Admission

Address all inquiries regarding admission to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 2131 Hillside Road, Unit 3088, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3088, phone (860) 486-3137, website: www.admissions.uconn.edu, e-mail: beahusky@uconn.edu.

Lee H. Melvin, Director of Undergraduate Admissions

The University of Connecticut subscribes to the Statement of Principles of Good Practice of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. It supports the efforts of secondary school officials and governing bodies to have their schools achieve regional accredited status to provide reliable assurance of the quality of the educational preparation of its applicants for admission. The University does not enter into any quid pro quo contracts, either explicit or implicit, with admitted students. Services expected shall not be a consideration in admission.

Freshman Admission

A freshman applicant to the University of Connecticut must meet the following requirements:

• Be a graduate of an approved secondary school
• Have completed at least sixteen units of work, of which fifteen must be college preparatory in nature;
• Be in the upper range of their high school graduating class;
• Have achieved an appropriate score on the SAT or the ACT

Applications for freshman admission must include:

• Official high school transcript or official GED;
• Official SAT or ACT scores;
• Personal essay;
• Application fee (non-refundable)

^a Recommend 4 years
^b Strongly recommend 3 years of a single foreign language (See Note 1, below)
^c Recommend 3 years
^d Chemistry or Physics required; Both recommended
^e Music, Acting, and Puppetry majors require auditions; Art majors require a portfolio; and Design Technical Theatre and Theatre Studies majors require an interview
^f Chemistry and Physics required
^g College preparatory level courses are recommended but not required for Ratcliffe Hicks admission.
h.Foreign language not required for admission or graduation from Ratcliffe Hicks; however, foreign language will be required for students who transfer into the baccalaureate program.

Admission With Advanced Standing

Advanced Placement and Credit (AP)

See "Academic Regulations" section of this Catalog.

University of Connecticut Early College Experience

The UConn Early College Experience Program (ECE) was formerly known as the University of Connecticut High School Cooperative Program. Over one hundred UConn ECE partner high schools across Connecticut offer UConn courses through this concurrent enrollment agreement with the University. The courses are taught by high school instructors certified by UConn faculty as adjunct professors. UConn ECE students are non-degree University students, with official transcripts. After students accept admission to the University, their non-degree transcripts are brought into their undergraduate career degree-seeking transcripts. UConn ECE courses are overseen by faculty representatives from the participating departments on campus, in accordance with national accreditation standards established by NACEP, the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships. For further information, please contact UConn Early College Experience, Office of Educational Partnerships, University of Connecticut, 368 Fairfield Road, Unit 2171, Storrs, CT 06269-2171, 860-486-1045, or visit the program website at www.ece.uconn.edu.

Deferred Enrollment for Freshmen

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers a one year deferred enrollment to students who have applied, been accepted as freshmen, and have paid the $150 acceptance fee. This policy benefits that student who desires to attend the University but who, for various reasons, wishes to postpone enrollment. An approved deferral guarantees admission for either of the subsequent two semesters. During the deferred period, a student may not enroll in 12 or more credits at another institution. Requests for deferral must be in writing and should be received at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions no later than August 1 (fall semester) or December 1 (spring semester). Transfer students are not eligible for deferred enrollment.

Transfer Admission

A transfer student is one who has enrolled at an accredited post secondary institution and has completed a minimum of twelve credits. To evaluate applications for transfer admission, primary consideration is given to the applicant's cumulative grade point average, quality of courses taken, and intended program of study at the University.

The completed application should include: Official transcripts from each college attended sent directly from each institution, whether or not credit is desired Official high school transcript or official GED SAT or ACT scores (Waived if student is 25 or older or has completed three full-time semesters at the time of application) Personal essay Application Fee (non refundable) Please refer to the Transfer Admission website, www.transfer.uconn.edu for more detailed information regarding requirements and application deadlines.

Priority in admission to the Storrs Campus is given to those students who have completed two years of college prior to enrolling at the University. Students with fewer than two years are evaluated on a combination of high school and college work; i.e., high school average and class rank, SAT or ACT scores, and college performance (to date). Students must also be in good standing and eligible to return to the last institution of higher learning which they attended.

