Winter and May Mini-Sessions

The Winter and May Mini-Sessions are designed to help students who want to ensure they remain on track for graduation or accelerate their time to graduation. Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions.

FAQ’s

What is a Mini-Session?

A mini-session gives you the opportunity to take one or two courses that are three weeks in duration.

  • The Winter Mini-Session courses begin after the completion of the fall semester and end before the start of the regular spring semester.
  • The May Mini-Session courses begin after the completion of the spring semester and end a few days into the start of the regular summer semester.

How do I register for a Mini-Session course?

You can register for Mini-Session courses just like any other class being offered.

  • Winter Mini-Session courses are available during registration for spring terms.
  • May Mini-Session courses are available during registration for summer terms.

More information about registration, including adding and dropping classes, is available on the Texas State One Stop’s website.

How many classes can I take during the mini-session?

You can register for up to two classes offered during the 3-week mini-session. If you register for more than two classes during the 3-week mini-session, the Office of the University Registrar will drop any mini-session classes above the two-class limit. This limit does not apply to classes outside the 3-week mini-session.

What courses are currently offered for the mini-sessions?

Mini-session courses are viewable in either the spring or the summer schedule of classes by searching for “1M – 3 Week Mini-Session”, “10M-EXT 3 Week Mini-Session”, or “20M-SA 3 Week Mini-Session” in the “Part of Term” field.

Are courses in-person or online?

Courses are only offered in an asynchronous online format. International students interested in taking online mini-session courses should review the information provided on the F-1 Regulations & Resources page (search for "Online Classes/Distance Learning").

How will I pay my registration bill?

For the Winter Mini-Session, your student account activity will reflect your spring semester charges beginning in December. This will include the total cost of both your Winter Mini-Session courses and spring courses.

For the May Mini-Session, your student account activity will reflect your summer semester charges at the end of April. This will include the total cost of both your May Mini-Session and summer courses.

Visit Student Business Services' website for payment deadlines. You have the following payment options:

  • Pay your semester bill in full.
  • Winter Mini-Session  - Enroll into the spring payment plan, which requires a 25% down payment.
    • Financial Aid Recipients should note that although spring financial aid will not be disbursed until January, any accepted spring aid sufficient to cover the minimum 25% due will be considered for the payment deadline.
  • May Mini-Session - Enroll in the summer payment plan, which requires a 50% down payment.
    • Financial Aid Recipients should note that any accepted summer aid sufficient to cover the minimum 50% due will be considered for the payment deadline.

What are the tuition and fee rates for the Mini-Sessions?

The Mini-Sessions are a part of the standard spring and summer semesters. So, the tuition and fee rates are the same as those that apply for the spring and summer semesters. Tuition and fee rate information can be found on the TXST One Stop website.

Will I receive financial aid for my Mini-Session courses?

The Winter Mini-Session courses are included as part of your spring semester course registration. So, your financial aid for spring is available for your Winter Mini-Session and regular spring courses. Financial aid for spring will disburse in early January.

The May Mini-Session courses are included as part of your summer semester course registration. So, your financial aid for summer is available for your May Mini-Session and regular summer courses. To find out when financial aid will be disbursed, please visit the TXST One Stop website.

How do I purchase my books for the Winter or May Mini-Session?

Mini-Session courses will not be included in the University’s BookSmart program. Instead, you will need to purchase the required course materials separately through the:

  • University Bookstore: Visit the campus bookstore for assistance in selecting and purchasing required materials.
  • Online Store: Materials can also be purchased conveniently at the Online TXST Bookstore.

As an international student, how will my attending a Mini-Session affect my full-time enrollment status?

  • Winter Mini-Session courses count toward your spring semester enrollment.
  • May Mini-Session courses count toward your summer semester enrollment.

If you are an F-1 international student, please visit our F-1 Resources page for more information on how mini-session courses will count toward your full-time enrollment requirements. If you have further questions, contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office.