(NOTE: Students applying to SAU Global degree-completion programs through video conferencing or online courses should refer to the SAU Global Admissions section of this catalog.)
The University admits students who are committed to personal, intellectual, and spiritual growth. Applicants must evidence appreciation for the standards and spirit of the University and exhibit moral character in harmony with its purpose. The University encourages applications from students who will contribute to and benefit from the Spring Arbor University Concept. Questions about admissions should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 800.968.0011 or email [email protected].
High School Course Expectations
Spring Arbor University offers a strong academic program that prepares students for graduate study and a variety of careers. Students entering the University should come prepared to take full advantage of the educational offerings by having the appropriate preparation during high school. The following list contains the minimum expected study applicants should acquire prior to entering Spring Arbor University. Applicants are encouraged to be prepared beyond these course recommendations: four years of college preparatory English courses; at least three years of mathematics courses including Geometry and Algebra I and II; at least three courses in social science and history-related fields such as American history, economics, geography, government, psychology, and world history; at least three lab science courses; physical education or other health-related courses. Additionally, students find that having two years of a foreign language and a computer science course also contribute to their success at SAU.
Admission Requirements
An application may be submitted by any high school student, high school graduate or equivalent, including students in attendance at another institution of higher education. Applications for admission are found online by visiting https://www.arbor.edu/admissions/apply/. Anyone applying for financial aid should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA) by November 1 to receive maximum aid the following September.
Freshman Admission
Candidates for freshman admission must demonstrate a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher to be accepted for admission without the need to submit additional documentation. Students that are not able to demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 will be required to submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Spring Arbor University will consider all relevant academic information in consideration of an application for admission. At any point, test scores may be submitted to supplement a student’s application for admission to Spring Arbor University. If test scores are submitted, a composite ACT score of 20, a composite SAT score of 1020 (English Writing and Math), or a composite CLT score of 66 are considered minimum evidence for probable academic success at SAU. Test scores may be required of students that cannot demonstrate a high school GPA of 3.0.
The following documents should be sent to the Office of Admissions after the application is made.
- An official high school transcript sent directly to SAU admissions
- A recommendation letter and personal statement (applicants with high school GPA lower than 3.0)
- ACT, SAT, or CLT scores sent directly from the testing service (optional)
Freshman applicants submitting scores from the General Educational Development (GED) test must have an average standard score of 500 for regular admission.
Transfer Student Admission
A combined GPA of at least 2.0 from all institutions of higher education attended is recommended. Applicants with a combined GPA of less than 2.0 may be admitted on probation. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from other institutions.
Accepted transfer students entering the junior year will be given a writing assessment to determine writing proficiency and possible course placement.
Reapplying to SAU
Applicants who have previously applied to Spring Arbor University but have never attended should complete the Application to Reapply form available at www.arbor.edu/applynow.
Readmission
Former Spring Arbor University students who have withdrawn for one or more semesters must submit the brief application for readmission. Official transcripts from all institutions attended during the separation from SAU should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. The readmitted student must meet the graduation and academic program requirements in effect at the time of readmission.
Transition Students
Students who have attended or are currently attending Spring Arbor University in a program offered in a location apart from the main campus and wish to become a main campus student should complete the transition admission application form.
Part-time or Non-Degree Seeking
Part-time or non-degree seeking enrollees should submit the part-time registration form to the Office of Registration and Records. The form is available online at https://mysau3.arbor.edu/ICS/icsfs/Part_Time_Registration_Form.pdf?target=da9948db-0e59-4f3f-9607-6a718dd5d55f
High School Dual Enrollees
High school students with junior or senior standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 1060-1090 may apply to take lower-level classes numbered between 100 and 299 at Spring Arbor University. High school transcripts are required for admission and test scores, if available, are preferred. A dual enrollment form including a signature from a high school counselor and parent must be completed and submitted to the SAU admissions office. Upper-level courses are not permitted for dual enrollees except under special circumstances. The applicant must submit a written request for this exception to the admissions office along with documentation that supports the applicant’s preparedness for the challenges of upper-level college academic rigor. The admissions office will forward this request to the registrar, and the registrar will communicate a decision with admissions within a reasonable timeframe.
Homeschooled Students Admission
Applications from individuals who have completed their high school studies in a homeschool setting are welcome and encouraged. Homeschooled applicants should follow the process of freshman or transfer applicants as outlined above. More information for homeschool families is available online at https://www.arbor.edu/admissions/undergraduate/homeschooled-students.
Admission Deposit
A $200 deposit for resident students ($50 for commuting students) is required and is nonrefundable after May 1 for the fall semester and after December 1 for the spring semester.
Types of Admission
After a review of application materials, an admission decision will be made based on the following definitions.
Regular Admission
An applicant who meets all requirements and submitted all paperwork may be granted regular admission.
