Admission to the University

The purpose of the admission process is to identify applicants who are likely to succeed academically at University of the Cumberlands and at the same time contribute positively to the campus community. In making admission decisions the University considers many factors, including high school records (including courses taken, grade trends, and rank in class), standardized test scores, extracurricular activities and honors, and personal contact with the student. In some cases, a teacher recommendation and an essay may be requested.

Admission Offices

The University has three offices that oversee undergraduate admissions:

-students who are seeking a program of study in a fully online program),

UC Main Campus-students who are seeking a program of study in-seat), and

Dual Credit -high school students who are seeking course enrollment while completing high school).

All Undergraduate Applicants

All Undergraduate Applicants Must Submit

1. A completed Application.
2. An official high school transcript with the grade point average computed on a 4.0 scale. GED students must provide official scores from the General Education Development Test (GED);
   1. Students with 0-11 hours of college credit must submit an official high school transcript showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. GED students must provide official scores from the General Education Development Test (GED).
   2. High school transcripts are not required for students who have obtained 12+ hours of college credit after graduating high school.
   3. The admission office will confirm all students’ transcripts arrive from a high school with a CEEB code, as well as the high school seal and/or signature. If a transcript is from a high school that lacks a CEEB code or seal/signature, the admission office will investigate to confirm the school is recognized by the state department of education or home school association. The admission office may request a copy of the student’s diploma at any point in the admission process for verification purposes. If a diploma is determined invalid, a GED may be required for admission consideration. 3. (if applicable) Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; a. A student transferring from another University MUST be eligible to return to the college from which you are transferring; 4. Any additional information as requested by the University to determine admission eligibility.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. a. A student transferring from another University MUST be eligible to return tothe college from which you are transferring.
4. Any additional information as requested by the University to determine admission eligibility**.
   All academic credit from an educational institution outside the United States must be evaluated by one of the transcript evaluation services referenced below.
   • World Education Services (WES)
   • International Education Research Foundation (IERF) Eval Direct
   • Educational Perspectives (EP)
   • Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
   • Student-Athletes are encouraged to use PLAYNAIA InCRED

Non-native English-speaking applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency for admission to the university through submission of an official test score or through a virtual interview process with an admissions representative. Minimum test scores that successfully demonstrate English proficiency are listed below:

• ACT - 17
• SAT - 920
• TOEFL (paper-based) - 550
• TOEFL (internet-based) - 65
• IELTS - 6
• DuoLingo - 95

Re-entering Transfer

Attended another college or university since last. enrollment at University of the Cumberlands (Cumberland College).

Candidates for admission as a reentering transfer must submit the following items:

1. A completed Application.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended.
3. Any additional information may be requested by the University.
4. High school transcript and/or ACT or SAT scores may be requested.

Other Admission Classifications

Re-Entering Admission:

Former student who has not attended any other. college or university since last enrollment at University of the Cumberlands (Cumberland College). Students are expected to maintain good academic standing in holding appropriate GPA levels as outlined elsewhere in the Catalog. If a student has been dismissed from the institution after following the outlined procedures and recommendations for poor Academic standing, the student can be readmitted to the institution through a written appeal to the Academic Standing Committee.

• Post Baccalaureate:
  Student seeking a second Bachelor’s degree or Teacher Certificate.
• Transient:
  Student planning to take one class and transfer the credit to another institution.
• Special:
• Non-degree seeking student.

Other

Student planning to audit a class.

Students who fall in one of the four “other” categories follow the re-entering transfer admission process.

UCOnline Admission

Before final admission is granted, all candidates must submit the following documentation:

1. A completed Application.
2. An official, post-graduation, high school transcript with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
   1. High school transcripts are not required for students who have obtained 12(+) hours of college credit post high school graduation.
   2. GED students mut provide official scores from the General Education Development Test (GED)
3. Students with 12(+) hours of college credit (post high school graduation) must submit an official college transcript from all colleges/universities attended with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Documentation of language fluency for non-native speakers of English, such as a score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the 8 International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a report from Duolingo.
5. Official transcripts from all applicable colleges/ universities attended.

