College of Arts and Science Academic Catalog 2008-2009
Admission and Enrollment
Enrollment Options
The University of Mary Washington offers a number of different enrollment options. Each is designed to meet the needs of a particular student population. All of the University’s degree programs may be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis.
The University’s College of Arts and Science, which is located on the Fredericksburg campus, offers undergraduate degree programs and coursework in the liberal arts and sciences. Most students are enrolled in the traditional Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs. Students may enter these programs as freshmen, usually immediately following the completion of high school, or as transfer students from other two-year or four-year colleges or universities. The majority of the full-time students live in University housing. The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) program offers a flexible degree option, designed specifically to meet the needs of adult students who have some college experience, and want to complete a bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts or sciences.
The University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies, which is located on the Stafford Campus, features professionally-oriented bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, along with various certificate and licensure programs. The Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program is for students who have substantial college experience and want to complete a professionally-oriented bachelor’s degree in areas of business or technology. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program offers two tracks: a post-baccalaureate initial teacher licensure with M.Ed. option, or the M.Ed. for practicing teachers who already have a Virginia Collegiate Professional or Postgraduate Professional license and are pursuing professional development, license renewal, or an added teaching endorsement. The Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) provides courses in management and leadership to experienced professionals. The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MSMIS) is designed to prepare students for management positions in the information systems field. The degree may also be combined with our MBA. The College of Graduate and Professional Studies also offers a variety of certificate programs designed to provide specific professional competencies.
Non-degree-seeking students are those who do not necessarily wish to earn a degree from the University of Mary Washington but who enroll in limited coursework to satisfy particular needs or for general interest. The non-degree enrollment process is much simpler and less formal than that for the degree programs. Individuals may enroll as non-degree-seeking students for the regular session or the summer term on a space-available basis.
The general enrollment procedures for each program are described in the following sections. Anyone considering applying to the University should consult the most recent publications of the particular program or contact the appropriate office for more information.
ADMISSION TO THE BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) OR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) DEGREE PROGRAMS
Admission to the B.A. or B.S. programs is highly competitive. Candidates for admission should present evidence of sound academic preparation including solid performance in a challenging academic program. Standardized test scores, extra-curricular activities, essays, and other factors such as recommendations are also considered. The Admissions Committee offers admission to those candidates who not only meet the minimum requirements but who present the strongest overall credentials in the particular applicant pool.
To be admitted as a degree-seeking student in the B.A. or B.S. programs, an individual must submit an application, official transcripts from all secondary schools and colleges attended, and results of the SAT or ACT. Non-U.S. citizens also must submit the international supplement for admission and, if English is not the primary language, official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
ADMISSION FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOL
A student who wishes to enter Mary Washington as a freshman after graduating from high school should submit the application, along with the non-refundable application fee or an official fee-waiver form approved by a high school guidance counselor. The applicant’s high school should send an official transcript directly to the University. The applicant should also request that results of the SAT or ACT and any other tests be sent directly to the University of Mary Washington.
High School Preparation. Each applicant must have graduated from an accredited secondary school or the equivalent with credit for at least sixteen academic courses emphasizing college preparatory work. The Committee pays careful attention to the quantity and quality of the applicant’s college preparatory curriculum.
Although the University does not require specific courses for admission, successful applicants usually have completed four years of English, three or more years of mathematics (including Algebra II), three or more years of laboratory sciences, three or more years of social sciences, and at least three years of one foreign language or two years each of two foreign languages. In addition to the core academic courses, elective credits earned in subjects such as art, computer science, drama, journalism, and music are appropriate. The University strongly recommends that candidates for admission pursue advanced, honors, dual enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge courses when available. The Admissions Committee believes that the senior year in high school is extremely important and that central academic subjects such as English, mathematics, laboratory sciences, social studies, and foreign language should be continued through the final term.
Character, Personality, and Interests. The University welcomes recommendations from appropriate school officials. The recommendations should assess academic potential as well as character, personality, or interests. Activities that reflect leadership or intellectual interests are significant if they reinforce sound academic achievement. Since Mary Washington operates under an honor system, assurance of personal integrity is essential.
Examinations. Students applying for admission from high school must submit official results of the College Board’s SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. Tests should be taken no later than January in the senior year. The University also welcomes applicants submit results of any SAT Subject Examinations to be considered as part of the applicant’s record. Students seeking to satisfy the University requirement in foreign language should take the SAT Subject test or the AP exam in the foreign language. International students or those whose primary language is not English should also submit TOEFL results.
