Admissions

All inquiries about admission, applications for admission, and transcripts of credit should be addressed to the:

Office of Admissions
East Tennessee State University
Box 70731
Johnson City, TN 37614-1701

A personal interview is generally not required during the admissions procedure; however, when circumstances require that enrollment be restricted, an interview may be required.

Any student withholding application information or giving false information may be ineligible for admission or may be denied continuation of studies at the university.

Requirements for Admission

Freshman Admission

Applicants for degree admission as first-time freshmen must provide an official transcript showing graduation from high school.* Graduates of high schools in any state are eligible to apply for admission to the freshman class. Graduates of Tennessee public high schools must provide a transcript certifying satisfactory performance on the Tennessee Gateway Tests in Mathematics, Language, and Science.

Applicants must request that the high school mail or provide through EDI a transcript of their high school records to the Office of Admissions at the time of application. The transcript of a Tennessee resident who is home schooled must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (Tennessee Code Ann. 49-50-801), or be accompanied by certification of registration with the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend.

A score report from the American College Testing Program (ACT) must be submitted by all entering freshmen who are under 21 years of age. If ACT scores are not available, SAT scores may be substituted.

The university schedules ACT assessment periodically throughout the year. Applicants for admission and students enrolled at ETSU are eligible to participate in the ACT testing program.

Applications for admission must be approved by the last day of registration (official census date) of a semester in order to be effective with that semester. Proof of immunizations must be provided prior to course registration. Inquiries regarding immunization should be addressed to the Health Clinic, ETSU, Box 70675, Johnson City, TN 37614.

* Exceptions made for GED applicants and early admission of first-time freshmen after the junior year in high school.

Required High School Courses

The following high school courses are required for freshman applicants who have not reached age 21.

Applicants with disabilities which directly prevent them from completing any required high school units should provide documentation of the disability during the admission process in order to receive consideration for waiver of the related unit requirements.

In addition to these, an additional unit in the arts, in mathematics, and in foreign languages is recommended. Different requirements may exist for some freshman applicants (e.g., GED, early admission, or international students). Applicants who meet the required high school GPA and/or ACT/SAT, who attended high schools not offering the required courses, may be admitted to the university, but must remove the deficiencies during the first 64 semester hours.

Freshman applicants under age 21 who are not deficient in required high school units are eligible for admission by presenting minimum grade point average and ACT/SAT results according to the following:

1. a minimum grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or
2. minimum ACT composite of 19 (or equivalent SAT).

Freshman applicants under age 21 who are deficient in required high school units may, under special circumstances, be admitted to the university; however, the deficiencies must be removed during the first 60 semester hours of college enrollment.

Admission by Exception: Freshman applicants under age 21 who are deficient in required high school units may be considered for admission according to the following:

1. minimum ACT composite of 21 (or equivalent SAT) — up to two deficiencies;
2. ACT composite of 19 or 20 (or equivalent SAT) and a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale — up to two deficiencies — admission determined by committee review — committee chaired by the Vice Provost.

Alternative Admission: A limited number of alternative admission positions (150) is available to freshman applicants under age 21 who do not meet the standards outlined above. Alternate admission positions will be considered only for those who meet the following minimum standards:

1. Tennesseans — minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of 17 or higher (or equivalent SAT);
2. Residents of other states — minimum high school GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of 19 or higher (or equivalent SAT).

Freshman Applicants Age 21 or Older: Freshman applicants age 21 or older who are graduates of high schools in any state are eligible to apply for admission. Graduates of Tennessee public high schools must provide a transcript certifying satisfactory performance on the Tennessee Gateway Tests in Mathematics, Language, and Science. Admitted students age 21 or older may be subject to required units based on the year of high school graduation. Admitted students over age 21 without recent ACT/SAT scores will be required to complete the COMPASS examination.

Admission with the GED-High School Equivalency Diploma: Applicants 18 years of age or older, who are not high school graduates, may apply for admission on the basis of scores presented on the General Education Development test (GED) of the American Council on Education.

