Mar 19, 2024  
Mansfield University 2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Admissions


Requirements For Admission

To be considered for admission to Mansfield University you must graduate from an approved secondary school or have obtained equivalent preparation (GED) as determined by the Credentials Evaluation Division of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Admission to the University is granted to those applicants who successfully complete college preparatory secondary school work (grades 9-12). Credentials should also include a class rank in the upper three fifths of the graduating class and a satisfactory score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program exam(ACT). The SAT or ACT scores are not required if the applicant is 21 years or older or has been out of high school for two or more years.

Recommended Preparatory Course Work  
 

English
History or Social Studies
Laboratory Science (Bio, Chem)
Algebra, Plane Geometry, Algebra 2
Foreign Language
Electives (academic)
Total

4 Credits
4 Credits
2-3 Credits
3-4 Credits
2-4 Credits
6 Credits
21-25 Credits

Application Procedures

Contact the Admissions Office to receive an application, available online at: www.mansfield.edu, for admission to the undergraduate programs. The Admissions Office begins accepting applications on July 1 following the student’s junior year of high school. A complete application should include a $25 non-refundable application fee as well as the following credentials:

  1. An official high school transcript (an official copy must bear school seal and signature of an official).
  2. An official copy of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing Program exam (ACT) results. Test scores reported on an official high school transcript are considered acceptable.

Deadlines For Application

Mansfield University has a rolling admissions policy. We encourage you to apply early. All applications are considered based upon academic credentials and space availability for the entry date requested. Once we receive all credentials and supporting documents, the Admissions Committee will notify you in a timely fashion. Scholarships and space in specific academic programs are also awarded on a rolling basis; therefore, it can be advantageous to apply early in the academic year.

When Offered Admission

Applicants offered admission while still enrolled in high school/college are expected to maintain or improve upon the academic scholarship presented when the credentials are initially reviewed. Failure to maintain scholarship, as reflected on final official transcripts (including class rank, grade point average, and course/credits scheduled) may result in revocation of the offer of admission.

When you have been granted admission and fail to enroll, the offer of acceptance is valid for one year from the initial entry date, provided the academic credentials have not decreased in the meantime. After one year you must reapply for admission as a new applicant and meet the standards for acceptance current at the time of reapplication.

The university reserves the right to establish or change admission standards as it deems necessary.

Admission Categories

If you meet the academic qualifications as outlined you will be offered admission to the university as a regular admit for the fall semester. Other admissions categories are described below.

Early Decision

Consideration for an early admission decision for fall entrance is given to candidates who meet prescribed academic requirements as demonstrated by their high school grades and junior year SAT/ACT scores. Those offered admission through this program also submit scores from a senior year examination of the SAT/ACT. Applicants who qualify for early decision are notified when we receive the completed application, application fee, official high school transcript, and junior year SAT/ACT scores.

An advance deposit must be paid within 30 days of the offer of admission to reserve a space in the incoming class.

Developmental Programs

If you show a potential for success in college but do not meet the regular requirements for fall acceptance, you may be considered for one of our developmental programs. You may not have completed the recommended high school course sequence or may require preparatory course work to polish your skills. Your high school credentials may rank below the university’s minimum requirements but reveal potential for future success.

Students selected for participation in a developmental program must complete preparatory course work which is based upon diagnostic-placement results and receive tutoring and advising assistance. Upon successful completion of the program, students continue in a matriculated status. There are limited spaces for enrollment in these developmental programs.

Early Studies Admission

If you are a high school senior who meets our admission requirements and are interested in attending full-time in lieu of attending high school in your senior year, upon final approval and acceptance, you would be considered a first-time student at Mansfield University. All policies and procedures applicable to university first-time students apply. Should you select this option, you are responsible for obtaining permission from your high school administration/school board to attend Mansfield University in lieu of your senior year of studies within high school. We strongly recommend that you secure a written statement of approval as well as a statement assuring you that, upon successful completion of your first year of studies at MU and presentation of an official transcript of scholastic achievement, a high school diploma will be awarded by the high school of origin. Any specific course requirements which must be fulfilled during the first year of college studies to satisfy requirements for a high school diploma must be identified by the guidance counselor at the time of application.