Admission Plans. Students applying for admission as freshmen may be considered under one of the following two plans:
Honors Admission. The Admissions Committee may select high school students with exceptionally strong academic records to receive Honors Admission. Any student whose application file is complete before January 15 is reviewed for possible Honors Admission. The Committee awards Honors Admission on the basis of outstanding high school performance and test scores. Students who receive Honors Admission are notified throughout the admission cycle but need not make a commitment to attend the University until May 1.
Regular Admission. Most applicants are considered under the Regular Admission plan. All freshman applications for fall semester admission should be submitted by February 1; applicants who meet this suggested filing date will be notified of the Committee’s decision by April 1. Applications filed after February 1 are considered as space permits. Various deadlines concerning final transcripts, deposits, and medical examinations occur following the offer of admission. All students who are accepted for admission are sent the necessary information concerning these requirements. The University adheres to the May 1 National Candidates’ Reply Date.
Deferred Enrollment. Accepted applicants may ask the University for the option of deferring enrollment for up to one year. Each case is considered on an individual basis. Those who are granted deferred enrollment are subject to rules, regulations, and financial charges in effect when they actually enroll. Students who enroll at another institution before enrolling at Mary Washington must reapply for admission.
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge. Students may apply for college credit through the examinations in various academic subjects given by the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board and through the International Baccalaureate examinations. Prospective students may consult the University’s web site or contact the Office of Admissions to request information on those AP and IB examination scores required for credit in particular subject areas. To apply for credit, students must have official examination results forwarded to the University before matriculation. Cambridge courses are evaluated by student request on an individual basis for college credit.
Dual Enrollment. Students earning college credit while still in high school through dual enrollment will have their credits evaluated for possible application toward degree requirements at the University of Mary Washington. These students are considered as freshman applicants. Only official transcripts sent directly to Mary Washington from the credit-granting college or university will be evaluated for the awarding of dual enrollment or transfer credit.
ADMISSION BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
On occasion, the University allows students with exceptional ability to enroll before graduating from high school. Three arrangements cover most circumstances: admission to the summer session; admission to part-time study during the regular session; or admission after the junior year. Details are available from the Office of Admissions or the Office of Academic Services.
ADMISSION AS A TRANSFER STUDENT
The Transfer Admission Process. Prospective B.A. or B.S. program transfer students should submit the application and the non-refundable application fee as early as possible.
Transfer applicants must arrange for their secondary schools and all colleges attended to send official transcripts to the University of Mary Washington. Transfer applicants must also submit results of the SAT or ACT or request a test waiver under specific conditions outlined on the University’s web site. The University should receive all materials by March 1 for the fall semester and by November 1 for the spring semester. After these dates, the Admissions Committee will consider applications as space permits.
The Admissions Committee considers all aspects of the record in deciding whether or not to admit a transfer candidate. Factors considered in the selection process for transfer students include the application for admission, transcripts of all college work, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores. However, the Committee places particular emphasis on the student’s academic program and record of academic achievement in college coursework. Candidates may be considered for transfer admission only if, at the last institution attended, they are not on academic or social probation or suspension.
Transfer Credit. Previous college coursework will be evaluated for transfer credit following an offer of admission. As a rule, transfer credit is granted for courses of the same type (liberal arts and sciences), on the same level, and taught under the same guidelines as courses offered by Mary Washington. Courses for which a student requests transfer credit must have a minimum grade of “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and must not overlap or repeat those which the student takes at the University. No credit will be awarded for courses taken on a pass/fail basis (except physical education courses when grades are not given), prior to matriculation. Transfer applicants should have official transcripts from other institutions sent directly to the Office of Admissions. They also may be asked to provide a catalog or course descriptions for evaluating their credits. In order to receive transfer credit, students must submit official transcripts by deadline dates specified in the Dictionary of Academic Regulations.
VIRGINIA STATE POLICY ON TRANSFER
The Transfer Admission Process. Prospective B.A. or B.S. program transfer students should submit the application and the non-refundable application fee as early as possible.
Transfer applicants must arrange for their secondary schools and all colleges attended to send official transcripts to the University of Mary Washington. Transfer applicants must also submit results of the SAT or ACT or request a test waiver under specific conditions outlined on the University’s web site. The University should receive all materials by March 1 for the fall semester and by November 1 for the spring semester. After these dates, the Admissions Committee will consider applications as space permits.
The Admissions Committee considers all aspects of the record in deciding whether or not to admit a transfer candidate. Factors considered in the selection process for transfer students include the application for admission, transcripts of all college work, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores. However, the Committee places particular emphasis on the student’s academic program and record of academic achievement in college coursework. Candidates may be considered for transfer admission only if, at the last institution attended, they are not on academic or social probation or suspension.
