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Entering the University
Office of Admissions
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SOU CATALOG HOME : ENTERING THE UNIVERSITY
Students who plan to attend SOU full time during the fall, winter, or spring quarter must apply for, and receive, formal admission. Application procedures are outlined herein. Students planning to take courses without regular formal admission should read the section entitled Enrollment as a Non Admitted Student, page 9, and the information on summer session, page 26.A person who is not an Oregon resident pays nonresident tuition and fees. A current tuition and fee schedule for resident and nonresident students is available upon request. Rules governing the nonresident fee may be found under Determination of Residence, page 13.
Students interested in federal financial assistance must: 1) apply for admission to Southern Oregon University and 2) apply for financial aid in accordance with the procedures summarized under Financial Aid, page 16.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus. Admissions staff can make arrangements for visitors to talk with faculty, visit classes, stay overnight in the residence halls, and take a guided tour of the grounds and buildings. These arrangements can be made on most weekdays while school is in session.
To be admitted as a freshman, an applicant must:1. Submit an application form, an application fee of $50, an official copy of their high school transcript and either the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I) or American College Test (ACT).
2. Graduate from an accredited or standard public high school (private high school students must graduate from an accredited high school) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. Those who have not attained this minimum grade point average may be admitted if they have met one of the following requirements:
a) Obtained a combined score of 1010 on the new recentered Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I) or 900 on an SAT administered prior to April 1, 1995.
b) Obtained an average score of 21 on the American College Test (ACT).
Freshmen applicants who have not graduated from an accredited high school must have a minimum score of 58 on the Test of General Educational Development (GED). A GED applicant with a score of less than 58 may also qualify under one of the above listed options.
Post 1996 GED holders must submit a copy of their official high school academic record to affirm the completion of a minimum two years (2 units) of one foreign language.
3. Meet specific course requirements in addition to the grade point average and/or test score requirements listed in part 1 above. A general description of the type of courses required in each of the subject categories may be found under High School Course Requirements below.
Students who have not completed the subject requirements have the choice of obtaining a total score of 1410 on three SAT II achievement tests (English, math level I or IIc, and a third test of the student's choice). Or they may elect to take make-up coursework (transfer or developmental) for specific subject requirements missed in high school and receive a grade of C or better.
Students who graduated from high school prior to 1985 receive a complete waiver of part 3 of this section. Further information is available upon request from the director of admissions.
(Total required units: 14)English (4 units). Shall include the study of the English language, literature, speaking and listening, and writing with emphasis on, and frequent practice in, writing expository prose during all four years.
Mathematics (3 units). Shall include first-year algebra and two additional years of college preparatory mathematics, such as geometry (deductive or descriptive), advanced topics in algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry, finite mathematics, advanced applications, calculus, probability and statistics, or courses that integrate topics from two or more of these areas. (One unit is highly recommended in the senior year; algebra and geometry taken prior to the ninth grade are accepted.)
Science (2 units). Shall include a year each in two fields of college preparatory science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and physical science (one recommended as a laboratory science).
Social Studies (3 units). Shall include one year of U.S. history, one year of global studies (world history, geography, etc.), and one year of social studies electives.
Foreign Language (2 units). Two years of high school level foreign language. Both years in the same language.
Students who do not meet the admission requirements for freshman standing may appeal to the Undergraduate Admissions Advisory Committee. The appellant must provide complete academic records, test scores, letters of reference, and a written appeal. An interview may be required.Policy of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education permits only a few students each year to enroll at Southern Oregon University under special admission.
Students who have taken an advanced placement course of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in their secondary school and who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations of CEEB may receive credit with a score of 5, 4, or 3. No credit is given for an examination with a score of 2 or 1. (Please refer to the AP chart.)
Students transferring to Southern Oregon University from an accredited college or university must show evidence of honorable dismissal from the other collegiate institutions and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.25 on all work attempted. A student with fewer than 36 credits of SOU approved transfer-level college coursework must also meet requirements for freshman standing.Post 1996 GED holders, as well as applicants who graduated from high school in 1997 or later, must also submit a copy of their official high school academic records to affirm that they have completed with a passing grade a minimum of two years (2 units) of study in one foreign language. An exception to this requirement will be made for transfers who have completed two terms (8 quarter hours) of one foreign language at the college level with a C grade or better.
