ADMISSION

ACCESS TO THE UNIVERSITY

Montana State University-Northern is committed to a program of equal opportunity for education, employment, and participation in University activities without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, creed or political belief, national origin, or because of mental or physical disability, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. This right shall be guaranteed to all students presently enrolled, students applying for admission, employees, and applicants for employment at Montana State University-Northern. Persons with inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination should contact the Employee Relations Specialist, (406) 265-3710, Montana State University-Northern, or Director, Office of Civil Rights, Federal Office Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80204.

CAMPUS VISITS

The best way to decide if Northern is for you is to come and check it out for yourself. Northern encourages all interested students and their families to come to Havre for a campus visit. Visitors will be treated to a campus tour with a Northern student. They will then meet with faculty from fields that interest them and professionals in the Financial Aid Office. Other visits that may be arranged for interested parties include the campus child care, Student Support Services, an athletics coach or even a classroom observation. Visitors can further get a taste of student life by being guests of the University in residence hall rooms and the campus dining hall when available. At least one week's advance notice is required and reservations or further information are available by calling 1-800-662-6132. At least one week's advance notice is required to ensure the availability of the staff. As guests of Montana State University-Northern, residence hall rooms and meals will be provided (on a space available basis) when visiting the campus.

FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION

Each student is responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations regarding admission procedures. A student�s failure to be informed or to comply will not excuse a student from responsibility or from any penalty or difficulty, which he or she may encounter. The falsification or suppression of any information requested on the application for admission will be grounds for cancellation of registration.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to be in compliance with Montana state law, students born on or after January 1, 1957 who are taking seven or more credits OR are enrolled in a degree programs must either:

A. Show proof of two vaccinations against measles and one against rubella. Immunizations must have been given after 1967 and after the student's first birthday and must have been administered at least thirty days apart. Current immunizations must have been administered in the form of the MMR vaccine. Immunizations must be documented by a physician, registered nurse or school official.

"OR"

B. Show documentation of having contracted measles and rubella. Documentation by a physician is required including dates of illness.

"OR"

C. File a medical or religious exemption.

International students have additional immunization requirements. Please refer to the section entitled "INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS" for additional information.

RESIDENCY

The Montana University System classifies all applicants for admission and currently enrolled students as either in-state or out-of-state. This classification affects admission decisions and fee determinations. The basic rules for making the classifications are found in Board of Regents' policy. If you have questions regarding your residency status, please contact the Admissions Office. A copy of the "Montana University System Student Guide to Montana's Residency Policy" will be forwarded to you. The Guide contains the policy and a Residency Questionnaire that may be submitted by individuals who believe they are eligible for in-state tuition and fees.

WHEN TO APPLY

All applicants should apply for admission as early as possible, but at least one month prior to registration. This will insure proper processing for registration and allow time for an evaluation of credits. Applicants whose files are not complete by the registration date may be required to register late and pay late fees. International students have different processing timelines; please refer to the section entitled "INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS" for additional information.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY AND ADMISSIONS STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS

COLLEGE PREPARATORY AND ADMISSIONS STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS

The Admission Standards requirements are as follows:

� Enhanced ACT Composite Score of 20 or higher

� SAT Combined Verbal and Math Standard Score of 930 or higher

� High School Grade Point Average of 2.50 or higher

� Rank in the upper half of the student's graduating class.

An in-state freshman seeking a bachelor's degree must meet one of the above Admissions Standards to be eligible for full-time enrollment. An out-of-state freshman seeking a bachelor's degree must meet two.

THE REGENTS� COLLEGE PREPARATORY CURRICULUM IS AS FOLLOWS:

1. Four (4) years of English;

2. Three (3) years of math including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II or higher;

3. Three (3) years of social studies including 1 year of Global Studies, 1 year of United States History, and one other course;

4. Two (2) years of laboratory science;

5. Two (2) years chosen from the following:

� foreign language (preferably two years of the same language)

� computer science

� visual and performing arts, or

� vocational education units which meet the Office of Public Instruction guidelines.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY/ADMISSION STANDARDS

REQUIREMENTS:

A. Non-traditional students (students that have graduated from high school at least three years prior to enrollment),

B. Summer only students,

C. Part-time students taking seven or fewer college or university level credits. For the purpose of this section, "university level credits" means those courses that are applicable toward an, associate of applied science, associate of science, bachelor of applied science, or baccalaureate degree at Montana State University-Northern. Such courses shall include neither remedial nor developmental courses.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit an application form. Applications may be obtained from Montana high school guidance counselors, or by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll-free 1-800-662-6132 or (406)265-3704.

