UWM Undergraduate Catalog 2008-09
ADMISSION
UWM Undergraduate Catalog 2008-09ADMISSION |
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For the latest admissions information, visit our website at www.uwm.edu/Dept/DESDepartment of Enrollment Services
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Degree candidates may be admitted as new freshmen, transfer students, or reentry students. Another possibility is admission as a nondegree candidate or "Special Student." UWM also admits "Summer Guest" students, who are usually enrolled in degree programs at other institutions during the academic year but wish to take summer courses at UWM.
Admission requirements and procedures differ somewhat for each of these categories. Specific information follows.
If you wish to apply as a degree candidate (freshman, reentry, or transfer student) it is recommended that you apply electronically via the university of Wisconsin System electronic application website (www.apply.wisconsin.edu) or the UWM website (www.uwm.edu/Dept/DES). If you apply electronically, you will need to submit the necessary supporting documents via mail. You will be notified of any additional materials needed to complete your application. Complete instructions and information about applicable deadlines are available at the website. You also may request an application form by calling (414) 229-2222 or emailing UWMLOOK@uwm.edu; however, applying online is preferred. To obtain information about applying as a nondegree or summer guest student, call (414) 229-6732 or email OARSS@uwm.edu.
UWM will consider for admission freshman applicants who present evidence of appropriate preparation and potential for intellectual development. Both academic and non-academic factors will be assessed in an individualized, comprehensive applicant review. Academic factors considered include high school graduation or the equivalent, completion of an appropriate college preparatory curriculum, and evidence of academic ability and readiness based on the applicant's high school record and performance on standardized tests. Relevant non-academic factors include characteristics or experiences that will contribute to UWM's diversity, support the university's educational mission, and provide additional evidence of the applicant's academic potential.
Freshman applicants will typically demonstrate an appropriate level of preparation and potential by providing evidence of the following:
Graduation from a recognized high school or its equivalent (e.g. high school equivalency certificate, or diploma based on the GED or Wisconsin High School Equivalency Examination) is required. All freshman applicants must submit an official high school transcript with their application.
Those who have completed the General Educational Development or Wisconsin High School Equivalency examination are required to submit official test results in addition to ACT or SAT results and an official transcript of any high school work they have completed. Applicants who are home schooled, who have completed an alternative high school curriculum, or whose secondary school credentials are otherwise non-traditional, will be given full consideration for admission but may be required to present additional evidence demonstrating their academic preparation.
Satisfactory completion of at least 17 credits (1 credit = 1 year) of high school courses, distributed as shown in the following chart, is the minimum expectation. Additional coursework beyond this minimum level is strongly encouraged, and will increase the applicant’s likelihood of academic success at the university. Some academic programs have additional academic preparation requirements.
| Course | Credits Required | |
| English Including at least 3 years literature and composition |
4 | |
| Mathematics College prep courses at or above algebra level. Additional math is strongly recommended, particularly for engineering and science majors. |
3 | |
| Natural science Including at least 1 year lab science |
3 | |
|
3 | |
| Additional academic courses May be chosen from any of the above areas, foreign language, speech/communication, or other academic areas. At least two years of a foreign language is strongly recommended. |
2 | |
| Additional academic courses or other electives Chosen from above areas, computer science, fine arts, or other appropriate courses |
2 | |
| Total | 17 |
All relevant academic factors are considered, including high school class rank; grades and grade point average; choice of curriculum; and strength of the academic program relative to the choices available to the student in the high school.
All freshman applicants except those who are over age 21 must submit official ACT or SAT scores. In some cases, applicants may be asked to undergo additional testing before an admission decision is made.
Additional factors will be considered as part of the application review process. These might include, but are not limited to: evidence of leadership, creativity, special talents or abilities; membership in an underrepresented racial or ethnic group; veteran status; involvement in community service; educational or economic disadvantage; evidence of motivation and maturity; or other relevant factors which provide evidence of the applicant’s readiness for university-level study. If we need to obtain additional information from you, we will communicate this to you after the initial review of your application.
Applicants lacking some of the specific academic qualifications listed in sections 1-4 above may be offered admission if, on the basis of other factors, they appear to have a reasonable probability of success.
