University Catalogue: 2008-09

Admission

All persons who wish to pursue a degree program at the University must file the following documentation with the Admissions office, Schofield 112: an application for admission and any specific application fee, an official high school transcript, test scores (when applicable), and official transcript(s) of all previous post-secondary work attempted are required. Priority dates for applications are established each year. Contact the Admissions office for information.

PREPARATION FOR UNIVERSITY STUDY

A successful University experience depends upon the student's high school preparation. The coursework chosen should include at least the maximum number of subjects selected from English, both composition and literature; foreign language; mathematics, with algebra, geometry, plus an additional college preparatory course; natural science; history, and other social studies. Students are strongly encouraged to take a mathematics class in the senior year.

Some high school courses may not satisfy University admission requirements for college preparatory academic coursework. For information on applicability of high school courses to admissions requirements, call the Admissions office.

ADMISSION OF FRESHMEN

Freshman admission is competitive and selective. Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission, although non-academic factors are also considered. Each application for admission is given a comprehensive review. Freshman applicants are considered using the following guidelines:

I. Applicants must present evidence of graduation from a recognized high school or equivalent certificate.

A. A recognized high school is one which either (1) is operated by public school districts, or (2) is a private school accredited by an association that is certified by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit private schools, and those whose names appear in the Federal Register as an approved accreditation association, or (3) is a private school not accredited under (2) but may be “recognized” by an institution in the System based on the performance of previously admitted graduates from the high school.

B. An applicant who has not graduated from a recognized high school must provide evidence of ability to begin college work. Such evidence may include General Education Development (GED) test scores or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) test scores, transcripts of coursework completed in high school, high school rank-in-class before leaving high school, written recommendations, ACT/SAT test scores, and other evidence deemed appropriate by the University. High school equivalency applicants may not normally be enrolled unless they are a minimum of two years past their expected date of high school graduation.

II. Applicants should complete a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Applicants who take courses beyond the minimum will be considered strong candidates for admission. Applicants must complete a minimum of 17 high school units (one unit equals one year of study)** distributed as follows:

	Units
English (at least three composition and literature)	4
Mathematics (algebra, geometry, advanced college preparatory math*)	3
Natural Science	3
Social Science (one must be world or American history)	3
Foreign Language (in a single foreign language)	2
Additional coursework in any of the above areas, and art, music, speech, computer science, or other academic areas.	2
TOTAL	17**

*In almost all high school curricula, algebra II or higher/advanced algebra is the third college preparatory mathematics course required.

**Students who begin taking high school coursework prior to high school (e.g. mathematics, foreign language) must still present a total of 15 academic credits (English, mathematics, natural science, social science, and foreign language) in grades 9-12.

III. In addition to a rigorous high school curriculum, academic factors include high school class rank, high school GPA, trends in grades, and test scores. Secondary non-academic factors may include, but are not necessarily limited to, leadership; community service; achievement in the arts, athletics, or other areas; and diversity in personal background and experience.

Official test scores from The American College Testing Program (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) must be on file for all new freshmen under the age of 22. Failure to have official test scores on file prevents a student from receiving scholarship and orientation/registration materials. ACT is the preferred test. Students will not be disadvantaged in the admission process by taking one test rather than the other.

I V. Students may be considered for conditional admission during the spring semester only. Students successfully meeting University requirements at the end of the conditional period will be continued for the following semester as a student in good standing. To be considered for conditional admission, students must have been out of high school for at least two years or a minimum of two years past their expected date of high school graduation.

V. Particular consideration in admission will be given to applicants who have been out of school for two or more years; service veterans, as defined by state and federal policies; and students who have been challenged by a lack of educational opportunities.

VI. Requirements for out-of-state students will be the same as those of resident students, except that special requirements may be adopted for international applicants. If the number of qualified out-of-state students exceeds the ability of UW-Eau Claire to accommodate them, the University shall determine the criteria for selection from among qualified applicants.

VII. Final admission requires that students maintain their high school academic standing and successfully complete coursework in progress as outlined on the application. The final (eighth semester) official transcript provided by the high school provides the required certification that the applicant has fulfilled this obligation. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the proper supporting documents have been delivered to the Admissions office.

COMPETENCY-BASED ADMISSIONS

High school students from schools that use a competency-based evaluation system may be considered for admission. High schools that use an alternative system such as this must complete the UW-System Competency-Based Admission Profile. Contact the Admissions office for additional information on the process and procedure.

ADMISSION OF HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS

Home-schooled students seeking admission as freshmen must have excelled academically in high school coursework. They must have completed the minimum array of 17 units of rigorous college preparatory coursework. Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission, although non-academic factors are also considered. Each application for admission is given a comprehensive review.

EARLY ADMISSION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The University offers admission to exceptionally qualified high school students who will have completed the 10th grade by the time they will enroll at UW-Eau Claire. Such students must provide evidence of academic ability, motivation, and self-discipline necessary to engage in university-level study.

Admission requirements:

• Rank in the top 10 percent of their high school class or have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 or higher

• ACT composite score of 28 or higher with 25 or higher in all subscores (or equivalent scores from the SAT)

• Permission of parent(s) or guardian(s)

Applicants for early admission must provide the following:

• A standard UW System application form

• An official high school transcript showing current rank-in-class and official transcripts for all University work completed

• Two letters of recommendation. At least one should be from a current teacher. The other may be from any adult (preferably from the principal, assistant principal, or guidance counselor) in a position to assess the applicant's skills and readiness for University study

• Permission statement signed by parent(s) or guardian(s)

• On-campus interview with the Admissions office or Academic Advising office

READMISSION

All former students who have been away from the University for a semester or more (except those on academic leave*) must file a formal application for readmission. Students seeking readmission are encouraged to make application as early as possible prior to the semester in which they wish to return. Readmission at a late date is not guaranteed. Applicants returning after an absence of two or more consecutive semesters must meet the degree requirements of the catalogue in effect upon their return, or a subsequent catalogue.

*Academic leave information and forms are available in the Office of Student Development and Diversity.

TRANSFER APPLICANTS

In addition to a rigorous college-level course curriculum, academic factors considered include cumulative GPA and trends in grades. Students with fewer than 30 transferable semester (45 quarter) credits may be considered for admission based on both their college and high school records. Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission, although non-academic factors are also considered. Higher academic expectations or earlier application priority dates may be imposed on specific majors if necessary to keep enrollments in line with program capacities.

All supporting official transcripts (college and high school) must be in the Admissions office by the established priority dates or no later than August 15 for the fall semester, or two weeks prior to registration for the spring semester. If a student transfers for the second semester and finds a transcript cannot be issued in time, a statement from the dean of the previous college concerning the student's academic status will be accepted until an official transcript can be sent to UW-Eau Claire. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the proper supporting documents have been delivered to the Admissions office.

Students who have registered at other colleges and universities may not disregard their records at such institutions. Failure to report previous college attendance is sufficient cause for cancellation of the student's enrollment, of any credits earned, or both.

Transfer students who do not meet institutional admission requirements and are denied admission may appeal in writing to the Director of Admissions.

Transfer of Credits

Credits earned at an accredited college or university may be transferred and applied toward a degree from this University if they are appropriate to the curriculum into which the student is transferring. The Admissions office will prepare an evaluation or official list of transferred credits for the student. Appeal of the evaluation may be made through the Chair of the Department where the course resides, to the Dean of that College, and if necessary, to the Provost/Vice Chancellor. Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree or additional certification are not given an evaluation of credits; they report to the Associate Dean of the College for specific advising.

Associate degrees granted from University of Wisconsin System institutions (including the University of Wisconsin Colleges that meet the 1987 Board of Regents approved minimum requirements), satisfy the breadth requirements of UW-Eau Claire's general education program (see General Education Requirements); however, competency requirements, levels of proficiency, and specific courses are still required. Because individual baccalaureate degree programs stipulate specific courses, students should be attentive to the requirements of an intended major in planning their General Education program.

In certain fields, credits that were earned more than ten years prior to admission or readmission may be invalid as degree credits.

Credit may be granted for post-secondary work at a foreign institution if the institution is recognized as a degree-granting institution by the country's Ministry of Education. Current recommendations of American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the National Association of Foreign Student Affairs are used to determine the amount and type of advanced-standing credit to be given.

Two-Year College Transfers

Students who transfer from the University of Wisconsin Colleges or from any other accredited community college may transfer up to 72 credits, including any credit earned at other institutions prior to transfer.

Transfer students may also be required to take general education courses at the upper division level. Because individual baccalaureate degree programs stipulate specific courses, students should be attentive to the requirements of an intended major in planning their General Education program. Students planning to transfer with an Associate Degree are encouraged to consult, as early as possible, with the Transfer Coordinator in the Admissions office.

Transfer of Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)

General Educations Credits

UW-Eau Claire may accept in transfer and apply up to 30 credits of general education coursework within the areas of communications, behavioral sciences, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences from WTCS programs leading to an applied associate degree.

UW-Eau Claire may accept in transfer and apply on a course-by-course basis, occupational and technical coursework from WTCS programs leading to an applied associate degree.