Probationary Admission
Applicants who are not able to meet the stated admission standards may be admitted on probation. Applicants who are admitted on probation are guided carefully in course selection and are given individual academic assistance from the Academic Support Center (ASC) during their first year. Certain support courses may be required based on individual preparedness, which is assessed by the institution. These courses will count toward electives in the degree program.
Conditional Admission
An applicant who is accepted but is missing a required document for admission.
Denied Admission
An applicant who fails to meet the academic requirements or social expectations and is not granted probationary admission.
International Student Admission
International students may complete the International Application for Admission online (https://www.arbor.edu/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/) or request an international admission packet from the Admissions Office. Fully online programs are not eligible for F-1 visa status.
International Financial Forms
The student must complete the Affidavit of Support which indicates the amount of funds the student, family, and sponsors can contribute toward the educational costs. The Application for International Student Financial Aid must also be submitted to apply for need-based financial aid.
International Costs
Tuition and fees are listed at https://www.arbor.edu/admissions/undergraduate/undergraduate-tuition-aid/. International students must cover the cost of travel required to attend SAU. Additional costs associated with enrollment in courses at SAU may also apply, such as books and course fees.
International Transfer Credit Evaluation
Official documents of all coursework completed outside the U.S. and Canada or schools with American-based curriculum must be submitted to a recognized evaluation service for validation and equivalency of courses and/or degree. We recommend World Education Services (WES) at https://www.wes.org/ or InCred. Using the WES ICAP option will allow WES to mail the evaluation and an official copy of each transcript to Spring Arbor University. If transcript(s) are evaluated by a service other than WES or InCred, the Office of Registration and Records will determine if the service is acceptable.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Non-U.S. citizen international applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must possess written and oral proficiency in the English language using one of the methods below.
Method 1: English Language Proficiency Testing
Scores listed below are the minimum scores required which must be within two years of application to SAU.
| Test |
Test Type |
Score |
Notes |
| TOEFL |
iBT |
79 |
No sub-score lower than 17 |
| TOEFL |
PBT |
550 |
No sub-score lower than 52, writing score 4 |
| IELTS |
|
6.5 |
No band score lower than 6.0 |
| MET |
|
64 |
Section score of 59 or higher |
| ACT/SAT |
|
|
Same minimum scores as native English speakers |
Method 2: Education
Applicants can provide official transcripts and an international transcript evaluation reflecting the completion of a degree earned at a high school or at an institution of higher education in a primarily English-speaking country at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. Study must have been completed within the immediate five years preceding admission to SAU.
Method 3: Residency
Applicants can provide evidence of a minimum of two years of residence within the last five years in a primarily English-speaking country. Evidence can include travel documents, visas, employment contracts, etc. Documents must reflect the comprehensive dates of residency.
English Language Proficiency Tests
For further information about English language proficiency tests, please access the following websites:
Academic Warning Status
A student will be placed on academic warning when the semester GPA is lower than the step scale for correlating earned hours but is above 1.0. Academic warning is not reflected on the student’s academic record, but the student may be encouraged to reduce the number of credit hours per semester. Students may be placed on academic warning in the semester when they are removed from probation upon the recommendation of the academic guidance committee.
Academic Probation Status
Students will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent semester under the following conditions:
- Cumulative GPA falls below the appropriate level of good standing on the step scale, OR
- The student does not earn at least a 1.00 (“D”) semester GPA OR
- The semester GPA falls below the step scale for two consecutive semesters OR
- The completion ratio of courses counted toward the semester GPA is below 67%
Students placed on academic probation are advised to restrict class load to no more than 14 credit hours, curtail extracurricular activities and work schedules, and may be required to take a GES study skills courses that will count toward electives in the degree program. Students on academic probation cannot compete in intercollegiate athletics. Probation status is reflected on the student’s transcript.
Continued on Academic Probation Status
Students may be continued on probation under the following conditions:
- The student was on probation the preceding semester, and
- Semester GPA reaches at least 2.0 at the end of the probationary semester, but the cumulative GPA remains below the step scale; or
- The student completes a third consecutive semester with a semester GPA below the step scale, but the cumulative GPA is equal to or above the step scale. In these cases, a hold will be placed on the student account until the meets with the registrar to review the Graduation Success Matrix.
Continued on probation status is reflected on the student’s transcript and is treated as academic probation.
Restored to Probation Status
Students may be restored to probation after a successful dismissal appeal. Restored to probation status is reflected on the student’s transcript and is treated the same as an academic probation status.
Removal from Academic Probation
Students may be removed from academic probation at the end of a semester when their academic record meets the requirements of good standing. It may be recommended by the academic guidance committee for this student to be placed on academic warning to provide one additional semester of academic support.