Dual Credit Admission

Students applying to enroll in dual credit courses must meet the following additional admission criteria:

1. A High School GPA of 2.0 or higher.
2. A minimum ACT composite score of 18.
   1. Students with a 3.0 GPA and high school counselor recommendation can apply without an ACT score.

After notification of acceptance and before final admission is granted, all candidates for admission must submit the following items:

• An official, in-progress high school transcript showing the grade point average computed on a 4.0 scale.

Veteran Students

Veterans Administration Educational Assistance

The following degrees are approved for the enrollment of Veterans and eligible persons under the provisions of Chapters 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®), 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation), 32 (VEAP), 33 (Post 9/11), 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance), 1606 (Selected Reserve) and 1607 (REAP) under Titles 10 and 38 of the United States Code.

1. All Bachelor level degrees
2. All Master’s level degrees
3. All Doctorate level degrees
4. Selected Graduate-level Certification programs

Veterans and other students eligible for Veterans Administration education assistance should contact the VA Certification Officer located in the Office of the Registrar.

Vocational Rehabilitation

This program provides educational assistance for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Eligibility is determined by a general medical examination from a medical doctor in accordance with the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. For further information on eligibility, consult your local Vocational Rehabilitation Office.

Tuition Assistance Course Approval Process

Purpose

This policy is set forth to assist Service members in the pre-enrollment and Tuition Assistance (TA) course approval process.

Policy

Once an eligible Service member decides to use TA benefits to cover tuition expenses at University of the Cumberlands, it is in the best interest of the Service member to obtain approval of courses through their Educational Services Officer (ESO) and/or counselor within their Military Service branch, prior to enrolling in the courses. All Military TA benefits must be requested and approved prior to the start date of the course(s).

If the eligible Service member decides to enroll in course(s) prior to approval from their respective ESO, and/or counselor in their Military Service branch. The Service member is solely responsible for the tuition of these course(s). This does not indicate that Service Members may not enroll in courses prior to their respective start date, if the sole purpose of enrolling is to secure a spot in the course(s). However, the Service member could be responsible for this tuition, and it may or may not be covered by Tuition Assistance benefits.

Policy on the Return of Tuition Assistance (TA)

At University of the Cumberlands, Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. If a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. In compliance with Department of Defense policy, University of the Cumberlands will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stop attending.

Withdrawal and Refund by Week and Session

Readmission Following a Period of Active Military Duty

Policy Statement

University of the Cumberlands recognizes the importance of contributions and the sacrifices made by our service members. In support of these students, the University has developed the following procedures to ensure maximum flexibility is afforded to assist these students. Students seeking readmission following a period of deployment/active duty for more than thirty (30) days, will be promptly readmitted into the next class or classes in the student’s program beginning after the student provides intent to reenroll.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to inform students receiving military tuition assistance of the required actions the University must take to comply with the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU) when students are called to active duty.

Scope

This policy only applies to students in the National Guard Reserves and to some prior active-duty personnel who may be called/recalled to active duty.

Procedure

A student must give notification of intent to return to school. This notification should be given to the Department of Admissions. This notification may be oral or written and must be given within three (3) years of completion of the period of service. A student who is hospitalized or healing due to the need to recovery from an illness or injury must notify the University within two (2) years after completion of the period needed for recovery. Students who fail to apply for readmission within these time frames does not automatically forfeit eligibility for readmission, but would then be subject to the University’s general leave of absence practices.

Students seeking readmission following a period of deployment/active duty for more than thirty (30) days, will be promptly readmitted into the next class or classes in the student’s program beginning after the student provides intent to reenroll. There is exception when the student requests a later date or unusual circumstances require the school to use a later admission date.

Students are admitted: to the same academic status, in the same program they were last admitted for. When the program is no longer available, the most similar to that program, unless the student chooses a different program; at the same enrollment status, unless the student wants a different enrollment status; with the same number of credit hours previously completed, unless the student is readmitted to a different program and the completed credit hours are non-transferable; and with the same academic standing the student previously had.