You must file an application, submit official high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and a letter of recommendation, from the high school guidance counselor. The need to take any developmental course work in the basic skill areas of reading, writing, or mathematics will result in disapproval of the application.

In order to be eligible for federal financial aid consideration, a student in the early studies category must meet the following criteria:

  • A student may NOT take any classes at Mansfield University that will be used to meet any high school graduation requirement. All high school coursework must have been completed prior to receiving any financial aid at the University.
  • A letter from the high school guidance office confirming all coursework requirements have been met prior to University enrollment is required.
  • Students planning to enroll at Mansfield University for their entire senior year of high school MUST provide a letter from the school district stating that the student will not be counted on the roster for reimbursement from their particular state.

Non-Degree Students

High school graduates or those who hold a General Education Development (GED) certificate may choose this alternative route to take course work through the university without formally applying to the university and without taking the SAT or ACT tests.

Approval to take course work as a non-degree student does not imply or guarantee admission to the University or acceptance in a degree program, but it does offer flexible educational experiences for nontraditional students. This program enables individuals to enrich themselves, improve a particular skill for current or future employment, try college courses to see if they want to pursue a degree, or transfer credit to another institution.

Students may earn up to 30 credit hours, exclusive of developmental (0090) course work, and then apply these credits toward a degree program at Mansfield University. A maximum of 11 credit hours may be scheduled during each academic semester of attendance.

Students may elect to Audit Courses at Mansfield University.

The Enrollment Services Office strongly encourages students to meet with the Coordinator of Non-Degree Students to make specific plans for course work. The coordinator explains transfer credits if applicable and reviews curriculum requirements.

Non-degree students are required to meet the university’s minimum academic requirements. Students who fail to meet those requirements at the end of a semester may be administratively disqualified and denied future enrollment at the discretion of the Provost or his designee.

Any student who is not a U.S. citizen must provide a current, valid visa and a TOEFL score (500 minimum) or demonstrate English proficiency. For additional information contact the Enrollment Services Office at (570 ) 662-4814 or (800) 577-6826 or visit our website at http://admissions.mansfield.edu/international.cfm.

College Bound Program

Our College Bound Program is for serious high school learners who know they will go to college, want to explore their potential for college work, or who want to study subjects not normally available in high school.

The College Bound Program provides opportunities on-campus, off-campus, and via distance education technologies for outstanding high school students to develop their academic potential by pursuing college course work. Students who participate in this program take liberal arts and/or science courses which are accepted at most colleges/universities in the U.S.

All academic courses meet departmental standards and earn Mansfield University credits. Students seeking approval to take course work through the College Bound Program must demonstrate potential for success at the college level.

Applicants must be recommended by their high school guidance counselor and demonstrate the ability to think critically and analytically. In recommending students for the College Bound Program, high school guidance counselors should use, but are not limited to the following guidelines: students who have pursued an academic curriculum in grades 9-12 and have demonstrated mastery of writing, mathematics, reading and study skills. College Bound applicants must also demonstrate maturity and social skills appropriate for success in college course work. Students who meet the requirements for the College Bound Program are approved to pursue course work under the category of a lifelong learner and are not admitted as matriculated students to the University.

An approved College Bound candidate is not typically eligible for financial aid. However, students approved to take course work as a College Bound Student have their application fee waived.

Students interested in the College Bound Program must submit a Non-Degree Student Application available online at http://admissions.mansfield.edu/ps or by phone at (570) 662-4818 or (800) 577-6826.

Senior Citizens Program

Mansfield University offers a tuition waiver to senior citizens who are receiving Social Security retirement and are at least 62 years of age (or minimum age as defined by the Federal Social Security Administration). Senior citizens may register for courses offered in the fall, spring, and summer sessions. They may either audit the class or take the class for credit. Interested students complete a Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver form at the Student Accounts Office requiring proof of benefits (copy of monthly check or statement from the Social Security Office). Since only tuition is waived, students are charged the miscellaneous fees associated with the number of credits requested. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (570) 662-4818 or (800) 577-6826.

Visiting Student Program

The Visiting Student Program allows students enrolled full-time at a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university to enroll at a sister institution for a limited period. If you wish to enroll at Mansfield University as a visiting student you must receive permission from your home university. You must have satisfactorily completed at least 27 credits at the home university and be in good academic standing. You may take a maximum of 18 credits in a single semester and up to 12 credits of summer work as a visiting student.