In some cases, applicants may be offered admission through our Academic Opportunity Center (AOC), a program which provides supportive pre-enrollment counseling, academic advising, and special instructional services specifically targeting educationally disadvantaged students.
UWM begins accepting undergraduate applications September 15 for the following fall term. For most programs, applications are accepted until the following July 1, but earlier deadlines may apply if enrollment capacity has been reached. Applications for UWinteriM or the spring term (classes start in January) are typically accepted until December 1. However, some programs have earlier deadlines and/or additional requirements. See below and check our website for up-to-date information.
It is to your advantage to apply early, especially if you are interested in on-campus housing. Housing availability is limited, and contracts are awarded based on the date of application for admission.
Variations in Admission Requirements and Deadlines Architecture and Urban Planning
Admission to the School of Architecture and Urban Planning is selective and competitive. Most Wisconsin residents admitted to the School will rank at or above the top 40% of their high school graduating class and have a composite ACT score of at least 23 (SAT equivalent). Most out-of-state residents rank in the top 25% and have an ACT score of at least 25 (SAT equivalent). The application deadline for Architecture and Urban Planning is January 1 (for the subsequent fall term), or November 1 (for the spring term), but earlier application is advised.
Engineering and Applied Science
Well-prepared freshman applicants will have four years each of college preparatory mathematics and natural science. Admission directly to the major as a freshman is very selective, and based primarily on factors that demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in rigorous courses, especially math and science. Freshmen admitted at this level will typically rank in the top third of their high school class, with an ACT composite score at or above 25 and math score at or above 28 (SAT equivalent). Applicants who are otherwise well prepared but not yet at the above level will be considered for admission to the pre-engineering (or pre-computer science) program.
Nursing
High school science units must include at least one year of high school chemistry. Admission to the pre-nursing program is selective. Apply as early as possible; applications will be accepted only until program capacity has been reached.
Peck School of the Arts
Application
Process It is strongly recommended that you apply online (www.apply.wisconsin.edu). Most applicants find it faster and more convenient, and applications are received and processed much more quickly. To apply for admission as a new freshman, refer to Undergraduate Admission: General Information.
For the latest admissions information, visit the UWM website at www.uwm.edu/Dept/DES, or call the Department of Enrollment Services at (414) 229-5932.
Many students choose to attend classes part-time, but for others, attending full-time in order to obtain their degree as quickly as possible is the top priority. If that is your goal, UWM's Four-Year Graduation Guaranty may be for you.
To qualify, students must enter as new freshmen during the fall term, and must have appropriate academic preparation and placement test scores.They then sign a contract agreeing to satisfy other specified academic progress requirements while following the prescribed program of study. UWM, in turn, guarantees that students who fulfill these requirements will be able to complete their undergraduate degree within four years of initial enrollment at UWM. This program is available within all of UWM's baccalaureate programs, although specific requirements may vary. Your academic advisor can provide more specific information about this option, or contact the academic advising office of the school or college to which you will be seeking admission.
Special Admission Programs for Students Still Enrolled in High School
The High School Special Student Program and the Youth Options Program are designed to allow qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll in university courses concurrently with high school classes. Applicants must generally rank in the upper 10 percent of their high school class and have completed an appropriate pattern of academic courses. For further information, contact your high school guidance counselor or the UWM Department of Enrollment Services at (414) 229-5932. You also may want to review the information available on the website at www4.uwm.edu/future_students/new_freshmen/highschool.cfm.
Students pursuing preprofessional programs in the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Peck School of the Arts, Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business, School of Education, College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, and Helen Bader School of Social Welfare are admitted directly into those schools and colleges and are advised there. However, admission to a preprofessional program does not guarantee subsequent admission to the professional program or major.
Admission to the professional program/major occurs only after a student has completed the specific preprofessional requirements outlined in the school and college sections of this catalog. Admission to the preprofessional program does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to enter or complete a professional program/major within any specific time period, and in fact admission to some professional programs/majors is very competitive. Enrollment in required courses is subject to limitation due to demand on University resources.
