The VIP nomination is a process that allows a tenured/tenure-track UTSA faculty member to recognize outstanding UTSA seniors or recent alumni for admission into a graduate program. Students who have graduated 3 or more years prior to their nomination are not eligible.

Current Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students must be degree-seeking juniors or seniors at UTSA in good academic standing.
  • Limited to master’s programs (thesis/non-thesis option, or internship option) only

Alumni Eligibility Requirements:

  • Graduation from a UTSA program must not be more than 3 years prior to the admission term of nomination
  • Awarded undergraduate degree from UTSA, with 1/3 of coursework completed at UTSA (per SACS rules)
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00
  • Discipline GPA of 3.30

If another institution has been attended after graduating from UTSA the following items apply:

  • Graduation from a UTSA program must not be more than 3 years prior to the admission term of nomination
  • Submission of official transcript from all regionally accredited institutions of higher education attended after UTSA graduation
  • Will be verified through the National Student Clearinghouse
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00
  • Good Academic Standing at the last institution attended
  • No supplemental documents are required from the applicants

Nomination Faculty Requirements:

  • T/TT UTSA faculty members from their respective colleges may nominate an undergraduate UTSA students whose academic merits lead to success in a graduate program
  • Faculty members making a nomination must receive approval from the Department Chair and Associate Dean
  • Online nomination form to be completed, printed, signed, and forwarded to Associate Dean for approval
  • Final Associate Dean Approved form to be submitted to the Graduate School
  • Only faculty nominations are accepted
  • Nominations forms will not be accepted for review after the deadline

Nominating Deadlines:

  • VIP applications should be submitted by the program’s normal deadline.

Required documentation for The Graduate School

Associate Dean Approved nomination form with all required information must include:

  • Nomination Graduate Program
  • Term of admission, nomination is only valid for one term
  • Expected graduation date
  • Cumulative UTSA GPA in the form of SHATERM screen from Banner
  • If student has attended another institution, provide information on program, dates of attendance, GPA, and current academic standing (Dept. should have this information

All approval signatures from faculty member, department chair, and associate dean Graduate School Nomination Process:

  • Nomination form to be reviewed and evaluated for approval based on set approved criteria
  • Nominees will receive a nomination letter and application instructions from the Graduate School
  • Nominees are instructed to complete the required VIP application with the appropriate application fee and documentation, if applicable, by the application deadline
  • Once an application is submitted, the student will be notified by the Graduate School of registration eligibility
  • Deferrals for admitted students will be allowed for one subsequent term, if admission is available