Applications for visiting student status are submitted to Mansfield University’s Admissions Office for approval. The completed visiting student application (available from the home institution) provides verification of good academic standing. No further credentials are required for admission into the visiting student program at Mansfield University.

You should request a Mansfield University transcript be forwarded to the home campus after courses have been completed. Mansfield University assigns credits and grades in accordance with its own polices and procedures.

Special Art/Music Program Requirements

Applicants for an art degree must satisfy general college admission requirements and present a portfolio of work to the Art Department for evaluation prior to formal acceptance into an art program. For further information contact the Art Department (570) 662-4500.

Applicants for a music degree, having satisfied the requirements for general college admission, must audition for acceptance into the music department. Acceptance is based upon a demonstration of both musical aptitude and accomplishment. For further information contact the Music Department (570) 662-4710.

Transfer Admission

Students are normally eligible for transfer admission if they have attained an overall 2.0 cumulative quality point average (QPA) at an accredited post-secondary institution. Exceptions are as follows: Social Work, 2.5 QPA; Nutrition & Dietetics, 2.5 QPA; Nursing, 2.7 QPA; Education, 3.0 QPA. Credit is awarded for college level courses completed in accredited colleges/universities. “Accredited” is defined to include accreditation by any of the seven regional accrediting bodies only, e.g. Middle States for this region. Credits presented from non-accredited colleges or universities are not eligible for transfer consideration.

Contact the Office of Admissions for a transfer application or visit our website ( mansfield.edu) to apply online. Transfer students submit the application along with official transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. All information is sent to the Transfer Coordinator in the Admissions Office. Mansfield University has a rolling admissions policy. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will be considered based upon academic credentials and space availability for the entry date requested.

Applicants who have earned fewer than 30 credits in college level work are required to submit an official high school transcript and an official record of the SAT or ACT. The SAT or ACT scores are not required if the applicant is 21 years or older or has been out of high school for two or more years.

Students approved for transfer to Mansfield University and enrolled at another institution are granted admission on a provisional basis until all records from the previous institution have been reviewed and finalized.

Transfer Evaluation

Following acceptance into the university, an evaluation of courses taken at previous institutions is made by the Transfer Coordinator in consultation with the chairperson of the student’s major department.

Credits are evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Exceptions to this policy are specified in the State System of Higher Education Academic Passport for students transferring from Pennsylvania community colleges and transfer agreements between Mansfield University and many two year institutions. Currently, agreements exist with Bucks County Community College, Pennsylvania Highlands County Community College, Corning Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Keystone College, Lackawanna College, Lehigh-Carbon Community College, Luzerne County Community College, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Reading Area Community College.

Actual grades and the quality point average (QPA) do not transfer from any previous institution; only the credits earned transfer.

The number of credit hours that transfer from another institution cannot be more than the number awarded for completion of course work at that college/university. For example, some institutions do not give credit for physical education courses. A student accepted from such an institution is considered to have met the physical education requirement at Mansfield for as many PE courses as taken previously, but no credit would be awarded. Similarly, Introductory Biology might carry three credits at another institution and three credits would be given in transfer for such course even though the equivalent biology at Mansfield is four credits. Furthermore, if a U.S. History course is four credits at another institution, four credits would be given in transfer even though U.S. History at Mansfield University is a three-credit course.

Because of the time sequence necessary to develop skills required by the music curriculum, music students are advised to transfer as early as possible. Otherwise, it becomes increasingly difficult to complete the curriculum within the normal four-year span of time.

Credits in the music area must be validated by examination before they are accepted for transfer. This is to insure that the student is capable of successfully completing the remaining required courses.

Maximum Hours Accepted in Transfer

There is no limit on credits accepted from accredited four year colleges and universities. Mansfield University will not accept in transfer more than 67 semester hours of coursework from two-year junior or community colleges. Students must have earned a 2.0 GPA from prior institutions to be eligible for transfer. Transfer credit will be applied as appropriate to satisfy general education courses, courses required by the major, and elective courses. To earn a Mansfield University degree, students must complete 50% of their major courses at Mansfield University and must complete a minimum of 25% of the total degree credit requirements at Mansfield University. To complete a minor, 50% of minor requirements must be completed at Mansfield University.