If the student is readmitted to the same program, for the first academic year in which the student returns, the University will assess the tuition and fee charges the student was or would have been assessed for the academic year during which the student left the school. However, if the veteran’s education benefits or other service member education benefits will pay the higher tuition and fee charges other students in the program are paying for the year, the University may assess those charges to the student as well.

If the student is admitted to a different program, and for subsequent academic years for a student admitted to the same program, the University will assess no more than the tuition and fee charges other students in the program are assessed for that academic year.

The cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from the University for military service may not exceed five (5) years. Only the time the student spends actually performing service is counted.

Military Admission Recruitment

Military Admission Recruitment Tactics Policy

Purpose: This policy is set forth to eliminate and prevent any possible fraudulent and/or aggressive recruitment of students; including but not limited to veterans, Military Service members and their dependents or spouse.

Policy:

1. University of the Cumberlands will ensure compliance with regulations set forth by the Department of Education (34 C.F.R 668.71-668.75 and 668.14) related to restrictions on misrepresentation of the nature of the educational program, financial charges, employability of graduates, relationship with Department of Education and compliance with the student financial assistance program authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV, HEA program) as they are related to the recruitment of Service members and prospective students.
2. No university employee(s), third parties or agents may offer any inducement (including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or any other item) to any individual for the purpose of securing enrollment of students, or gaining access to federal Title IV funds, federal Tuition Assistance (TA), and/or Veteran Affair (VA) benefits.
3. No university employee(s), third parties or agents will be provided any commission, bonus, or other incentive for the sole purpose of securing enrollments, Title IV funds, TA funds, or VA benefits as it relates to the recruitment, admission, and enrollment of the veteran, Service member, and their dependents or spouse.
4. No university employee(s), third parties or agents will engage in high pressure sales or recruitment tactics such as unsolicited contacts (3 or more) by phone, email, or in person, and will refrain from same day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.

Transfer Polices

University of the Cumberlands reserves the right to evaluate and accept or reject college credit earned prior to high school graduation and/or any transfer work from an accredited institution that is recognized by the US Department of Education or an international institution that is recognized by their country’s Ministry of Education. This evaluation will be done course by course in consultation with the appropriate school or department.

Students will generally receive credit for all college-level work in which a passing grade is earned, provided such credit is earned from an institution which is fully accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations. Remedial or vocational courses are not transferable. Grades lower than ‘C’ will not be accepted in courses which apply toward the student’s major. Grades of P will be accepted as passing for the purposes of transfer.

Students that (1) are “Fully Certified” as described in the CPE Agreement/Policy below, (2) are “Fully Certified” in colleges or university in states with similar standards (i.e., TN, Michigan) or (3) have completed an Associate degree with a minimum of 30 hours of coursework that satisfies each of the SACSCOC and UC required general education areas, are considered to have completed University of the Cumberlands baccalaureate general education requirements in full with the recommendation of one religion course if the transcript does not already include a religion course. The sending institution will indicate, either on the transcript or as an attachment to the transcript, whether the student is Fully Certified in general education. The sending institution will indicate on the transcript the conferral of an Associate degree.

CPE Agreement/Policy

The General Education Transfer Policy facilitates the transfer of credits earned in general education requirements for students moving from one Kentucky public college or university to another public Kentucky public college or university. Under this agreement, a student may satisfy the general education discipline requirements at their current college and have that requirement completion accepted at the university or college to which they transfer. The student’s transcript must be stamped by the granting institution either “General Education Fully Certified” or “General Education Core Certified” to qualify as complete.

To be eligible for admission to University of the Cumberlands, all transfer students must not be currently on academic or social suspension and must be eligible to return to their previous institution.

Transfer students admitted with junior or senior standing must complete a minimum of one-third of the course requirements in the major at University of the Cumberlands (CLEP and departmental bypass exams will not meet this requirement). Specific requirements for each major or minor may vary with department policies. Please contact the Registrar for specific information.

