University of Kentucky Undergraduate Bulletin

2003-2004

 

Visit the homepage of the UK Office of Undergraduate Admission

Important Admissions Deadlines*

February 15 -- Freshman application deadline for fall term. Freshman applicants who apply by this date are given full consideration for admission and Advising Conferences. Applications received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis.

June 1 -- Summer Advising Conference deadline. All prospective students planning to attend a Summer Advising Conference (including registration for fall classes) should have transcripts and other required documents submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

August 1 -- Credentials deadline for undergraduates entering in the fall term. For freshmen, this usually means a final high school transcript. For transfer students, final college transcripts are due. Failure to meet this deadline may result in a registration hold on the student's record.

All applicants should be aware that some programs have application procedures and deadlines which differ from those for general University admission. Applicants should refer to Special Application Dates and Procedures for information on deadlines and procedures for selective admissions colleges and programs.

*International students -- see section on International Students below.

 

ADMISSIONS PHILOSOPHY

The Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar supports the mission of the University of Kentucky. Consistent with the University's mission of research, service and teaching, the university seeks to enroll and retain an academically talented student body that enriches the learning community and is representative of the diverse society it serves. The following admission policies reflect this philosophy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Director of Undergraduate Admission authorizes the admission of all undergraduate students to the University. Students should direct all admissions inquiries to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar
100 W. D. Funkhouser Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
(859) 257-2000
http://www.uky.edu/UGAdmission/

Undergraduates at UK enroll in one of twelve colleges. Each college is supervised by an academic dean and is usually made up of several academic departments that offer different major fields of study.

The general University admission requirements and procedures for freshmen and transfer students are outlined below. All applicants should be aware that certain colleges and some programs within colleges have additional admission standards and criteria beyond those for general University admission. Refer to Special Application Dates and Procedures for information on deadlines and procedures for particular colleges and programs. Detailed information on admission criteria is provided in the college sections of this Bulletin.

The University of Kentucky provides educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, beliefs, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability.

FRESHMAN ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY

The University of Kentucky subscribes to a selective admission policy. Admission for freshman applicants is based on: a) high school grades; b) national college admission test results; and c) successful completion of the required pre-college curriculum. Applicants may submit scores from either the ACT Assessment or the SAT I: Reasoning Test.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT -- All students who have completed the pre-college curriculum (see below) as prescribed by the Council on Postsecondary Education and have a 2.0 high school grade-point average are encouraged to apply to the freshman class at UK. Enrollment in the freshman class is limited. Within the limits of space availability, the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar will endeavor to accommodate all eligible applicants. However, the number of freshman applications far exceeds the number of spaces available in the entering class. For this reason, the selective and competitive admission requirements often exceed the minimum eligibility requirement.

SELECTIVE ADMISSION -- Selective admission criteria are established by faculty committee. Freshman applicants who have completed the pre-college curriculum and present grade-point averages and official test scores from either the ACT or SAT meeting the selective criteria are offered admission.

DEFERRED DECISIONS -- Freshman applicants who have completed the pre-college curriculum, but do not have the requisite grade-point average, test scores or both for selective admission, may have their admission decisions deferred. A portion of the freshman class may be admitted from this group of applicants. If, after the application deadline, spaces in the class remain to be filled, admission will be offered to deferred-decision applicants on a competitive basis. Admission will be offered first to those applicants with the strongest records and offers will continue until the class is filled.

Strength of record is a relative term and refers to an applicant's record in comparison with those of all other freshman applicants. Strength of record may be determined by a number of different factors beyond selective admission criteria. While grades and test scores are important in this assessment, course selection, senior year schedule, honors and Advanced Placement courses, extracurricular and leadership activities and a student's potential to benefit from or contribute to the learning community may also be considered. The overriding concern will always be for the student's potential to be successful in meeting the academic expectations at the University.

Pre-college Curriculum

Incoming freshmen should have the high school preparation necessary for academic success at the college level. To be eligible for consideration at UK under the policy outlined above, an applicant must have successfully completed the following high school courses as a minimum:

English/Language Arts -- 4 credits

English I, II, III, IV

Mathematics -- 3 credits

Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry (or more rigorous courses in mathematics)

Science -- 3 credits

Biology I, Chemistry I, Physics I or life science, physical science, and earth/space science (at least one lab course)

Social Studies -- 3 credits

From U.S. History, Economics, Government, World Geography and World Civilization (or comparable courses)

*Foreign Language -- 2 credits

Two credits in the same foreign language or demonstrated competency

Health -- 1/2 credit

Physical Education -- 1/2 credit

History and Appreciation of Visual, Performing Arts -- 1 credit

History and appreciation of visual and performing arts or another arts course that incorporates such content

**Electives -- 7 credits

Recommended strongly: one or more courses that develop computer literacy

Additionally, high school students are encouraged to complete at least two years of a foreign language and at least one year of mathematics beyond Algebra II.