Applicants who completed the GED prior to January 1, 1997, must present an average score of 45 or higher, with no single score below 35. Applicants who completed the GED January 1, 1997, or thereafter, must present an average score of 45 with no single score below 40. Applicants who complete the 2003 Series GED Tests, or thereafter, must earn a minimum of 410 on each of the five tests in the battery and an average (mean) score of 450 on the total battery. All applicants under 21 years of age who are admitted on the basis of GED scores must submit ACT or SAT scores. GED scores, ACT scores, and high school records of applicants under 21 years of age are considered in the admission process. Applicants with GED diplomas earned in 1989-1992 are subject to the foreign language unit requirement(s); applicants with GED diplomas earned in 1993 and thereafter are subject to the foreign language and visual/performing arts requirements.

Academic Placement (COMPASS Examination)

Applicants who qualify for admission may be placed in appropriate developmental studies courses according to valid ACT/SAT scores. Those without recent ACT/SAT scores may be required to complete the COMPASS examination to determine placement in developmental studies. Transfer students without transferable math or English may also be required to complete the COMPASS.

Early Enrollment Plans

Early enrollment is offered to high school students with superior academic records through plans authorized by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Each application for early admission is reviewed individually and must be endorsed by parents of the applicant, the high school principal or counselor, and admissions officers.

1. Enrollment After the Junior Year in High School (Early Admission): A select group of students who distinguish themselves by high academic achievement in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades may qualify for admission to the freshman class after the junior year in high school. Minimum selection criteria include a high school grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and an ACT composite score of 25 (or equivalent SAT). Successful completion of the prescribed freshman courses at the university satisfies high school graduation requirements.
2. Enrollment During the Junior or Senior Year in High School (Dual Enrollment): Currently enrolled high school students who have completed their sophomore year in high school may be admitted for either joint enrollment or dual enrollment or both in order to complete university courses. Minimum academic requirements include a 3.2 high school grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Additional requirements include testing: ACT: a minimum 19 composite with no subscore below 19; PLAN: a minimum 19 composite and no subscore below 19. PLAN scores may be substituted when the ACT has not been completed. Students may register for no more than seven (7) semester hours per semester when enrolled in this program. Students with unique talents may be granted permission to enroll in specific courses with the approval of the Director of Admissions.
3. Academically Talented/Gifted High School Students: Currently enrolled students in grades 9-12 in public or private high schools who have been identified as academically talented/gifted and whose program of studies is planned on an individual basis by a multidisciplinary team may, with endorsement by the high school and the university, enroll for prescribed courses and earn university
   credit. Minimum criteria include a high school grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Students may register for no more than seven (7) semester hours per semester when enrolled in this program.

Inquiries about plans for early enrollment should be directed to the Office of Admissions.

Former Students — Readmission

All former ETSU students who have not been enrolled for one major term (fall or spring) must apply for readmission. Students who have attended another college since their last enrollment at ETSU are required to have an official transcript from that school forwarded to the Admissions Office for review. Attending another higher education institution during a period of academic dismissal may adversely affect readmission to ETSU. Former undergraduate students interested in graduate school must apply for admission to the School of Graduate Studies.

Transfer Students

Transfer Student Admission

Students who have completed registration at any degree granting institution of higher education are required to report this fact on the Application for Admission. In addition, official transcripts from each institution must be forwarded to the Office of Admissions.

Students who seek to transfer from any degree granting institution of higher education are eligible for admission according to the following:

Postsecondary Transfer Credit Admission Requirements

Postsecondary Transfer Credit Admission Requirements

In addition, the applicant must meet all appropriate freshman admission requirements as outlined in the undergraduate catalog.

Applicants who do not meet the standards outlined above and who have not been enrolled in any institution of higher education for a minimum of three years may receive individual review by the Vice Provost or designee. If no transferable hours have been attempted, admission may be determined by a review of high school credentials, standardized test scores, and/or coursework completed at any degree granting institution of higher education.

