The Enrollment Services Division, through the Office of the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services, the Office of Admissions and Orientation, the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of International Services, the Office of Career Services, the International Faculty/ Staff Coordinator, and Student Publicity, provides services for students from pre-enrollment through graduation.

The Office of Admissions processes all applications from U.S. citizens applying for undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of South Alabama. Permanent residents follow the same admissions criteria as U.S. Citizens, plus each applicant must submit documentation verifying their residency. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, (with resident alien approval) or current green card. Permanent residents must submit their paperwork to the Office of International Services. Refer to the "International Students" section for details.

Inquiries about admission to the University of South Alabama should be addressed to the Director of Admissions, 182 Administration Building, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002, or telephoned to (251)460-6141, toll-free number at (800)872-5247, or e-mail at admiss@usouthal.edu. Information is also available via a link on the University’s Home Page on the World Wide Web: http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/.

Students applying for admission to the University of South Alabama are required to file an application for admission with the $25 nonrefundable processing fee by the deadlines noted. The application is available on the Admissions web site which is available via a link from www.southalabama.edu/admissions/appls.html. Note: The University reserves the right to change fees, as deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees, without prior notice.

Students are urged to apply for admission well before their intended semester of entry. Financial aid and housing are more likely to be available to the qualified student who applies early. All undergraduate applications, including the required official documents, must be received no later than June 15 for fall semester, December 1 for spring semester, and May 1 for summer semester. Documents received by deadline are guaranteed to be processed before new student orientation and registration. Deadlines for applications and supporting documents for international students are earlier than the deadlines for U.S. Citizens Refer to the “International Students” section for details. Scholarship deadlines are significantly earlier and published in the “Financial Aid” section of the Bulletin.

The University of South Alabama seeks to admit only those students who possess the intellectual capacity, maturity, previous training, and motivation necessary for success in its several programs. Some colleges and programs of instruction have additional admission requirements. Please see the appropriate college section regarding specific additional admission requirements.

All documents required for admission review (e.g., transcripts, test scores, or letters of recommendation) must be official, i.e., mailed from the home institution or testing agency directly to the Office of Admissions by the deadline. These documents become the property of the University of South Alabama. The applicant is responsible for making certain that the admission application, processing fee, and all required documents have been received by the appropriate deadline.

High school students should take the test in the spring of the junior year or early in their senior year so test results will reach the University in ample time for admission review. Applicants must have the scores sent directly to the University from the testing agency by listing the University’s code number as a recipient when registering for the examination (ACT code is 0059; SAT code is 1880) or by completing a score request form from the testing agency.

In some instances, the Director of Admissions may require the applicant to submit a recommendation from the high school counselor or principal.

If the student should decide to remain in transient status for more than one term the student must submit the University’s Transient Student Form and a Readmission Application (available from the Admission’s Office) by the specified deadline (see “How to Apply for Readmission” section of the Bulletin) each semester. Should a transient student decide to transfer to the University of South Alabama, the student would be required to apply in the same manner as a transfer student and submit complete transcripts from each college or university attended.

No more than 64 semester hours of transfer credit from junior colleges will be accepted. No degree credit will be granted for courses that are identified at the 300 and 400 levels in the University of South Alabama curriculum unless approved by the appropriate college dean.

Courses not generally accepted from a junior/community college may be considered for transfer credit on a selective basis. Such courses must be approved for degree credit by the student’s academic dean based upon the recommendation of the appropriate department chair.

University of South Alabama students at any level of progress toward a degree are restricted, in terms of junior college transfer credit, only by the first and second items above.
Alabama Articulation Program (STARS)

The Alabama Articulation Program (also called STARS - Statewide Articulation Reporting System) is a web-based articulation and transfer planning system designed to inform students who attend Alabama Community Colleges about degree requirements, course equivalents, and other transfer information pertaining to specific majors at each state funded four-year institution. STARS provides students, counselors, and educators with accurate information upon which transfer decisions can be made. STARS is the information link between the state’s public two-year and four-year institutions, and can prevent the loss of course credit hours, can provide direction for the scheduling of course work, and can ease the transition from one institution to another. Students who are interested in obtaining a “Transfer Guide” should visit the University of South Alabama Transfer Assistance web site at: http://www.southalabama.edu/transfer/ or contact: University of South Alabama Office of Admissions, 182 Administration Building, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002, (251)460-6141 or (800)872-5247.

