ADMISSIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATES

About This Policy

Policy Statement

North Central University is committed to maintaining high academic standards in its courses and programs by identifying applicants who are eligible to be considered for admission.  The university admits applicants likely to succeed in its programs and whose standards and lifestyle are in line with the mission, goals, and core values of the university.

The Office of Admissions is responsible for undergraduate admission decisions. All applicants must be informed of admission decisions. The central admissions system is used to deliver the official confirmation of admission decisions to applicants.

Admission Criteria
The university establishes minimum admission requirements for baccalaureate and associate degrees. In collaboration with the colleges and the Office of Admissions, the Provost will set the criteria that are to be used by the admissions office in admitting students. The Provost, in consultation and cooperation with the Senior Leadership Team, will review and approve these standards.

Freshman applicants must demonstrate that they are prepared to do satisfactory academic work at the institution to which they are applying, and that, as members of the campus community, they will benefit from and enrich the educational environment and enhance the quality of the institution.  In making this determination, applicants will be given a comprehensive review based on the following criteria:

Academic factors are the most important consideration in making admissions decisions. Factors that will be considered include, but are not limited to, the quality and rigor of the applicant’s college-preparatory coursework and the applicant’s grade point average.

• Acceptance and adherence to the university’s Community Life Standards.
• ACT or SAT scores are used to provide additional academic information about the quality of the applicant’s qualifications but cannot be the sole criteria for admission.

Other considerations include, but are not limited to, student experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, community service, special talents, and status as a non-traditional or returning adult.

Provisional Admittance
The university may provisionally admit undergraduate students—first-time freshman and first-time transfer applicants.  Provisional admission is intended for those applicants who do not meet the academic standards of admission but provide sufficient evidence to suggest the ability to pursue required coursework. Provisionally admitted students must adhere to additional requirements during their first semester of enrollment.

Provisional Admittance Appeals
If a student was provisionally admitted to the university but improved factors related to the university’s admissions standards after their acceptance, but before they begin classes at the university, the student can submit a letter of appeal, stating their request for reconsideration.

International Applicants
International applicants must meet the same admission requirements as domestic students.  In addition to these requirements, submit evidence of English proficiency, must submit requisite any financial verification documentation, and must provide a copy of their passport. After admittance to the university and after all admission criteria are met, the university will issue a Form I-20, certifying eligibility for nonimmigrant student status and enrollment at the university. Applicants are responsible for all subsequent fees for visa and immigration documents once the university has issued a Form I-20.

Deferment
Admitted applicants may request, from the Office of Admissions, a deferral of their admission for up to two full academic years without re-applying. If the deferral is approved and matriculation does not occur within the two-year period, the applicant must re-apply.

Readmission
Students who leave the university in good standing but return the next semester may resume their studies. Students who have a gap in their enrollment must reapply for admission to the university.

Readmission for Servicemembers
The university allows students returning from a military service leave to re-enroll in the next class or classes in the same program, with the same enrollment status, the number of credits, and academic standing as when the student was last in attendance. Students returning from military service leaves may also request a later date of admission or, if unusual circumstances require it, the institution may admit the student at a later date.

For the first academic year in which the student returns from a military service leave, the student will be readmitted with the same tuition and fees charges the student was or would have been assessed for the academic year when the student left, unless there are sufficient veterans’ educational benefits or institutional aid to pay the increased amount of tuition and fees. For subsequent academic years, the student will be charged the same tuition and fees as other students in the program.

If the university determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program where the student left off, the university must make reasonable efforts at no extra cost to the student to enable the student to resume and complete the program. If reasonable efforts are unsuccessful or the university determines that there are no reasonable efforts that the university can take, the university may not readmit the student.

If the program in which the student was enrolled has been discontinued or is no longer offered, the university will enroll the student in the program that it determines to be most similar to that program or in a different program for which the student is qualified. If the student is admitted to a different program, and for subsequent academic years for a student admitted to the same program, the university shall assess tuition and fee charges that are no greater than other students in the program are assessed for that academic year.

Readmission after Medical Leave
When a student who has withdrawn from the university due to medical reasons is ready to return, the student must complete and submit a Readmission Application following a Medical Leave and submit medical necessary medical documentation to the Office of Student Development.

Reason For Policy

The colleges and university administration work together to establish admission criteria, which the Office of Admissions uses to evaluate applicants, to admit applicants who can be successful in the degree programs offered by that college.

This policy implements criteria and requirements for accreditation established by the Higher Learning Commission and the Higher Education Opportunity Act.

Policy Scope

Employees and undergraduate prospective students, applicants, and students seeking readmission to the university.

Procedures

• There are no procedures associated with this policy.

Forms

• There are no forms associated with this policy.

Appendices

• There are no appendices associated with this policy.

Additional Contacts

Definitions

Admission
The act of admitting an applicant into a program of the university, following submission and assessment of an application.

Applicant
A person applying to the university for admission into a program.

Form I-20
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students that is issued by the university.

Gap (In Enrollment)
When a student misses an entire semester (not including summer terms.)

International Applicant
An international applicant is categorized as a foreign-born person who is not a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States, nor individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status that is seeking admittance to the university.

Matriculate
The process by which a student accepts the university’s offer for admission and indicates that the student intends to enroll.

Military Service Leave
A university-approved withdrawal from all in-progress university classes that is necessitated by service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the United States Armed Forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under Federal authority, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days. the cumulative length of absence and all previous absences for military service (service time only) cannot exceed five years.

Provisional Admittance
Admission to the university to a student that does not meet the university’s admission requirements.

Responsibilities

Applicants

• Provide full and accurate information on the application for admission.
• Notify the Office of Admissions if there are any changes to the information provided in the application.

Office of Admissions

• Participate in enrollment management processes.
• Provide guidance to undergraduate admitting colleges and the Senior Leadership Team to assist in target setting and the Office of the Provost for criteria used in the admission process.
• Communicate admissions review criteria to prospective students and applicants.
• Receive and review applications.
• Communicate admissions decisions to applicants.

Admissions Committee

• Review applications.

Senior Leadership Team

• Review and approve enrollment targets.

Provost

• Review and approve standards for admission.

RELATED INFORMATION

Relevant Legislation

• Higher Education Opportunity Act (34 CFR § 668.18) – Readmission requirements for servicemembers

Related Legislation

• Higher Learning Commission, Criteria and Requirements for Accreditation
• North Central University Admissions Website
• North Central University – How to Apply (section on international students)
• DHS Site – Students and the Form I-20

History

Issued
2019-11-07