Course Syllabus

Texas State University Upward Bound

The Upward Bound Program has been in existence at its host institution since 1987 and:

    • Provides intensive services to students and parents, with a focus on the entire family.

    • Utilizes the Cohort-based model, meaning the students begin and finish the program. This model fosters positive interpersonal relationships and intense group identification.

    • Tracks each scholar from freshman year of high school until they complete their post-secondary education.

Upward Bound’s Mission Statement

The Texas State Upward Bound Program provides first-generation high school students with academic, cultural and personal support for the purposes of high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and lifelong success.

Upward Bound’s Vision Statement

The Texas State Upward Bound Program in collaboration with local area high schools, guides, empowers, and educates students to become future social leaders ready to self-advocate, think critically and succeed in a diverse and global society.

As an Upward Bound Participant...

  1. I agree to maintain weekly contact with my Upward Bound Coordinator.
  2. I agree to attend all meetings pertaining to the Upward Bound Program whether they be during school, after- school or on the weekends.
  3. I agree to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above.
  4. I agree to seek tutoring in any class in which my grade is below an 80.
  5. As a senior, I agree to meet all application, essay, and college entrance deadlines during the year. I also agree to maintain weekly contact with Upward Bound Coordinator- NO EXCEPTIONS.
  6. I agree to take full advantage of the academic services offered. Working to the best of my ability, I will attend a minimum of THREE academic enrichment sessions per MONTH, and THREE Academic Saturdays per SEMESTER.
  7. I agree to stay in after school tutoring sessions for the full 2 hours they are provided, unless communicated to an Upward Bound Coordinator that I am already attending a mandatory tutoring session provided by my school. If I am attending an alternate tutoring session, I agree to rejoin the Upward Bound Program after school tutoring session immediately after the alternate tutoring session ends.
  8. I agree to turn in all necessary paperwork required for Upward Bound events and programs by the date they are requested.
  9. I agree to attend all my classes and complete requirements for graduation during the school year. I agree to communicate my academic progress via my school’s grade portal system, progress report and report card reporting process.
  10. I agree to take full advantage of the college readiness and cultural activities offered by the Upward Bound Program throughout the school year and during my participation in the summer program. (i.e. college visits/fairs, cultural events/trips, etc.)
  11. I agree to participate in the SIX WEEK summer residential program each summer. I must notify my Upward Bound Coordinator immediately if I am unable to attend and understand that failure to attend will directly affect my participation in the Upward Bound Program.
  12. I agree to in no way shape or form alter or manipulate any document or paperwork provided to me from Upward Bound that is to be shared with parent/guardian. This includes any grade check, disciplinary forms, permission slips or other authorizing document for Upward Bound Program.
  13. I agree to conduct myself in a respectful manner while on and off my high school campus. I also agree to conduct myself in a respectful manner during any Upward Bound Program event. I will be courteous to all staff members and fellow Upward Bound participants. I will respect all teachers, students, educational programs, residence halls, classrooms, high school and university properties. I agree to refer to Upward Bound Staff as Mr./Mrs./Ms. 
  14. I agree to in no way shape or form have inappropriate contact with any staff member in the Upward Bound Program whether in person, phone call, text message or social media platform. Only contact with full time Upward Bound Coordinators is allowed through cell phone only at the discretion of the Upward Bound Director and only while I am a participant in the Upward Bound Program. 
  15. I agree to commit myself to successfully graduate from High School and enroll in an institution of post-secondary education the immediate semester after my completion of high school. 
  16. I agree to refrain from possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs. I understand there is a ZERO tolerance policy regarding this matter and if caught, I will be automatically terminated from Upward Bound.
  17. I agree not to bully any student at my own high school, another campus or a fellow participant in the Upward Bound Program at any time during participation in Upward Bound. This includes in person contact, contact through phone call and text messages or social media platforms.
  18. I agree to in no way shape or form have physical contact with any Upward Bound staff member or fellow participant during the duration of my participation in the Upward Program. This includes horse-play or any other casual conduct that can be deemed inappropriate. 
  19. I agree to refrain from dating a fellow participant in the Upward Bound program regardless of the campus they attend. 
  20. I understand Upward Bound is a FREE and at-will academic support and college preparatory program and any violation of these expectations will jeopardize my continued participation in the program.