Military service-school courses will be evaluated with reference to the recommendation of the American Council on Education when official credentials have been presented by the student to the Office of Admissions for new or returning students, or to the Office of the Registrar for currently enrolled students. Such recommendations, however, are not binding upon the University. In no instance, however, may any of the hours of credit be substituted for specific courses, but they may be substituted for electives.

Students who have successfully completed basic training in the armed forces may receive four semester hours of elective credit and exemption from P.E. by presenting a DD214, DD295, a copy of a Community College of the Air Force transcript, or a certificate of training to the Office of the Registrar for currently enrolled or former students, or to the Office of Admissions for new students.

The Office of Veterans Affairs is located in Room 240 of the Administration Building on the main campus of the University to facilitate veterans’ programs and to provide counseling and other veterans’ services. (See “Student Activities Section.”)

2. International Baccalaureate Program (IB): Students participating in the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) will be granted University credit to those who have achieved a score of "5" or higher on the International Baccalaureate Program examinations. Individual academic disciplines will determine if a higher score is required in a particular course(s). IB Credit with a grade of at least "5" will be awarded as follows:
   

IB DIscipline*	IB Exam Score	USA Credit
Art
Social Anthropology	5	AN 100 (3 Semester Hours)
Biology	5	BLY 101 and BLY 102, or BLY 121 and BLY 122 (8 Semester Hours)
Chemistry (Standard Level)	5	CH 101 (4 Semester Hours)
Chemistry (Higher Level)	5	CH 131, CH 131L, CH 132, and CH 132L (8 Semester Hours)
Computer Science	5	Credit determined by the School of CIS
Economics	5	ECO 300 (3 Semester Hours)
English	5	If student completes IB degree: EH 101 and EH 102 (6 Semester Hours) If student fails to complete IB degree: EH 101 (3 Semester Hours)
Foreign Languages	5	6 Semester Hours of credit in corresponding Freshman Language Sequence: French: LG 111 and LG 112 German: LG 151 and LG 152 Latin: LG 101 and LG 102 Russian: LG 171 and LG 172 Spanish: LG 131 and LG 132 Chinese: LGS 121 and LGS 122 Arabic: LGS 106 and LGS 107 Modern Greek: LGS 141 and LGS 142 Japanese: LGS 101 and LGS 102
Geography	5	GEO 114 and GEO 115 (6 Semester Hours)
History (Higher Level only)	5	HY 102 (3 Semester Hours)
Information Technology in a Global Society (Standard Level)	5	(3 Semester Hours Credit) Accept credit for CIS 110 or CIS 150 according to major.
Mathematics (Standard Level)	5	MA 115 (4 Semester Hours)
Mathematics (Standard Level)	6-7	MA 115 and MA 125 (8 Semester Hours)
Mathematics (Higher Level)	5	MA 125 and ST 210 (7 Semester Hours)
Mathematics (Higher Level)	6-7	MA 125 and MA 126 (8 Semester Hours)
Music	5	MUL 235 (2 Semester Hours)
Music	6-7	MUL 235 (2 Semester Hours) and will be considered for additional credit in MUL 236 (2 Semester Hours). Students scoring 6 or 7 on this IB exam should contact Department Chair to request credit for MUL 236.
Philosophy	5	PHL 110 (3 Semester Hours)
Physics	5	PH 104 (4 semester Hours)
Psychology	5	PSY 120 (3 Semester Hours)

3. English Composition I Exemption:Students who score a minimum ACT English score of 27 or SAT verbal score of 550 will be exempt from taking English 101. Official scores should be mailed to the Office of Admissions for exemption to be granted.
4. CLEP: A student can receive up to 32 semester hours of credit from the General Examinations and certain Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) as shown below. Official CLEP scores mailed directly from the CLEP division of the Educational Testing Service are required before credit will be awarded.

CLEP Exam	Hours	CLEP Score
USA Credit Awarded	Awarded	Required
American Government	3 hrs	50
PSC 130
General Biology	8 hrs	50
BLY 121/BLY 122
Calculus w/ Elem Funct	8 hrs	50
MA 125/MA 126
College Algebra-Trig	4 hrs	50
MA 115
College Algebra	3 hrs	50
MA 112
Trigonometry	3 hrs	50
MA 113
General Chemistry	8 hrs	50
CH 131/CH 132
General Psychology	3 hrs	50
PSY 120
Intro to Accounting	3 hrs	50
ACC 211
Intro to Business Law	3 hrs	50
MGT 310
Intro to Macroeconomics	3 hrs	50
ECO 216
Intro to Microeconomics	3 hrs	50
ECO 215
Intro to Marketing	3 hrs	50
MKT 320
Intro to Sociology	3 hrs	50
SY 109
English Comp-General	6 hrs	50
EH 101/EH 102
Humanities-General	6 hrs	50
Fine Arts and Lit Elect
Mathematics-General	8 hrs	50
Math Electives
Natural Sciences-General	8 hrs	50
Bio & Nat Science Elect
Social Sciences-General	6 hrs	50
Soc Science & Hist Elect

