Graduate & Continuing Studies Undergraduate Catalog and Handbook 2006-2007

Admission

Admission :: Application Procedure :: Admission Procedure :: Matriculation Requirements :: Classification of Transfer Students :: Period of Deferral

Graduate & Continuing Studies programs are designed for women and men age 23 or older who are unable to attend classes in the traditional college setting.  Admission presupposes the readiness to undertake the task of working independently, the ability to maintain a positive and critical approach to studies and creative work, and the capacity to collaborate with advisors and instructors, and to make use of constructive feedback and advice.

Applicants who do not meet the age requirement but are unable to attend classes in the traditional college setting may petition the Executive Director of Graduate & Continuing Studies in writing for special admission.  The applicant may be required to provide additional references.  The Executive Director of Graduate & Continuing Studies will review the applicants' case and make the decision whether to grant special admission on an individual basis.  Students granted special admission will be closely monitored during their first year of study.

Effective March 20, 2007

Students who wish to pursue a major that is only offered residentially under the current GCS tuition rates may do so under the following guidelines:

To apply:

• Student must apply and be accepted through GCS in consultation with the appropriate department chair.
• Preference is given to students age 23 or older.

Once accepted into a program:

• Student will be advised jointly by GCS and department faculty.
• Student may enroll in up to 11 credit hours per semester; no more than 6 of these credit hours may be taken in residential courses per semester.
• Student must enroll through GCS during regularly-scheduled GCS enrollment periods and will be allowed in residential courses provided space is available after residential students have enrolled.
• Student must take courses offered by GCS when possible. This includes courses within the major, courses to fulfill the liberal arts requirements, and electives.
• Student will be eligible to apply for federal student loans. No institutional aid is available.
• Student may be charged additional fees for on-campus courses.
• Student may have access to on-campus student services for an additional fee. These services include the Health Connection, the Academic Resource Center, the Student Health Center and Career Services.

Students, regardless of age, who wish to take more than 6 credit hours on campus per semester must apply through the Stephens College Admission Office.

Application Procedure

Please submit the following to the Stephens College Graduate & Continuing Studies in order for your application to be reviewed:

• Completed and signed Graduate & Continuing Studies application for admission.
• Non-refundable application fee of $50.
• Personal Statement of 300-500 words
• Official high school transcript or GED score report (Degree-seeking students only)
• Official transcripts from all previously and currently attended accredited institutions.  Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Stephens College and bear the institution's official seal and Office of the Registrar's signature.
• If applicable, official documentation for credit evaluation from other sources, such as professional programs and testing programs.
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score if English is not your first language.  Minimum score requirements are 213 (computer-based) or 550 (paper-based).

Application materials should be sent to Stephens College, Graduate & Continuing Studies, 1200 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65215.

Admission Procedure

• The Executive Director of Graduate & Continuing Studies reviews completed application files and extends an offer of admission to those who meet the admission requirements.
• The Registrar and the appropriate Department Chair examine transfer credit. The Academic Advisor will provide advising information and a degree plan worksheet to the student.

Provisional Acceptance

Applicants may be accepted on a provisional basis if approved by the Division of Graduate & Continuing Studies. Provisional acceptance allows students to enroll in classes for one semester. Students accepted on a provisional basis may not enroll for the next semester until their file is complete and they are officially accepted.

Matriculation Requirement

All students must participate in an online orientation session to fully matriculate into the Graduate & Continuing Studies program.

Classification of Transfer Students

Students are classified according to the amount of course credit earned.  Freshman:  0 to 26.9 semester hours; Sophomore:  27.0 to 53.9 semester hours; Junior:  54.0 to 86.9 semester hours; Senior:  87.0 or more semester hours.  Refer to "Options for Earning Credit" for details of converting transfer credit.

Period of Deferral

Students may have extenuating circumstances that prevent them from beginning the semester for which they applied.  A student may defer an offer of admission for one calendar year, after which they will need to reapply for admission.

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