Transfer students deficient in any of the minimum admission requirements (see Freshman Admission) will be eligible for consideration at a freshman or sophomore level only if the following conditions are met:

• (a) 24 full-time transferable semester hours in challenging, academic course work completed;
• (b) a minimum of 2.7 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale), for unrestricted programs only.

Prospective transfer students are advised that only a limited number of transfer students will be admitted to the majors of the Schools of  Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Students interested in one of these fields should consider other majors as alternatives; even if admitted to an alternate program, however, students cannot be guaranteed subsequent admission to their first choice of major. Prospective transfer students are also advised that they must fulfill all graduation requirements of their major at the University. Questions about these requirements may be directed to the Dean of their School or College after admission.

Transfer Credit

Course credits are transferred when (1) the course has been taken at a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution, (2) the grade earned is no lower than a "C,'' and (3) a similar course is offered by the University. College-level work given in or under the direction of an accredited college or university as part of the armed services program will be accepted for credit on the same basis as other transfer work. In addition, the University will consider for transfer courses completed at foreign universities and in study abroad programs sponsored by accredited American universities.

The number of transfer credits students receive depends upon the character, quantity, and quality of the work they have completed. Grades do not transfer; the grade point average of transfer students is computed only on the work taken at the University of Connecticut. The student's major department advisor and dean will determine whether transferred course work may be used to satisfy University of Connecticut degree requirements.

Complete transcripts of all work taken at other institutions must be submitted as a part of the admission procedure whether or not credit for such work is desired or expected. Official transcripts for any course work completed after admission to this University must be submitted as soon as this work is concluded. Students who fail to acknowledge attendance at any college in which they have been registered automatically waive the right to have that work considered for transfer credit and may be subject to denial of admission, loss of course credit and/or suspension.

Consideration for transfer of course work is made according to the Transfer Guidelines for Evaluation adopted by the University Senate.

Admission of Diverse Populations

Underrepresented Students

The University recognizes the importance of intercultural understanding in education. To this end, the University has developed initiatives to encourage African-American, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and other underrepresented students to attend this institution. Questions should be directed to the Undergraduate Admissions Office, 2131 Hillside Road, Unit 3088, Storrs, CT 06269-3088 or email beahusky@uconn.edu.

The facilities of the  H. Fred Simons African-American Cultural Center, Asian American Cultural Center, Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center, and the International Center are available to all students interested in developing and promoting an understanding of various cultures.

International Students

The University of Connecticut provides educational opportunities of the highest quality to all students. It makes a contribution to international education by encouraging the enrollment of students from all parts of the world. It selects, however, only those applicants who are academically, linguistically, and financially prepared for University work in this country.

Prospective international students should begin application procedures one year before intended matriculation. International students who are interested in transferring from another college or university can only apply for the fall semester. Prospective students may submit correspondence to University of Connecticut, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 2131 Hillside Road, Unit 3088, Storrs, CT 06269-3088 U.S.A. or email beahusky@uconn.edu. More information about admissions required documents can be found at http://www.admissions.uconn.edu/apply/international.php

Students with Disabilities

The University of Connecticut is committed to achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is the University's policy that no qualified person be excluded from participating in any University program or activity, be denied the benefits of any University program or activity, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination with regard to any University program or activity. This policy derives from the University's commitment to non-discrimination for all persons in employment, access to facilities, student programs, activities, and services.

For complete information regarding the University's Policies and Procedures Regarding Students with Disabilities please refer to the website of the Center for Students with Disabilities at: http://www.csd.uconn.edu

Services for Students with Disabilities

Through the integration of teaching, research and service, it is the mission of the University of Connecticut to provide an outstanding educational experience for each student. The mission of the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) is to enhance this experience for students with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure a comprehensively accessible university experience where individuals with disabilities have the same access to programs, opportunities, and activities as all others. The Center is also committed to promoting access and awareness as a resource to all members of the community.  While complying with the letter of the law, the CSD also embraces its spirit by providing services to all students with permanent or temporary disabilities to ensure that all University programs and activities are accessible.  Accommodations are determined on an individualized basis and may include:

