Admission Policies and Procedures

Olivet Nazarene University desires to enroll students who are genuinely interested in experiencing an ”Education With a Christian Purpose.” We believe that Jesus Christ should be the foundation and center of every individual’s life. As a life can never be complete unless it finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, neither is knowledge complete until it is integrated with eternal values.

Admission is based on the composite picture afforded by the student’s transcripts and standardized test scores, and is granted to qualified students in conjunction with a supplementary Entrance Interview. The Admissions Committee is responsible for final action on each application.

Admission to the University does not constitute admission to any specific program of specialization; any additional prerequisite requirements for such programs are indicated in this catalog under their respective listings. Olivet Nazarene University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin or ethnic origin, marital status, or disability in the recruitment and admission of students and in the operation of all college programs, activities, and services. Any concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of any of the foregoing protected categories should be addressed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Burke Administration Building, (815) 939-5213.

Two Aspects of Admission to Olivet

Admission to Olivet Nazarene University involves both academic achievement and a moral commitment to a lifestyle consistent with the objectives and values of Olivet.

Signing the application for admission is an agreement to abide by the ethical and moral principles of the University as well as to apply oneself to the task of learning and mental development.

Personal Preparation for Admission

Olivet Nazarene University is interested in the development of the whole person. The atmosphere prevalent on the campus is conducive for academic and spiritual growth and maturity. All students are expected to reflect a lifestyle that is exemplary of Christian ideals.

As a community of students, teachers, and administrators, the personnel of the University are interdependent for successful intellectual, social, and spiritual growth.

The person who is accepted as a student at Olivet should understand the purpose and philosophy of the University, and must agree to adhere to the rules of conduct. Policies and practices of conduct are outlined in “University Life ,” and also in the University Life Handbook.

High-School Preparation

The student expecting to enroll at Olivet should concentrate on a college preparatory program in high school. A student with a solid background in English and literature, mathematics, natural science, and social science should learn effectively and succeed in college studies.

The student must have a minimum of 15 units (a unit is normally a full year, or two semesters, of one course) of academic work at an accredited high school in grades nine through 12, with an above-average grade in college preparatory subjects. The student should rank in the upper half of the graduating class.

The high school work should include a major in English, an additional major and one minor in fields of foreign language, mathematics, natural science, or social science. A major is three units of work; a minor is two units. Required preparation for a Nursing student includes one year of high school biology and one year of high school chemistry. In certain cases where the applicant ranks in the upper half of the high school graduating class, specific major and minor requirements may be waived. Subjects acceptable in these fields include:

English: history and appreciation of literature, composition and grammar, oral composition when given as part of a basic English course.

Foreign Language: a major is three units, two of which must be in the same language; a minor is two units in the same language.

Mathematics: algebra; plane, solid, and spherical geometry; trigonometry; and advanced mathematics (calculus). General mathematics may be accepted if the content of the course is essentially the same as algebra and geometry.

Natural Science: biology, botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, general science, physiology, astronomy, and geology. The major must include at least three units chosen from biology, botany, zoology, chemistry, or physics. The minor must have at least two units from the same subject.

Social Science: history, civics, economics, commercial or economic geography, sociology. The major must have at least one unit of history.

Students with academic deficiencies will be required to take developmental courses in English and mathematics

Admission Tests

The American College Test (ACT) is required of all students before final admission as freshmen. It is recommended that the test be taken during the last semester of the junior year in high school. The ACT may also be taken during the senior year. Students should obtain information about testing locations and dates from their high school guidance office. When the test is taken, request should be made that the scores be sent to Olivet Nazarene University.

If the test was taken previously, and the scores were not sent to Olivet, contact ACT (www.act.org) in Iowa City, Iowa, with the request for scores to be sent to Olivet. Notation of the scores on the high school transcript is not sufficient. The ACT is also given at Olivet during the summer freshman orientations for students unable to take the test in their home area.

If a student has a low grade point average in high school, the ACT results are used to consider the chance of success in college. Either the ACT or SAT may be used to determine academic scholarships. The ACT code for Olivet is 1112. The SAT code is 1596.

Homeschooled Student Admission

Admission is open to students who have graduated from homeschool programs of study. Olivet admissions counselors are available to provide guidance in the selection of college preparatory courses. Whereas transcripts are evaluated, the final admissions decision for homeschooled students rests heavily on ACT scores.

