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Section II

Admission

The Office of Admissions and Scholarships

Deputy Hall 102

1500 Birchmont Drive NE

Bemidji, MN 56601-2699

218-755-2040

Minnesota toll free: 1-877-BEMIDJI (236-4354)

 

Application Summary
Admission Policy
High School Preparation Requirements
Freshman and Special Students
Transfer Students
International Students
Readmission of Former Students
Classification of Students
Veterans/Veterans' Dependents
Senior Citizens

Bemidji State University welcomes applications for admission. Detailed procedures and guidelines appear in the next few pages. For help with the application process, or other admission information, or to arrange a visit to the campus, please contact the Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

Application Summary

Prospective students should submit a completed application for admission, the application fee, and official transcript(s) from each previously attended secondary and/or post-secondary institution at least four (4) weeks prior to the semester of initial enrollment.

International students are requested to initiate the application process at least four (4) months prior to the intended semester of enrollment (see International Students section).

Admission Policy Applicants who meet the admission standards stated in this section are eligible for admission to the University. Admission to a specific major may require that additional criteria be satisfied. See specific major sections of this catalog for any additional criteria. Full Disclosure Failure to disclose and submit all documents required for admission, including transcripts from each institution in which the applicant has enrolled, or falsification of information required for admission confirmation may result in immediate suspension and loss of all credit earned at Bemidji State University.

Freshmen and Special Students

I. Admission of High School Students

Admission to the University is open to qualified seniors from approved high schools pending verification of the satisfaction of preparatory standards and receipt of ACT scores. Applicants who complete their secondary education through home study, home school, or other programs will be reviewed individually. Submission of ACT scores is required of all applicants who have completed high school within the last two (2) years.

A. Application Procedures

All high school applicants are required to complete the Bemidji State University Application Form, available through the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, through the BSU website, and at the back of this catalog. The completed application form along with a $20.00 non-refundable application fee should be provided to the high school career/guidance counselor or the principal, who will attach an official transcript and forward the application to the University. Only students who have been out of high school for more than two years are not required to submit ACT scores.

B. Admission Guidelines

Admission is open to students who rank in the upper half of their graduating class or who achieve a composite score of 21 or above on the ACT. In addition, college preparation courses must be satisfied. See "High School Preparation Requirements" below.

High School Preparation Requirements New entering freshmen are required to have a minimum high school rank of 50 percent or a composite score of 21 on the ACT. In addition, the following preparation standard requirements must be satisfied. Preparation Standard Requirements for New Entering Freshmen To be considered for admission as a new entering freshman, an applicant must have completed courses determined to be college preparatory in the following pattern. Required academic core consisting of: Four (4) years of English [including composition, literature, and speech] Three (3) years of Mathematics [two (2) years of algebra, of which one (1) is intermediate or advanced algebra, and one (1) year of geometry] Three (3) years of Science [at least one (1) year each of a biological and a physical science and at least one (1) course including significant laboratory experience] Three (3) years of Social Studies [including one (1) year each of U.S. history and geography] Two (2) years of World Language [including non-English native languages and American Sign Language] Specified electives chosen from at least one (1) of the following: World Culture (including world cultures, area studies, and cultural or ethnic studies) The Arts (visual arts and the performing arts of theatre, music, dance, and media arts) Students who transfer into a Minnesota State University with an Associate of Arts degree or the completed Minnesota transfer curriculum from a Minnesota Community College or the University of Minnesota will have met the preparation requirements.

C. Conditional Admission for High School Graduates

A student who does not meet the minimum admission criteria may be offered conditional admission status. Factors considered in granting conditional admission status include the student's overall academic record, the nature of the curriculum, date of graduation, work experience, potential of the applicant to pursue a collegiate program as evidenced by letters of reference (particularly from high school faculty), evidence of leadership, achievement test scores, volunteer activities, and participation in extracurricular school programs.

Conditionally admitted students are required to achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 ("C") in their first twelve (12) semester credits of attempted letter grade courses. All conditionally admitted freshmen are required to participate in the University assessment program and may be required to enroll in prescribed courses.