Requirements for employment, licensing or professional organizations: Students should be aware that some professions and occupations are subject to licensing and/or bonding requirements. When a course of study includes clinical or field training, practice teaching, internships, or the like, students may be subjected to a check of criminal conviction records prior to acceptance by the placement site. Students are responsible for obtaining the information necessary to become knowledgeable about special requirements such as these, and should plan their studies accordingly.
REQUIREMENTS
Admission to UWM as a transfer student normally requires at least an overall 'C' (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) grade point average on 12 or more transferable credits. However, this is the minimum standard. Some academic programs have higher standards and/or additional requirements.
Transfer admission to the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and the College of Nursing is selective. In addition, admission to many other individual programs/majors may be competitive and subject to capacity limitations, with higher standards or additional criteria considered. For more details, check the admission requirements listed for the particular academic program in which you are interested.
Students who do not meet the minimum standard requirements but still believe they are worthy of admission may appeal, via the Department of Enrollment Services, for special consideration. Under certain circumstances, transfer applicants who do not meet our standard admission criteria may also seek admission via the Academic Opportunity Center.
Upon admission, you will receive a complete evaluation of your transfer credit equivalencies. This typically takes 3-4 weeks, so it is important that you apply early in order to have this information in time for academic advising and registration prior to your desired term of enrollment (see dates and deadlines below).
International students have additional application requirements; see that section for details.
RECOMMENDED FILING DATES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
Fall term: If your application is complete (including all transcripts and the application fee) and received by the Department of Enrollment Services no later than February 15, you may expect to receive your admission decision and transfer credit evaluation by approximately May 1. This will allow you to register for classes at approximately the same time as continuing students. If your transfer application is complete by May 15, you may expect to receive a decision and credit evaluation by August 1.
Spring term: Complete your application by September 15 in order to assure receipt of your transfer credit evaluation by December 1.
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
Applications for most programs will be accepted until July 1 (for fall term admission) or December 1 (for admission to UWinteriM or the spring term, for which classes start in January). However, earlier deadlines may apply for certain programs, or if enrollment capacity has been reached. Check our website for up-to-date information.
APPLICATION PROCESS
It is strongly recommended that you apply online (www.apply.wisconsin.edu). Most applicants find it faster and more convenient, and applications are received and processed more quickly. To apply for admission as a transfer student, refer to Undergraduate Admission: General Information.
For more information on transfer credit policies, visit the UWM website at www.uwm.edu/Dept/DES or call the Department of Enrollment Services at (414) 229-5932.
Students enrolled in the Wisconsin Technical College System who wish to continue their education at UWM may be eligible to transfer credits toward their bachelor's degree in the following ways:
For more information about these transfer opportunities, students should consult with their Wisconsin Technical College advisors or the UWM Department of Enrollment Services.
UWM's Center for International Education is responsible for the admission of international (non-immigrant) students. In addition, the Center for International Education processes undergraduate applications submitted by U.S. permanent residents with foreign academic work.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online at http://apply.wisconsin.edu/. Application materials are located on the Center for International Education website at www.international.uwm.edu or can be requested via email to isss@uwm.edu. Prospective students may visit the Center for International Education, located in Garland Hall, Room 138, or write to The Center for International Education, International Student and Scholar Services, Garland Hall 138, P.O. Box 413, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee WI 53201-0413. Application materials sent via express mail should be addressed to the Center for International Education, ISSS, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211. The telephone number is (414) 229-4846.
Students are encouraged to apply a year in advance of the term in which they wish to enroll at UWM. The length of the application process can vary depending on how quickly the applicant provides all required materials to complete the application. The following materials are required to be considered for admission to UWM.
Dual Admission: If you received a TOEFL score between 500 and 519 (paper-based)/173-189 (computer-based)/61-67 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of 5.0, you will be admitted to UWM, but you will only be allowed to register for part-time academic courses (maximum of 6 credits). You must also complete part-time ESL courses so that you may meet the minimum English proficiency requirements.
For most students, readmission to the University after an absence of one semester is a simple process that does not require you to reapply for admission. Contact the Admissions office at (414) 229-5932 to ensure your record is updated. Students who have been out more than one semester must file a reentry application to return to the University. Transcripts of college work taken during the absence from this campus must be submitted.