2. A $30 non-refundable application fee (paid by check or money order) and the completed admissions application should be returned to the Admissions Office. The application will not be considered until the $30 fee has been received. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.

3. A final high school transcript, with a graduation date posted, must be sent to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501.

4. All freshmen applicants who have graduated from high school less than three years prior to the first date of enrollment at Montana State University-Northern must submit a score report from the American College Test (ACT) or from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

TRANSFER STUDENT ADMISSION

In-state applicants who have earned 12 or more semester credits at another accredited college or university and are in good academic standing with the college or university from which they are transferring are considered transfer students.

Out-of-state applicants who have earned 12 or more semester credits with at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (based on a 4.00 scale) for all college or university level work are considered transfer students.

All applicants who have earned fewer than 12 post-secondary semester credits must meet freshman student requirements and must have an official copy of their transfer work sent to Montana State University-Northern (see Transfer of Credits).

HOW TO APPLY

1. A $30 non-refundable application fee (paid by check or money order) and the admissions application should be returned to the Admissions Office. The application will not be considered until the $30 fee has been received. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.

2. The student must insure that a complete and official transcript from each college and/or university or other post-secondary institutions attended is mailed to the Admissions Office. The student must submit official transcripts from ALL institutions attended, whether or not credit was earned. A transcript will be accepted as official only when sent directly from the Registrar of the previous institution(s) attended to the Admissions Office at Montana State University-Northern.

3. In-state transfer students must be in good academic standing with the college or university from which he/she is transferring. Out-of-state transfer students must have at least a 2.00 ("C") cumulative grade point average for all college and/or university level work (based on a 4.00 scale). All transferable credits from all colleges or universities previously attended will be considered when determining transfer eligibility.

4. All credit previously earned is transferred when the student transfers to Montana State University-Northern from a college and/or university level institution which is regionally accredited.

5. In cases where no formal transfer credit agreement exists between Montana State University-Northern and the sending institution, the Registrar�s Office at Montana State University-Northern, in conjunction with the appropriate program advisor, will review all eligible course work for transfer credit.

6. No credit will be granted for remedial coursework or for courses with grades below C.

Grade point averages for transfer work are not calculated in the grade point average at Montana State University-Northern. The transcript will list courses and grades from previous institutions attended for which transfer credit has been granted. Only the credits and grade points earned in courses taken at Montana State University-Northern are used in the calculation of the grade point average.

FORMER STUDENT REGISTRATION LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY

In order to recognize students who find it necessary to discontinue study for a while, but who intend to return, Northern has created a special "leave of absence" status.

Students who voluntarily leave the University will be asked from time-to-time whether they intend to return to resume their studies in the future. If they indicate that they do intend to return, they will receive four special benefits:

1. They will receive University publications to keep them apprised of campus news.

2. In the late spring of each year, they will receive a mailing from the Registrar by means of which they can update their future higher education intentions and request registration information for the following academic year.

3. They will normally be able to re-enter the institution and register for classes without completing any readmission procedures.

4. Students do not need to request leave of absence status. They will automatically be placed into this status unless they indicate that they never intend to return to the University.

A former Northern Montana College/Montana State University-Northern student who did not attend the preceding semester must submit official copies of transcripts from all institutions attended since the last registration at Montana State University-Northern. A transcript will be accepted as official only when sent directly from the Registrar of the institution(s) previously attended to the Admissions Office at Montana State University-Northern.

GRADUATE ADMISSION

Students who wish to pursue graduate work at Montana State University-Northern should contact the Graduate Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 for application materials. All application materials should be returned to the Graduate Office one month prior to the proposed date of registration to allow adequate time for complete processing.

To be considered for admission to graduate study, an applicant must have been granted a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate student who is within 16 credits of completion of the baccalaureate degree, and who has at least a 3.00 grade point average over the last 60 credits, may petition the Dean of the College of Education and Graduate Programs for approval to take up to nine credits of graduate coursework which may apply toward a graduate degree. These credits may not be applied to the student's undergraduate program. Graduate credit earned in this manner will not become a part of the student's permanent record until all requirements for the baccalaureate degree have been met.