A total of 22 credits or more must be completed in high school. Applicants should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar for information concerning exceptions to this policy.

*Effective Fall 2004.

**Effective Fall 2004, 5 hours of electives required. 

Special Admission Colleges and Programs

Some colleges and programs within colleges at UK have admission standards and criteria that are higher than those for general admission to the University. Also, some programs have deadlines and application procedures that differ from those for general University admission. Refer to Special Application Dates and Procedures for information on procedures and deadlines for special admission programs. Detailed information on admission criteria is provided in the college sections of this Bulletin.

Matriculation Into a Degree-Granting College

All undergraduate degrees are conferred by the college offering the program of study (major). Upon admission to the University of Kentucky, all students will be enrolled either in a specific college or as undeclared students in Undergraduate Studies. With the help of academic advisors, students in Undergraduate Studies will work to select a major and gain access to one of the University's colleges. All undergraduates will have access to majors in the College of Arts and Sciences provided they are in good academic standing (i.e. not on probation). Students choosing to enroll in colleges other than Arts and Sciences may do so upon meeting the admission requirements specific to that college.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR FRESHMEN

Prospective freshmen are strongly encouraged to submit applications to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar early in their senior year. While the deadline for application is February 15, early application can have a positive impact on housing, financial aid, institutionally administered merit-based scholarships, privately funded scholarships and other ancillary areas. All freshman applicants should submit the following:

1. the application form for undergraduate admission;
2. a non-refundable application processing fee;
3. official high school transcript; and
4. official test scores from either the American College Test (ACT) or the SAT I: Reasoning Test. "Official " scores are reported directly from the testing agency to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar. Test scores appearing on the high school transcript are not considered "official" reports.

High school students are strongly encouraged to take the ACT late in their junior year and again early in their senior year. When registering for the test, please request scores to be sent to UK. It is a mistake to withhold test scores as this can cause added expense and possible delay in the processing of the application. UK is a "best test" institution and will calculate the best score from multiple test administrations. Please request scores from all test administrations so that the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar can work with the complete test history. High school guidance counselors can provide students with registration forms, information about registration deadlines, test dates and locations.

High School Students with Exceptional Ability

Through UK's Exceptional Ability program, highly motivated students can enroll in classes at UK before they graduate from high school. Exceptional high school students may be offered admission to UK after a thorough evaluation of their academic record. Students seeking such consideration must submit an application form, a non-refundable fee, official scores from the ACT Assessment or SAT I: Reasoning Test, an official high school transcript and a letter from their high school principal or guidance counselor stating the benefit to the student of entering college prior to high school completion.

High School Equivalency Certificates

The University considers admission from freshman applicants who are not high school graduates but who present a valid High School Equivalency Certificate and General Education Development test scores. Applicants must also take the ACT Assessment (or SAT I: Reasoning Test) and have the results sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar from the testing agency.

TRANSFER ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY

Students at other colleges or universities, including UK community colleges, are eligible to transfer to UK if they:

1. would have been selectively admitted to UK when they entered the first institution attended provided they have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better for all work attempted. Applicants must also have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better for all work attempted at the last institution attended, provided at least 12 credit hours (or the equivalent thereof) was attempted there.

or

2.      would not have been selectively admitted to UK but have completed 24 semester hours or more and achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better for all college and university work attempted. Applicants must also have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better for all work attempted at the last institution attended.

Please note that grade-point averages are computed by the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar and reflect the grade and credit for each course attempted, regardless of the practice of the offering institution of waiving the low grade for a repeated course.

Refer to the University Calendar for general University admission deadlines.

Special Admission Colleges and Programs

Some colleges and programs within colleges at UK have additional admission standards and criteria beyond those for general admission to the University. Also, some programs have deadlines and application procedures that differ from those for general University admission. Refer to Special Application Dates and Procedures for information on procedures and deadlines for special admission programs. Detailed information on admission criteria is provided in the college sections of this Bulletin.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer applicants from other colleges and universities, including UK community colleges, should request an application packet from the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar. Applicants must submit the following to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar:

1. an application for admission;
2. an official transcript from each college or university attended, containing a complete record of all courses completed at the time of application;
3. a roster of the courses in which the student is currently enrolled;
4. a final official transcript of any additional work completed before entering the University; and
5. a non-refundable application processing fee.

Refer to Special Application Dates and Procedures for admissions process information. Candidates tentatively admitted at the time of application should be aware that the University will cancel the admission and/or the early registration of an applicant whose final official record, after completion of a current semester, shows ineligibility because of suspension, dismissal, or a drop in grade-point average below the required 2.0.

Admitted students should bring a copy of the catalog of the last school attended when they attend their Advising Conference. 

TRANSFER OF CREDIT

Kentucky General Education Transfer Policy

The General Education Transfer Policy facilitates the transfer of credits earned in general education and twelve hours of course work in a major for students moving from one Kentucky public college or university to another Kentucky public college or university. The general education core transfer component reflects the distribution of discipline areas universally included in university-wide lower division general education requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Under this agreement, a student may satisfy the general education discipline requirements at their current college and have that requirement completion accepted at the university or college to which they may transfer. In addition, the Baccalaureate Program Transfer Frameworks identify 12 hours of course work in a major which may be successfully transferred. Each framework represents a specific guide to the exact courses a student needs; therefore, students who plan to transfer from one public institution to another to complete their Baccalaureate degree should work closely with their advisor to take full advantage of the Policy. For more specific information about the Policy, contact the Central Advising and Transfer Center, 109 Miller Hall, (859) 257-3383.

Credit Earned at Kentucky Community Colleges

Grades, credits, quality points, and academic status from courses taken at a Kentucky community college are transferred when the community college student enrolls at UK. The dean of the college in which the student enrolls determines how transfer course work is applied toward a UK degree.

Credit Earned at Other Institutions

The University accepts collegiate-level degree credits earned at a fully accredited college or university. "Fully accredited" means that the institution is a member in good standing of one of the six regional academic accrediting associations. Transfer work from institutions outside the United States is evaluated on an individual basis from the official transcripts.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar generally determines the transferability of completed course work. Then, the dean of the college in which the student enrolls will determine how the transferred course work applies toward degree requirements. When the student attends the Advising Conference, an advisor will explain how the transfer work has been applied. However, students may want to consult individual departments in advance, so they may become familiar with degree requirements in their prospective program.

The transferability of course credit earned at two-year institutions is limited to a total of 67 semester hours.

Transfer applicants should note that regardless of the number of transfer hours the University may accept, all candidates for a bachelor's degree must complete 30 of the last 36 hours of their program at UK.

OTHER CATEGORIES OF ADMISSION

Readmission

Former University students who have not been enrolled for one semester or more, and who are in good standing are required to apply for readmission.

Applications for readmission should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar, along with:

1. official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended since leaving at UK; and
2. a non-refundable application processing fee.

In order to be eligible for readmission, former UK students must have been in good standing at the time they left the University. Those who have been enrolled elsewhere must be eligible as transfer students on the basis of grade-point average and be in good standing at the institution most recently attended. Students under suspension from UK are not eligible for readmission, regardless of their status at another institution, until they have been reinstated to the University. If the suspension is for academic reasons, reinstatement should be requested from the dean of the college in which they intend to enroll by the stated deadline; if the suspension is nonacademic, reinstatement should be requested from the appropriate University official. Reinstated students also must file an application for readmission in the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar by the stated deadline.

Readmission candidates should submit an application as early as possible. This allows the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar adequate time to prepare the necessary forms for registration. Refer to the University Calendar for general admission deadlines. Information on selective college and program deadlines and procedures appears at the end of this section.

Nondegree Students

The goal of the University of Kentucky policy for nondegree students is to provide appropriate access to academic courses for students desiring to continue their education without seeking a degree. Although degree-seeking students should have top priority with respect to University resources, the University does wish to provide access to these resources on a space-available basis to nondegree seeking students. This policy will provide reasonable access to a broader range of students without unnecessarily limiting University resources for degree-seeking students.

Nondegree status affords an opportunity for individuals to pursue lifelong learning without the structure of degree-seeking status and is consistent with the educational mission of the University.

Most nondegree students are considered "Lifelong Learners" and include the following groups: Donovan Scholars, students who have already earned degrees and non-traditional students who wish to begin their studies as nondegree students in order to be considered for degree-seeking status later. Other students eligible to enter the University in a nondegree status include visiting students from other colleges and universities, high school students of exceptional ability, and other students in special circumstances as determined by the Director of Admission. (See information about visiting students and high school students with exceptional ability earlier in this section.)