II. Admission of Students Who Are Not High School Graduates

A student who has not finished high school must first successfully complete the General Educational Development examination (GED) and secure a diploma or certificate from a qualified state or local agency before completing the Bemidji State University Application Form.

A. Application Procedures

An applicant who has successfully completed the GED with a composite score of 50 or better is required to complete the Bemidji State University Application Form, which is available upon request from the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, through the BSU website, and at the back of this catalog. The completed application form along with a $20.00 non-refundable application fee and official GED certificate or scores must be provided to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

B. Admission Guidelines

Admission is open to applicants who have successfully completed the GED at the high school level with the minimum scores. All admitted GED students are required to participate in the University's new-student assessment program. Placement in special courses may be required. Admission will not be granted to GED recipients prior to the time they would have graduated with their high school class.

III. Special Students

Students may enroll at Bemidji State University for a purpose other than seeking a degree, provided they are not currently on suspension or have financial obligations from another post-secondary institution. Special students do not qualify for financial aid and are not eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

A. Application Procedures

Students seeking admission as special students are required to complete the Special Student Application Form. These students are not required to provide an application fee or official secondary or post-secondary transcript or record. Students admitted as special students who later decide to pursue a degree are required to complete the Bemidji State University Application Form and satisfy all remaining admission requirements.

B. Admission Guidelines

Admission as a special student requires that an applicant has graduated from an approved secondary school or has successfully completed the GED with the minimum scores. Admission will not be granted to GED recipients prior to the time they would have graduated with their high school class.

IV. Access to Excellence: The Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program

As enacted by the 1985 Minnesota Legislature, a Minnesota high school junior or senior may enroll in academic year course work at Bemidji State University as part of the student's full-time high school enrollment. Participation in this program requires the approval of the parent or legal guardian, the high school, and the University. The guidelines for participation in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program are subject to change without notice.

A. Application Procedures

Students seeking admission to this program are required to complete the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Form. The application process is initiated through the high school guidance/career counselor. The application is subject to final approval by the University.

B. Admission Guidelines

Bemidji State University has established the following admissions eligibility criteria for students participating in the PSEO program:

• Traditional High School Participants--Students who are currently enrolled as juniors and seniors at Minnesota public or private high schools, who rank in the upper 25 percent of their graduation class, are eligible for admission.
• Charter School, Alternative/Area Learning Center (ALC), or Home School Participants--For juniors or seniors with less than one academic year of attendance at a charter, ALC, or home school, eligibility for admission will be based on the high school rank of the most recent high school attended. The rank must be in the top 25 percentile.

  For juniors or seniors with at least one academic year of attendance at a charter, ALC, or home school, eligibility for admission will be based on the composite score on either the ACT or the SAT test. A minimum composite score of 24 on the ACT and 1170 on the SAT (both scores are equivalent to each test’s top 25 percent) will be required for admission in the PSEO program. For juniors applying to the program, a minimum score of 1625 on the PSAT and a minimum composite score of 19 on the PLAN will be accepted if the ACT or SAT has not yet been taken. For admission eligibility, the only nationally standardized tests that are recognized are the ACT, SAT, PLAN, and PSAT.

• Cultural Exchange--Students from other countries participating in cultural exchange programs at Minnesota high schools are not eligible for the PSEO program. [MS 124D.09].

Students are required to reapply each semester. All attempted course work and student progress is subject to the academic regulations and policies of the University.

 V. Early Enrollment of High School Students

Bemidji State University does permit high school junior and senior students with demonstrated high academic ability to enroll in 1000- and 2000-level courses. Enrollment in 3000- and 4000-level courses is not permitted.

A. Application Procedures

Students must complete and return the Special High School Student Application, available in the Office of Admissions and Scholarships. This form requires the approval of the high school principal, high school counselor, and each University course instructor. Official transcripts and an application fee are not required.

B. Admission Guidelines

Students must rank in the top 30 percent of their high school class. All semester credits and grades earned as an early enrollment student become part of the student's permanent record. An early enrollment student normally may register for one course per semester or summer school.

