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2006-07 PLU Catalog

Admission


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Pacific Lutheran University welcomes applications from students who exhibit capacities for success at the baccalaureate level. Applicants must present evidence of scholastic ability and demonstrate qualities of good character in order to be accepted for admission. The Associate Vice President of Admission and Financial Aid reserves the right to admit, deny, or withdraw admission for any applicant/student based on these criteria. Applications for admission are evaluated without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law.

Entrance Requirements (First-year/Transfer Students)

In evaluating applications, the Office of Admission interprets grade point average and class rank in relation to the quality of the curriculum that the applicant has pursued in high school and at the baccalaureate level. For example, a standard high school program in preparation for college should include the following:

English: 4 years
Mathematics: 3 years (algebra, 2 years; and geometry, 1 year)
Foreign Language: 2 years
Social Studies: 2 years
Laboratory Sciences: 2 years
Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts: 1 year
Electives: 3 years (selected from the areas listed above, as well as courses in computer science, speech, and debate.)

  Minimum Entrance Requirements:

  1. Two years of college preparatory mathematics (exclusive of computer science) with an average grade of C or higher, or an approved course at the college level, or demonstrated equivalent proficiency.

    1. Two years of college preparatory mathematics means two years of high school algebra or one year of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry. Taking the algebra and/or geometry courses in middle or junior high school is acceptable provided they are high-school-level courses.

    2. If a student is admitted to PLU with a deficiency in mathematics, that deficiency is removed by completion of approved courses as determined by the PLU math placement exam.

  2. Two years of one foreign language in high school, with an average grade of C or higher, or one year at the college level or demonstrated equivalent proficiency. Courses in American Sign Language may fulfill this requirement.


Students who have not satisfied one or both of these requirements may still be admitted but must make up the deficiency as an additional degree requirement.

Additional study of both mathematics and foreign language is advisable for certain areas in the arts and sciences and in some professional programs. Those who follow the above preparatory program will find most curricular offerings of the university open to them and may also qualify for advanced placement in some areas.

Students are admitted to either the fall or spring semester. Acceptance to the fall term carries permission to attend the previous summer sessions. Acceptance to the spring term carries permission to attend the previous J-Term session. The following application priority dates are recommended: Fall Semester-February 1; Spring Semester-December 15.

Application Procedures


(First-year and Transfer Students)

Students planning to enter as first-year students may submit application materials anytime after completion of the junior year of high school. Admission decisions are made beginning October 1. Candidates are notified of their status as soon as their completed applications have been received and evaluated.

Transfer students who began their higher education at other regionally accredited colleges or universities are encouraged to apply for admission with advanced standing. Over 400 students transfer to the university each year with an average grade point in excess of 3.00 (B). Candidates must have good academic and personal standing at the institution last attended full-time. The recommended minimum grade point average to be considered for admission as a transfer student is a 2.50 cumulative grade point average in college-level work from regionally accredited institutions. In reviewing an applicant's file, the Office of Admission examines the grade point average, academic progress, essay, and recommendations. For applicants with less than sophomore standing (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours), secondary school records and standardized test scores will also be considered.

Credentials required are:

  1. Formal Application: Submit the PLU Application for Admission available from high school counselors, any Washington state community college transfer center or the PLU Office of Admission. Students may also apply online at www.plu.edu.

  2. $40.00 Application Fee: The application fee will be waived for a student who applies online. A $40 fee must accompany the paper application or be mailed separately. This nonrefundable service fee does not apply to the student's account.  Make check or money order payable to PLU Office of Admission.

  3. Transcripts: Official transcripts must be submitted for all high school and  college course work. Transcripts must be sent directly from the school to PLU. All accepted students must submit a final high school transcript that indicates satisfactory completion of high school and attainment of a diploma. The university accepts the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for those students who may not have completed a traditional high school program (i.e. home school programs).

  4. Recommendation: One academic recommendation must be completed. The form is included in the application packet.

  5. Test Requirement: All entering first-year students and transfer students entering with less than sophomore standing (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) must submit scores from either the College Board, Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), or the American College Test (ACT) Assessment. Registration procedures and forms are available at high school counseling offices.

  6. Personal Essay: Applicants will also include one essay with their application. Choice of topics is included in the application packet.

  7. Statement of Good Standing (transfer students only): Must be submitted by  the Dean of Students or a school official from the most recent institution attended.

  8. PLU Scholarship Opportunities: Included in the application packet is information on Merit Based and Artistic Achievement Scholarships. Students are also encouraged to indicate their intent to apply for financial aid via the FAFSA. Qualified first-year students are encouraged to apply for the Regents' and President's Merit Based Scholarships.

Early Admission


Qualified first-year students interested in accelerating their formal education may begin work toward a degree after completion of the junior year or first semester of the senior year of high school. Exceptional students who wish to enroll before completing all required units in high school must have a letter submitted by a recognized school official who approves early college admission and gives assurance that a high school diploma will be issued after completion of specified college work. Only students highly recommended for Early Admission will be considered. Generally these students rank near the top of their class and present high aptitude test scores.

Application Procedures (International Students)


International students who are qualified academically, financially, and in English proficiency are encouraged to join the university community. Application deadlines are July 1 for Fall Semester and January 1 for Spring Semester.

Credentials required are:

Note: Transcripts must be sent directly from each institution. Faxed copies are not acceptable.

  1. A completed International Student Application with a nonrefundable U.S. $40.00 application fee for the paper application. The application fee will be waived for a student who applies online.

  2. School Records:

    1. Documentation of completion of secondary school. For incoming freshmen international students, official secondary school records are required.
    2. An official school record (transcript) with English translation from all colleges or universities attended in the United States, home country or other country.
    3. Documentation of any English as a second language program attended.