Admission to graduate studies does not constitute matriculation for degree candidacy. Students who wish to matriculate for advanced degrees must make proper application for the specific degree sought (see Graduate Studies section under the College of Education and Graduate Studies). Information regarding candidacy is available from the Graduate Studies Office.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit the Graduate Application for Admission to the Graduate Office. This form may be obtained from the Admissions Office or the Graduate Studies Office.

2. A $30 non-refundable application fee, payable to Montana State University-Northern, is required of first-time applicants to Montana State University-Northern. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.

3. One copy of the applicant's official transcript, showing a baccalaureate (or higher) degree must be sent directly to the Graduate Office by the college or university previously attended, if other than Montana State University-Northern. A transcript will be accepted as official only when sent directly from the Registrar of the institution to the Graduate Office at Montana State University-Northern.

SPECIAL ADMISSION PROGRAMS

ADULT SPECIAL

An applicant, 21 years of age or over, who is not a high school graduate, may seek admission as an Adult Special student by presenting evidence that he/she is adequately prepared to pursue a selected University program. Upon completing the work of the freshmen and sophomore years with a grade average of "C" or better, an Adult Special student may, upon the recommendation of his/her faculty advisor and major academic College Chair/Dean, be accepted as a regular student and a candidate for a degree on the same basis as students who have been admitted upon graduation from an accredited high school. Adult Special students cannot enter the nursing program. Nursing students must have a minimum of a GED.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit an application form. Applications may be obtained by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll free 1-800-662-6132 or (406) 265-3704.

EARLY ADMISSION

A high school student may apply for admission to take regular University courses while concurrently enrolled in high school. High school students may be accepted for admission when academic ability and general maturity warrant acceptance. Such admission shall be based on providing educational opportunities not available in the high school setting.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for early admission, the applicant:

1. Must have completed their sophomore year in high school.

2. Must have a minimum grade point average of a 3.00 and/or a 20 ACT composite score or 930 SAT score or higher.

3. Students attending non-accredited high schools must have taken the ACT and received a 20 composite score or 930 SAT score or higher.

HOW TO APPLY

2. A $30 non-refundable fee (paid by check or money order) and the completed admissions application should be returned to the Admissions Office. The application will not be considered until the $30 fee has been received. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.

3. Request that a current high school transcript be sent to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501.

4. A letter of recommendation from the high school principal or guidance counselor must be submitted.

5. Submit a copy of ACT or SAT scores.

6. Secure approval from the instructor and College Chair/Dean for each course in which enrollment is planned.

Students are limited to six credits per semester under this program.

GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED)

A person who is 21 years old or older and who is not a graduate of an accredited high school may be admitted by earning satisfactory scores on the General Educational Development Examination. A person under the age of 21 who has earned satisfactory scores on the General Education Development Examination and who is not a graduate of an accredited high school may be admitted as a "Conditional Freshman". Conditional Freshmen must complete a prescribed program of study during the first semester of enrollment. Conditional Freshmen who complete the prescribed courses without being placed on probation are removed from conditional status and will be considered regular students in the subsequent semester.

The GED examination may not be used to satisfy the requirements of high school graduation until after the student's high school class has graduated. Information regarding requirements and test center locations for the GED in Montana may be obtained from the GED Program, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Capitol, Helena, MT 59620.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit an application form. Applications may be obtained by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll-free 1-800-662-6132 or (406) 265-3704.

3. Request a copy of your GED score report to be forwarded to the Admissions Office. Information can be obtained from the GED test site coordinator. Request forms for Montana GED scores are also available through the Admissions Office.

4. Submit a copy of ACT or SAT scores.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students must meet the equivalent of out-of-state admission requirements for the appropriate category of freshman student, transfer student, or graduate student. In addition, the international student must meet the following requirements:

HOW TO APPLY

2. U.S. $30 non-refundable fee is required. Checks or money orders must be made payable to Montana State University-Northern. The application will not be considered until the $30 fee has been received. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.

3. International students who are seeking admission as first time college/university students (freshman admission) must arrange to have official, translated copies of their high school transcripts forwarded to the Admissions Office.