Remedial and developmental courses are not used in determining eligibility for transfer admission. Applicants who have enrolled for one term only at any other college or university without obtaining the required grade point average for transfer and who meet regular freshman admission standards or admission by exception standards may be admitted on appropriate academic probation. Students are subject to existing regulations regarding removal of probationary status.

Transfer Student Application Procedure

In order to be admitted in a timely manner, degree-seeking transfer students should follow these steps:

1. Fully complete the application form (all sections should be completed including dates where specified). Forms must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by August 15th for Fall Semester and by December 15th for Spring Semester.
2. Provide the appropriate application fee at the time of application.
3. Applicants who completed high school graduation requirements or the GED in 1989 and thereafter must provide to the Admissions Office an official high school transcript* and GED scores if applicable. High school records are not generally required for those graduating prior to 1989. Such documentation must be provided by August 15th for Fall Semester and by December 15th for Spring Semester. Only transcripts including coursework in progress at the time of application may be provided after the deadline date.
4. Provide official transcripts* as well from all previously attended colleges and universities as well as high school transcripts to the Office of Admissions by August 15th for Fall Semester and by December 15th for Spring Semester.

Applicants not meeting the guidelines as outlined above cannot be assured of admission to the university or complete transfer credit analysis.

Late applications may be reviewed at the discretion of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Services.

* An official transcript is one which is validated, issued, and mailed directly by the previous institution in a sealed institutional envelope to the Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 70731, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614. Tennessee Board of Regents institutions may provide Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transcripts per TBR policy.

Proof of immunizations must be provided prior to course registration. Inquiries regarding immunization should be addressed to the Health Clinic, ETSU, Box 70675, Johnson City, TN 37614.

Credit from Non-Regionally Accredited Collegiate Institutions

ETSU will review for possible credit courses earned through non-regionally accredited collegiate institutions. If a student wishes ETSU to consider acceptance of academic credit completed through institutions not accredited by regional accrediting associations, a petition that such credit be reviewed must be filed. This petition, the Application for Academic Credit Earned at Non-Regionally Accredited Collegiate Institutions, is available from the Office of Admissions. The student must obtain this petition form and provide it to the appropriate academic department. Credit will be recorded on a student’s record only after the appropriate academic department and dean have reviewed the course and determined it to be equivalent in content to an ETSU course and approval is issued by the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Further, the academic department and dean will determine that end of course competencies have been satisfactorily completed by the student. Departmental examinations, standardized testing, validation, and other means may be used by the academic department to determine course competencies. A grade of “P” for passed hours will be recorded for approved courses. One form is required for each course petitioned for acceptance. The Office of Admissions may be contacted for additional information.

Additional Transfer Information

Applicants holding an associate’s degree designed for transfer to a university are granted credit toward completion of the baccalaureate degree for appropriate courses completed for the associate’s degree program. Applicants holding an associate’s degree not designed for transfer to a university are granted credit for level-one (freshman and sophomore) courses that are equivalent to level-one courses offered by the university.

Where a student was not awarded an associate’s degree designed for transfer purposes, ETSU will accept those level-one (freshman and sophomore) courses completed at a community college which have been determined to be equivalent to level-one courses offered by the university, as creditable toward completion of relevant requirements for degree programs at ETSU, to the same extent that level-one courses would be creditable toward completion of the degree programs by the university’s native students with the same degree major.

A student transferring credits from a two-year collegiate institution must complete as a requirement for the baccalaureate degree a minimum of 50 semester hours in an accredited senior institution. Residency and other degree requirements of the university must be met.

Grades accepted in transfer become a part of the ETSU grade point average. Transfer grades are computed as the same grades would be computed had they been earned in residence at ETSU, including repeated courses. However, ETSU does not recognize forgiveness policies or academic bankruptcies administered by other institutions. In the case of the application of such a policy prior to transfer, all grades are treated at their original face value. If original grades are not contained in original transcripts, then all previous courses are assumed to have been failed.