Transfer applicants must submit an application form, pay the $50 application fee, and submit official transcripts from every institution of higher education attended. The transcripts must be sent by mail from the prior institutions directly to the Southern Oregon University Office of Admissions. Registration is delayed until such records are complete, and students are responsible for the fees and penalties arising from the delay. Students considering transferring to SOU should review the procedures for admission and the policies on transfer of credit in this section. They are also encouraged to visit the campus and contact their major departments or the Student Affairs Office to be assigned academic advisors.
Transfer students please note that a minimum of 45 credits of coursework on the SOU campus is required of degree candidates. For more specific requirements, please see the descriptions of the various degree programs in the catalog. In addition, please refer to Transfer Student Policies on page 33 for more information.
Advanced standing is granted to students transferring with acceptable records from accredited institutions. The amount of credit granted depends on the nature and quality of the applicant's previous work, evaluated according to Southern Oregon University's academic requirements. A student's GPA is computed on the basis of credits and grades earned at SOU. The GPA of credits transferred is computed and used only as a basis for admission.
No advanced standing is granted at entrance for unaccredited work. After three terms of satisfactory work at SOU, a student may receive credit for work taken at unaccredited institutions but the courses must be equated to the regular courses offered at Southern Oregon University.
Southern Oregon University accepts for credit toward a baccalaureate degree for all college transfer work up to 108 lower division term credits completed in Oregon or accredited community colleges in other states. Up to 24 credits of vocational-technical coursework applicable in an associate degree or certificate program at an accredited institution may be accepted as elective credit toward part of the 108 credits.
Southern Oregon University considers granting credit for: credit by examination, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advance Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB). Please read Special Academic Credit on page 10 for more information.
Admission to Southern Oregon University does not automatically admit students to its professional programs and schools. Standards of admission and evaluation of transfer credit for such programs often include requirements beyond those stated in the general catalog regulations. Students entering any of these programs or schools must be prepared to undertake the curriculum at their level of entry and to maintain school standards.
Southern Oregon University is very interested in diversifying the student body with the addition of students from other countries. Application materials for foreign students are available from the Office of Admissions.The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of students whose native language is not English. A score of 520 is required of undergraduate applicants; a score of 540 is required of graduate applicants. An official minimum score of 956 on the SAT II English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT), may substitute for a TOEFL of 520. An official minimum ELPT score of 963 may substitute for a TOEFL of 540.
Foreign students are also required to submit a financial statement, official academic transcripts, and have adequate medical insurance. A comprehensive medical insurance plan is available to students and their dependents through Southern Oregon University at the time of registration. For insurance information, contact the foreign student advisor at 541-552-6660.
Students whose English does not meet the TOEFL requirement may enroll in the American Language Academy, the intensive English program on campus. For information write, ALA, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR 97520.
A student interested in pursuing a second bachelor's degree or in taking 8 or more credits of graduate coursework without being admitted to a master's program is classified as a post baccalaureate student. Students who intend to take courses for undergraduate credit only may apply for post baccalaureate nongraduate status which allows them to pay undergraduate fees. (Nonresident undergraduate fees may be higher than nonresident graduate fees, depending on the number of credits taken a particular quarter.) Students must apply to the Office of Admissions to be admitted to post baccalaureate nongraduate status. The minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA required by the Office of Admissions is 2.25 (4.0 system).
Students interested in entering a graduate or licensing program must obtain admission to graduate student status at the earliest possible time. Otherwise, courses completed at the University may not apply to the program. The admission process is initiated through the Office of Admissions (541-552-6411). Please see Admission to a Master's Degree Program, page 155 for admission dates and deadlines.
Students pursuing a master's degree are considered regularly admitted graduate students. Regular admission is granted once the student has met admission standards (See Admission and General Regulations in the Graduate Studies section, page 155.) Students must apply to the Admissions Office and to the specific master's program. They must be in possession of a letter from the school graduate coordinator admitting them to the specific master's program before their graduate student status is official.
Students whose native language is not English must provide the Office of Admissions and the graduate coordinator with an official TOEFL score of 540 or higher if they are planning to take graduate courses.
Any person who has not been admitted to Southern Oregon University and who wishes to enroll in no more than 8 credits during an individual term may enroll as a non admitted graduate or undergraduate student. (Foreign students with F-1 visas must be cleared through the foreign student advisor before they register as non admitted students.) Non admitted students are not required to submit transcripts, test scores, or pay an application fee. They are not admitted to pursue a degree program or to attend the University full time. The non admitted student category permits students to enroll in Southern Oregon University classes on a space-available basis. The forms necessary for this type of enrollment are available through the Office of the Registrar.