At least twenty-five percent of the total semester hours in any degree requirement must be completed at University of the Cumberlands (AP, CLEP, IB, and departmental bypass exams will not meet this requirement).

Credit by examination (AP, CLEP, IB) recorded for a specific course on an official transcript, must meet University of the Cumberlands standards in order to be accepted as transfer credit. Students must present official score reports (AP, CLEP, IB Diploma), and pay required fees and tuition (CLEP) in order to receive credit. Departmental bypass challenge/exams from other institutions are not transferable.

Courses which carry less credit, than is required by University of the Cumberlands General Education Program or any other specific college or departmental requirement, may not be substituted for that requirement.

Only grades earned at University of the Cumberlands will be used in calculating student grade point averages. All terms taken at any institution will be counted in calculating full-time terms of attendance.

A total of thirty (30) semester hours or more in courses numbered 300 or above must be presented for graduation from University of the Cumberlands.

As a requirement for graduation, all full-time students in the undergraduate program, with less than senior standing (90 semester hours), must enroll in UCEN 101 UC Engage for every semester of enrollment. Students who are 25 years of age or older at the time of their enrollment are exempt from this requirement. There are no other exemptions. Credit for UCEN 101 is Pass (A) / Fail (F) with 0.50 academic credit hours available each semester. The grade received is factored into the student’s cumulative grade point average.

Transcripts and Transfer Credit Evaluation

The transcript is a reproduction of the complete, unabridged, permanent educational record and is considered to be the permanent record of each student. Copies of transcripts will be furnished by the Registrar on request.

One official and one non-official transcript are furnished without charge upon graduation. For each additional transcript, there will be a fee. No transcript will be furnished until all accounts have been satisfactorily settled. In accordance with Section 438 of Public Law 93-380, transcript requests must be made in writing by the student.

With the assistance of program directors and the Academic Affairs Office, the Registrar evaluates all coursework offered for transfer credit. The Registrar accepts the completion of General Education transcripts by public institutions as authorized by the Kentucky Council of Post-Secondary Education as fulfillment of UC’s General Education requirements.

Advanced Credit and Credit by Examination

Advanced Credit-Advanced standing enables superior students to receive appropriate placement, credit, or both on the basis of the university level courses they have taken while in high school. University of the Cumberlands reserves the right to evaluate and accept or reject university credit prior to high school graduation. This evaluation will be done course by course in consultation with the appropriate department.

Advanced Placement (AP)

University credit will be considered for AP courses taken while in high school when the student presents an official score of three (3) or better and the AP course in question corresponds with a course offered by University of the Cumberlands. The final decision on whether an AP course is accepted by the University, and if accepted, the course or courses for which an AP course may be substituted, and the number of semester hours which will be granted, will be made by the Registrar of the College in consultation with the appropriate departmental chair and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

University credit will be considered for successful completion of CLEP exams following the guidelines outlined on the Registrar’s Office page of the University web site. The final decision on whether CLEP credit is accepted by the University, and if accepted, the course or courses for which a CLEP exam may be substituted, and the number of semester hours which will be granted, will be made by the Registrar of the University in consultation with the appropriate departmental chair and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

University credit will be considered for successful completion of IB credit following the guidelines outlined on the Registrar’s Office page of the University web site. The final decision on whether IB credit is accepted by the University, and if accepted, the course or courses for which IB credit may be substituted, and the number of semester hours which will be granted, will be made by the Registrar of the University in consultation with the appropriate departmental chair and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Prior Learning Program

It is possible for a student to receive academic credit for certain types of innovative and meaningful work experience related to the student’s academic program and objectives. The proposal for such academic credit must be approved in advance by the appropriate departmental chair and the Registrar, under the oversight of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A determination of the credit awarded is made only after a thorough evaluation has been completed. (Policies and Procedures Addendum for Faculty, p. 41)

Guidelines for Academic Credit through Prior Learning

University of the Cumberlands is committed to quality education and recognizes that learners in higher education come with many experiences from varied backgrounds. Therefore, University of the Cumberlands has developed a process through which learners may earn college credit for prior learning experiences that do not fit into another category of recognized credit (e.g. external standardized credit-by-exam, articulated licensure, or certification).

