Admission Policies

Requirements for Applicants as Freshman Students

1. Applicants must have graduated from an approved high school with a combination of grade point average, class rank, and ACT or SAT score which indicates a strong likelihood of success in university studies.
2. Applicants must have accumulated 18 high school units. Three of those units should be in English; the remaining 15 units should be chosen from a college preparatory curriculum.
3. Applicants for admission must complete an Admission Application and have their high schools forward an official student transcript. Students must have their ACT or SAT scores sent to the Office of Admission. Veterans must submit a DD214.

Additional Requirements for Nursing Students

1. First-year applicants to the nursing program are strongly advised to have completed one year of high school chemistry and two years of high school mathematics, with a grade of “C” or above in each class.
2. First-year applicants who plan to major in nursing should contact the Office of Admission for the current minimum ACT composite score.
3. Applicants must successfully complete the Kaplan Admission Test (KAT). Please contact admissions for current passing scores. Passing scores are determined by the nursing faculty each year. Admission, progression, curriculum, and graduation policies of the pre-licensure track are subject to change in order to comply with the requirements of the current Illinois Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing Act, Rules for the Administration of Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing Act, and The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008).
4. Students must receive a grade of “C” in required science courses to progress to the next semester in the program. Students who receive only one failing grade in a science (C-, D, F, or W), will be allowed to repeat that course once. Science theory and science labs are counted as separate classes. Upon a second failed science, or if the student fails or withdraws from both theory and lab during the semester, the student will be notified that they have been academically dismissed from the nursing major. A student may repeat a required general education support course in which they earn a “C-”, “D”, “F”, or “W” only once and if the student does not earn a minimum of a “C” on the second attempt they will be academically dismissed from the nursing major. Dismissal from the College of Nursing and Health Professions does not necessarily result in dismissal from the University.
5. Prior to entering clinical courses, every pre-licensure College of Nursing and Health Professions student must complete a disclosure form, similar to the disclosure required by the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulations in the application for licensure as an RN and meet requirements of clinical agency.
6. Every pre-licensure nursing student must have completed a physical examination form and received the required immunizations. Yearly drug screenings, background checks, and flu shots must be completed every consecutive fall semester and prior to entering Sophomore II clinical courses.
7. Every College of Nursing and Health Professions student is subject to the college’s Chemical Impairment Policy.

Requirements for Homeschooled applicants

Applicants for admission who have been homeschooled must complete an Admission Application and submit an official transcript of coursework. Students should have their ACT or SAT scores sent to the Office of Admission. Homeschooled students may need to submit additional details regarding the curriculum. In addition, an interview may be requested. Additional details for homeschooled applicants can be found at www.lewisu.edu/homeschool on the University Web site.

Requirements for General Education Development Test (GED) Applicants

1. Applicants must provide an official copy of the GED Score Report and a copy of the GED Diploma.
2. Applicants will be considered for admission only if they score in the upper 50th percentile, or greater, on each of the five subject tests.
3. Applicants who are younger than 24 years of age by the start of the applied term are required to submit an official ACT or SAT score report.

Conditional Admission

The Office of Admission may admit a limited number of first year students each year who, despite not meeting regular University entrance requirements, exhibit a strong potential to successfully complete a bachelor’s degree.

Upon conditional admission, students are required to attend meetings and activities that provide them with the individual attention necessary to focus upon improving their academic skills. During the first semester, every attempt is made to enroll the student in the required writing and reading courses. Additional University courses act as supplements to complete the first semester schedule of classes. Advising and support services are provided through the Leckrone Academic Resource Center (LARC).

Requirements for Entering Transfer Students

A transfer student applicant (traditional programs) is defined as a degree-seeking student who has earned a minimum of 12 semester (18 quarter) hours of transferable credit at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Transfer student applicants need to have earned a minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer grade point average (higher for some majors) based upon all transferable courses to be considered for admission. (Transfer students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores or high school transcript.) Credits earned through Prior Learning Assessment cannot be used to meet the minimum credit hour requirement for admission.

Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended must be sent to the Office of Admission. Students must be in good academic, disciplinary and financial standings at previous colleges/universities attended. An evaluation of transfer credit will be forwarded with the acceptance letter showing courses accepted in transfer and courses/hours that still need to be completed at Lewis.

The Office of Admission will consider applications only after the following steps have been completed:

1. An application is submitted.
2. Official transcripts are received by the Office of Admission from each college and/or university attended.
3. Kaplan Admission Test results are submitted (for nursing majors only).

Requirements for Adults Entering Degree Completion Programs (Accelerated Programs)

Lewis University offers undergraduate accelerated degree programs for working adults. Current programs offered in this delivery format can be found at www.lewisu.edu/academics/spce/

To be admitted, adult students should have earned a minimum of 30 semester hours of transferable credit at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution which includes College Writing I (or equivalent); have earned a minimum of 2.0 (4.0 scale) cumulative transfer grade point average (higher for some majors) based upon all transferable courses; demonstrate evidence of significant work experience or military training; write a personal statement outlining a plan for achieving success in an adult accelerated program at Lewis University. Credits earned through Prior Learning Assessment cannot be used to satisfy the transfer credit hour requirement for admission into an accelerated program.

RN/BSN: A nursing degree completion major must be a registered professional nurse in Illinois; must be a graduate of a state-approved diploma, associate’s degree, or foreign nursing program; must have attained a 2.5 (4.0 scale) cumulative GPA for transfer credits (see specific program information).

The same admission criteria apply to all students who wish to register for an accelerated course offered through SPCE. Students must meet with a academic advisor to complete a form that confirms the request for enrollment into an accelerated course.

To apply for admission, students should complete an Application for Admission through the Office of Graduate and Adult Admission and submit official transcripts from each college/university the student has previously attended. Evaluation of transfer credit is based on the following criteria:

1. Credits transfer from schools accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association or another regional accrediting association.
2. A maximum of four credit hours will transfer in physical education activity courses.
3. “D” grades will be accepted as transfer credit except for courses in the student's major, minor, College Writing I and College Writing II.
4. A maximum of 72 semester hours of community college credits (or credits from a two-year school) may be accepted at the time of admission.
5. An unlimited number of hours will be accepted from upper division/senior institutions as long as 32 hours, including 12 hours of upper-division major courses and 6 hours of Mission-based courses, are completed at Lewis.
6. All transferable prior learning credit earned before enrolling at Lewis, and in combination with community college credit, may not exceed 72 credit hours.
7. Developmental and or remedial courses completed at another institution are not transferable.
8. There are no time limits with respect to when credits were earned in order to be accepted for transfer.
9. Course grades do not transfer.

Requirements for Adult First Year Students (Non-Accelerated)

An adult first year student is defined as an undergraduate applicant 24 years of age or older with no previous college experience. Adult first year students may be considered for admission to the University upon submission of a completed Application for Admission and verification of high school graduation. Applicants who completed the GED must follow admission criteria as noted in that section. Students who have Prior Learning Assessment credit must submit these documents for review of transferable credit.

Adults interested in attending Lewis University should contact the Office of Admission for assistance. Applications for admission and official transcripts should be sent directly to the Office of Admission.

Requirements for Entering International Students

Current information regarding requirements for entering international students can be found at http://lewisu.edu/admissions/international.

Requirements for Entering Students-At-Large

A student-at-large is defined as a student who wishes to enroll in courses but does not plan to complete a degree at Lewis University.

Students-at-large must submit proof of prior college credit. An unofficial college transcript is acceptable provided that the student does not plan to obtain a degree from Lewis University. Students-at-large may pursue their studies on a part-time or full-time basis but do not receive institutional financial assistance. Those students who do seek a degree must complete an Application for Admission and submit official transcripts from each college or university previously attended.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Lewis University permits the holder of a bachelor’s degree to earn a second bachelor’s degree from the University. The first step in seeking a second bachelor’s degree from Lewis is to be admitted to the University as an undergraduate student. The candidate should follow either procedure A or B in the following section (depending on whether the first bachelor’s degree was earned at Lewis or at another college or university).