4. International students who wish to enroll as a transfer student and apply previous coursework to a degree program at Montana State University-Northern must submit their transcripts. Students applying for graduate programs at Montana State University-Northern must submit their baccalaureate (or higher) transcript. Transcripts from each post-secondary institution or college must be sent directly from the institution when possible. All credentials must be in English or must include an English translation and bear the official school seal and signature.

5. Provide certification from a bank or sponsor that the student will have financial support available at a minimum of $14,500 per year (12 months) in American dollars for each year of attendance at Montana State University-Northern.

6. Provide proof of English language proficiency by one of the following:

� 475 or better TOEFL score for undergraduate and 500 or better TOEFL score for graduate admission

� Successful completion of the Intensive English as a Second Language Program.

For more information contact: ELS Language Centers, 5761 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, California 90203 USA Telephone: (310) 642-0988 or go to the following web site: http://www.els.com/

Certificates of completion with official grades from other English language programs or institutes may be considered as satisfying the English language requirement.

TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Services (ETS) to the Montana State University-Northern Office of Admissions.

7. All international students entering Montana State University-Northern must show a physician validated immunization record for measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and skin testing for tuberculosis that was completed within one year of the planned attendance date. This evidence must be presented before a student is permitted to register.

WHEN TO APPLY

All of the above items must be on file at the Admissions Office by July 1 for Fall Semester, November 1 for Spring Semester, and April 1 for Summer Semester.

UNDERGRADUATE NON-DEGREE

The undergraduate non-degree admissions status is designed to meet the needs of students who do not wish to pursue a degree at Montana State University-Northern. Once admitted to non-degree status, the student may retain that status indefinitely. If the student wishes to change to regular status, the steps outlined under "Changing from Non-degree Status" must be followed. A non-degree application form must be completed. ACT/SAT test scores will not be required. Non-degree applicants will not be required to submit transcripts from previous institutions. The applicant must certify that he/she has not been suspended from any post secondary institution within the past twelve months. A non-degree student in good standing (2.00 or higher cumulative GPA) may apply for a change from non-degree to regular status. Requirements for regular admission must be met at that time. Professional Teacher Education, Nursing, and Graduate courses are not available to non-degree students. Non-degree status is not suitable for any person receiving financial aid or veteran's benefits. Non-degree students may not participate in intercollegiate athletics or any other program requiring regular admission status. Non-degree students are subject to the same University regulations as regular students.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit the Undergraduate Non-Degree Application Form. Applications may be obtained by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll free 1-800-662-6132 or (406) 265-3704.

CHANGING FROM NON-DEGREE STATUS

To change from non-degree status to regular status, a student must have at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA and do the following:

1. Complete a regular application for admission.

2. Submit ACT/SAT scores if they would have been required at the time of first admission to Montana State University-Northern.

3. Submit high school and/or official college, university, or other post secondary transcripts from all other institutions attended. The student must submit transcripts from ALL institutions attended, whether or not credit was earned. A transcript will be accepted as official only when sent directly from the Registrar of the institution to the Admissions Office at Montana State University-Northern.

WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE (WUE)

Montana State University-Northern participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and other Western states.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program through which students in 14 participating states may enroll in designated two-year and four-year institutions and programs in other participating states at a special, reduced tuition level. The 14 participating states include: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Through WUE, out-of-state students from these selected states may enroll at Montana State University-Northern and pay resident tuition plus approximately fifty percent of that amount. This compares with out-of-state tuition that normally costs over twice as much as resident tuition. Subsequently, the cost to WUE students is substantially less than non-resident tuition. Students need not demonstrate financial need to receive the WUE tuition benefit.

Information and a WUE scholarship application for Montana State University-Northern may be obtained from the Admissions Office. Montana residents may obtain information about WUE programs in other states from the Certifying Officer for Montana, WICHE Student Exchange Program, 33 South Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59620-2602, tel. (406) 444-6570; or from: WICHE Student Exchange Program, PO Drawer P, Boulder, CO 80301-9752, telephone (303) 497-0210.

HOW TO APPLY

Follow the application instructions for the admissions category desired (e.g., freshman, transfer, etc.).
Submit the WUE scholarship application to the Admissions Office.

ADMISSION

GENERAL INFORMATION

APPLICATION CATEGORIES

COLLEGE PREPARATORY AND ADMISSIONS STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS

SPECIAL ADMISSION PROGRAMS