Students beginning college study fall 1989 or later who have not completed 60 semester hours of transferable work and who have not earned an associate’s degree designed for transfer are subject to the same high school units requirement described under “Freshman Admission.” Eligible transfer students who have not completed all these courses will be admitted, but must remove any deficiencies within the first 30 semester hours after initial enrollment. Following a review of transfer credit, it may be determined that a transfer student must complete the test in part or total before registering for classes.

Transfer students with less than 60 semester hours of credit who have not earned college-level math or English credit must undergo COMPASS assessment in the appropriate area(s). Assessment in reading may be required.

All transfer applicants should request that the registrar of each college attended mail an official transcript to the ETSU Office of Admissions. Students who began college fall 1989 and thereafter should request that both college and high school transcripts be sent to the Office of Admissions.

International Baccalaureate Program

The International Baccalaureate is a secondary curriculum and university entrance examination available in many countries and recognized worldwide. Students completing International Baccalaureate program higher level courses in high school who successfully complete the examinations for such courses with a score of 4, 5, 6, or 7 are awarded passed hours of credit (grade of ‘P’) in degree courses. Additional information is available from the Office of Admissions.

Credit by Examination

Credit by examination as outlined below will not award credit in courses previously completed for credit and will not satisfy writing, oral communication, and using information technology proficiency requirements.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP examinations are sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). Eligible students may earn advanced credit by successfully completing certain CLEP general and subject examinations. ETSU generally follows the recommendations of the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education for awarding credit toward degree programs. A grade of ‘P’ for passed hours of credit will be awarded in appropriate degree courses, but will not replace previously earned grades. A list of CLEP examinations, minimum scores, ETSU courses fulfilled and semester hours of credit is available in the Nontraditional Credit Guide available from the Office of Admissions.

Departmental Course Challenge Exams

Comprehensive departmental course challenge exams are available in most undergraduate courses. Students enrolled in ETSU who believe they have sufficient mastery of subject matter in specific ETSU courses may request to attempt a comprehensive examination through the chair of the department offering the course. Grades of A, B, C, D, or F or grades of ‘P’ for passed hours and ‘F’ for failed hours may be assigned for examination performance as determined by the appropriate academic department. A fee of $15.00 per credit hour sought will be charged. The administration of the examination is at the discretion of the academic department. Information regarding comprehensive departmental examinations is available from the Office of the Registrar.

Excelsior College Examination

The Excelsior College Examination provides a series of college-level examinations designed to measure subject matter attained primarily outside typical classrooms as a basis for advanced standing credit. A grade of ‘P’ for passed hours may be assigned for satisfactory examination performance on certain exams. Additional information is available from the Office of Admissions.

National League for Nursing (NLN) Mobility Profile II Testing

The ETSU College of Nursing accepts credit earned through NLN Mobility Profile II testing. Registered nurses may receive credit for Nursing coursework completed at a diploma program or a non-NLN-accredited associate program. This credit may be applied toward the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (B.S.N.). Additional information is available from the Office of Student Services, College of Nursing .

Undergraduate Special Student Admission

An Undergraduate Special Student is one who may or may not have a bachelor’s degree who wishes to enroll in undergraduate level courses only, but who is not admitted into an undergraduate program of study. Undergraduate Special Students may enroll only in undergraduate level coursework. Special students may not qualify for financial aid.

The classification of “special student” is provided for persons over 18 years of age who are not enrolled for a degree but who wish to enroll for a limited number of courses for vocational or avocational reasons. Special students are not required to submit full application credentials. Undergraduate special students who have not completed appropriate collegiate level math or English shall not enroll for such courses without taking appropriate portions of the COMPASS test battery. In order to have credit apply toward a degree, special students must submit full application credentials, complete the COMPASS test battery where appropriate, and be approved for admission to a degree program.