Unclassified Students

Guest students enrolled in a degree program in another institution may enroll at Olivet Nazarene University by presenting a letter of authorization from the Dean or Registrar of the other college, along with an application for admission.

Special students may enroll in courses not leading to degrees at Olivet Nazarene University by showing evidence of their ability to profit from the course.

Unclassified students must affirm their acceptance of the ideals of the University. See the section on ”Unclassified Students ” for more information.

Early Admission

While Olivet does not normally allow enrollment in classes prior to a student’s high school graduation, exceptional cases will be considered. An interview is required, and a test approved by the U.S. Department of Education must be passed by the applicant.

General Educational Development Examination (GED)

Mature persons above high school age (19 and over) who have not completed high school, but who have had other opportunities to develop educationally may be academically qualified for admission to Olivet by the successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) examination. Information on testing locations and dates may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and most high schools.

Essentials of Learning Program

Applicants whose high school grade point average was below 2.00 on a 4.00 scale and those whose ACT composite score was 15-17 may be considered for admission to the University through participation in the Essentials of Learning program. Other students may participate in the Essentials of Learning program, particularly when parents, high school teachers, or counselors indicate the need for additional assistance for the student.

The Essentials of Learning program emphasizes effective study skills, individualized academic counseling, and exposure to a variety of learning strategies appropriate for courses across the curriculum. The goal of the Essentials of Learning program is to optimize the opportunities of success for at-risk students.

Students admitted through the Essentials of Learning program are limited to a 14 hour course load and are encouraged to carry minimal outside employment and extracurricular commitments. In order to continue enrollment at the University beyond the first semester of attendance, students must successfully complete the Essentials of Learning course and pass at least six hours of college credit.

Admissions Process for Freshmen

1. Complete the Application for Admission. The application is available at the Office of Admissions or at www.olivet.edu. Detailed instructions are included on the form. Applications may be submitted online, by mail, or by fax in the last semester of the junior year or in the senior year. The deadline for filing an application for admission is August 1 for the fall semester, and January 1 for the spring semester.
2. Request that the high school send a transcript of at least six semesters of work to Olivet Nazarene University, along with a recommendation from the guidance office or principal. A transcript request form is included in the admissions packet to be given to the high school. A request must also be made that the high school send the final transcript after the student has graduated from high school.
3. Arrange with the high school guidance office to take the American College Test (ACT) when convenient. This is usually taken in the spring of the junior year or during the senior year. Scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) may be considered toward your admission and for scholarship evaluation purposes, but the ACT must be taken prior to enrollment.
4. Upon receipt of the completed application, transcripts, and test scores, action will be taken by the Office of Admissions. Notification of acceptance, contingent upon actual graduation from high school and receipt of the final transcript, will be sent to the student by mail as soon as possible.
5. With notification of admission, a health questionnaire and immunization form will be sent for completion. These must be filed with the University before registering for classes. They are kept in the Health Office for reference by the University nurse and physician.
6. Submit the enrollment deposit of $200. This deposit ensures a student’s place in the incoming freshman class, and serves as a priority indicator for both class registration and campus housing. See the section on University Life  for residence hall living requirements. Campus housing cannot be assigned until this deposit is submitted and the student is accepted for admission. The deposit is refundable up to May 1, if the student chooses not to enroll at Olivet. Rooms are assigned through the Office of Student Development.
7. Apply for financial aid as early as possible in the year of enrolling in college. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is generally available in December for the following school year. See “Financial Information ,” for additional details.
8. New students and their parents are invited to the campus for a mandatory orientation period during the summer preceding fall enrollment at Olivet, or at the beginning of the spring semester for spring enrollment. These sessions provide a more extensive introduction to the University, a chance to meet fellow students, and an opportunity to select courses and housing. Invitations will be sent by the Office of Admissions to accepted students who have completed all the above steps in the admissions process. The orientation may include some additional diagnostic testing. Freshmen are admitted to classes only after completing the freshman testing and orientation program.