Extra-institutional learning is defined as learning that is attained outside the sponsorship of legally authorized and accredited postsecondary educational institutions. The term applies to learning acquired from work and life experiences; independent reading and study; mass media; and participation in formal courses sponsored by associations, business, government, industry, the military, and unions. University of the Cumberlands recognizes extra-institutional learning through knowledge exams, experiential credit, and certification credit for undergraduate students. The descriptions and guidelines presented below are intended to provide a foundation for the prior learning process, with an emphasis on learning outcomes and competencies that the learner will be expected to demonstrate through each opportunity. Credit proposed by the learner and granted by the evaluator will be course specific.

Students must complete a minimum of 25% of their degree through University of the Cumberlands coursework. Prior Learning credit does not count towards satisfying this requirement.

Students must apply for Prior Learning prior to their last term at University of the Cumberlands.

Knowledge Exam

Earning credit through Knowledge Exams allows students to pursue exams that demonstrate competency of course content. Upon successful completion of the exam, students would receive full credit of the course. Students are eligible to complete one attempt of each exam.

Experiential Credit

Experiential Credit allows qualified students to earn credit for college-level learning outside of the classroom through providing documentation and a narrative that aligns with course objectives.

Experiential Credit - Rating and Credit

When credit is approved, the evaluator makes a recommendation to grant credit for the course requested and the student will receive a copy of the Evaluator Response/Rubric form from the Registrar’s office after credit has been posted to the student record.

Alternatively, the evaluator may request minor explanation and/or documentation revisions. Large revisions will not be allowed. The determination regarding option to revise is based on the evaluator’s assessment via the Rating Rubric. If a request for minor revisions is made, a date of return will be listed on the Evaluator Response/Rubric form. The student must return the updated documentation and narrative by the date listed or forfeit the credit with an automatic denial.

If credit is denied, the evaluator will provide feedback along with the Evaluator Response/Rubric. The student may appeal in writing to the Prior Learning Program Director(s), who may determine whether to resubmit to another evaluator or make other recommendations to the student. All appeals must be requested within 30 days of the notification of grade to the student.

Certification Credit

Certification Credit allows qualified students to earn credit for college-level learning outside of the classroom through industry certifications. Upon review of the student’s industry certification that aligns with course content, the student would receive full credit for the course.

Prior Learning Processes

Students interested in the Prior Learning program should review the Prior Learning application on the University website at: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/priorlearningprogram to gain an overview of the process and to self-assess eligibility for Prior Learning.

Transfer Credit Related to Military Service

College Level Military Credit (JST and DANTES)-University credit will be considered for students that have earned Military College credit through their Joint Services transcript or have successfully completed DANTES examinations. The final decision on whether JST or DANTES credit is accepted by the University, and if accepted, the course or courses for which they may be substituted, and the number of semester hours which will be granted, will be made by the Registrar of the University in consultation with the appropriate departmental chair and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Credit carried by all United States military veterans and personnel may be acceptable for application to a University of the Cumberlands transcript. Some credits may not be applicable if the university does not offer comparable coursework. Credit may vary with regard to application to general education, major/minor requirements or general electives. Final determination of credit awarded for course requirements and general electives will be determined by the office of the Registrar while major/minor requirements will be determined by collaboration with the appropriate department Chair and the Registrar.

Requirements for the acceptance of Military Credit

An official copy of a JST (Joint Services Transcript), or CCAF Transcript, delivered to the Registrar’s Office directly from the Joint Services Transcript Office or Community College of Air Force.

A student must request that JST/CCAF credit be considered for General Education and/or general electives through the Registrar’s Office.

A student must request that JST/CCAF credit be considered for a major or minor through the appropriate department Chair or program Director.

Determination of the type and amount of credit to be awarded will be assessed using ACE (American Council on Education, (http://www2.acenet.edu/militaryguide/CourseSearch.cfm) recommendations according to the specifications mentioned above.