Persons at least 65 years of age may attend classes free of charge, based on available space, unless the class is taken for credit.
1. Application Form and DeadlinesNew students applying for admission must file an official application with the director of admissions. The application may be obtained from principals or counselors of most Oregon high schools or from the Southern Oregon University Admissions Office. Transfer and graduate students may obtain forms from the Office of Admissions. Students applying for fall term should have all materials filed with Admissions by August 30. Those planning to enter at other times should have all forms and records received by the Admissions Office at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the term.
2. Application Fee
Applications for admission must be accompanied by a $50 application fee (check or money order payable to Southern Oregon University). The fee is not refundable, cannot be waived, and is not transferable to other institutions.
3. Transcript
Students requesting first-year standing must have their high schools send official transcripts of all coursework beyond the eighth grade. High school seniors may apply after October 1 for the subsequent fall term. Students must ask their high schools to provide certified statements at the bottom of their application forms indicating the earned grade averages through six high school semesters. Students must, upon completion of the senior year, have their high schools send complete transcripts verifying graduation and the 14-unit subject requirement completion (see page 7).
Students transferring from other collegiate institutions must request that official transcripts of all colleges previously attended be sent to Southern Oregon University Office of Admissions. High school records must also be sent if the applicant has fewer than 36 credits of transferable college coursework. All records should be in the Office of Admissions no later than two weeks before the applicant expects to enter SOU. Documents sent in support of applications become the property of the University.
4. Placement Examinations
Students entering as beginning freshmen must submit scores from either the College Entrance Examination Board's Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I) or the American College Test (ACT) before registration. Test scores are used for counseling, placement and, in some cases, to establish admission qualifications. Applicants should consult with their high school counselors or principals to arrange to take the SAT I or ACT tests. Early arrangements should be made to ensure that test scores in profile format reach the Southern Oregon University Office of Admissions in time to be evaluated with the student's records.
5. Health History
The State Board of Higher Education requires all students to file a health history form with the Student Health Center. Students must present proof to the satisfaction of the institutional physicians of the following immunization and tests:
a) Tetanuswithin ten years preceding registration.
b) Tuberculosisby intradermal tuberculin test, chest film or both, within six months prior to registration.
c) Poliomyelitis immunization is recommended.
d) Measles.
Students who decline immunization for religious reasons will be admitted. These students must, and in the case of minors and dependents along with their parents or guardians, agree in writing to assume all expenses for care and isolation should they contract diphtheria or tetanus while attending the University.
6. Notification of Admission
When all required documents have been received and evaluated, the director of admissions informs the applicant of the University's decision.
7. General Admission Policies
It is the responsibility of students to make sure complete official copies of transcripts from every institution in which they have registered are forwarded to the Southern Oregon University Office of Admissions. Failure of an applicant to supply complete college credentials is considered misrepresentation and may result in dismissal from the University.
The University assumes no responsibility for applicants who come to the campus before they are notified of acceptance.
Each fall term, new students are invited to campus a day or two before registration to participate in a comprehensive orientation program. The activities are designed to help new students meet and get acquainted with faculty, administrators, and student leaders. Students are also introduced to various services the school offers, the clubs and organizations they may want to join, and other activities in which they can become involved. A similar but abbreviated orientation is offered for students who are admitted other terms.
Please see Advanced Placement under Admission to Freshman Standing, page 7.
Regularly enrolled full-time undergraduate students with exceptional proficiency in an academic subject offered by the University may take an examination to receive university credit toward degree requirements. Credit by examination is not available for practicum or field experience courses, nor is it available for courses titled special studies, research, workshop, reading and conference, seminar, or other similarly titled courses. A maximum limit of 24 term credits may be earned. Credit by examination does not count as resident credit.To challenge a course by examination, a student must obtain the approval of the instructor, advisor, and department chair; apply to the registrar (the application is available at the Registrar's Office); and pay the credit by examination fee. The application will be denied if the student has previously received credit for the course at this or another college, if the student has previously challenged the course and received a no pass, or if the student has completed courses at a higher level of competence (e.g., a student registered in or having completed a second-year language may not earn credit by examination in the first-year language).