Readmission Of Former Students

Any degree-seeking student who has not been in attendance during the previous semester must apply for readmission to the university through the Admissions Office.

The $25 application fee is waived for students readmitting to the university.

Students readmitted following a break of more than one semester fall under all university policies in effect at the time of readmission. Before students are readmitted, they must clear all outstanding university-related debts.

Academic Amnesty

The Academic Amnesty Policy is a means to allow certain students who have been separated from the University to return and not be unduly encumbered by their prior academic record. A student may be granted Academic Amnesty only once. Once granted, its conditions cannot be altered. Conditions for Academic Amnesty are as follows:

  1. A student must be separated from the University for at least five years before being eligible for Academic Amnesty.
  2. All grades for courses taken prior to the point at which Academic Amnesty is granted will remain on the academic transcript and academic history, but the cumulative QPA will be represented as “0.00”.
  3. Only those courses that reflect a grade of C or better and were earned at Mansfield University prior to readmission will count as semester hours earned toward graduation. Courses with grades of C- or less will not count toward graduation.
  4. A student will be placed on probation for the initial returning semester.
  5. A student must achieve a minimum quality point average of 2.00 by the end of the second semester. Failure to achieve the 2.00 minimum QPA will result in permanent dismissal from Mansfield University.

Procedure:

  1. The student is evaluated for admission through the normal processing of the readmit application in the Admissions Office.
  2. The student is referred to an advisor for review of academic standing.
  3. The student makes application for Academic Amnesty to the Provost.

Principles Of Enrollment Management

Mansfield University endorses enrollment management principles and reserves the right to limit the total number of first-time, transfer, and readmission students within specific degree programs as well as the total entering class each entry date. Official entry dates occur in the summer, fall, and spring each academic year. You may be offered admission to a waiting list based upon these principles. Assignment of confirmed spaces is made after a comprehensive review of academic credentials.

Summer School

Our Summer School program is designed to meet the needs of a variety of students. A wide range of educational opportunities include credit courses for undergraduates, non- degree and graduate students as well as workshops, ACT 48, travel abroad credit and non-credit courses, and seminars in the liberal arts, teacher education, and other fields of study. Summer courses include traditional in-classroom experiences as well as online courses.

Summer sessions are open to all students who have earned a high school diploma, GED or are part of our College Bound program.

Continuing university students, including new students, who wish to accelerate their program of study will find both general education and other courses in a variety of academic disciplines. Students from other colleges and universities may take courses through Mansfield University. They are advised to first ensure that their home institution will transfer credits earned.

Teachers and graduate students will find courses in the summer program to serve a variety of needs. They may enroll to complete requirements for permanent certification, take refresher courses in their field of specialization, to earn certification in a new field, or to take academic coursework to meet ACT 48 requirements.

Many Summer Session courses are available online. You can visit our website (summer.mansfield.edu) to view on and off campus courses and online offerings.

The policy regarding the number of credits for which a student may register during the summer sessions at Mansfield University is as follows: Students may not take more than six credits during either session (SU or SF), or more than 12 credits across the summer without the approval of the Dean of Faculty.

The Registrar’s Office will be monitoring the number of credits registered and will be enforcing the policy. The student will be contacted to rearrange their schedule.

Center For Lifelong Learning

The Center for Lifelong Learning provides educational opportunities on-campus, online and at a variety of locations off-campus. The Center for Lifelong Learning is responsible for off-campus undergraduate and graduate courses and programs including all distance education and online course offerings. The Center for Lifelong Learning also offers the Adult Basic Education and GED programs, Law Enforcement & Certification Programs, Workforce & Economic Development, Community Programs & Camps, and non-credit personal and professional development programs.

Distance Education

Mansfield University offers opportunities for learning in a variety of settings. Recognizing the unique needs of learners, we have both online undergraduate and graduate courses and programs as well as videoconference courses. For further information contact Susan Sweet at 800-661-3640 or email ssweet@mansfield.edu.