Academic Dismissal Status
Students may be academically dismissed from the University under the following conditions:
- At the end of the probation semester, the semester and cumulative GPAs are below the step scale, or
- In any given semester, a student receives a failing grade in at least 60% of the credit hours attempted, or
- In any given semester, the semester GPA is below 1.0., or
- A student completes a fourth consecutive semester with a semester GPA below the step scale.
At the time of dismissal, it is recommended that the student connect with advisors and the Office of Registration and Records to discuss expectations to be met for eventual readmission to Spring Arbor University.
Academic Dismissal Appeal
Students may appeal an academic dismissal in writing to the Office of Registration and Records by the deadline stated in the dismissal letter. Appeals received after the deadline will not be considered. An appeal does not guarantee the student will be allowed to continue studies at SAU. Appeals should include reasons for challenges to prior academic success and steps the student intends to implement in the future to remedy those challenges. The academic status committee will review appeals and the registrar’s recommendations within 30 days of the deadline. The registrar will notify the student within two working days after the committee’s decision is made. The decision of the committee is final. If the appeal is granted, the student will be placed on a status of Restored to Probation. Registration will remain on hold until after the student meets with the registrar.
If the student is dismissed at the end of the semester of being restored to probation status, an appeal will not be considered. The student must separate from SAU for the time specified in Readmission after Academic Dismissal section of this catalog.
SAU Global Policies and Procedures
All policies listed in this catalog apply to SAU Global students unless otherwise specified in this section.
Spring Arbor University is recognized as a leader in accelerated degree completion programs for working adults. Integrally linked to the University’s mission and concept, SAU Global offers courses and degree completion majors in innovative and convenient evening, video conferencing, and online formats for adult students. Experiential learning is the foundation on which all SAU Global programs are developed. Students learn through direct application, simulations, cases, discussions, and activities that expand on readings and basic conceptual themes. A major project or internship adds a sharper focus and further integrates the theoretical and the practical in a supportive atmosphere. Integrated, connected, sequential coursework presented and facilitated by a diverse, experienced faculty and support staff combine for impressive quality. Because of the personal support and the fact that adult students are capable, motivated, and bring a variety of knowledge and experience to the classroom, the success rates in these programs are very high.
SAU Global Admissions
Spring Arbor University welcomes applications from all persons without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age or handicap.
It is appropriate to acknowledge that SAU Global programs have been designed for students who are 25 years or older or who are independent adults and have been exclusively working adults for an extended period of time. These programs are not designed for traditional aged college students.
A completed application includes:
- Submission of official transcript from each institution of higher education attended
- Employment history, if at all possible (employment enhances the educational outcomes of the program)
- Satisfactory completion of the writing sample (demonstrates competency required for program success)
Additional admission requirements may be listed within program sections of this catalog and/or program handbooks.
Admission Status
When the admission requirements are satisfied, the student will receive a letter of admission to the specific program for which the application was made. A student’s admission status will be one of the following.
Full Admission Status
The applicant has submitted a completed application and meets all admissions requirements, including:
- A combined GPA of at least 2.0 from all institutions attended as reflected on official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. (It is recommended that an official high school transcript be sent for all transfer students, but it is required for students who have fewer than 26 credit hours of college credit post high school graduation.)
- A minimum of 58 credit hours from accredited, degree-granting institutions of higher education required for registration into major courses. For those applying without 58 transfer credits, see Early Admission.
Conditional Admission Status
The applicant is missing official verification of required admissions documents. The applicant may begin taking courses but may be administratively withdrawn if the documents are not received after the first course of enrollment.
Probationary Admission Status
The applicant has minimal entry deficiencies according to admission requirements but has submitted an acceptable, specific educational plan for addressing those deficiencies that is reviewed by an admissions committee. The applicant may begin taking courses at SAU but may be dismissed if minimum requirements are not met within the first semester of enrollment.
Admission Denied
Spring Arbor University reserves the right to deny admission to convicted felons and reserves the right to make decisions based upon factors which it deems relevant under the totality of the circumstances.
Early Admission
SAU Global desires to meet the career, cultural, spiritual, and self-improvement needs of the adult learner. Therefore, SAU Global programs are designed for students who have a solid foundation in college coursework before starting major courses. Students who have not yet earned 58 credits (junior standing) should work with SAU academic advisors to create an academic plan in preparation for taking higher-level, major courses. Students who are admitted with fewer than 58 credit hours are considered early admits and may be given a “pre” designation as they build to 58 credit hours. Once students are fully admitted and allowed to register in major courses, tuition, and fees are adjusted to match the program charges.
Admission Appeal
An applicant who does not meet the admission requirements may petition for admission. A petition for admission is completed and submitted to the SAU Global Admissions Office. The petitions are reviewed by the Undergraduate Conditional Admissions Committee, which makes an admission determination and communicates the decision with admissions personnel. If the applicant is denied admission, the applicant may work with admissions personnel to submit a written appeal to the dean of the program. The dean will review and communicate the final decision in writing to the student and appropriate personnel.