Transfer Credit. Previous college coursework will be evaluated for transfer credit following an offer of admission. As a rule, transfer credit is granted for courses of the same type (liberal arts and sciences), on the same level, and taught under the same guidelines as courses offered by Mary Washington. Courses for which a student requests transfer credit must have a minimum grade of “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and must not overlap or repeat those which the student takes at the University. No credit will be awarded for courses taken on a pass/fail basis (except physical education courses when grades are not given), prior to matriculation. Transfer applicants should have official transcripts from other institutions sent directly to the Office of Admissions. They also may be asked to provide a catalog or course descriptions for evaluating their credits. In order to receive transfer credit, students must submit official transcripts by deadline dates specified in the Dictionary of Academic Regulations.Admission Criteria. The University of Mary Washington is committed to enrolling transfer students from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and Richard Bland College. Admission priority is extended to students who have completed specific Associate of Arts, of Science, or of Arts and Science degrees. Preference is also given to students from the local area. Admission to Mary Washington is competitive and the availability of transfer spaces varies from semester to semester. Admission criteria for applicants to the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) and the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) program specified below are much more flexible; however, such applicants also are encouraged to complete an associate’s degree.
Acceptance and Application of Credits. Students who have earned a transfer associate degree (to include the General Studies degree only at certain approved VCCS campuses) prior to matriculating at Mary Washington will be considered to have attained junior status (60 or more credit hours) and usually to have met lower-division general education requirements, although additional speaking intensive, writing intensive, and foreign language courses may be required to meet the University’s complete general education program. The
UMW Transfer Credit Guide, available on the University’s web site
(www.umw.edu), describes in detail the Virginia State Policy on Transfer and the University’s implementation of that policy.
Guaranteed Admission Agreement. The University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), recognizing the need to facilitate the transfer of students from the community college to UMW, have established a Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA). To be guaranteed admission to UMW, students must complete the requirements to become GAA students (graduation from a transfer-oriented degree program at a Virginia community college with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher on a four-point scale with intent to transfer to Mary Washington) and submit an official transcript showing completion of the associate degree to UMW Admissions Office. In addition, GAA students must have earned a grade of “C” or higher in each community college course applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree program. Students who were previously enrolled at the UMW and transferred back to a VCCS college to complete the transfer-oriented associate degree are not eligible for participation in the GAA. VCCS students who do not meet the terms of the GAA may none the less be highly competitive applicants and are encouraged to apply through the regular admissions process. The University of Mary Washington reserves the right to deny admission to students who have been suspended or dismissed, or to those convicted of a felony. A similar GAA also exists between UMW and Richard Bland College.
ADMISSION TO BACHELOR OF LIBERAL STUDIES (B.L.S.) PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) program, also offered on the Fredericksburg campus, is designed to meet the needs of adult students who have some college experience and want to complete a bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts or sciences. A typical BLS student has at least one of the following characteristics: graduated from high school at least 6 years ago, is a veteran or active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, is married, has legal dependents other than a spouse, or is financially self-supporting.
To be admitted to the BLS program, applicants must have completed 30 transferable college credits with a minimum grade point average of 2.5. At least 15 of these credits should come from college courses taken at a regionally-accredited institution; nontraditional credits (for example, credits earned through the College Level Examination Program, credits for military experience or training, and credits documented by a life/work experience portfolio) are also accepted in transfer.
Students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer. The BLS program operates on a rolling admission basis, but prospective students should complete their applications by the established priority dates in order to facilitate course registration. Specific details and application dates are available in the current admission publications and on the University web site. Applicants should submit an application, a non-refundable application fee (or official fee waiver), essays, and documentation of high school completion or the equivalent, and official college transcripts from all institutions attended. Additionally, any standardized test scores or military coursework transcripts may be sent to the Office of Admissions to be considered for academic credit.
The BLS program offers flexibility for adult students, yet it also offers the advantages of a traditional college degree: exposure to the range of modern liberal learning combined with thorough study in a specific area. Students who have registered for classes in the B.A. or B.S. program at UMW within the past calendar year and who have completed more than 30 credits at the University of Mary Washington may not enroll in the BLS program. The BLS degree requires 120 semester hours of coursework for graduation distributed in three categories: general education, electives, and major. Courses that meet BLS Across-the-Curriculum requirements must be included in the student’s program of study. At least 30 credits must be taken at the University of Mary Washington after admission to the program. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 on all Mary Washington work is also required.
ADMISSION TO THE BACHELOR OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (B.P.S.) PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Professional Studies is a degree-completion program offered on the Stafford campus and designed to provide adult students with specialized professional degrees. Courses are offered on a flexible schedule and at convenient times to meet the needs of busy working adults.