Admission of Undergraduate Special Students will be through the ETSU Undergraduate Admissions Office. For more information contact the Admissions Office at 423/439-4213.

Visiting Student Admission

The classification of “visiting student” is provided for persons enrolled in a degree program at another institution who have been given permission to enroll for a limited number of courses at ETSU. A letter of good standing may be submitted from the degree-granting institution in lieu of a transcript of the academic record. Proof of completion of prerequisite courses may be required for enrollment in specific ETSU courses.

Students Denied Admission

Applicants who do not meet admission standards and, as a result, are denied acceptance may choose to file a letter of appeal. Appeals will be considered on a timely basis prior to the beginning of each semester. Appeals are reviewed by the Admissions and Readmissions Advisory Committee. The committee may approve or disapprove the initial decision to deny admission. A committee recommendation is then made to the Provost, who may approve or disapprove the committee’s recommendation. Appeals requested after the first day of classes for the semester may be considered by the Admissions and Readmissions Advisory Committee at the discretion of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Services or designee.

International Students

Admission of International Students

International students are required to submit the same credentials for admission as are required of other students and, in addition, must submit their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not their native language. A minimum score of 500 (score of 173 on computer-based TOEFL or score of 61 on Internet-based TOEFL) is required for undergraduate admission. Admission credentials must also include evidence of capability to meet financial obligations relating to study at the university. Transfer credit awarded on the basis of educational experiences outside of the United States, including Examination Results, carries a grade notation of ‘P’ for passed hours.

If English is not the native language, students may be required to take an English placement exam when they arrive on campus. Students who cannot demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in English may be required to enroll in an English as a Second Language class.

All freshman international students who do not present an ACT Composite Score of 19 or higher or subscores in English or math of 19 or higher, (or comparable SAT) will be required to complete appropriate testing and/or developmental classes.

Admission must be granted and financial documentation and degree confirmation must be received prior to issuance of an I-20 or IAP-66 form needed to obtain a visa.

The university will adhere to all Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Department of State Regulations in the admission, enrollment, and readmission of international, nonimmigrant applicants.

Exchange Programs

It is the responsibility of a nonimmigrant applicant to comply with current INS regulations in regard to collegiate enrollment. New INS regulations may prohibit the enrollment of an individual in B-1 or B-2 status.

The Office of International Programs administers the university’s foreign student (F status) and visitor exchange (J status) programs. Other nonimmigrant applicants may consult with this office.

East Tennessee State University encourages and supports students’ participation in sponsored exchange programs such as the National Student Exchange (NSE), International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), and bilateral exchanges. Courses taken while participating in exchange programs may be transferred to ETSU and may fulfill graduation requirements while tuition, fees and sometimes room and board are paid at ETSU rates. See International Programs for more information.

Special Requirements

Certain instructional programs of the university are subject to special admission requirements which are in addition to the general requirements. Students should check for special admission requirements for their major field of study in the departmental sections of this catalog.

Academic Fresh Start

Academic Fresh Start is a plan of academic forgiveness provided for students who have a record of poor academic performance. This program is designed to assist students by allowing calculation of grade point average and credit hours toward graduation to be based only on work completed after returning to college under the Academic Fresh Start policy. A period of no less than four years must have elapsed since the candidate was last enrolled in a higher education institution. A student may be granted an Academic Fresh Start only once.

Eligibility

1. Candidates must be undergraduate lower division students and may have attempted no more than 60 hours including remedial and developmental courses.
2. A period of no less than four years (48) months must have elapsed since the candidate last attended a higher education institution.
3. Candidates may apply for Academic Fresh Start prior to re-enrollment or any time prior to the completion of 15 semester hours of credit after re-enrollment.
4. The candidate may never have been granted academic forgiveness according to this or a similar provision at any institution of higher education.

Application Procedure

Those meeting the above criteria must complete and file the Academic Fresh Start Contract form and the appropriate application for admission.