If the general education coursework is not acceptable, students from WTCS institutions may earn credit by examination in those cases where UW-Eau Claire offers a course that is generally comparable in content or title to the noncollege parallel general education course. In order for noncollege parallel WTCS general education course credits to be considered for transfer to UW-Eau Claire, credit must have been earned after September 1989.

ADMISSION AS A SPECIAL STUDENT

Persons who have graduated from a recognized high school or have the educational equivalent and demonstrate ability to succeed in college level work, but who are not interested in seeking a degree, may attend the University as special students. Admission criteria for special students are more flexible than for degree seeking students, and no formal admission is required prior to the Special Student Registration. Each case will be considered on its own merits. Students interested in taking classes as a special student should inquire and apply in Registration Services.

Special students may enroll for a maximum of six credits (or two courses if credits exceed six) per semester, and must meet the academic standards of the University (see Academic Standing and Progress). Once an individual has earned 29 credits as a special student (including any transfer credit), he or she should make application for admission to the University. If enrollment management targets allow, the Director of Admissions may make exceptions to the requirement for those individuals who do not intend to seek a degree. Special students are not eligible for financial aid.

High School Special/Youth Options Program

High school juniors and seniors who rank in the top 25 percent of their class or who rank in the 50th to 74th percentile with an ACT composite of 24 or greater (or equivalent scores on SAT/PSAT/PACT) may enroll as special students at the University. Gifted students who do not meet these criteria may be considered on an exception basis if they are able to document great ability in a specific discipline.

Students may enroll in courses with contents that are not available in the high school curriculum and for which they have the necessary prerequisites. For specific guidelines, contact the Admissions office.

The student must submit a Youth Options/High School Special form (available from the Admissions office or from local high school guidance counselors) and an official high school transcript showing current rank-in-class and test scores. All documents should be submitted to the Admission office by August 1 for fall semester, December 1 for spring semester, and May 1 for summer session.

Once admitted, Youth Options/High School Special students and other special students will be directed to the office of Advising and Academic Testing to meet with an adviser. Placement tests may be required before meeting with an advisor. All special students, including high school special students, are limited to six credits or two courses per semester and must meet the academic standards of the University (see Academic Standing and Progress).

Youth Option/High School Special students register during special student registration on a space available basis.

ADMISSION OF VETERANS

A veteran who is not a high school graduate may be admitted on the basis of results required by the Admissions office.

Veterans and certain eligible dependents may be entitled to educational benefits under various programs administered by the Veterans Administration (see Veterans Services Adviser, Schofield 128). Veterans and eligible dependents may obtain these benefits while pursuing a course of study at UW-Eau Claire. Students enrolled under these programs must carry 12 hours of credit during each semester of the academic year to be eligible for full-time allotments. Summer session allotments are determined by class contact hours and total credits. Part-time and full-time study grants are available to eligible Wisconsin veterans.

Credit may be awarded for educational preparation acquired while in service:

1. Special Training Program: Veterans will be asked to submit official transcripts of their records. In granting credit, the University considers recommendation of the American Council on Education. No credit will be granted if such credit would constitute repetition of credit already earned.

2. High school graduation equivalency will be granted to veterans who meet General Education Development (GED) Test standards as outlined by the American Council on Education, provided such tests have been completed by the date of formal registration.

ADMISSION FOR RESIDENTS OF UNITED STATES TERRITORIES

American students from Territories of the United States are admitted on the same basis as other American students.

ADMISSION OF NONRESIDENT ALIENS

Nonresident aliens in the United States make application for admission in the same way as a U.S. citizen. Applicants must take a standardized examination prior to admission. Nonresident aliens admitted to the University must successfully complete English 110 or International Studies coursework determined to be appropriate. Students are required to provide copies of both sides of their resident alien card.

ADMISSION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The University welcomes qualified students from other countries. Applications are encouraged because of the reciprocal advantages that may accrue to the students themselves and to the University from an exchange of ideas.

International students must complete an international application for admission, document English proficiency by submitting a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, and provide proof of financial support by filing a Financial Statement for International Applicants. These forms are available from the Admissions office. Complete school records must be received before any consideration can be given to the applicant. In countries where a national testing program such as the General Certificate of Education is used, UW-Eau Claire must have the results of the test before a decision can be reached.

An English proficiency test is required of all applicants prior to a decision. The most appropriate one is the TOEFL, which is offered on computer throughout most regions of the world. In areas where access to computer-based testing is limited, a supplemental paper-and-pencil version of the test is administered. Applicants can contact TOEFL online at www.ets.org/toefl or by writing for information directly to TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151.