Upon admission to the University, the student must meet all curricular requirements to earn a bachelor’s degree and complete the requirements of a major other than the major(s) completed in obtaining the first degree. The course of study for the second degree must include at least 32 credit hours not counted for any other degree. These 32 credits and any other credit hours needed to complete the second bachelor’s degree must be earned at Lewis University (See Academic Policies for other requirements). Credit by examination nor Prior Learning Assessment can be counted toward fulfilling the requirement.

Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree must follow degree requirements as outlined in this catalog as they pertain to the completion of a major course of study, fulfill general education requirements, and apply for graduation.

Previous credits earned (elsewhere or at Lewis) will be treated as transfer credits. They shall not apply in determining GPA, class rank, rank in the major or honors at graduation.

While attending Lewis, seekers of a second bachelor’s degree must comply with all the financial payment policies and student conduct policies. In these areas, students seeking a second bachelor’s degree are not distinguished from other Lewis University undergraduates.

Admission Policies for Second Bachelor’s Degree

1. Holders of a degree from a college or university other than Lewis must
   1. Seek admission to Lewis University as an undergraduate student through the Office of Admission.
   2. Submit an official transcript of credits from all previous colleges or universities attended. An evaluation of these credits will be made according to the University’s transfer policies. The evaluation will list major and general education requirements needed to complete the second bachelor’s degree. Upon being granted final admission, the student may begin coursework during the next academic term (fall, spring or summer).
   3. Obtain approval of the department chair (required when applicable).
   4. Complete the Kaplan Admission Test (KAT) as part of the application process for nursing majors.
2. Holders of a bachelor’s degree from Lewis University must
   1. Complete an application form for the second bachelor’s degree at the Office of Admission. This application includes:
      • approval of the department chairperson (when applicable);
      • a listing of the courses needed to complete the major (to be determined by the chairperson); and
      • a statement that a minimum of 32 credits must be earned at Lewis in addition to the credits counted in earning the first degree (See Academic Policies for other requirements).
   2. Obtain clearance from the Business Office of Lewis University.
   3. Complete the Kaplan Admission Test (KAT) as part of the application process for nursing majors.

The student will follow the graduation and major requirements that are in effect when the student applies for the second degree.

A Bachelor to BSN pre-licensure track has been designated for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college. Upon completion of this accelerated track, the graduate will be granted a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and be eligible to sit for the national examination for licensure (NCLEX) as a registered nurse.

Returning Lewis Students

A returning student is defined as any student who was previously enrolled in Lewis University courses, and has either been absent for more than two calendar years, or has attended another college/university after leaving Lewis University. Returning students must reapply for admission and be re-admitted to the University before enrolling in additional courses.

Returning students who attended another college must follow all admission criteria for transfer students, and must take all major, minor, and general education requirements listed in the current catalog. Transferable courses do not count toward the Lewis Grade Point Average (GPA). Returning students who left on academic probation will return under the same standing and must interview with the Director of Academic Support Services.

Transfer Credit and Placement

Illinois Articulation Initiative in General Education

Lewis University participates fully in the General Education Portion of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI). Transfer students who have completed the IAI general education core courses with a previous institution will have to complete only the appropriate Mission-based courses as part of the graduation requirements for Lewis University. Visit the Illinois Articulation Initiative Web site at www.itransfer.org for more information on approved courses from each participating Illinois college.

Lewis curriculum requirements allow a complete transfer of credit, in most cases, for incoming transfer students. Course grades, however, do not transfer. Students with questions should contact the Office of Admission for assistance. Transfer guides for the Illinois community colleges can be accessed at www.lewisu.edu/transfers on the Lewis University Web site.

Evaluation of transfer credit (in traditional programs) is based on the following criteria:

1. Transfer credit must be earned from schools accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association or another regional accrediting agency.
2. Transfer credit must be earned in coursework that parallels offerings given at Lewis University or is acceptable through an articulation agreement. The Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees are accepted.
3. Community college terminal programs will transfer if prior articulation has occurred between the particular community college and Lewis University. (For example, law enforcement, marketing, management, and some community college programs in nursing.) To be considered in this category, the courses must fundamentally draw upon the natural or social sciences and be appropriate to the liberal arts curriculum.
4. A maximum of 72 semester hours of community college credits (or credits from a two-year school) will be accepted at the time of entry. An unlimited number of hours will be accepted from upper division/senior institutions. Transferable credit must be degree applicable.
5. Credit hours for “D” grades will transfer provided that the course is not equivalent to the required College Writing courses or required by the student’s major or minor.
6. A maximum of four hours will transfer in physical education activity courses.
7. All transferable prior learning credit earned before enrolling at Lewis, and in combination with community college credit, may not exceed 72 credit hours.
8. All transfer students must complete the final 32 hours of their degree, including at least four upper-division courses in the major, two upper- division courses in the minor, and 6 hours of University Mission courses at Lewis.
9. Developmental and/or remedial courses completed at another institution are not transferable.

Additional Criteria for Nursing Students

1. Pre-licensure students who transfer from an CCNE/NLNAC accredited nursing program may be eligible for transfer credit for specific Lewis University nursing course requirements (up to seven credits if from an associate degree nursing program and up to 15 credits if from a baccalaureate degree nursing program) provided that
   1. the student’s cumulative GPA for all courses taken at all transferring institutions is 2.75 or above based on a 4.0 point scale;
   2. the nursing courses were completed within three years of the date credit is to be granted;
   3. content is equivalent to the course(s) for which credit is being requested;
   4. the student must successfully complete the Kaplan Admission Test (KAT).

The College of Nursing and Health Professions reserves the right to evaluate the transfer student’s basic and physical assessment skills to determine achievement of competency at the level for which transfer credit is being requested. Admission, progression, curriculum, and graduation policies of the pre-licensure track are subject to change in order to comply with the requirements of the current Illinois Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing Act, Rules for the Administration of Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing Act, and The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008).

RN/BSN students are awarded 12 semester hours of credit on the basis of demonstrating fulfillment of basic nursing competencies measured through passing the NCLEX exam and receiving licensure as a professional nurse in the state of Illinois. These hours are held in escrow until the student successfully completes L5-432, Promoting Healthy Communities.

Evaluation of transfer credit for adult, accelerated students is based on the following criteria:

1. Credits transfer from schools accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association or another regional accrediting association.
2. A maximum of four credit hours will transfer in physical education activity courses.
3. “D” grades will be accepted as transfer credit provided that the applicant has a “D” grade in a course not required by the student’s major or minor.
4. A maximum of 72 semester hours of community college credits (or credits from a two-year school) may be accepted at the time of admission.
5. An unlimited number of hours will be accepted from upper division/senior institutions as long as 32 hours, including 12 hours of upper-division major courses and 6 hours of Mission-based courses, are completed at Lewis.
6. All transferable prior learning credit earned before enrolling at Lewis, and in combination with community college credit, may not exceed 72 credit hours.
7. Developmental and or remedial courses completed at another institution are not transferable.
8. There are no time limits with respect to when credits were earned in order to be accepted for transfer.
9. Course grades do not transfer.

High School/College Dual Credit for Freshmen

Lewis University allows incoming freshmen to transfer in college courses earned through a dual credit experience in high school. Students must submit official college transcripts for review to the Office of Admission. Credit will be evaluated consistent with policies for transfer students.

Community college courses will be evaluated from the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree programs. Credit from an Associate of Applied Science program may not transfer. College credit guidelines earned through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and CLEP are discussed under the Special Programs heading of this section of the catalog.