Transfer Students

I. Admission of Transfer Students

A student who has completed course work for credit at a regionally accredited postsecondary institution(s) must request admission with advanced standing as a transfer student.

A. Application Procedures

All transfer applicants are required to complete the Bemidji State University Application Form, which is available at all Minnesota community colleges, at the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, and at the back of this catalog. The completed application form along with the $20.00 non-refundable application fee should be sent to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships. An official transcript from each postsecondary institution previously attended must also be submitted directly from the postsecondary institution(s). A transfer student will be considered for admission once all official transcripts have been received in the Office of Admissions and Scholarships. Students MAY NOT DISREGARD ANY RECORD OF PREVIOUSLY ATTEMPTED STUDY. The student who does so is subject to suspension from the University.

Students who have attended a technical college or institute and have taken fewer than twenty-four (24) semester or thirty-six (36) quarter credits are required to have their official high school records or GED scores or certificate sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

A transfer student who graduated from high school in 1994 or later but did not satisfy the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities high school preparation requirements at the time of graduation must successfully complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester or thirty-six (36) quarter credits at a postsecondary institution to be exempted from the need to satisfy the preparation requirements.

B. Admission Guidelines

The evaluation of courses and recognition of postsecondary credits by Bemidji State University are not dependent upon any other institution's prior course acceptance and credit evaluation.

All credits attempted at other colleges will be evaluated to determine the admission of an applicant to the University, even though that credit may not be accepted in transfer.

College credit from other institutions accepted in transfer into the major or minor field of study is subject to departmental approval. Credits earned ten (10) or more years ago may or may not be accepted by the department.

All credit in which a letter grade of "D" was earned will not be accepted in transfer, except when transferred as part of a complete Minnesota Transfer Curriculum or an Associate in Arts degree from a regionally accredited college.

C. Conditional Admission of Transfer Students

A conditional (probationary) admission may be offered to a student who has compiled a grade point average of less than 2.00 ("C"). Students who are admitted on this basis must maintain a minimum 2.00 ("C") average during the first semester of enrollment. In addition, a conditionally admitted student may be required to enroll in prescribed courses.

II. Evaluation of College Transfer Credits

In order for credit to be accepted in transfer, a minimum grade point average of 2.00 ("C") must have been achieved for all credits attempted, plus the institution(s) from which the student is transferring must be regionally accredited. A transfer student who is working toward a baccalaureate degree and who has transferred from a four-year college or university must complete a minimum of thirty (30) semester credits, two (2) academic semesters, in residence at Bemidji State University. A minimum of seven (7) semester credits in residence must be completed during the semester or summer school immediately preceding graduation.

A transfer student who has earned an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree from a regionally accredited college or university may be determined to have satisfied the Bemidji State University liberal education requirements, provided the A.A. degree program includes at least forty-five (45) semester credits of comparable liberal (general) education requirements. In addition, the A.A. program must include a minimum of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter credits of completed course work defined as college level and designated to constitute the foundation of a baccalaureate degree. Completion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum that is validated on the official transcript will satisfy Bemidji State University’s liberal education requirements. Courses numbered less than 1000 (100 at some institutions) will not be recognized in transfer.

III. Transfer Credits from Community Colleges, Junior Colleges, and Two-Year Institutions

A. Associate in Arts Degree

A transfer student who earned an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree or completed the Minnesota transfer (general education) curriculum at a Minnesota community college in 1986 or later will have satisfied the liberal education requirements of Bemidji State University. An Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree earned at a Minnesota community college prior to 1986 or from another regionally accredited community or junior college will be recognized as having satisfied the Bemidji State University liberal education requirements provided the degree includes a minimum of forty-five (45) semester credits of comparable liberal (general) education requirements. In addition, the A.A. program must include a minimum of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter credits of completed course work defined as college level (courses numbered 1000/100 or above) and designated to constitute the foundation of a baccalaureate degree. A transfer student enrolled in an A.A. degree program who has not completed all degree requirements will have each completed course evaluated on an individual basis.

A graduate of a community college, junior college, or other two-year institution with an A.A. degree, must complete a minimum of sixty-four (64) semester credits, or forty-three (43) semester credits at the 3000 level or above, from a four-year degree-granting college or university, to include a minimum of thirty (30) semester credits, two (2) academic semesters, in residence at Bemidji State University. (A four-year degree-granting college or university is defined as one which grants the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and/or Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree[s].) A minimum of seven (7) semester credits in residence must be in the semester or summer school immediately preceding graduation.

B. Minnesota Transfer (General Education) Curriculum

A student who has successfully completed the Minnesota transfer (general education) curriculum as determined by the institution(s) at which the credits were earned will have satisfied the liberal education requirements of Bemidji State University.

C. Associate in Science Degree, Associate in Applied Science, or No Degree

A student who has earned an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, or who has not completed the requirements for an Associate in Arts degree from a regionally accredited college or university will have each completed course evaluated on an individual basis. Any remaining Bemidji State University liberal education requirements and a minimum of sixty-four (64) semester credits, or forty-three (43) semester credits at the 3000 level or above, must be completed from a regionally or professionally accredited four-year degree granting college or university. A minimum of thirty (30) semester credits, two (2) academic semesters, must be completed in residence at Bemidji State University, with a minimum of seven (7) semester credits completed in residence during the semester or summer school immediately preceding graduation.

IV. Transfer Credits from Technical Colleges/Institutes

The student who has attended an accredited technical college or institute is eligible for transfer credit consideration. A maximum of sixteen (16) semester credits may be awarded; however, a department may recommend that additional credits be applied toward the major. General education credits from Minnesota technical colleges may be considered. These credits will be determined on a course-by-course evaluation. Specific articulation agreements with Minnesota technical colleges and Dunwoody Institute are in place which determine additional credits that will be granted to students majoring in Industrial Technology. (See also "Proficiency Credit" in Section IV.)

V. Additional Transfer Policies

1. Correspondence credit(s) and course work considered in transfer MAY NOT exceed ten (10) semester credits.
2. Courses determined to be developmental and/or remedial in nature, typically numbered under 1000 (100 in some institutions) WILL NOT be accepted in transfer.
3. Only credits with a grade of "C" or above will be accepted in transfer, except in the case of a student with a completed Associate in Arts degree or Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, which has been determined to have satisfied the Bemidji State University liberal education requirements.
4. Credit for military service schools will be evaluated, with ACE recommendations used for purposes of ascertaining appropriate level, equivalencies, and credits.
5. Certain majors require a grade point average higher than 2.00 ("C"), which is the requirement for admission to the University.
6. At least one-third of the credits to be included in the major must be successfully completed at Bemidji State University.

VI. Preparing for Transfer

For the student currently enrolled in a college or university:

1. Discuss your plans with a campus transfer specialist in the Office of Admissions and Scholarships at Bemidji State University.
2. Call or visit your intended transfer college/university and obtain the following materials and information:
   1. College/university undergraduate catalog/bulletin.
   2. Transfer brochure or other pertinent materials.
   3. Information on admissions criteria and materials required for admission (e.g., portfolio, transcripts, test scores). Note that some majors may have limited enrollments and/or their own special admission requirements, such as a higher grade point average.
   4. Information regarding financial aid (how to apply and any deadline dates).
3. Review the above materials, then make an appointment to visit with an advisor/counselor/transfer specialist in the college or program you wish to enter.

   For the student not currently enrolled in a college or university, begin by meeting with a transfer specialist or admissions representative at the college/university to which you intend to transfer.

VII. Understanding How Transfer of Credit Works

1. The receiving college/university decides how credits transfer and whether the credits meet degree requirements. The accreditation of both the sending and the receiving institution may affect the transfer of credits you are granted.
2. Institutions accept credits from courses and programs which are similar to those they offer; similarity in course goals, content, and level are important.
3. It is possible that some credits that transfer may not help you graduate. Baccalaureate degree programs usually count credits in three categories: liberal (general) education, major/minor courses and their prerequisites, and electives.
4. Students who change their career goal or major may have to complete more than the minimum number of credits required for the degree sought.

