Admission

Admission to Arkansas Tech University is open to any qualified individual subject to the admission requirements listed below. However, the University reserves the right to reject the application of any individual whose records do not satisfy the requirements. Every student must file an initial application for admission. Applications and additional information about Arkansas Tech are available from the Office of Admissions, Doc Bryan Student Services Center, Office 141, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

Students may apply on-line from the Tech web site at http://www.atu.edu/ or E-mail for additional information via tech.enroll@mail.atu.edu.

Tech is subject to and endorses both the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Affirmative Action Officer serves as the coordinator for these federal programs. The Affirmative Action Office is located in Dean 110, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, AR 72801, and can be contacted by calling (479) 968-0234. TDD users call (479) 964-0536, or FAX (479) 968-0205.

Persons born after January 1, 1957, must furnish proof of immunity against measles and rubella to the Tech Health and Wellness Center prior to enrollment in classes.

Entering freshmen must comply with the following admission requirements and freshman placement standards. This includes students who enter with college credit earned prior to high school graduation, during summer following high school graduation, or by advanced placement.

Residual college entrance exams, taken on other college campuses, will not be accepted for admissions.

FirstSemester Freshmen from Accredited Schools

Admission requirements for entering freshmen who graduate from an Arkansas public or an Arkansas accredited, non-public secondary school are as follows:

1. Completion of secondary school graduation requirements evidenced by submission of official secondary school transcript showing completion of the curriculum required for graduation to include class rank, date of graduation, and a minimum 2.0 grade point average from an Arkansas public secondary school or an accredited non-public secondary school. Persons graduating from an accredited, non-public, secondary school must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the secondary school core course recommendation or its equivalent.

2. Participation in the American College Testing (ACT)1 program or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-1)2 showing a minimum composite score on the ACT of 15 or a minimum SAT-1 of 710.

FirstSemester Freshmen from Non-Accredited Schools or Home School Programs

Admission requirements for entering freshmen who graduate from an Arkansas non-accredited non-public secondary school or a home school program are as follows:

1. Completion of secondary school graduation requirements evidenced by submission of official secondary school transcript or certificate showing completion of the curriculum required for graduation to include class rank, date of graduation, and a minimum 2.0 grade point average.

2. Participation in the American College Testing (ACT)1 program or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-1)2 showing a minimum composite score on the ACT of 19 or a minimum SAT-1 of 910.

NOTE: Entering freshmen taking the SAT-1 must also take the Test of Standard Written English (TSWE)3 for placement in English.

Nontraditional Freshmen

Admission requirements for entering freshmen who have been removed from the academic setting for over one year after high school graduation or who are non-high school graduates.

1. Non-Traditional first time entering freshmen must have earned a secondary diploma with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale), completed the university's secondary school core curriculum requirements, and participated in the ACTE program with a minimum composite of 15 or SAT-1 program with a minimum score of 710. Arkansas Tech will not accept an ACTE assessment older than five years. If you have not taken the ACTE assessment within the past five years, you should take the COMPASS exam. The COMPASS is administered on our campus; call the Learning Assistance and Testing Center at (479) 968-0302 to make an appointment.

2. Entering freshmen who participate in the GED must have a minimum standard score of 45 and show a minimum composite score on the ACTE of 19 or a minimum SAT-1 of 910 or COMPASS equivalent.

Out-of-State Applicants

1. Must meet the secondary core course recommendations or equivalent.

2. Graduate from a regionally accredited secondary school.

3. Have a minimum 2.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale.

4. Participate in the ACT Assessment and have a composite score of 17, or participate in the SAT-1 with a minimum total score of 810. International students who have not already taken SAT or ACT will be required to take an appropriate placement examination, administered on campus, to assist in advisement.

Secondary School Core Course Recommendation

Twenty-one credits minimum earned from grades nine through twelve from the following core courses or equivalent are recommended for college preparation. Asterisks indicate core courses required by Act 1290 for unconditional admission:

*English - 4 units, with emphasis on writing skills, but not to include oral communications, journalism, drama, or debate.

Oral Communications - unit of oral communications.

*Science - 3 units with laboratories, chosen from physical science, biology, chemistry, or physics. Only one unit may come from a life science.

*Mathematics - 3 units, to include algebra I, algebra II, and geometry, and/or an advanced math course. It is strongly recommended that students take a math course their senior year. A fourth unit of math will be required for high school students graduating in 2004.

*Social Studies - 3 units, to include 1 unit each of American history (does not include contemporary American history), world history (not to include world cultures, world geography, or global studies), and unit of American government, or civics and unit of social studies (not to include courses in practical arts).

Physical Education - unit of physical education.

Health and Safety - unit of health and safety.

Fine Arts - unit of fine arts.

Foreign Language - 2 units in one foreign language.

Electives - 4 units of electives.

Freshman Placement Standards

In accordance with Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, paragraph 6-61-110, firsttime entering undergraduate students (includes students who entered college the summer of 1995 or thereafter and students who enter with advanced standing) who enroll in baccalaureate degree programs or associatedegree transfer programs must meet the following placement standards prior to enrollment in college-level mathematics or English composition courses.

Mathematics - Students scoring 19 or above on the mathematics section of the ACT, 460 or above on the quantitative portion of SAT-1, may enroll in collegelevel mathematics courses. For students who take the COMPASS, those scoring a 59 or above on the mathematics section may enroll in college-level mathematics courses. Students not meeting the standard must successfully complete a developmental (pre-college level) mathematics program, demonstrating achievement at least as sophisticated as intermediate algebra, in order to be placed in collegelevel mathematics courses.

English Composition - Students scoring 19 or above on the English section of the ACT or 460 or above on the verbal section of SAT-I may enroll in collegelevel English courses. For students who take the COMPASS, those scoring 75 or above on the writing section may enroll in college-level English courses. Students not meeting the standard must successfully complete a developmental program.

Reading - Students scoring 19 or above on the reading section of the ACT, 460 or above on the verbal section of SAT-1 will be considered to have met minimal reading skill requirements. For students who take the COMPASS, those scoring 82 or above on the reading section will be considered to have met minimal reading skill requirements. English composition may be taken concurrent with or subsequent to any required developmental reading program.

Students who are required to complete developmental program(s) in mathematics, English, and/or reading, must enroll in the appropriate course during their first semester at Tech and in each subsequent semester until the developmental program is completed. A grade of "C" or better is required in all developmental courses before the student may advance to higher level courses.

1American College Testing Program's ACT Assessment Test

2College Board's Scholastic Aptitude Test

3College Board's Test of Standard Written English

Former Students

Students who have interrupted their attendance at Arkansas Tech University will usually be automatically readmitted if the academic record for the last semester of college work is satisfactory. However, another application for admission must be filed by students who have not attended Arkansas Tech during the past year and by students who have attended another college since attending Arkansas Tech University. Academic clemency may be granted in accordance with the clemency policy (see "Clemency" on page71 of this catalog).

Transfer Students

Transfer students making application for admission to Arkansas Tech University must submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities where they have been officially registered. Students seeking transfer of credit from other institutions may be asked to provide a catalog or course description from the transfer institution.

Students with fewer than 24 semester hours of earned college-level credit must also submit a high school transcript and must request current ACT or SAT scores be sent to the University. ACT or SAT scores will not be required if the English and mathematics general education requirements have been satisfied with grades of "C" or better. In the event that receipt of a student's transcript is unavoidably delayed, as may frequently occur at midyear, a transfer student may be admitted provisionally pending receipt of the transcript, but the University reserves the right to require immediate withdrawal if the previous record does not meet admission requirements.

Applicants for transfer must have earned a GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) on all college-level courses attempted and be eligible to re-enroll at the last college or university attended.

Financial aid applicants must request a financial aid transcript from each post-secondary institution attended whether they received aid from that institution or not. Aid applications will not be processed until these transcripts are received by the financial aid office.

Transfer Credit

Credit from colleges and universities not accredited by one of the six regional accreditation associations may not be accepted for transfer credit. Courses with grades below "C" are not transferable. A maximum of 68 semester hours of acceptable credit may be transferred from community colleges.

International Student Admissions

Any student who is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered an international student. A brief description of the information required to make application for admission to Arkansas Tech University follows.

1. Application - an application for admission form, properly completed.

2. Application fee - a nonrefundable application fee of $30 (U.S.).

3. Academic records - MUST be originals or school-certified copies of originals of all academic records with official English translations. Notarized copies will not be accepted. Students seeking transfer credit from other institutions must provide English translations of course descriptions. If unable to provide the information, the student may contact an approved credential evaluation service to evaluate transfer courses. A list of approved services can be obtained from the Registrar's Office.

4. English Proficiency - demonstrate English proficiency. Must meet one of the following:

a. A minimum score of 500 on the written TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 173 on the computerized TOEFL. Scores MUST be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (school code6010). Students may also take any similar test of English proficiency approved by Arkansas Tech University at a site authorized by Arkansas Tech University.

b. Successful completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at a site approved by Arkansas Tech University.

5. Evidence of sufficient financial support - approximately $15,500 (U.S.) is needed for 12 months of study, approximately $11,284 is needed for nine months (2 semesters); certified evidence of the source and amount of support must accompany the application. All international students will pay outofstate tuition and will be assessed an international student services fee each semester. In addition, international students must purchase a health insurance policy required by Tech prior to enrollment.

The application for admission and all documentation should be submitted by May 1 for the fall semester, October 1 for the spring semester, and March 1 for summer sessions for priority consideration. Admission will not be granted until all documents have been received and evaluated. Please read under "Admission" for further requirements which may also apply. Upon acceptance, notification will be sent to the student along with an I20 (Certificate of Eligibility). Full payment of tuition and fees must be paid at registration each semester.

Detailed information regarding international student admissions may be obtained by contacting: International Student Services, Doc Bryan Student Services Center, Office 163, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas 728012222, USA; telephone (479) 9640832; FAX (479) 880-2039.

Conditional Admission

First-time entering freshmen students who do not meet standard admission requirements will have the opportunity to be conditionally admitted on academic probation. Transfer students who do not meet standard admission requirements may be considered for admission through a written appeal to the Registrar's Office. Students granted conditional admission will be admitted on academic probation.

Non-Degree Admission

Arkansas Tech University serves the general public by allowing individuals to enroll in classes for professional development and self-fulfillment without meeting regular admission requirements. The student admitted under this policy, who later chooses to pursue a degree, must reapply for admission as a degree seeking student and meet standard admission policies. A maximum of 27 credit hours earned as a non-degree seeking student may be applied to a degree program. Financial Aid benefits may not be granted to students admitted as non-degree seeking. For more information, call the Office of Admissions at (479) 968-0343.

High School - University Admissions

Arkansas Tech University welcomes the opportunity to serve area schools by complementing their programs with special opportunities for students to enroll for college courses and earn college credit by attending Tech during summer sessions or by attending on a part-time basis during the regular academic year, concurrent with enrollment in secondary school. In accordance with the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, paragraph 6-18-223, makes provisions whereby a student who is enrolled in a public school in Arkansas and who has completed the eighth grade is eligible to enroll at Arkansas Tech University upon approval of the appropriate public school official, provided the student presents an ACT composite of 15 and ranks in the upper 25% of their class.

Upon completion of a course(s), students may choose whether or not to have the course(s) and grade(s) recorded for college credit. Students who do not wish to have the course(s) and grade(s) recorded for college credit must notify the Registrar in writing within thirty days of the end of the term or semester. A student must reapply each term or semester attended. The course(s) agreed upon by the student and their high school must also be approved for each term or semester attended by the Director of the Academic Advising Center. Secondary school students are not eligible to enroll in developmental courses in mathematics, English and reading.

Gifted and Talented Youth Program

Exceptionally gifted and talented students who do not qualify for admission through the Secondary School Program may earn college credit through Arkansas Tech's special program for gifted and talented youth.