Admissions Process for Transfer Students

The same basic steps are involved for transfer students as for new freshmen, except that the high school transcript need not be sent. Transcripts of all other college work must be sent to Olivet for evaluation of transfer credit. Scores of the American College Test (ACT) are not required of transfer students, but can be used to determine eligibility for academic scholarships. Attendance at all other post-secondary institutions must be reported, and official transcripts of all previous college work attempted must be sent, on the request of the student, directly from the college or university to Olivet.

Admission will be determined from these credentials, subject to the following conditions:

1. Students on disciplinary probation are not accepted at Olivet Nazarene University.
2. Courses accepted for transfer must be comparable to those taught at Olivet and/or must be recognized by the Registrar as generally being applicable toward a baccalaureate degree.
3. A maximum of 68 semester hours will be accepted from two-year colleges as transfer credit at Olivet. Olivet Nazarene University is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows transfer of completed Illinois-transferable general education core curriculum between participating institutions. For further information about general education requirements for transfer students, consult with Olivet’s Office of Transfer Admissions.
4. Students who enter Olivet with an Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), or an Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree from regionally accredited colleges and universities will have met all general education requirements for graduation from Olivet, except for the general education Religion courses and 6-8 hours of International Culture credits. However, these students may be required to complete additional elective courses beyond the required core courses in their major to satisfy the 128 credit-hour requirement for graduation from Olivet.
5. Any course with a grade of F will not be accepted as transfer credit, but will be calculated in the grade point average for considering admission, the G.P.A. for individually accredited academic programs, initial financial aid, and initial athletic eligibility. For additional information regarding academic standing, financial aid eligibility, and athletic eligibility, refer to “Academic Regulations .”
6. A maximum of 15 hours of correspondence coursework may be applied toward a degree at Olivet.
7. The cumulative grade point average from all previous institutions will be considered in determining admission status, initial financial aid eligibility, G.P.A. for individually accredited academic programs, and initial athletic eligibility. Students who have attained a minimum cumulative grade point average according to the following schedule may be admitted in satisfactory academic standing; students who fall below the above minimum standards are not making satisfactory progress and, if admitted, would be on academic probation.

Admissions Process for International Students

All applicants to Olivet’s traditional undergraduate programs who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must comply with the following admission requirements before the University may issue an I-20 form to an international applicant.

1. The prospective student must complete and return a written international student application form for Olivet.
2. The prospective student must have all official transcripts sent directly from each school attended to satisfy the University that the applicant has successfully completed a course of study equivalent to that required of a US-educated applicant seeking admission at the same level. Official transcripts submitted directly from the student may be accepted at the discretion of the admission counselor if received in an envelope sealed by the school. All records submitted must be official transcripts certified by the appropriate school official and should list the subject taken, grades earned, or examination results in each subject, as well as all certificates or diplomas. These documents must be accompanied by an official English translation and an “Educational Credential Evaluators Report” secured at the applicant’s expense if the transcripts are from a school outside the U.S.
3. The applicant must take a physical examination and present medical history records. In addition, the student is required to purchase a college health insurance policy or provide proof of adequate coverage. The international student should also provide the name and address of a friend or relative in the United States who is empowered and willing to make decisions on behalf of the student in case of an emergency.
4. The University requires that the prospective student demonstrates possession of adequate English language proficiency to pursue a course of study on a full-time basis. A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the internet-based test is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of all new undergraduate international students. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test is required for graduate international students. If English was the medium of instruction throughout formal education, a TOEFL score may not be needed. Moreover, all students accepted for admission whose native language is not English are required to take a standardized English proficiency test upon arrival at the University. Students will be placed in appropriate English classes according to the results of the test. Instructional materials are available in the Learning Development Center for those students needing supplemental work in grammar, vocabulary, reading, and pronunciation. Students with more than 48 academic semester units from U.S. colleges/universities taken just prior to attending Olivet may be able to waive their TOEFL requirement for admission.
5. The prospective student is required to provide a notarized affidavit of financial support along with a current bank statement to confirm that he/she will be able to provide for his/her expenses (tuition and fees, books, living costs, etc.) at the University without resorting to unauthorized employment.
6. It is the responsibility of an international student on an F-1 visa to maintain full-time status. All questions should be referred to International Student Admissions in the Office of Admissions.

Readmission

A student whose enrollment has been interrupted for one regular semester or more at Olivet Nazarene University must be approved for readmission before registering for courses again. An application for readmission form may be obtained from the Office of Admissions or the Office of the Registrar and filed with the requested recommendation.