Policy Provisions

1. Candidates must meet all conditions for eligibility.
2. All prior coursework from ETSU or other institutions will be forfeited with the exception of previously satisfied COMPASS requirements.
3. The COMPASS examination must be completed by those who have not previously done so.
4. Placement will be determined in the University Advisement Center.
5. The permanent academic record will retain all prior coursework, and the record will include “Granted Academic Fresh Start” and the date.
6. Summary statistics will reflect only the coursework completed after the “fresh start.”
7. Fresh Start students will be classified as first-time freshmen.
8. Students in Fresh Start will be subject to Academic Retention Standards in effect at ETSU.
9. Once begun, the Academic Fresh Start is irrevocable.
10. All decisions of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Services are final.

Additional information is available from the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 423/439-4213

Other Admission Categories

Contact the Office of Admissions for any special requirement.

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common market is an interstate agreement among southern states for sharing academic uncommon programs. Participating states are able to make arrangements for their residents who qualify for admission to enroll in specific programs in other states on an in-state tuition basis.

To enroll as an Academic Common Market student:

1. Be accepted for admission into an ETSU program to which your state has obtained access for its residents through the Academic Common Market.
2. Obtain certification of residency from the Common Market Coordinator in your home state; (Contact the State Coordinator for certification information.)
3. Process certification in ETSU Office of Admissions (undergraduate programs) or Graduate Office (graduate programs).

Important— Certification must be processed by last day of registration (official census date) of semester in order to be effective with that semester. Certification processed after that date will be effective with the next semester.

* Note: Programs subject to change by the university, states, or Southern Regional Education Board without notice.

Registration and Orientation

During the summer, new students, both freshmen and transfer, and their parents are invited to the campus to share in an orientation to university life and to register early for fall semester classes. In this way, new students and their parents become acquainted with other students, faculty members, and administrators; discuss college plans with academic advisors and career counselors; visit dormitories, classrooms, and laboratories; and enjoy guided tours of the campus. All students attending ETSU for the first time must attend an orientation session. When the day of freshman and transfer orientation and registration is over, students leave the campus with their class schedules completed and with much firsthand information about the university, its academic programs, its faculty, students, and administrators.

Throughout their college careers at ETSU, students have opportunities each semester to participate in career development programs, discuss academic goals with faculty advisors, and register early for the next semester of study.

Immunization Requirements

Full-time students must provide proof of receipt of the first MMR vaccine dose prior to the first day class of students’ initial semester at the institution. Subsequently, universities and colleges must obtain proof of receipt of the second dose of the MMR vaccine from full-time students who are completing the MMR vaccination series as a condition of enrollment as soon as possible after the proscribed twenty-eight (28) day waiting period between doses, but no later than the beginning of the next semester. Students who attended a public or private school in Tennessee for grades kindergarten through twelve for any period of time on or after July 1, 2001, are considered exempt and do not need to provide documentation. Bring MMR documentation to Student Health Services, Room 160, Roy S. Nicks Hall or fax it to (423) 439-4560.

The State of Tennessee mandates that all students be informed about Hepatitis B infection. Those students who will be living in on campus housing must also be informed about the risk of meningococcal meningitis infection. A waiver indicating that the student is aware of the disease risks and the availability of vaccines for the diseases of hepatitis and meningitis must be signed. The waiver can be electronically signed on GoldLink at the time of registration for classes. If the student is under 18 years of age, the waiver can be obtained from ETSU Student Health Services, 160 Roy S. Nicks Hall or via the web site: http://www.etsu.edu/nursing/shserv/. A parental signature is required on the form if the student is underage. The law does not require hepatitis or meningitis vaccinations for enrollment at this time. The waiver must be signed to avoid delays in the registration process for classes and obtainment of grades. The paper waiver should be turned in to Student Health Services. It may be faxed to (423) 430-4560.

Misrepresentation of Academic Credentials

It is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing that such person:

1. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education;
2. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees for diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or
3. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.