Rules Governing Admission of Non-Degree Seeking Students

To be admitted as a non-degree student, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. The high school class of a non-degree applicant must have graduated at least two years prior to the applicant's anticipated semester of enrollment, unless the applicant will be on active military duty during his/her tenure as a non-degree student.
2. Applicants who have been denied admission as degree- seeking students may not in turn be enrolled as non-degree seeking students.
3. Former University degree-seeking students generally will not be enrolled as non-degree students without having earned an undergraduate degree.
4. University students under academic or disciplinary suspension may not be enrolled as non-degree students.
5. Students currently under suspension at other institutions may not be enrolled as non-degree students at UK. Failure to disclose a current suspension may result in forfeiture of eligibility for future enrollment.
6. Students are strongly encouraged to submit transcripts of high school or prior colleges at the time of admission in order to facilitate advising about appropriate course work.

Rules Governing Enrollment of Non-Degree Seeking Students

1. Non-degree students must meet course prerequisites or obtain the consent of the instructor to enroll in a course.
2. No student may continue to enroll as a non-degree student after earning 24 semester hours in this status without the special permission of the dean of the college in which the student is registered. Students who wish to continue course work are encouraged to apply for admission as a degree-seeking student.
3. Credit earned as a non-degree student will be evaluated for applicability toward a degree by the dean of the college in which the student will be enrolled. Most colleges provide administrative oversight of their nondegree students. Nondegree students whose registration status does not reflect affiliation with a particular college will come under the purview of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Successful completion of course work as a non-degree student does not ensure admission as a degree-seeking student. No graduate or professional credit is awarded for courses taken while a student is enrolled as an undergraduate non-degree student.

Procedures

1. Evening-Weekend College non-degree students may apply for enrollment until noon on the Saturday before classes begin each semester, although they are strongly encouraged to do so much earlier. It is preferable for Evening-Weekend students to submit applications no later than two weeks before the beginning of classes. This will provide students with maximum flexibility in making the decision to enter the University and allow sufficient time for advisors to provide appropriate and accurate advice to non-degree students and to ensure that course prerequisites have been met.
2. Non-degree students who wish to take day classes must meet regular admission deadlines for each term. They are encouraged to participate in academic advising each semester. Advisors will be assigned to these students.
3. All non-degree students who wish to continue after their first semester are expected to participate in priority registration for the following semester.

Nondegree students may apply for degree-seeking status after meeting regular University and program admission criteria. Applicants who earned fewer than 24 semester credit hours at UK must meet the University's standards for selective admission as first-time freshmen. Applicants who have earned 24 or more semester hours will be considered transfer students for admission purposes and transfer of credit policies will apply.

The dean of the college the degree-seeking student enrolls in determines how credit earned as a nondegree student is applied toward a degree.

Nondegree students applying for degree-seeking status must submit to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar:

1. an application for admission;
2. a non-refundable application processing fee.
3. official scores from the ACT or SAT (if fewer than 24 semester hours earned); and
4. official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

Refer to the University Calendar for general admission deadlines.

Auditors

An auditor is a student who enrolls in a course but receives no grade or credit. Students in this category should indicate auditing status on their application for admission.

Auditors are charged the same tuition as students receiving credit. Auditors cannot change to credit status after the beginning of class work, and cannot be considered for admission to earn credit unless they are admitted to a degree program in the University as a regular student. To do this, the auditor must file the required documents by the deadline for a subsequent semester. A student under academic or disciplinary suspension may not enroll as an auditor.

Students who wish to apply as auditors must submit to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar:

1. an application for admission; and
2. a non-refundable application processing fee.

Refer to the University Calendar for general admission deadlines.

Transient Students

A transient student is a visiting nondegree student from another institution who intends to earn credit at UK that will be applied to degree requirements at his or her sponsoring institution. Transient students must meet the same admissions requirements as transfer students.

Transient applicants must submit to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar:

1. an application for admission;
2. an official transcript or letter of good standing certifying grade-point average from the applicant's sponsoring institution; and
3. a non-refundable application processing fee.

Refer to the University Calendar for general admission deadlines.

UK Students As Transients at Other Schools

UK students may earn a limited amount of credit toward a baccalaureate degree at another college or university, provided they have prior approval from their dean and advisor, and provided the other school is fully accredited and the course work meets the University specifications for credit acceptance. The student should consult with an advisor or dean before enrolling at another institution. Students enrolled at other institutions at the same time they are enrolled at UK must have the specific approval of the appropriate dean. Students are responsible for determining whether transfer course work is acceptable and how it applies to the degree program. The University Senate has established certain conditions for accepting credit earned at other schools; therefore, improper enrollment at other institutions will result in the loss of the credit earned there.

A University student who enrolls elsewhere for only a summer session between a spring enrollment at UK and the following fall semester does not need to reapply for admission for the fall semester. The student must arrange for transcripts of transfer work to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar immediately following the summer session.