If the student has registered at another college since attending Olivet, a transcript for that work must be sent from that institution to the Office of Admissions.

Not enrolling in a summer term is not considered an interruption of studies that necessitates readmission.

Campus Visits and Interviews

Students who are considering Olivet Nazarene University are encouraged to visit the campus to meet with an admissions counselor, faculty, and students, and take a campus tour. An entrance interview is required of all admitted students prior to enrollment, and is typically completed during a campus visit. In certain circumstances, the entrance interview may be completed over the phone. Campus visits and entrance interviews are very helpful in exploring a University program and creating a career plan for the student. Visits to the campus are especially valuable on weekdays during the academic year when classes are in session.

Individuals, families, and church groups who desire a special visit to the University are invited to contact the Office of Admissions for appointments by calling 1-800-648-1463 or scheduling a visit online at www.olivet.edu.

Students are also encouraged to visit the University during our group events: Just for Juniors and Purple and Gold Days. P & G Days gives seniors and their families the opportunity to attend classes, spend the night in a campus residence hall, and interact with faculty from all departments on campus. We offer personalized campus visits during the week so depending on your availability, we encourage the entire family to come and check out the Olivet experience.

Orientation for New Students

Olivet Nazarene University seeks to assist in every way possible to orient its students to the academic, social, and spiritual life of the University. The orientation program consists of a variety of activities, including testing, student-parent orientation sessions, and other transitional activities especially designed to assist the student in launching a successful college career.

Orientation programs for incoming students are sponsored by the University during the summer months prior to the opening of school and at the beginning of the spring semester. At this time, each new student will visit the campus with his or her parents, participate in the advising program, register for the first semester of academic work, and make his or her housing selection. Special orientation sessions will be held with the parents to acquaint them with the University program.

The orientation program is under the direction of the Director of Admissions and the Associate Dean of Instruction.

Waivers and Advanced Placement by Examination

Credit for students completing an International Baccalaureate (IB) program will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Students receive credits for Higher Level (HL) examinations passed with a score of 5, 6, or 7. Credits are not granted for Standard Level (SL) examinations. Equivalencies for specific IB exams are available in the Registrar’s Office.

The General tests of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) may be used to establish credit for students who score at or above the 60th percentile on selected CLEP tests. Credit and/or advanced placement may also be established by attaining scores of 3, 4, or 5 on selected Advanced Placement (AP) tests. Information concerning scores required for credit on specific AP tests is available in the Office of the Registrar. In addition, credit may be earned by students passing locally developed departmental proficiency examinations or writing samples (See also Proficiency Examinations .)  CLEP and AP tests are available at open test centers throughout the country.

Students who receive credits through examination should not take equivalent courses at ONU or elsewhere, since credit cannot be given twice for the same course. Similarly, students are not permitted to establish credit by way of proficiency exams in areas that they have already taken courses for college credit.

CLEP credit does not apply toward the international culture general education requirement at Olivet. In addition, CLEP General Exams may not be applied toward a major or minor unless so specified by that department. Teacher Education, Nursing, Science, and Math majors are advised to consult with the Registrar to determine the appropriateness of certain CLEP tests for their program. For example, Teacher Education majors must take specific courses in American history, American government, and psychology. Therefore, it is unlikely to benefit Teacher Education majors to take the CLEP Social Sciences exam. Instead, Teacher Education majors might benefit by opting to take CLEP subject examinations in American history, American government, and/or psychology. Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education majors, and Math majors do not need to take the CLEP Mathematics test.

Another example: Nursing majors generally need not take the Natural Sciences exam since the Nursing program has specific course requirements in Chemistry and Biology. The Social Sciences and History examination may be helpful in meeting the history requirement for Nursing majors, but does not substitute for the Introduction to Sociology course requirement. Questions about AP or CLEP tests should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.

A maximum of 48 hours may be earned through the combination of proficiency credit via CLEP, AP, and departmental proficiency exams; credit awarded through prior learning assessment; and/or credit earned on the basis of recommendations made by the American Council on Education.

The following CLEP tests will be accepted in place of specific ONU courses, assuming scaled scores listed below are attained:

The following AP tests will be accepted in place of specific ONU courses, assuming scores listed below are attained: