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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: 1-888-345-1721

 

Application Summary
Admission Policy
Freshman and Special Students
High School Preparation Requirements
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, other admission information, or to arrange a visit to the campus, please call or visit 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 below are granted admission to the University. Admission to a specific major may require that additional criteria be satisfied. See specific major sections of catalog for any additional criteria. Each U.S. student is requested to have a social security number for identification on student records. The Office of Admissions will assign an appropriate identification number to international students. Full Disclosure The failure to disclose and submit all documents required for admission, including transcripts from each institution in which the applicant has enrolled, or any 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

Updated: Admission to the University is granted to qualified seniors from approved high schools pending the 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 or at the back of this publication. 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. The high school career/guidance counselor or principal 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. A minimum ACT composite score of 21 is normally required.

B. Admission Guidelines

Updated: Admission is granted 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 also be satisfied. See "High School Preparation Requirements for Admission" below.

High School Preparation Requirements New entering freshmen are required to have a minimum high school rank of 50% or a composite score of 21 on the ACT. In addition, the following preparation standard requirements must also 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 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) Updated: 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 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 which are considered in the determination of the granting of a 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 minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 ("C") in their first eight (8) 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 Education Development examination (GED) and secure a diploma or certificate from a qualified state or local agency before completing the Bemidji State University Admission 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 Admission Form. The application form is available upon request from the Office of Admissions and Scholarships or at the back of this publication. 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 granted 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.

III. Special Students

Updated: Students may enroll at Bemidji State University for a purpose other than seeking a degree, provided they are not currently on academic suspension from another post secondary institution. Special students do not qualify for financial aid.

A. Application Procedures

Students seeking admission as "Special Students" are required to complete the Special Student Application Form. The student is not required to provide an application fee or official secondary and/or post-secondary transcripts or records. A student admitted as a special student who later decides to pursue a degree objective is required to complete the Bemidji State University Admission Form and satisfy all remaining admission requirements.

B. Admission Guidelines

Admission as a special student requires that an applicant has been graduated from an approved secondary school or has successfully completed the GED with the minimum scores.

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 Options Program are subject to change without notice.

A. Application Procedures

Students seeking admission to the high school options 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

To be eligible for participation in this program, a student must be in the upper 30 percent of his/her high school class. 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

Complete and return the Special High School Student Application, available in the Office of Admissions. 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 session.

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 for Admission. The form is available at all Minnesota Community Colleges and/or from the Office of Admissions and Scholarships. An alternate form is also available at the back of this publication. 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.

A student who has attended a technical college/institute and has taken less than thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter credits is required to have official high school records or the GED scores or certificate sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

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

B. Admission Guidelines

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

All credits attempted at other college(s) 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 another institution(s) accepted in transfer into the major or minor field of study is subject to departmental approval. Credits earned ten (10) or more years ago, at departmental discretion, may or may not be accepted.

All credit in which a letter grade of "D" was earned will not be accepted in transfer, except when transferred as part of an Associate of 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 of a 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

Factors considered for transfer admission include a minimum grade point average of 2.00 ("C") for all credits attempted, plus the institution(s) from which the student is transferring must be regionally accredited for credit to be accepted in transfer. A transfer student who is a candidate for a baccalaureate degree 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 session 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 included at least forty-five (45) semester credits of comparable liberal (general) education requirements. In addition, the Associate in Arts (A.A.) program must include a minimum of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter credits of completed course work, which is defined as college level and designated to constitute the foundation of a baccalaureate degree. 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 has earned the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree or has 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 other regionally accredited community or junior colleges will be recognized as having satisfied the Bemidji State University liberal education requirements provided that the degree includes a minimum of forty-five (45) semester credits of comparable liberal (general) education requirements. In addition, the Associate in Arts (A.A.) program must include a minimum of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter credits of completed course work which is 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 must complete a minimum of sixty-four (64) semester credits 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 those which grant 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 session 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, an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, or who has not completed the requirements for a two-year 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 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 at least seven (7) semester credits in residence in the semester or summer session 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. 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, Advanced Placement and College Level Proficiencies.)

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, 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 the 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. (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 at the college or program you wish to enter.

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

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. The student who changes her/his 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 explanation as to reasons should any credits not have been accepted.
3. Updated: You are entitled to receive a copy of the institution's formal appeals process. Appeal may include the following: 1) Student completes the appeals form; helpful supplemental information, such as a course syllabus, course description, reading list, text(s) used, etc., may be helpful. 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 (ADMISSIONS OFFICE).

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 Part "D", the Financial Information Section.
2. The $20.00 (U.S.) non-refundable admission application fee.
3. English translations of all official educational records.
4. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) results with a minimum score of at least 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 handwritten 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 official transcripts for evaluation from each previously attended institution.

Returning students who have been academically suspended must petition for readmission and should refer to the section on Academic Probation and Suspension in this catalog for readmission guidelines.

Returning students are requested to notify the Records Office 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 which may normally lead to a degree. Some majors may require a special application (e.g. nursing and education).

Special: A special student is not a degree candidate. A special student must meet the same academic progress requirements as a regular student. An undergraduate special student is encouraged to apply for regular student status if he/she plans 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. Updated: 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 the Records Office.
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, the Records Office 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 senior citizens 62 years of age or over may attend courses at Bemidji State University without payment of tuition or activity fee. Senior citizens may attend courses offered for credit, audit any courses offered for credit, or enroll in non-credit courses contingent on space availability after all tuition-paying students have been accommodated. An administrative fee of $6.00 per semester credit is to be collected only when a course is taken for credit. Enrollees are responsible for laboratory or material fees. No limit shall be placed on the number of terms senior citizens may attend and no income limitation is imposed in determining eligibility.

Admission Procedures

1. Complete the application for senior citizen status at the time of registration.
2. Contact the Records Office 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.