VIII. Applying for Transfer Admission

1. Submit the application for admission and application fee. (See I.A. above for the Bemidji State University procedure.)
2. Request official transcript(s) from the institution(s) you previously attended. (See I.A. above for the Bemidji State University procedure.)
3. Be sure you have provided the college/university with all necessary materials. Most institutions do not make admissions decisions until all required documents are received.
4. Should you have not received a reply from your intended college/university of transfer one month after all necessary materials were submitted, call to inquire as to the status of your application.
5. Following your acceptance of admission by the college or university to which you plan to transfer, the credits which appear on your transcript will be evaluated. A written evaluation should inform you as to how your courses transfer and what they fulfill. Courses which may fulfill specific major or minor requirements may not be determined until you are on the campus and have declared a major and minor or in some cases have been accepted for admission to the major department/program.

IX. Your Rights as a Transfer Student

1. You are to receive a clear, understandable statement of an institution's transfer policies.
2. You are entitled to a fair credit review and an explanation regarding any credits not accepted.
3. You are entitled to receive a copy of the institution's formal appeals process. The appeals process may include the following: 1) A request for supplemental information, such as a course syllabus, course description, reading list, text(s) used, etc.; 2) An academic department or appeals committee will review the appeal; 3) The student receives the outcome of the appeal in writing; 4) The student can appeal the decision. Contact the campus transfer specialist(s) (Paul Muller or Evonne McKinzie in the Office of Admissions and Scholarships at Bemidji State University).
4. Upon your request, you may receive a review of eligibility for financial aid and/or scholarship(s).

FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR TRANSFER QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS, SEE YOUR CAMPUS TRANSFER SPECIALIST (OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND SCHOLARSHIPS).

International Students

Bemidji State University encourages international students with a strong academic record of achievement to apply for admission. All admitted international students whose first language is other than English are required to participate in the Bemidji State University English as a Second Language Assessment Program during the International Student Orientation, which is held prior to the beginning of each semester. The level of proficiency achieved in each area (i.e., reading, writing, speaking, listening) determines whether or not a student is required to enroll in English as a Second Language course work. If a student is required to enroll in English as a Second Language course work, all University proficiency requirements must be satisfied within the student's first two (2) semesters. International students must initiate their enrollment fall or spring semester (not summer). A maximum of four (4) semester credits of English as a Second Language will be included in a degree program.

A. Admission Procedures

Undergraduate students who are not permanent residents or citizens of the United States will be considered for admission after submitting the following:

1. A completed and signed International Student Admission Application Form, including the Financial Information Section.
2. The $20.00 (U.S.) non-refundable admission application fee.
3. English translations of all official educational records.
4. TOEFL (Test of English as a international Language) results with a minimum score of 500.
5. A letter of recommendation from a principal, headmaster, teacher, or academic advisor who is familiar with the student's potential to pursue a course of study at Bemidji State University.
6. A 300-word essay outlining the student's academic background and educational objectives.

B. Admission Guidelines

Students applying for admission must have a strong record of academic achievement. International students must meet academic requirements equivalent to those for all freshmen or transfer students as described in this catalog. Bemidji State University may accept academic course work and credit in transfer completed at recognized international institutions. An individual evaluation is completed for each record. International students are not required to provide results from the ACT or SAT.

C. English as a Second Language

Bemidji State University offers a multi-level individualized program for the non-native English speaking student. The TOEFL score minimum for the undergraduate is 500. The minimum requirement for the graduate student is 550. The English as a Second Language Program is designed to encourage the learning of the structure and usage of the English language and to perfect the student's overall skills in all language areas. The program assists the non-native English speaking student who has a limited background in English by providing

- a flexible curriculum with specialized courses that focus on the particular needs of the foreign student;

- individualized learning strategies;

- activities designed to practice English in everyday situations and academic settings; and

- an ongoing support system while making the cultural adjustment.

