CS 3.4.3 The institution publishes admissions policies that are consistent with its mission. (Admissions Policies)
In Compliance
“Shenandoah University educates and inspires individuals to be critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world.”
Shenandoah University’s Mission Statement is prominently displayed in the front of both Undergraduate and Graduate catalogs, as well as on the university website. The values outlined in the mission are suffused in both the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs under school descriptions and specific programs of study, and similarly, on the university’s website. For example, in the Undergraduate Catalog, the College of Arts and Sciences references the institutional mission on p. 152; the Outdoor Leadership and Education program mentions the value of becoming a “compassionate citizen” on p. 195. The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing also references “critical thinking” on p. 336, and the Division of Respiratory Care makes a similar reference on p. 356. The Harry F. Byrd School of Business emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning on p. 230. Similarly, several of the programs listed in the Graduate Catalog discuss the importance of critical thinking. For example, the Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy, on p. 223; and the Master of Sciences in Organizational Leadership, on p. 159. The goal of promoting lifelong learning is mentioned under the Master of Science of Physical Assistant Studies on p. 228, for the College of Arts and Sciences on p. 131, and for the School of Health Professions on p. 198. Presentation pieces (Transfer Open House Presentation and Daily Presentation) used on the road or during campus visits reflect the values expressed in the mission as well as admissions policies.
Admissions policies are based on widely accepted standards and are consistent with the University’s mission. Through our admission processes, the university strives to recruit and select those applicants who we feel hold the best potential for becoming “…critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens…”. There are three different types of applicants—freshmen, transfer, graduate—each having different admission policies. In addition, the university publishes policies relating to applicants who are home schooled, non-degree, international, conditional/provisional, or without a high school diploma. All policies are posted annually in our academic catalogs as well as on the corresponding website.
Excerpt from the Undergraduate Catalog, p. 16: Students are selected by the Office of Admissions on the basis of their academic preparation, leadership qualities and overall interests as indicated by their applications, school records and test results. Since applicants are considered on their own merit, Shenandoah University invites them to supply all evidence to indicate their competence and eagerness to deal with a demanding and exciting Shenandoah program of study. Admission to Shenandoah University is competitive. The number of new students admitted each year is limited by the available residence hall and classroom space, instructional personnel and budgetary resources. The executive director of recruitment and admissions is authorized to accept applicants who meet the published admission requirements after examining their application in accordance with policies approved by the institution.
An Admissions Decision Matrix, closely aligned with admissions policies, guides Admissions Office staff in their review of applicants. We have provided evidence that the university follows its own policies in accepting or denying applications for admissions. For example, the Freshman Denials-Admits shows two examples of freshman denials as well as two acceptances, summarizing the reasons for each decision, and showing a copy of the letter sent to the applicant in each case. Similarly, the TransferAccepts-Denials file provides examples of instances where transfer applicants were given provisional admission, then later, full admission, based on receipt of official transcripts. Not every transfer applicant is accepted, and there are two examples where applicants were denial admission due to low GPA or prerequisites.
For students seeking admission to online or distance education programs, additional policies can be found in the academic catalogs. For example, policies related to the Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN Online Track can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog on p. 352. Graduate programs such as the Non-Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy Pathway can be found in the Graduate Catalog on p. 261. Policies for the Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy are on p. 223; for the Masters in Occupational Therapy, policies are on p. 214; and policies relating to the Post Masters Certificate in Nursing Education are found on p. 255, all in the Graduate Catalog. The same information can be found on the institutional website.
The university assures consistency between admissions policies and the institutional mission of the university in several ways. Published admission policies are developed by the university administration and the admissions office, with input from the schools and programs. The Executive Director of Admissions and Recruitment sits on the Academic Cabinet, the body representing the academic leadership of the university. Moreover, the Executive Director is a standing member of the University Cabinet, the principal planning and policy council of the university. Finally, the Executive Director makes regular reports to the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Committee of the Board of Trustees. This committee reviews admissions data in relation to the university’s mission.
Freshmen Admissions
The SU freshmen admissions policies are published in our Undergraduate catalog and on the institutional website. SU seeks to admit prospective freshmen that can show their potential for success through the submission of their high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and application information, such as community involvement and leadership experience.
All applicants must submit transcripts showing a strong college preparatory schedule from high school, which should include the following:
- Four units of English
- Three units of math (algebra 1, algebra II and geometry)
- Two units of science (including one lab)
- Two units of social studies
- Two units of foreign language
In addition all freshmen applicants must submit standardized test scores (either SAT or ACT).
The Office of Admissions representatives review each application on an individual basis, paying particular attention to those traits that might demonstrate a high possibility for success considering SU’s unique environment. For those applicants that might not demonstrate this through their transcripts or test scores, further information may be requested from the applicant such as a personal statement, or a letter of recommendation. For those who do not meet our minimum requirements with the materials submitted, further consideration is given through an admissions committee that is made up of freshmen admissions staff. If no clear decision is reached from the admissions committee, applicants receive a final review with the faculty review committee. This is made up of faculty from each of the schools that contain undergraduate programs and two admissions representatives. During any part of the process, applicants might receive full or conditional admission. If given conditional admission, those applicants that matriculate are required to attend a study skills class and fulfill any additional requirements that the Office of Admissions may place.
Transfer Admissions
The SU transfer admissions policies are published in our Undergraduate catalog and on the institutional website. The transfer admission process is a more straightforward process than the freshmen admission process. Applicants are required to have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA from all previous post-secondary institutions in order to gain admission. Those who fall below this standard may be admitted if it can be demonstrated in other ways that they hold potential for success. Those applicants that have attempted fewer than 24 post- secondary credits will also have high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores included in their admission review process. There are various degree options available to transfer students that require different admissions standards and processes. These include the Nursing Accelerated 2nd Degree Track, the Nursing Transfer track, and the Nursing RN-to- BSN track. These policies are available in both the undergraduate catalog and on the admissions and School of Nursing websites.
Graduate Admissions
The SU graduate admissions policies are available in our Graduate catalog as well as on each individual program website. The graduate admission process varies from program to program across the University. All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from any post-secondary institution from which 21 credits or were earned. All applicants must submit official transcripts from the institution from which they earned their undergraduate degree. Applicants must show achievement of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution for all programs with the exception of a Masters in Occupational Therapy, Doctorate in Pharmacy, Masters in Athletic Training and the Nursing-R.N. to M.S.N. program.
Supporting Documents
University Mission Statement
Board of Trustees Minutes, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Committee
Faculty Handbook Section 2.4.1 (University Cabinet)
Faculty Handbook Section 2.4.2 (Academic Cabinet)
Undergraduate Catalog 2014-2015, pp. 16-26
Graduate Catalog 2014-2015, pp. 14-21
Admissions Website
University Cabinet Membership (Faculty Handbook 2.4.1.2)
Admissions Decision Matrix
Freshman Denials-Admits
Transfer Accepts-Denials
Transfer Open House Presentation
Daily Presentation “Road Piece”
Virginia Private College Week Presentation- YouTube (http://youtu.be/y0NauIoP3E4)
Admitted Freshman Day Presentation-YouTube (http://youtu.be/maBg6zBHR68)
Shadow Day Presentation-YouTube (http://youtu.be/p4EdBuD4n0k)