There are several concentrations in the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree program. In order to be admitted to the program, applicants should have completed 30 credits of college level work with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Admission is on a rolling basis, and is offered in the fall, spring, and summer. Applicants must submit the application for admission along with a non-refundable application fee (or official fee waiver), documentation of high school completion or the equivalent, and official college transcripts from all institutions attended. At least 15 of these credits should come from college courses taken at a regionally-accredited institution; however, nontraditional credits (for example, credits earned through the College Level Examination Program, credits for military experience or training, and credits documented by a life/work experience portfolio) may also be accepted in transfer. Complete details about the various BPS concentrations, credit requirements, and admission process are detailed in the current admissions publications and on the University’s web site.
ADMISSION TO THE POST-BACCALAUREATE TEACHER LICENSURE/MASTER OF EDUCATION GRADUATE PROGRAM
The post-baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program with a Master of Education degree option is available to both full-time and part-time commuting students who wish to complete requirements for a license to teach in the public elementary, middle, or secondary schools in Virginia. Any student holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution may apply.
Applicants must submit the M.Ed. application for admission, a non-refundable application fee, official copies of all college/university transcripts, essays, and a resume. Admission to the program is offered in the fall, spring and summer. Applicants should complete their admissions files by the suggested filing dates specified in current admissions publications and on the University’s web site. PRAXIS I scores are required for admission to the program.
A wide range of criteria is considered in reviewing applicants to the teacher licensure/M.Ed. program: academic background, experience with children or adolescents, professional goals, commitment to teaching, personal qualities, life and work experiences, ability to meet the needs of a diverse student population, ability to teach in the endorsement area sought, undergraduate GPA and PRAXIS I test scores, and degree of completion of endorsement coursework. Complete details about the post-baccalaureate teacher licensure/M.Ed. admission process are included in the current admissions publications and on the University web site.
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION (M.B.A.) PROGRAM
The Master of Education for practicing teachers is available on a part-time basis for current teachers seeking professional development, license renewal, or an added teaching endorsement. Any student holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a current Virginia Collegiate Professional or Postgraduate Professional license may apply.
Applicants must submit the M.Ed. application for admission, along with a non-refundable application fee, official copies of all college/university transcripts, essays, and a resume. A copy of the Virginia teaching license must also be submitted with the application. Admission to the program is offered in the fall, spring and summer.
Applicants should complete their admissions files by the suggested filing dates specified in current admissions publications and on the University’s web site. Admission to the Educational Leadership program is offered to a cohort of no more than 25 students each fall. Applicants to this program must submit additional materials including recommendations. Applicants
to the Educational Leadership program will also be required to complete an interview and writing sample. Complete details about the M.Ed. admission process are included in the current admissions publications and on the University’s web site.
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The MBA provides experienced professionals with a quality graduate program that prepares graduates for management and leadership positions in a variety of organizations. Several concentrations are offered in the program. This part-time, evening program requires a baccalaureate degree for admission.
Applicants must submit the MBA application for admission, a non-refundable application fee, official copies of all college/university transcripts, resume, statement of professional goals, and letters of recommendation. New students are admitted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applicants should complete their application files by the suggested filing dates. Complete details about the MBA concentrations and admission process are included in the current admissions publications and on the University’s web site.
ADMISSION AS A NON-DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENT
Non-degree-seeking students are allowed to take courses or certificate programs on either campus of the University of Mary Washington but are not enrolled in any degree program. An abbreviated application form is required. Admission decisions are made by the Registrar at the time of enrollment.
Non-degree-seeking students are allowed to register for up to eleven credits per semester and pay tuition according to the number of enrolled credits. Under certain conditions, a non-degree-seeking student may seek permission from the designated university official to exceed the eleven-credit limit. Non-degree students wishing to apply for admission to a UMW degree program must do so before completing 30 credits in residence.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
In addition to the regular items required for the admission process for each degree program, applicants who are non-U.S. citizens also must submit the UMW International Student Application Supplement. The applicant must submit original academic records and, if those records are not in English, certified copies of the records translated into English. If the student has been educated in a non-English speaking country, all transcripts and documents must be submitted via an approved independent credentials evaluation service. If English is not the applicant’s native language, the University of Mary Washington requires the applicant to demonstrate English competency, normally by submitting results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Visa Information. Non-U.S. citizens who are not permanent residents may need to obtain a student visa. A student must be accepted for admission, pay the deposit, and submit an Affidavit of Support statement. Once the Affidavit of Support is accepted by the University, the student is issued the I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant) to present to the U.S. consul or embassy in the county where the student will be issued an F-1 Visa to study in the United States. Students who are on F-1 Visas must carry a full-time course load while enrolled at the University.