Videoconferencing

Mansfield University delivers select undergraduate and graduate course work, workshops, career exploration opportunities, in-service programs and other educational programming through distance education technologies. Our distance education classrooms are equipped with videoconferencing equipment, which provides simultaneous interaction between two or more sites and the transmission of voice, data, and video. The videoconferencing systems deliver high quality audio and video. Coursework may be taken by students while in high school, by adults who plan to pursue a degree, by graduate students for in-service, graduate credits, or to meet ACT 48 requirements, and by individuals who are seeking innovative and creative course offerings for enrichment.

All academic course work offered through this technology meets academic departmental standards and earns Mansfield University credits. This technology enables students who are geographically remote to enroll in university courses and programs from accessible locations and at convenient times.

Online Courses

Mansfield University also offers you the convenience and flexibility of taking online courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. Whether you are interested in enrolling in an online course or admitting to one of our online programs you have come to the right place. Online Learning at Mansfield University allows you the opportunity to pursue your education anytime/anywhere. To learn more about online courses at Mansfield University, call the Center for Lifelong Learning at (800) 661-3640 or e-mail us at online@mansfield.edu. Students enrolling in online courses should refer to information on our website at online.mansfield.edu.

All students registered for an online course must visit the Center for Lifelong Learning’s website for critical information, resources available, and directions relative to responsibilities in taking a course online at Mansfield University. Website: online.mansfield.edu.

Professional and Personal Development

Non-credit courses and workshops are designed for participants to learn new skills, keep current with changing technologies, explore career options and engage in enriching activities. Whether you are a young child, parent, or senior citizen the Center for Lifelong Learning has programs for you. For further information, contact Lindsey Sikorski, 570-662-4808, visit the website at mansfield.edu/economic/NonCredit.htm, or email lsikorsk@mansfield.edu.

Online Non-Credit Courses

The Center for Lifelong Learning offers non-credit programs through online education by Gatlin Education Services (GES). Students are able to take a variety of programs in Healthcare, Business, Internet & Design Programs, Networking Certification, Microsoft Certification, Construction & Automotive training, and Video Game Design and Development that may lead to certification or the skills necessary to complete certification tests. Through Gatlin Education Services, the Center for Lifelong Learning provides opportunities for students and the community to register for open enrollment courses to further their personal & professional development. Coursework is completed independently, but instructors are actively involved in the student’s online learning experiences. Gatlin Education Services courses give students the quality, as well as the convenience of anytime, anywhere learning. Visit our website at: cll.mansfield.edu .

Municipal Police Training Academy

Under PA ACT 120, this 750 hour training program is required to become a municipal police officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mansfield University is an approved school for the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. Our Academy provides each cadet with the professional skills and knowledge necessary to become successful law enforcement officers. Our full time Academy enables cadets to accelerate their training. Our part time program allows cadets the opportunity to participate in our training program while attending college. Graduates of the Police Academy are also eligible to receive 19 college credits. For more information, visit cll.mansfield.edu .

Lethal Weapons Training

PA State Act 235 requires that any person who is privately employed and required as a condition of employment to carry a lethal weapon must be certified. This 40-hour training program will enable you to become employed as a security guard, armored truck guard, alarm response guard, night watchperson, and security guard. For more information regarding Lethal Weapons Training, visit cll.mansfield.edu .

Constable Training

Mansfield University offers five components of Constable Training: Basic Training, Continuing Education, Basic Firearms, Annual Firearms, and Optional Training. The Basic Training is open to those who are seeking to become a Constable as well as those already holding the office of Constable or Deputy Constable. For more information, visit cll.mansfield.edu

For more information about these law enforcement programs contact the Center for Lifelong Learning at 570-662-4866/4974, 800-661-3640 or email Barbara Corrigan at bcorriga@mansfield.edu.

Adult Basic Education

The Center for Lifelong Learning’s Adult Basic Education programs promote and support learning by offering free classes and/or tutors to all who need help in obtaining their educational goals. Classes include Adult Basic Education, GED, English as a Second Language, and computer aided instruction.

All classes and books are free, open to the public, and are not based on income. Classes are conveniently located throughout Tioga County. For further information contact Cyndi Compton at 570-662-4746 or 800-661-3640, visit the website at cll.mansfield.edu/AdultBasicEd.cfm or email ccompton@mansfield.edu.

The Center for Lifelong Learning administers the GED test. For information on test dates, location, and cost of test, contact the Center for Lifelong Learning by calling 800-661-3640 or 570-662-4971.