Computer Science and Foreign Language CLEP credit is awarded based on USA departmental recommendations. The University reserves the right to change the CLEP minimum scores and credit awarded based on recommendations by the College Board and University research.
5. Credit by Examination: A student may receive credit for a course by passing a locally prepared examination and by paying appropriate fees. (See “Credit by Examination”.)
6. Military Service/ROTC Credit: A student may receive Military Science or Aerospace Science placement credit for prior military service or Junior ROTC training. Contact the Department of Military Science or the Department of Aerospace Studies for details.
7. The Prior Learning Assessment Center: housed in the Adult Interdisciplinary Studies department, will serve as a central location where potential and enrolled USA students can obtain information and advising on the assessment options available for earning USA credit for prior learning. The center will also be the primary academic unit responsible for the coordination and administration of prior learning assessment by portfolio.
8. PSP: A student in the College of Arts and Sciences, can, after completing 32 semester hours of work, choose to shape a major in the Personalized Studies Program. The student must present to the PSP Committee a satisfactory rationale for the proposed course of study.
9. Adult Interdisciplinary Studies: A student who is over the age of 25 may design, with the approval of an academic committee, a 54 semester hour interdisciplinary field of study through the Department of Adult Interdisciplinary Studies in the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs.
10. College of Medicine Early Acceptance Program: Qualified high school seniors are selected for acceptance to the University and to the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Candidates selected for the program enter the Health Pre-Professions Program at USA; their curriculum will include core requirements for the selected baccalaureate program and prerequisites for matriculation in medical school. Students participating in the College of Medicine Early Acceptance Program must meet program requirements during their tenure as undergraduates to continue in the program. Upon successful completion of the baccalaureate degree and COMEAP requirements, students enter the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

To be considered for the COMEAP, high school seniors must complete freshman application procedures, have earned a minimum high school grade-point average of 3.5 based on a 4.0 system as computed by USA, submit an ACT score of at least 28 composite (or 1240 SAT), and must have demonstrated leadership qualities and motivation toward the study of medicine. All documents must be submitted by December 15 of their senior year in high school to be considered. For questions and applications, contact USA Admissions, 182 Administration Building, USA, Mobile, AL 36688-0002 or call (800) 872-5247 or (251) 460-6141.
11. Honors Program: See "Honors Program".

12. Accelerated College Enrollment Program: A limited number of high school seniors from Mobile County, and Baldwin County, Alabama, are offered the opportunity to take one free course at the University during the senior year of high school. The course can be used to satisfy degree requirements at USA, or can be transferred to other institutions.
Academic Requirements: Applicants must be recommended by the high school counselor, have earned at least a "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) average in academic subjects, have scored at least 25 composite on the ACT (1130 SAT), completed the junior year of high school, and be approved by the Director of Admissions.
Documents Required: ACEP applicants must submit an official high school transcript showing grades through the junior year, official ACT or SAT scores and a letter of recommendation from the school guidance counselor. Interested students should contact USA Admissions for application deadlines and information.

The Developmental Studies Program (DSP) is designed for underprepared students, those who may not have the high-school grades or ACT or SAT scores generally required for college admission but who indicate a potential for academic success in an institution of higher education. The program emphasizes improvement of basic skills essential for college achievement. Students admitted to the University through Developmental Studies complete courses in study skills, writing, prealgebra, elementary algebra, and intermediate algebra. Mathematics courses require a placement test. Classes are small and tutoring is provided.

Applicants must follow the general University admission policies and procedures. The Office of Admissions uses the following criteria for the ACT composite scores and high school grade point averages.

ACT Composite Score	High School GPA	Admission Status
18	2.50 or greater	Regular Admission
18	2.00-2.49	Developmental Studies Program
18	less than 2.00	Not Admitted
15-17	2.00 or greater	Developmental Studies Program
15-17	less than 2.0	Not Admitted
less than 15		Not Admitted

Acceptances to the program are limited. DSP courses are also open to University students who are not admitted to the program. For more information, call (251) 460-7155.