International Students

UK is authorized under federal law to enroll qualified nonimmigrant international students.

International applicants should apply for admission by June 15 for fall semester admission (freshman applicants must apply by February 15) and by October 15 for spring semester admission. International applicants must submit to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar:

1. an application for admission;
2. a non-refundable application processing fee; and
3. a sponsor guarantee form.

Admission is quite competitive and preference is given to applicants who are best qualified academically. All documents relating to academic records, financial ability, and competency in the English language must be received before permission to enroll and the proper immigration form can be issued. All documents must be official or certified as such. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide an official literal English translation of their official school records. Students who wish to transfer credit to UK should submit course descriptions, course syllabi, old tests, papers, and any other materials that can help determine course equivalencies.

All international students must have at least $16,200 for each academic year. This amount covers present tuition, fees, health insurance, books and living expenses from the fall semester through the spring semester. All international students are required to have university-approved health insurance.

Students whose native language is other than English must score at least 527 (paper and pen) or 197 (computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to be eligible for general admission to UK. [Some colleges and departments require a score of 550 (paper and pen) or 213 (computer-based).] "Native language" is defined as an individual's first acquired language and the language of educational instruction. The TOEFL requirement may be waived for students who have completed an academic year and who present an official transcript of satisfactory work taken at an accredited American college, or a college in another country where English is the native language.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is offered by the Educational Testing Service and may be taken at various test centers throughout the world. Applicants must take the test early enough to ensure that the results are reported to the University by the required deadlines.

For students with marginal scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the English Department at UK offers an intensive program in English as a second language, designed to improve both oral and written skills. Completion of this program does not guarantee admission. For complete details about the program, write to: Center for English as a Second Language, English Department, 1215 Patterson Office Tower, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0027, (859) 257-7003.

QUESTIONS CONCERNING ADMISSION DECISIONS

All applicants to the University of Kentucky have the right to question or appeal admission decisions. Applicants desiring to appeal a decision should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar to obtain information on the appeal process as well as deadlines.

 

ADVISING CONFERENCES

New freshmen and transfer students are oriented to the University in two steps. The first step is the Advising Conference, part of orientation at UK for more than three decades. The informative conferences offer students and parents the opportunity to learn more about the University, student life, and residence hall living. Participants attend sessions on the University Health Service, student activities and organizations, student computing services, and many other student services. Students also meet with an academic advisor, plan their schedules, and register for classes.

First-year students admitted for fall attend a two-day conference. These popular conferences allow students more time to meet UK faculty, staff, and students. Participants get the chance to meet with their academic advisors, take placement exams, and register for classes.

Students receive complete information about the Advising Conference after they are admitted.

Merit Weekends

The University invites academically talented students and their parents to attend special two-day advising conferences called Merit Weekends. In order to attend a Merit Weekend, admitted students must have at least a 28 composite score on the ACT Assessment (or 1240 on the SAT). The Merit Weekend program replaces the Summer Advising Conference and assures participants a higher priority in class selection. Merit Weekends are usually held in early spring.

KENTUCKY WELCOME

New students ease their transition to campus life through participation in Kentucky Welcome. Kentucky Welcome, the welcome week program which begins the weekend before classes start, offers a variety of social activities, academic programs, and information sessions. Some activities, such as the Opening Convocation, residence hall floor meetings, library tours, and college meetings familiarize students with community expectations and opportunities. Other activities such as the Student Center Spectacular, open houses, and other parties challenge students to expand their circle of friends and form important connections with other new students, student leaders, academic advisors, faculty, and staff.

Students receive detailed information about Kentucky Welcome during the summer. All new students are expected to attend. Kentucky Welcome includes special programs for non-traditional students (25 years of age or older) and transfer students.

UK 101, ACADEMIC ORIENTATION COURSE

UK 101 is a one-credit-hour, pass/fail, half-semester orientation course offered to first-year students. Former students overwhelmingly recommend this class to first-year students. The UK 101 course offers the opportunity for students to:

• Interact with a faculty member, upperclass peer instructor, and other first-year students in a small group setting.
• Discuss and reflect on issues relevant to students during their first year of college.
• Learn the most effective strategies for studying, taking notes, increasing test scores, and managing time.
• Increase awareness and use of University resources, such as the Career Center.
• Develop library and electronic access skills.
• Understand the purpose and nature of a university education in order to make the most of opportunities at UK.

Selected UK 101 sections meet for the full semester and are targeted to specific student populations, such as undeclared majors. Students will learn more about the UK 101 course during their Advising Conference. For additional information, contact:

Dean of Students Office
518 Patterson Office Tower
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0027
(859) 257-6597