Admission criteria are:

1. Evidence of exceptional ability.

2. Formal test data.

3. Written permission of parent or guardian.

4. Recommendation by teacher or other professional personnel.

5. Written approval of school principal and/or administrator.

6. Interview by University committee.

The University reserves the right to reject the application for admission of any individual whose enrollment may be deemed detrimental to the quality of life and/or instructional programs of the University.

ACT (American College Testing) Program

Entering freshmen are required to provide Arkansas Tech University with American College Testing (ACT) Assessment scores for purposes of admission, academic placement, and the awarding of academic scholarships. Arkansas Tech University will not accept ACT score reports that are more than five years old. Entering freshmen who have not taken the ACT prior to arrival at Arkansas Tech or whose score report is more than five years old are required to take the Residual ACT preceding their first semester. The ACT, which covers English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning, is administered five times per year at test centers, such as high schools, colleges and universities, across the nation. ACT information and registration forms may be obtained from local high schools, colleges, or universities. You may also contact the Arkansas Tech University Learning Assistance and Testing Center for ACT information and registration materials. In addition, you may correspond directly with ACT at American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, Iowa 52243 or <http://www.act.org>.

The 2002-2003 ACT national test schedule is as follows:

Test Date	Registration Deadline
October 26, 2002	September 20, 2002
December 14, 2002	November 8, 2002
February 8, 2003	January 3, 2003
April 12, 2003	March 7, 2003
June 14, 2003	May 9, 2003

Please check with your local high school, college, university or the Arkansas Tech University Learning Assistance and Testing Center for the 2003-2004 test schedule.

COMPASS (Computerized-Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System)

Entering freshmen who have been out of an educational setting for five or more years are required to provide Tech with American College Testing (ACT) Assessment or Computerized-Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System (COMPASS) scores for purposes of admission and academic placement. COMPASS is administered on the computer and consists of three tests: writing, math, and reading. Tech will not accept ACT or COMPASS score reports that are more than five years old. Entering freshmen who have been out of an educational setting for five or more years and who have not taken the ACT or COMPASS prior to arrival at Tech or whose score report is more than five years old are required to take the Residual ACT or COMPASS preceding the first semester. Please contact the Arkansas Tech University Learning Assistance and Testing Center for ACT or COMPASS information at (479) 968-0302.

Student Retention and Graduation Rates

For information about retention and graduation rates at Tech, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs or the Office of Institutional Research.

Selecting a Major Field

Arkansas Tech University encourages students to give long and serious thought to the selection of a major field of study. They should determine the academic pursuits that lead to the vocations most attractive not only in financial gain but in interest as well. Then they should examine the program of study most closely related to their interest areas.

Undecided Study

Many students entering the University have not chosen a major. The individual who has not decided on a major may enroll in general education courses which are required of all candidates for the baccalaureate degree (see "General Education Requirements" on page82). Students enrolling as "undecided" majors will be assigned to the Academic Advising Center. The Academic Advising Center is located in Room 101 in Bryan Hall and can be contacted by calling (479) 964-0843. Students enrolled as "undecided" may select a major at any time. A student must select a major, however, during the semester in which the student earns 45 credit hours.

Procedure for Scheduling Courses

Detailed procedures for registration/preregistration are contained each semester in the schedule of courses. Prior to enrollment, students, in consultation with an academic advisor in their major field of study, prepare a class schedule and officially register for classes, pay fees and, if living on campus, pay room rent and board.

Course Information

All courses taught at Arkansas Tech University are listed alphabetically by subject area in the back of the catalog. Course symbols, the fourdigit numbers used to identify courses within a department, have the following significance: the first digit of the number denotes the year level at which the course is given; the second and third digits differentiate the course from others in the department; the fourth digit shows the number of credit hours given. Typically an "hour of credit" requires one hour of classroom work per week for the duration of a semester.

Graduate Program

The requirements for the degree of master of education, master of science in education, master of liberal arts, master of arts, master of science and specialist degree are set forth in the publication entitled "Graduate Catalog". Information may be obtained by contacting the Dean of Graduate Studies, telephone (479) 9680398.

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