•   Alternate formats for printed materials
•   Assistive technology
•   Computer-assisted real time translation (CART)
•   Laboratory assistants
•   Notetaking assistance
•   Oral and sign language interpreters
•   Priority registration
•   Reduced course loads
•   Testing accommodations
•   Housing accommodations

Additional services may include:

•   Academic advising and registration assistance
•   Academic skills counseling
•   Accessible van service
•   Personal assistant referral and training
•   Pre-admission counseling and new student orientation
•   Referral and liaison services to agencies such as the Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Board of Education Services for the blind, as well as Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
•   Information and referral source to all University and community programs and services

For more information, contact Donna M. Korbel, Director, CSD, Room 201, Wilbur Cross Building,  Unit 4174, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-4174; Voice (860) 486-2020, TDD (860) 486-2077, Fax (860) 486-4412.

* Read an Advance article about the Center for Students with Disabilities. (Photo by Dollie Harvey)

Early Admission Program for High School Juniors

Each year, the University of Connecticut admits a limited number of high school juniors who show unusual promise of success at college work. Such students must meet the following requirements:

• 1. Secondary school principals must certify that applicants possess outstanding scholastic ability. While no specific rules guide the principal's judgment, the University, nevertheless, emphasizes that it expects to admit under this program only students who are unusual intellectual leaders and who will be Honors Program students at the University after admission. The principal must indicate that each applicant is of sufficient maturity and stability to make that applicant a reasonable scholastic risk compared with the average preparatory school graduate.
• 2. Each applicant shall have completed a minimum of fourteen college preparatory units in an approved high school. The preparatory units should ordinarily include at least three units of English, three of mathematics, two (preferably 3) of a single foreign language, two of a laboratory science, two of social studies (including one year of U. S. history), and two of other course work.
• 3. Each applicant must show outstanding ability by performance on either the SAT or ACT.

Adult Students

The University especially encourages application from adults who wish to enroll in university-level classes and earn a baccalaureate degree for personal enrichment, employment opportunity, and/or skill development. Adult students apply as freshmen or transfers and enroll on either a part-time or full-time basis at any of the six University campuses. Because the educational history, motivation, and present interests of adult students differ widely from those of the average applicant, the University may waive the SAT or ACT scores for admission purposes.

Adults may enroll at the main campus in Storrs or at a Regional Campus located in Hartford, Groton, Stamford, Torrington, or Waterbury. The Regional Campuses offer evening courses at all locations, are within easy commuting distance, and provide a quality university education at a reasonable cost.

New England Regional Student Program

The University of Connecticut participates in a regional cooperative program administered by the New England Board of Higher Education. This program, known as the New England Regional Student Program, permits qualified residents of the New England states to study with reduced tuition in certain programs at any of the state universities and the public two-year colleges and technical institutes.

For a list of approved majors and information on the current Regional Student Program tuition rate, contact the University of Connecticut Office of Admissions.  Regional Student Program information is also available at  http://www.nebhe.org  from the New England Board of Higher Education, 45 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 (617) 357-9620, e-mail: tuitionbreak@nebhe.org

New England Regional Student Program

Center for Continuing Studies

Bachelor of General Studies

The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program is a junior-senior year university degree program administered by the Center for Continuing Studies. Applicants to the program must have earned an associate’s degree or completed at least the first two years of college (i.e., 60 semester credits) at a regionally accredited institution. In addition, applicants must complete special application procedures that include an individual interview and a written statement of educational objective. BGS students do not have traditional majors. Admission to the program is determined by several factors including, but not limited to, an assessment of the student’s prior education, educational goals, and the ability of the University to assist the individual. All International applicants whose first language is not English or who do not have a transcript from an accredited university where English is the language of instruction must submit official TOEFL scores. A score of 213 on the computer-based exam or a written test score of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or an overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTAS (International English Language Test System) is required. Further information can be obtained from the BGS Counselor at any University campus by calling one of the following:

• Avery Point (860) 405-9190
• Stamford (203) 251-8550
• Storrs (860) 486-4670
• Torrington (860) 626-6801
• Waterbury (203) 236- 9932
• West Hartford (860) 570-9191

Non-Degree Study

The  Non-Degree Study Program of the University of Connecticut enables qualified individuals to register in regular credit courses for academic credit without being admitted to an undergraduate or graduate degree program.