The examination may be a standardized test or a thorough, comprehensive examination over the entire course. The comprehensive exam is prepared by members of the teaching faculty who normally teach the course being challenged. Results of the course challenge shall be recorded as pass (grade C- or above) or no pass on the student's transcript and will not be used to compute the grade point average.
Students seeking credit for 100- and 200-level foreign language coursework are granted the following exception to the Credit by Exam policy: Students who place in a course beyond 101, who enroll in the course within one year of taking the placement exam, and who complete the higher-level course with a B or better, may receive credit for the lower-number courses. Students must apply for credit within one term of completing the higher-level course.
SOU evaluates IB test scores much in the same way it evaluates AP scores. Students must indicate that they would like official test scores sent to the Office of Admissions. SOU may award credit to students who receive a 5 or higher on any Higher Level IB examination. No credit is awarded for Subsidiary Level exams. For further information contact the director of Admissions and Records.
Southern Oregon University allows credit for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. This credit is subject to the following guidelines:1. Students may earn as many credits through CLEP as they are able to successfully pass providing the examination does not duplicate credit previously earned for work done elsewhere.
2. A student is allowed only one attempt in each course to acquire credit through CLEP. Students who have taken but not passed a course may subsequently attempt to acquire credit in the course through CLEP. If they fail, they can acquire credit only by repeating the course. If the student fails the examination, it is not recorded on the student's academic record.
3. Students who have taken CLEP examinations prior to entering Southern Oregon University may transfer their credit. They must have passed the examination with a score at or above the minimum level accepted by the University, and the University must approve the examinations for credit.
The University generally grants credit for some military education experiences as recommended by the American Council on Education's Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services and in accordance with Southern Oregon University and Oregon University System policies regarding transfer credits. Students may request evaluation of credits earned through the Community College of the Air Force, Defense Language Institute, or military education. Students must submit official copies of college transcripts or a Certificate of Completion from the Defense Language Institute. An official copy of the student's DD 214, DD 295, or an AARTS transcript is required for military education and occupational credits.
Southern Oregon University accepts up to 60 credits of extension study, 24 of which may be by correspondence from accredited institutions. For further information about special credit programs, contact the director of admissions.
Office of the Registrar
Britt Registration and Records Center
541-552-6600
Mike Corcoran, Interim RegistrarStudents may register by Touchtone Telephone Registration (TTR) or in person at the Registration Center in Britt Hall.The fall and winter/spring editions of the Class Schedule contain complete information about dates for priority preregistration, open registration and schedule adjustment, late registration, advising services, add/drop, and course offerings.
Change of Registration
Students Changing Registration
Students may continue to register and add classes to their schedule through the first week of the quarter. After the first week of the term students cannot add classes via touchtone but will need to submit an add form to the registration center with the instructor's signature giving approval to late register.Students may drop classes via touchtone through the fourth week of the term. From the fifth week of the quarter through the Monday of "dead week" students may withdraw from classes via TTR. Students may not completely withdraw via TTR (see Withdrawal from University, this page). Students may change the grading option (P/NP) through the seventh week of the term in person at the Registration Center.
Instructors Changing Registration
Instructors can cancel the course registration of a student when there is justification, providing the instructor's department chair or school dean concurs. This includes the right of an instructor to cancel the course registration of a student for disciplinary reasons at any time, again with the concurrence of the instructor's department chair or school director.Students who do not attend the first two regular class meeting times at the beginning of the term and have not given the instructor prior notice of absence, may be administratively dropped from that class by the instructor. For classes or labs which meet only once a week, the instructor may drop a student if the student does not attend the first regular class or lab meeting and has not given the instructor prior notice.
Withdrawal from University
Students in good standing are entitled to honorable dismissal at any time through Monday of the last week of classes. Students withdrawing after the end of the fourth week and through Monday of the last week of classes receive a WP (withdrawn-passing) or a WF (withdrawn-failing) in each of their courses. Students who leave campus after Monday of the last week of classes are responsible for grades in all courses. Students who want to completely withdraw first go to the Student Access Center. Touchtone registration does not allow full withdrawal from classes. Students will receive a recorded message referring them to the Student Access Center where they start the process of personal, academic and/or, financial counseling. Students are then referred to the Registration Center, Business Services, or Financial Aid to complete the process. Non admitted students may completely withdraw by touchtone telephone and are not required to go to the Access Center. The effective date of withdrawal is the date the withdrawal form is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Refunds are prorated accordingly.