Applications for most programs will be accepted until July 1 (for fall term admission) or December 1 (for admission to UWinteriM or the spring term, for which classes start in January). However, earlier deadlines may apply for certain programs, or if enrollment capacity has been reached. Check our website for up-to-date information.
In addition to filing a reentry application to the University, a student who has been dropped from the University because of poor academic performance must be readmitted by the dean of the school or college from which the student was dropped.
For more information about reentry procedures or to request an application form, contact the Department of Enrollment Services at (414) 229-5932.
Students admitted as degree candidates at UWM may attend Summer Sessions and continue in the fall semester, providing they continue to satisfy established academic standards. Admission requirements are the same as for regular semesters. Students enrolled for the spring semester automatically receive registration information for Summer Sessions.
New freshman or transfer students admitted for the fall semester also may request a change of term to the preceding summer session in order to begin their studies at UWM. For more information about a term change, call Enrollment Services at (414) 229-5932.
Students enrolled at another college or university during the academic year who wish to attend UWM during the summer term only may qualify for admission as Summer Guest students. See Non-Degree Students section below for specific information.
For more information about summer sessions enrollment as a Summer Guest student, call (414) 229-5932.
Pre-admission advising for adults and other nontraditional students is available by appointment through the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services (OARSS) in the Department of Enrollment Services.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an advisor, call (414) 229-5932, email OARSS@uwm.edu, or stop in Mellencamp Hall, Room 212.
University Special Students. The University Special Student program is designed for individuals interested in taking undergraduate courses for personal enrichment, career change, preparation for Graduate School, or as a first step into a degree program. In most cases, non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid other than scholarships.
If you do not have a bachelor's degree, you must have graduated from a recognized high school at least one year prior to the desired semester of enrollment. All students out of high school less than two years must present official transcripts and meet regular admission requirements for undergraduate degree students.
Otherwise, to qualify for admission as a University Special Student, you must have completed an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution. You will not be required to submit transcripts.
All University Special Students need to maintain a 'C' grade point average in order to continue in good standing. Individuals who enter a degree program at UWM in the future will be able to transfer all undergraduate credits into their program. With a few exceptions, no credits earned will be considered now or in the future as graduate credits.
Many courses are open to University Special Students, but there are some restrictions in high demand areas. Information on courses open to University Special Students may be obtained from the Schedule of Classes.
Admission/registration information and advising are available in the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services, Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-5932.
Summer and UWinteriM Guest Students. Most Guest students attend another college or university during the academic year, but take summer or UWinteriM courses at UWM for personal enrichment or for credit transfer to the institution where they are pursuing a degree. This category also is used for individuals who have an undergraduate degree but wish to enroll during a summer or UWinteriM term only. Guest students may qualify for admission without providing official university transcripts. For more information, contact the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services, Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-5932.
School/College Special Students. Students who do not wish to enroll in a degree program, but who want to take courses in a specialized area of study such as business administration, engineering, or certain majors within the College of Letters and Science, may be admitted as Special Students by a specific UWM school or college.
Special Students admitted under these classifications may be eligible to enroll in certain high demand courses that are not open to University Special Students. In the College of Letters and Science, students who have not completed an undergraduate degree are expected to meet the regular requirements for admission and submit transcripts. For more information, contact the specific UWM school or college in which you wish to enroll.
Education Non-Degree Students. Students with bachelor's degrees who are interested in pursuing a teacher certification program may be admitted as Education Certification Special Students. Admission to the teacher certification program requires approval from the School of Education. For more information, contact the Curriculum and Instruction office at (414) 229-4904.
Audit Students. Students may audit courses rather than enroll for credit. These are described in this catalog in the "Academic Opportunities" section. For more information, contact the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services, Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-5932.
Residency. Residency, for tuition purposes, is governed by Wisconsin statute. It is the mutual responsibility of the University and the student to make certain that he or she is correctly classified as a resident or nonresident for tuition purposes. If an error is discovered, the student will be notified that he or she must pay the nonresident portion of the tuition immediately. Students who question their status should contact the Department of Enrollment Services in Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-4672. A student who wishes to appeal the nonresident classification should request a nonresidency appeal form prior to the tuition due date for the semester. For more information regarding residency, go to the website at www3.uwm.edu/des/web/admissions/residency.cfm.