SAU Global Financial Information Tuition and Fees
Tuition and total costs vary by program and may be obtained on the SAU website. Payment for each semester is due seven days before the start date of the course. In order to waive payment on or before the start date of class, a student must complete one of the following:
- Student loan scheduled for the semester (see Financial Aid information )
- Set up a payment plan for the semester
- Submit a Third Party Assistance Information Form and provide a voucher or letter authorizing SAU to invoice the third party.
SAU Global Financial Aid Policies
Please refer to the Financial Aid section in this catalog.
Tuition Refund Policies
Information about tuition refunds can be acquired through the Office of Student Financial Services.
SAU Global Registration Policies
Dropping/Withdrawing from a Course
Once a student is actively attending a course in a given semester and decides to drop or withdraw from a course, federal aid regulations require that a determination be made whether the student is withdrawing from a single course or from the entire program. Students will be considered to have withdrawn from their program unless they are attending another course at the time the course is dropped or they inform their advisor of their intent to continue in their degree program. Once students have been dropped or withdrawn from a class, reinstatement into that same class cannot occur unless it is within the add period.
When a course is dropped, the student must notify their advisor that they plan to take the remaining courses for which they are registered. The next course for which they are registered must start within 45 days of the last day of the last course that the student attended; otherwise, the student will still have to be treated as a student who has withdrawn.
Students meeting either of the two criteria above are still considered enrolled in their degree program and financial aid will continue, though it may still be adjusted for the course that was dropped. Financial aid will be recalculated, and funds may be returned for students who are considered withdrawn from their program. If the student commences attendance again in the degree program, all or a portion of their aid may be reinstated.
SAU Global Transfer Policies
Upon admission to the institution and upon receipt of all official transcripts from previous institutions, an evaluation will be conducted to determine which credits will transfer from sending institutions to the SAU transcript. Only courses that apply to the degree will be transferred.
A student must request that an official transcript from each college or university attended be sent directly to Spring Arbor University admissions. Failure to submit all transcripts will result in the student being placed on conditional admission.
SAU Global program transfer policies vary somewhat from the policies for students enrolling in programs offered on the main campus. Below are listed the differences in the transfer policies. All other policies are the same as those listed in the “Transfer Policies ” section in of the catalog.
- Up to 80 credit hours from community colleges which primarily grant associate degrees are allowed.
- Up to 40 technical credit hours are allowed.
- Up to 62 nursing credit hours can apply to the RN-BSN post-licensure program.
- Regardless of the number of credit hours transferred, all graduation requirements must be met for a degree to be conferred, including all General Education curriculum and major course requirements listed in the program’s curriculum.
SAU Global Academic Policies Attendance
- Students missing two of any combination of class participation - synchronously scheduled class sessions or asynchronous assignments - may be administratively withdrawn from the class due to nonparticipation. Students may be allowed to continue in the program without immediately retaking the course unless the course is prerequisite to the next course in the program course sequence.
Students should work with their academic advisor to determine when the course should be repeated.
- Students accumulating five of any combination of absences (defined in the bullet above) in major courses in the program may be administratively withdrawn from the program.
A petition to reconsider a withdrawal due to nonparticipation may be submitted through academic advisors to the Office of Registration and Records. The Office of Registration and Records will review the petition for a final determination.
NOTE: some programs may have more stringent absence policies. Students should refer to program handbooks or confer with academic advisors for more information.
Readmission after Academic Dismissal
Students may apply for readmission after a period of separation from SAU through the Office of Admissions according to the following conditions:
- First dismissal - students may not attend SAU for one full semester including interim or summer.
- Second dismissal - students may not attend SAU for two full semesters including interim and summer.
- Third dismissal - students are permanently dismissed from SAU.
The dismissal count does not restart, even for students who are restored to probation after appeal (see Academic Dismissal Appeal). Once a student receives a dismissal notice, the dismissal is added to the count. Therefore, if a student is dismissed but is allowed to continue on probation after appeal and is subsequently dismissed the next semester, the student has accumulated two dismissals.
When applying for readmission after the specified academic dismissal period, the student will be asked to present evidence of probable future academic success, self-discipline and focus, and self-development, which may include transcripts from courses taken during the separation from SAU and/or support letters or documentation from doctors, counselors, employers, pastors, etc. The Office of Registration and Records may deny readmission if the evidence presented does not support the expectation of future academic success. If the decision is made to readmit the student, the Office of Registration and Records may require the student to sign the Graduation Success Matrix before removing a registration holds.
Students readmitted after academic dismissal will be placed on academic probation for the first semester after readmission. University academic standards and departmental conditions must be met by the student at the end of that first semester after dismissal in order to return to good standing status and continue enrollment at Spring Arbor University. Once the student has completed the first semester after readmission, all academic status rules apply as normal.
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