provides a comprehensive suite of online portals and resources to assist students with various administrative tasks and academic processes:

Additional Aid Request: This portal allows students to submit and track the status of appeals.
Transcripts: Transcripts for UTB/TSC, UTPA and UTRGV students must be requested online.
Graduation Application: Undergraduate students must apply for Graduation through ASSIST. The application is usually due a semester in advance.
Registration and Course Drops: Registration and course drops are available online through ASSIST within the designated deadlines.
Course Substitution or Waiver: This portal allows students to check the status of a course substitution or waiver. The process is initiated through an Advisor.
Freshmen Loan Counseling: Freshmen students needing to request a Direct Loan need to register for Freshmen Loan Counseling first to talk to a Financial Aid Advisor.
Emergency Loan or Installment Plan Requests: Emergency loan or installment plan requests must be done online through ASSIST within the appropriate deadlines.
Institutional Scholarships: To apply for institutional scholarships, students must submit an online application a year in advance.
Parking Permits: Parking Permits are requested online through ASSIST.

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