Admissions Information
It is the policy of the University that educational decisions are based on relevant and appropriate factors and cannot be based on an individual’s protected status, whether that status is protected by law or by University policy. As a result, admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of an individual’s abilities and qualifications, including academic history, professional experience related to the educational program, recommendations provided by individuals who can reference an applicant’s potential for success, and skills necessary for achievement in a particular discipline. The intent of the Graduate School is to offer admission to those applicants whose credentials indicate a strong likelihood of success in their selected curricula.
The University reserves the right to withhold or rescind the admission and enrollment of a person who: (1) fails to meet any of the requirements for admission at the time of matriculation, (2) fails to maintain satisfactory academic performance in their course of study prior to enrollment, or (3) provides incorrect or misleading information on the application for admission or supporting document set. Additionally, meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program and the University reserves the right to restrict enrollments when necessary because of budgetary and/or other capacity constraints.
Readmission - All Students
After an absence of more than two consecutive academic semesters (Fall, Spring), the student’s record will be closed and the student must apply for readmission; acceptance is subject to program and Graduate School approval. Students whose enrollment is suspended or dismissed for academic reasons should consult the description of the procedures outlined in the Academic Standing section of the Catalog. Students whose enrollment is suspended or dismissed for disciplinary reasons must have their readmission materials reviewed by the Campus Safety Review Committee; see the The Code of Student Responsibility within this Catalog.
Full Standing
Applicants who meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study, plus any additional requirements specified by the program, may be offered admission.
Applicants offered admission to graduate programs who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree and/or who were admitted with unofficial transcripts will be allowed to register for one semester and can only continue after the Graduate School’s receipt of official final transcripts (and/or the diploma/degree certificates/mark sheets) indicating the award of the baccalaureate (bachelor’s/undergraduate) degree from an institution accredited by an accepted accrediting body* or its equivalent. Students will have a maximum of one semester to enroll, after which time a hold will be placed on their accounts to prevent registration for future terms. Failure to submit the proper credentials during the first semester of enrollment will result in a hold on registration for subsequent terms.
* Accepted Accrediting Body: the following are accepted accrediting bodies: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Deferment Policy
Applicants admitted to a graduate program of study may request to defer their admission for up to one year. Deferment is not guaranteed. The request will be considered by the academic department and the Office of Graduate Admissions. If deferment of admission is approved and the applicant does not enroll, the admission is withdrawn. To be considered for admission to a future term, the individual will have to submit a new application, application fee, recommendations, transcripts, and other required items.
Appeal Procedure for Applicants Denied Admission
Applicants denied admission may appeal the decision but only on the grounds that the denial was based on a violation of Section II of the University’s Admissions Policy. Essentially, the policy maintains that if an applicant is denied admission to the Graduate School, they may appeal the decision based solely on the grounds that the denial violates University admissions policy not to discriminate in offering access to its educational programs and activities on the basis of age, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The appeal must be in writing, must set forth with specificity the grounds for the appeal, and must be directed and delivered to the Dean of the Graduate School. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Dean will review the applicant-appellant’s file and appeal letter and will communicate their decision to the applicant-appellant in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the appeal. Appeals must be received prior to the term for which the applicant is seeking admission. If there is insufficient time to complete the appeal process before the beginning of the term for which the applicant seeks admission, the Dean of the Graduate School may decline to review the appeal. For more information, see Appendix A to University Policy 207 online.