Because of the time needed to process an application and to secure a student visa, students are advised to file applications for the fall semester by June 1 and for the spring semester by November 1. Applicants filing after these dates may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

When there is no responsible American or international agency sponsoring the student, the individual student may be required to deposit a sum of money in the Business office one month prior to registration. Because costs and conditions are subject to change, the exact amount of the deposit and all information pertinent to it will be furnished in the letter of acceptance from the University to the student.

International applicants will not be able to secure any part of their finances through employment in the United States. The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service has ruled that an international student may not work off-campus while in the United States.

All international students in their first year at UW-Eau Claire are required to live in University residence halls during the academic year. Students must make provision for themselves during the summer break and vacation periods.

All enrolled international students will be required to subscribe to the Student Health Insurance Plan or to show comparable coverage through another agency or organization.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND EXTENSION

The “Wisconsin Idea”

The “Wisconsin Idea,” a concept named after the state that pioneered its development, holds that the function of a university is not only to educate full-time students on its home campus, but also to extend educational opportunities and services to all citizens of the state. The Wisconsin Idea is incorporated into the general mission of the University of Wisconsin System and into the particular missions of the various institutions.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has long supported the Wisconsin Idea and the related idea of education as a process continuing throughout the lifetime of an individual. The University welcomes to the campus members of the community who wish to attend credit and non-credit courses for personal or professional reasons. Many campus resources and services are also available to community members.

Further information may be obtained from the Educational Opportunity Center (Old Library 2134), or Advising and Academic Testing, (Schofield 226), and/or from the office of Continuing Education located at 210 Water Street, Eau Claire.

Special Students

Special Students are individuals who take classes for credit but are not pursuing a degree. For this reason no formal admission is required prior to the Special Student Registration (see Admission as a Special Student). Because of the demand for some courses and limitations on enrollment, degree students will be given priority over Special Students. Special Students may take up to six credits (or two courses, if credits exceed six) per semester.

Auditing of Classes by Special Students

An auditor registers to attend a course and participate in class activities without earning credit (see Auditing Courses). Basic required textbooks for use in undergraduate courses are furnished from the Instructional Resource Rental Department of the University Bookstore.

In all University courses, students registering for credit must be given priority over auditors, but a wide variety of alternatives is available to the auditor each semester. There are no formal requirements concerning previous education. Audit enrollment is not permitted in some courses (see current Class Schedule for restrictions).

Board of Regents policy makes it possible for students to audit courses at reduced costs, as follows: Wisconsin residents under age 60 may audit classes by paying only 30 percent of the normal per credit academic fee, and nonresidents may audit by paying 50 percent of the nonresident academic fee. Residents of Wisconsin who are 60 years of age or older or who meet certain disability requirements may audit courses on a space-available basis at no charge for tuition. In all cases any special course fees or materials are additional. Individuals may audit six credits (or two courses, if credits exceed six) each semester, or may take one course for credit (at the normal per credit resident or nonresident fee) and another as an auditor during the same semester. Individuals meeting disability requirements should contact an adviser in Old Library 2136 for information.

Evening Study

Currently many classes are offered between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Late afternoon and evening courses are denoted with an asterisk (*) next to the meeting time in the Class Schedules.

University of Wisconsin-Extension

To increase the availability of educational opportunities both on and off campus, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of Wisconsin-Extension cooperate in providing noncredit continuing education programs and credit courses designed for the public. Information about current offerings may be obtained from the office of Continuing Education located at 210 Water Street, Eau Claire.

Continuing Education

UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education, in partnership with UW- Ex tension, connects campus and community through regional service and life-long learning.

Life-long Learning

Continuing Education addresses the needs of community learners through credit courses designed for non-traditional students of all ages. These courses count toward University residency requirements in all degree programs. Continuing Education develops credit courses for off-campus locations when sufficient enrollment and staff are available. Interested individuals or organizations should contact Continuing Education.

Regional Service

Continuing Education supports the University's mission of regional service through:

• involvement in regional economic development planning groups and organizations.

• professional development programs for teachers, nurses, social workers, and business people.

• information, training, and counseling provided through the regional Small Business Development Center for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and managers.

• youth development programs that introduce, enrich, enhance, and develop children's skills and knowledge in leadership, language, visual and performing arts, science, and math.

• partnerships with school districts and CESAs that provide educational opportunities for area youth.

• preparation of high school students academically and socially for collegiate-level coursework through Pre-college and Youth Options programs.

• personal enrichment and travel opportunities for the community through Culture and Language programs.

• premium learning experiences for students in band, orchestra, choir, and visual and textile arts in and around the Chippewa Valley.

• customized learning opportunities on the basis of community needs and interests.

For more information, contact Continuing Education at (715) 836-3636 or toll-free at 888-UWEC4CE or visit www.uwec.edu/ce.

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