Refer to the University of South Alabama Graduate School Section for admission requirements. Applicants to the University of South Alabama Graduate School are considered for admission as follows:
1. Graduate Students—students pursuing postbaccalaureate degrees.
2. Graduate Transfer Students—students pursuing postbaccalaureate degrees who have attended graduate school at another institution and wish to have that credit considered for transfer to the University.
3. Non-Degree Graduate Students—students who have earned at least a baccalaureate degree who wish to take graduate courses but do not wish to pursue a degree. (Not all programs allow non-degree students)
4. Graduate Transient Students—applicants who wish to enroll for one semester to complete graduate work for transfer to the parent institution.

Recognizing the increasing expectation of technical/computer literacy for productive citizenship and optimum professional and career opportunities, the University of South Alabama provides formal classroom instruction and informal training in computer software and hardware applications. General skills as well as those necessary for specialized applications are included, as appropriate, in many University classes. To insure successful acquisition of these skills and guarantee that all students are able to adequately complete classroom assignments, all students entering the University of South Alabama are required to have personal access to a personal computer. This may be achieved in a number of ways including personal ownership of a computer with the required capabilities, access within the home or family, sharing with a roommate or in other ways that allow the student ready access when required to complete assignments. This access must include, as a minimum, a current version of the Microsoft Office software package to include word processing, and spreadsheet capability, provision for e-mail with attachments (both send and receive), and Internet access for research. Individual academic programs may have additional requirements specific to their curriculum and training needs. Students should realize that instructors will make assignments expecting the required computer and software access and lack of access will not excuse the student from class expectations and requirements.

To assist students who are not comfortable using a computer, the University recommends (and in some programs requires) completion of Computer Science 150 for academic credit.

Orientation provides an introduction to the academic, service, and social areas of the University of South Alabama. It is offered prior to registration, and all new students are required to attend. The fee charged for Orientation covers costs of materials and meals during the programs. Details are sent to new students prior to registration. Further information may be obtained from the Office of New Student Orientation, 119 MCOB, Mobile, AL 36688-0002, telephone (251) 460-7093.

The Office of International Services at the University of South Alabama provides special services and programs for non-U.S. Citizens. One of the functions of the Office of International Services is the processing of applications for admission submitted by non-citizens. The following are the specific requirements needed by the applicants.

All necessary documents must be received by the established deadline for the semester the student wishes to enter. Applications completed after the deadline will be considered for the following term, unless otherwise requested by the student.
Outside the United States:

Fall-July 1	Spring-November 1
Summer-April 1

Within the United States:

Fall-July 15	Spring-December 1
Summer-May 1

1. International Application for Admission - The International Application for Admission must be completed and signed by the applicant. A nonrefundable $25.00 application fee, payable through a U.S. bank, must accompany the application. Applications received without the $25.00 processing fee will not be processed.
2. Academic Records - Complete and certified academic records of all secondary and postsecondary education attempted must be submitted. Whenever possible, the records must be forwarded directly from the issuing institution to the University of South Alabama. Copies must be certified by an official of the government or school (e.g., registrar or dean). Notarized copies are not accepted.
3. English Proficiency

A.		TOEFL - Nonimmigrant applicants, whose native language is not English, must submit a score of 500 (173) or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for admission. Applicants who hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited United States institution are exempt. Students transferring from postsecondary institutions within the United States are exempt, subject to the following conditions:
1)		transfer credits total at least 96 quarter hours (64 semester hours); and
2)		completion of English Composition I with grade of “C” or above.

The exempted transfer students ARE subject to the proficiency examination discussed below.

In addition the TOEFL may be substituted with the following:

1)		SATI Verbal score of 510
2)		ACT English score of 19
3)		Ordinary/Advanced Level English examinations from the United Kingdom with a score of "A", "B" or "C/A-E".
B.		English Proficiency - Additionally, all international students with TOEFL scores between 473 (150 on newly formatted on-line TOEFL exam) and 500 (173 on newly formatted on-line TOEFL exam) are conditionally admitted to the University of South Alabama and placed directly into the Department of English as a Second Language and assigned an ESL advisor. All students in this category must take the English Placement Examination and depending on their performance, a determination will be made as to how many ESL courses each student will be required to complete.
C.		English Proficiency Examination - All international students, regardless of TOEFL score, must sit for the English Proficiency Examination during the International Student Orientation with the following exceptions. Students holding J-1 visas and those holding baccalaureate or graduate degrees from regionally accredited United States postsecondary institutions are exempt. Permanent Residents who submit transcripts from regionally accredited United States secondary or postsecondary institutions with at least two full years of course work are also exempt. All transfer students must take the exam.

4. Standardized Tests - Permanent residents of the U.S. must submit an acceptable score on the ACT or SAT examination, unless they have one year or more of documented postsecondary education, graduated from high school 5 or more years previously, or apply on the basis of the GED. Those attending on nonimmigrant visas are not required to submit these tests for admissions unless required by the major department.
5. Financial Statement - Non-immigrants must provide proof that sufficient finances are available to undertake their entire course of study.
6. Photograph - All applicants must submit two recent passport size photographs.

Students are notified of admissions decisions as soon as all required documents are received. The I-20 or DS-2019 form is mailed to students with the letter of admission.

Students wishing to postpone their arrival to a later semester must notify the Office of International Services in writing. If an I-20 or DS-2019 form has been mailed, the complete form must be returned to the University before a new form is issued.

Transfer Credit from Foreign Institutions - Students transferring to the University from foreign postsecondary institutions must submit a detailed course syllabus from which to evaluate transfer credit. Advanced Placement credit is available from a number of worldwide sources: contact the Office of International Services for details. Students may secure a professional evaluation of academic credentials at their own expense. Course-by-course professional evaluation is required of transfer students accepted into the College of Education and students applying to the professional component of any program in the College of Allied Health Professions.

1. International Application for Admission - The International Application for Admission must be completed and signed by the applicant. A nonrefundable $25.00 application fee, payable through a U.S. Bank, must accompany the application. Applications received without the $25.00 application fee will not be processed.
2. Academic Records - Complete and certified academic records of all secondary and postsecondary education attempted must be submitted. Please note consolidated marksheets are not accepted. Whenever possible, the records must be forwarded directly from the issuing institution to the University of South Alabama. Copies must be certified by an official of the government or school (e.g., registrar or dean). Notarized copies are not accepted.
3. English Proficiency

A.		TOEFL - Nonimmigrant applicants, whose native language is not English, must submit a score of 525 (197) or above on the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) for admission. (Specific programs may have more stringent English proficiency requirements.) Applicants who have completed two years of postsecondary education from a regionally accredited United States institution are exempt.
B.		English Proficiency Examination - All international applicants, regardless of TOEFL score, must sit for the English Proficiency Examination during the International Student Orientation. Nonimmigrant applicants exempt from the TOEFL requirement are exempt from the English Proficiency Examination, as well. English as a Second Language course work may be recommended or required for graduate applicants.

4. Standardized Tests - Standardized test requirements for the various academic programs are listed in the appropriate sections of the Bulletin. All test scores must be official copies sent directly from the testing service which administered the examination.
5. Recommendation Letters - Two original letters of recommendation are required of all nonimmigrant applicants. The letters should be written by persons familiar with the applicant’s academic qualifications and ability to undertake the proposed course of study.
6. Financial Statement - Non-immigrants must provide proof that sufficient finances are available to undertake their entire course of study. Applicants for graduate assistantships should contact the appropriate department directly for information and assistantship applications.

Notification: Students are notified of the Graduate Dean’s admission decision as soon as all required documents are received and the Graduate Dean has received a recommendation from the appropriate graduate program. The I-20 or IAP-66 form is mailed to students with the letter of admission.

Students wishing to postpone their arrival to a later semester must notify the Office of International Services in writing. Students who have previously attended USA and who did not register for the semester in which they were accepted, but who wish to register for the same graduate program in the same academic year must update their admissions through the Office of International Services. First-time students who did not register for the semester for which they were accepted but who wish to register for the same graduate program in the same academic year must submit written requests to update their applications to the Office of International Services. The address is given at the end of this section. If an I-20 or IAP-66 form has been mailed, the complete form must be returned to the University before a new form is issued.

Deposits - An advance tuition and living expenses deposit may be required of a student before an I-20 or IAP-66 is issued. This decision is based upon exchange regulations and fee receipt history of specific countries.

Orientation - New international students are required to participate in an orientation program prior to their first semester at the University. The orientation program welcomes students to the University, introduces them to staff and students, and familiarizes them with academic procedures and the community.

Medical Insurance - The University requires all international students on nonimmigrant visas to maintain medical insurance coverage. Students must purchase the University’s international student health insurance policy at registration.