Minnesota/Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement. Minnesota residents may be eligible to participate under the Minnesota/Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement. Students certified under this program pay tuition at a special rate that is less than nonresident tuition. A certification year runs from July 1 through June 30, although degree students are normally certified once during the full duration of their academic career if they remain continuously enrolled.
Persons not certified by the date fees are due will be required to pay nonresident tuition and fees. The appropriate amount will then be refunded upon certification by the State of Minnesota Office of Higher Education Reciprocity Program. For more information, contact the State of Minnesota Office of Higher Education Reciprocity Program, 1450 Energy Park Dr., Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55108, (651) 642-0567, (800) 657-3866, or www.ohe.state.mn.us.
Illinois Scholar Award. Incoming new freshmen who are Illinois residents may qualify for the Illinois Scholar Award. With this award, students may receive tuition remissions of $7,500 annually, renewable for up to four consecutive years, provided stated criteria and conditions are met. Information is available from the Department of Financial Aid, (414) 229-4541.
Midwest Student Exchange Program. UWM participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), a collaborative program which enables qualified students to attend a participating college or university in another state at a substantial discount from the usual tuition rate. Students attending UWM as part of the MSEP will pay 150 percent of the Wisconsin resident rate. For more information, go to www.mhec.org.
All new students are assigned an academic advisor upon admission to UWM. New freshmen are required to participate in an advising, registration and orientation program prior to their first semester of enrollment. These programs are held during the summer for students entering in the fall term, and during December and January for students entering in January. Accommodations can be made for out of town students who need to combine placement testing, advising, registration and orientation in a single trip to the campus.
More detailed information about placement testing, advising, registration and orientation will be mailed to you upon admission to the University.
Advising and registration programs for transfer and nontraditional students (Next Step) also are conducted each year. Participation is strongly encouraged.
All incoming new freshmen admitted to UW-Milwaukee are required to register for the New Freshman Testing Session, at which placement tests will be administered. These tests help determine appropriate placement in your college courses. Transfer students and re-entry students may be required to take placement tests, depending on previous course work and intended major. Check with your advisor to determine if you need to complete placement tests.
Placement testing must be completed prior to registering for classes. Tests are administered in the areas listed below.
English Placement Test (EPT). The English placement test consists of three subtests. These subtests are English Usage, Sentence Correction, and Reading Comprehension. The entire English Placement Test is designed to be completed in 90 minutes.
Math Placement Test. The Mathematics Placement Test consists of 85 items measuring three different sets of skills: Math Basics, Algebra, and Trigonometry. The test takes 90 minutes to complete. Only non-graphing, non-programmable calculators are permitted for use on this test.
Foreign Language Placement Test. If you have previously studied French, German, and/or Spanish and plan to continue your enrollment in that language, you are required to take the appropriate foreign language test. These tests are 60 minutes. Students placing into certain foreign language courses may be eligible for retroactive college credit (retro-credits) upon completion of that UWM course. For more information on retroactive college credit, consult the College of Letters and Science.
Chemistry Placement Test. The purpose of this test is to assist with placement in college-level general chemistry courses. Student preparation is assumed to include one full year of high school chemistry and one full year of high school algebra. Certain majors require completion of the Chemistry placement test. Check the online Schedule of Classes for course prerequisites or contact the Testing Center to determine if you need to take the test. There are three parts to the test: Part I General Mathematics; Part II General Chemical Knowledge; Part II Specific Chemical Knowledge. This test is 55 minutes. Only non-graphing, non-programmable calculators are permitted for use on this test.
English as a Second Language - Placement in Composition Test (ESL-PIC). If you grew up speaking a language other than English as your primary language, you should take this test. As an ESL (English as a Second Language) writer, you can complete your English requirement by taking ESL writing courses instead of the English composition courses designed for native speakers of English. The ESL writing courses also can help you do better in all of your university courses. This test is 75 minutes. Dictionaries are optional.
Placement exams are administered by the UWM Testing Center in Mellencamp Hall, Room B28. For more information, go to www.testingcenter.uwm.edu or call (414) 229-4689. Sign up for an exam at www.testregistration.uwm.edu.
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