Non-degree students often are individuals taking credit courses prior to applying for admission to one of the University's schools or colleges. They may also be students from other universities or colleges taking credit courses at the University of Connecticut for transfer back to their own institutions. Or they may be individuals taking credit courses for personal or professional reasons.

To enroll in undergraduate-level credit courses, non-degree students ordinarily must either have graduated from a state-approved secondary school or have a high school equivalency diploma. A bachelor's degree is usually required for enrollment in graduate level courses as a non-degree student.

Non-degree students may register in credit courses for which they have the necessary background and qualifications and in which space is available. All prerequisites to a course (or their equivalent) as listed in the University of Connecticut Catalogs must be met by the student prior to registration. Special permission to enroll may also be required in selected courses or academic disciplines. Ordinarily, non-degree students may register for no more than eight credits in an academic semester.

The refund policy applicable to non-degree students may vary from the refund policy in effect for degree-seeking students, and may also vary between the academic year, the summer, and special programs. Consult the appropriate course schedule for the refund policy applicable in a given term at a specific site.

To continue studying at the University of Connecticut, a non-degree student must maintain a "C" average in courses taken at the University of Connecticut. If, after 12 credits, a non-degree student has not maintained a "C" average or better (i.e., a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better), permission to continue as a non-degree student at the University ordinarily will be suspended. A higher grade point average is usually required for graduate level courses.

Non-degree status does not constitute or guarantee admission to any degree program at the University of Connecticut. However, a non-degree student who has completed 24 credits at the University of Connecticut with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 may petition for a change of classification from non-degree student status to regular status as a student seeking a bachelor's degree. This application for degree seeking status must be made to and processed by the Transfer Admissions Office to ensure that all students are officially matriculated into the University.  The Transfer Admissions Office handles the processing of all students, other than BGS students, moving into a degree classification.  This includes students who have been enrolled at another institution prior to their non-degree study here,  who wish to move from non-degree to degree classification, and are in the process of completing 24 non-degree credits; as well as non-degree students without previous college-level course work.  Students are urged to check with the dean of the school or college they wish to enter to determine appropriate courses to take within the 24 credits.  If admitted to regular status, a determination will be made at the time by the dean of the school or college in which the student has been accepted as to whether the credits earned as a non-degree student may be counted toward the degree.  Credits from other institutions cannot be evaluated for transfer to a degree program at the University of Connecticut unless and until a person has been accepted into degree-seeking status.  Regular application procedures for admission to graduate degree programs apply at all times.  Ordinarily, only 6 credits earned in non-degree status can be used in a graduate program.

Former undergraduate degree students at the University of Connecticut may enroll as non-degree students. However, if degree-seeking status is desired, former students should seek formal readmission to degree status at the University since credits earned in non-degree status might not be accepted towards the degree. Note that a former degree student who has been academically dismissed from the University or who has been suspended needs special written permission to register - even as a non-degree student. Consult the appropriate semester course schedule for more detailed instructions on this regulation.

For further information on non-degree study at any campus of the University of Connecticut or on how to register as a non-degree student, contact the University of Connecticut, Non-Degree Study Program, One Bishop Circle, Unit 4056-C, Storrs, CT 06269-4056, Telephone: (860) 486-4670, Fax: (860) 486-3845, E-mail: conted3@uconnvm.uconn.edu

Senior Citizen Audits

Individuals 62 years of age or older may attend undergraduate credit classes on a not-for-academic/audit basis as the instructor permits. An auditing senior may participate in the course only as the instructor permits.  The instructor may disenroll individuals not meeting the auditing criteria set forth by the instructor.  Laboratory, studio-type classes and online courses are not available for senior audit.  Senior citizens auditing courses must adhere to the same code of conduct as all University of Connecticut students.

All seniors planning to audit a course must get a senior audit card and application form from the Continuing Studies Center. Forms must be completed and returned with a nominal fee to the Continuing Studies Center registration staff. Identification is required at time of registration.