  3. English Proficiency measured by one of the following:

    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 (paper test format)  213 (computer-based), 79 (Internet-based) OR
    2. Two quarters or one semester of college-level English writing with grades of B or higher.

  4. One academic reference from school officials or others in a position to evaluate the student's ability to succeed in a baccalaureate program. In addition, transfer students from a U.S. college or university must have a reference from the international student advisor.

  5. A completed International Student Declaration of Finances.

  6. Personal Essay on one of two topics listed on the essay form.

Evaluation of Credits


The Registrar's Office evaluates all transfer records and provides advising materials designed to assist students to complete university requirements. These materials include a summary of core requirements completed and the total hours accepted. Individual schools and departments determine which courses satisfy major requirements.

Transfer of Credits Earned While in High School


The university awards credit to high school students for certain courses completed before high school graduation. The university may award college credit to high school students who have completed courses in approved programs, as described below.

  1. Advanced Placement Program (AP): Students who complete advanced placement or credit toward graduation through the examination program of the College Board may receive credit for such courses. Inquiries should be addressed to the Registrar's Office.

  2. International Baccalaureate (IB): A maximum of 30 semester hours may be granted for completion of the IB Diploma. A maximum of 5 semester hours per course may be granted for courses identified on an IB Certificate if a grade of 4 or higher is awarded. Students are advised to contact the Registrar's Office for specific details.

  3. Running Start Program: Accepted students who have completed courses under the Washington State Running Start Program are considered first-year students with advanced standing. Students who participate in this program will be awarded college credit in a manner consistent with PLU's policy on transfer of credit from other institutions.

  4. Other Programs: Students who have completed college courses while in high school may receive credit in a manner consistent with PLU's policy on transfer of credit from other institutions. The university reserves the right to make decisions on an individual basis.

Transfer of Credits from Other Universities

  1. Courses must be listed in the official college catalog, be a part of the regular college curriculum of a regionally accredited college or university, and be posted on an official college or university transcript.

  2. Courses completed with a grade of C- or higher at other regionally accredited colleges or universities normally will be accepted for graduation credit with passing grades and will not be calculated into the PLU grade point average. Courses from all institutions are subject to course-by-course evaluation.

  3. A student may transfer a maximum of 96 semester or 144 quarter hours. Of these, the maximum transferable from a two-year school is 64 semester or 96 quarter hours.

  4. Students who complete the direct transfer associate degree (DTA) from an accredited Washington state community college before matriculation at PLU will be admitted with junior standing and will have satisfied all general university requirements except for 4 hours in religion (from line 1 or 2), 4 hours in Perspectives on Diversity, the 2-4 hour senior seminar requirement, and the College of Arts and Sciences requirement. The DTA does not automatically satisfy the mathematics or foreign language entrance requirements.

Other Educational Experiences

  1. Credits earned in non-accredited schools are not transferable. Students who have matriculated at Pacific Lutheran University may petition a department or school to waive a particular requirement on the basis of previous non-accredited course work or may petition a department or school to receive credit by examination.

  2. The university allows up to 20 semester hours of United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI)/Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) credit, up to 20 semester hours for military credit, and up to 30 semester hours of College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit, providing the total of the three does not exceed 30 semester hours. Official transcripts bearing American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations should be submitted for evaluation.

  3. For information on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), refer to the Credit by Examination section under Academic Procedures.

  4. The university does not grant credit for college-level General Equivalency Diploma (GED) tests.

Finalizing an Offer of Admission


  1. Advance Payment: A $200.00 advance payment is necessary in order to confirm an offer of admission. This payment guarantees a place in the student body, reserves housing on campus if requested, holds financial assistance that may have been awarded, and is required before class registration. It is credited to the student's account and is applied toward expenses of the first semester. Fall applicants offered admission before May 1 must postmark the payment by May 1. If circumstances necessitate cancellation of enrollment and the Office of Admission is notified in writing before May 1, the $200. will be refunded. The refund date for the January term is December 1, and for spring semester January 1.

  2. New Student Information Form: This form must be completed by all students and returned with the advance payment.

  3. Residential Life Information Form: This form must be completed by all students and returned with the advance payment.

  4. Official Final Transcripts: All first-year applicants must submit an official final transcript to confirm satisfactory completion of their final high school term and attainment of a diploma.
  5. Medical Requirement: Before actual enrollment each new student must submit a Health History Form complete with an accurate immunization record. This information must be acceptable to the PLU Health Services Office.

Returning Students


  1. A student's admission to the university is valid for six years. Students who do not attend the university for a period of time that includes either a fall or spring semester must apply to return to the university as described below.

  2. An academically dismissed student may apply for reinstatement by submitting a letter of petition to the director of advising. The petition is acted on by the Committee on Admission and Retention of Students. A student whose petition is approved will be reinstated on probation and must participate in the probationary semester plan. Refer to the Academic Status section for a description of probation. A student whose petition is denied may apply again for reinstatement after one semester has elapsed unless informed otherwise. A dismissed student may petition for reinstatement only once per semester.


TIME LIMITS

Students are expected to meet all requirements for the undergraduate degree within a six-year period. Students who remain at PLU for longer than six years must meet the requirements of the most current PLU catalog in order to earn a degree. Students who are readmitted to the university must meet the requirements of the current PLU catalog to earn a degree.

NON-MATRICULATING (Non-Degree Seeking) Students


Students who are not officially admitted to the university may accrue a maximum of nine (9) semester hours. Exceptions may be granted by individual departments in conjunction with the registrar.