Readmission of Former Students

Previously admitted Bemidji State University students who are in good academic standing are not required to reapply upon returning to the University. Students absent for one semester or more (summer excluded) will be classified as returning students. Returning students who have attended other post-secondary institutions must submit for evaluation official transcripts from each previously attended institution.

Returning students who have been academically suspended must petition for readmission and should refer to "Academic Probation and Suspension" in Section IV.

Returning students are requested to notify Records and Advising Services of their re-enrollment decision.

Classification of Students

Students at Bemidji State University are classified as regular, special, or auditor.

Regular: A regular student is one who is admitted and follows a curriculum that normally leads to a degree. Some majors may require a special application (e.g., nursing and education).

Special: A special student is not working toward a degree. A special student must meet the same academic progress requirements as a regular student. Undergraduate special students are encouraged to apply for regular student status if they plan to pursue a degree program.

Auditor: A student who audits a course does not take it for credit. Such a student must indicate intention to audit a course at the time of registration. A student who audits a course is subject to the same fees as credit students. For further discussion, see "Grade Explanations" in Section IV.

Veterans/Veterans' Dependents

The Minnesota State Approving Agency has approved Bemidji State University for the education of veterans.

Bemidji State University assists veterans with enrollment procedures and obtaining educational assistance allowance (GI Bill), as well as other benefits provided by the Veterans Administration (VA). The Veterans Service Office, staffed by veteran students, provides assistance to students in securing special services such as tutoring; counseling on personal, educational, and career matters; and referral to state and county social services.

A. Admission Procedures

1. Application for veteran's benefits can be submitted through the Veterans Service Office in Sanford Hall.
2. Students who have obtained a VA certificate of eligibility for Bemidji State University should attach a copy at the time of application for admission.
3. The University will complete the enrollment certificate. Enrollment for full-time students is normally for the academic year. Summer school and/or workshops are separate enrollment periods. Date of enrollment is based on the school calendar, workshop dates, or contract periods.
4. Bemidji State University is approved for veterans by the State Approving Agency. Recipients of VA educational benefits must successfully complete the number of semester credits for which they are certified (12 semester credits equals full-time, 9-11 equals 3/4 time, 6-8 equals 1/2 time), with satisfactory progress according to BSU academic standards. A reduction of training time from full- to part-time will be reported to the Veterans Administration and the veteran will experience a corresponding decrease in payment. A notice of unsatisfactory progress will be sent to the Veterans Administration if a student is academically suspended and has had one trial semester.
5. Each veteran is responsible for immediately reporting any change in his or her academic load to Records and Advising Services.
6. Payment of benefit allowances is made monthly, based on satisfactory progress in approved courses and conduct. Payments are released on the basis of the enrollment certification furnished by the school to the Veterans Administration.
7. When a student completes, drops out, or interrupts the course of training, Records and Advising Services and the Veterans Service Office must be notified by the veteran.
8. Advance payment is possible only if the veteran specifically requests it at the time of application for benefits. To receive advance payment, the application must be received by the Veterans Administration at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the semester and not more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the beginning of the semester.

B. Additional Considerations

The spouse and child of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability may be entitled to educational benefits under VA regulations. Further information may be obtained from the Veterans Administration or the Bemidji State University Veterans Service Office.

Senior Citizens

Minnesota residents 62 years of age or over may enroll in courses for credit, audit any course offered for credit, or enroll in non-credit courses. Audited and non-credit courses do not require payment of tuition or the activity fee. Courses taken for credit require $18.00 per semester credit. All students are responsible for the cost of laboratory fees, books, and materials. No limit is placed on the number of terms senior citizens may attend, and no income limitation is imposed in determining eligibility. Enrollment is contingent, however, on space availability after all other tuition-paying students have been accommodated.

Admission Procedures

1. Complete the application for senior citizen status at the time of registration.
2. Contact Records and Advising Services for the time and location of registration.

Minnesota senior citizens are requested to complete the appropriate data form at registration in compliance with Public Law 1974, Chapter 479. This information will be used for advising purposes, statistical information, and to locate students in case of an emergency or necessity.