What is GUST

Frequently Asked Questions about Guided Studies:

What is GUST (Guided Studies)?

The Guided Studies Department offers courses in study skills, and reading for students who demonstrate a need for remediation in these areas. Based on their ASSET scores, students are enrolled in GUST courses to prepare them for college level work. If you have further questions, please call (713)-718-8051.

What is TASP?

The Texas Academic Skills Program is a state-mandated program designed to ensure that students have the academic skills necessary to perform effectively on college-level work. In order to comply with TASP rules, HCCS requires that all students be tested to determine their basic skill level in reading, writing and mathematics. Testing is mandatory unless it is determined the student has been waived or exempted from TASP requirements.

When should I take TASP?

TASP testing should be completed prior to enrollment at HCCS.

When is the TASP test given?

The TASP test is given six times annually. Students may access TASP information on-line through the official TASP site.

Are TASP practice materials available on-line?

Yes, students may access TASP practice tests on-line.

How long will I have to stay in a developmental program?

Students complete the developmental reading program once they pass GUST 0342 (College Reading II). Students may also re-take the TASP, and upon successful completion of the reading portion, they are no longer required to take developmental reading courses. Students who enter the reading program in GUST 0339 must also take and pass GUST 0341 and GUST 0342 before they complete the developmental reading program. Students will be required to take TASP again upon completion of their developmental reading courses.

Do I have to wait until I’ve finished my developmental classes to start regular academic course work?

Students may not enroll in academic classes that require them to have sufficient command of basic skills they did not master on the TASP. For example, if a student failed the reading portion of the TASP, he/she must enroll in developmental reading courses and will not be allowed to take courses in English, social sciences or other areas that require him/her to have mastered the basic reading skills required by TASP. However, if the same student who failed the reading portion of the TASP passed the math portion, he/she will be able to enroll in math courses while taking classes in developmental reading.

What happens if I do not attend my developmental course(s)?

Students who do not attend their developmental courses are automatically dropped from all courses in which they are enrolled.

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If I fail only one section of TASP, such as reading, will that prevent me from taking regular academic courses in areas I did not fail on the test, such as math?

No, students failing one section of TASP need take only developmental courses in that area. They may take regular academic courses in areas they passed. For example, a student failing the reading portion of the TASP would be unable to take classes in English or social sciences until they have successfully completed their TASP remediation in reading. However, they would be eligible to take core classes in math.

Do I receive course credit for developmental reading and study skills courses?

Reading and study skills courses are non-credit classes.

Is the grading system in Guided Studies classes the same as that in regular academic classes?

The grading system in Guided Studies classes differs from the system of A-F used in regular academic classes. Although the grade scale for grades above 70 remain the same (i.e. A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79), grades below 70 are handled differently. No D is given in any GUST class. In reading classes where the student is taking the course for the first time, an IP (In Progress) grade is given if the student’s final grade is below 70. The student must re-take the class if he/she does not re-take and pass the reading section of the TASP in the meantime. Students re-taking a reading course who do not make a final grade above 70 receive a grade of F. In study skills, students making a final grade below 70 receive a grade of F. The course does not have to be re-taken.

Do grades in my developmental classes count on my GPA?

Yes, GUST grades count toward a student’s cumulative GPA at HCCS.

What does the grade IP in reading classes mean?

“In Progress.” It means the course must be re-taken and is given only to students taking the course for the first time and making a final grade below 70.

Who can use the Learning Centers operated through the Guided Studies programs at HCCS-Central and HCCS-NE?

Any HCCS student is welcome to make use of tutoring assistance and computer access available through the Learning Centers operated by the Guided Studies programs. A student does not have to be enrolled in the developmental program to use the facilities.

How much does tutoring and other services offered through the Learning Centers cost?

Tutoring services are free to all HCCS students. Use of computers and available software is also free to HCCS students. There may be a small charge for printing.

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