East Tennessee State University
Office of Registrar

Undergraduate Admission

All inquiries about admission, applications for admission, and transcripts of credit should be addressed to the:

Office of Admissions
East Tennessee State University
Box 70731
Johnson City, TN 37614-1701

A personal interview is generally not required during the admissions procedure; however, when circumstances require that enrollment be restricted, an interview may be required.

Any student withholding application information or giving false information may be ineligible for admission or may be denied continuation of studies at the university.

Requirements for Admission

Freshman Admission

Applicants for degree admission as first-time freshmen must provide an official transcript showing graduation from high school.* Graduates of high schools in any state are eligible to apply for admission to the freshman class. Graduates of Tennessee public high schools must provide a transcript certifying satisfactory performance on the Tennessee Competency Examination.

Applicants must request that the high school mail a transcript of their high school records to the Office of Admissions at the time of application. The transcript of a Tennessee resident who is home schooled must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (Tenn. Code Ann. 49-50-801), or be accompanied by certification of registration with the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend.

A score report from the American College Testing Program (ACT) must be submitted by all entering freshmen who are under 21 years of age. If ACT scores are not available, SAT scores may be substituted.

The university schedules ACT assessment periodically throughout the year. Applicants for admission and students enrolled at ETSU are eligible to participate in the ACT testing program.

Applications for admission must be approved by the last day of registration (official census date) of a semester in order to be effective with that semester.

*Exceptions made for GED applicants and early admission of first-time freshmen after the junior year in high school.

Required High School Courses

The following high school courses are required for freshman applicants who have not reached age 21. EnglishAlgebra I and IIA single Foreign Language

Subject Area	Required Units
4
2
Geometry or other advanced math course with geometry as a major component	1
Natural/Physical Sciences, including at least one unit, with lab, of biology, chemistry, or physics	2
Social Studies, including world history, world geography, ancient history, European history, or modern history	1
United States History	1
2
Visual or Performing Arts, including theatre arts, visual arts, music theory, music history, vocal music, art history, or general music	1

Applicants with disabilities which directly prevent them from completing any required high school units should provide documentation of the disability during the admission process in order to receive consideration for waiver of the related unit requirements.

In addition to these, an additional unit in the arts, in mathematics, and in foreign languages is recommended. Different requirements may exist for some freshman applicants (e.g., GED, early admission, or international students). Applicants who meet the required high school GPA and/or ACT/SAT, who attended high schools not offering the required courses, may be admitted to the university, but must remove the deficiencies during the first 64 semester hours.

Freshman applicants under age 21 who are not deficient in required high school units are eligible for admission by presenting minimum grade point average and ACT/SAT results according to the following:

a. a minimum grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or
b. minimum ACT composite of 19 (or equivalent SAT).

Freshman applicants under age 21 who are deficient in required high school units may, under special circumstances, be admitted to the university; however, the deficiencies must be removed during the first 60 semester hours of college enrollment. College courses taken to remove unit deficiencies must be completed with a grade of `C' or better and will not be included in general education core or major requirements.

Admission by Exception: Freshman applicants under age 21 who are deficient in required high school units may be considered for admission according to the following:

a. minimum ACT composite of 21 (or equivalent SAT) up to two deficiencies;
b. ACT composite of 19 or 20 (or equivalent SAT) and a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale up to two deficiencies admission determined by committee review committee chaired by the Vice Provost.

Alternative Admission: A limited number of alternative admission positions (150) is available to freshman applicants under age 21 who do not meet the standards outlined above. Alternate admission positions will be considered only for those who meet the following minimum standards:

a. Tennesseans minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of 17 or higher (or equivalent SAT);
b. Residents of other states minimum high school GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of 19 or higher (or equivalent SAT).

Freshman Applicants Age 21 or Older: Freshman applicants age 21 or older who are graduates of high schools in any state are eligible to apply for admission. Graduates of Tennessee public high schools must provide a transcript certifying satisfactory performance on the Tennessee Competency Examination. Admitted students age 21 or older may be subject to required units based on the year of high school graduation. Admitted students over age 21 without recent ACT/SAT scores will be required to complete the COMPASS examination.

Admission with the GED-High School Equivalency Diploma: Applicants 18 years of age or older, who are not high school graduates, may apply for admission on the basis of scores presented on the General Education Development test (GED) of the American Council on Education.

Applicants who completed the GED prior to January 1, 1997, must present an average score of 45 or higher, with no single score below 35. Applicants who completed the GED January 1, 1997, or thereafter, must present an average score of 45 with no single score below 40.

Applicants who complete the 2002 Series GED Tests must earn a minimum of 410 on each of the five tests in the battery and an average (mean) score of 450 on the total battery. All applicants under 21 years of age who are admitted on the basis of GED scores must submit ACT or SAT scores. GED scores, ACT scores, and high school records of applicants under 21 years of age are considered in the admission process. Applicants with GED diplomas earned in 1989-1992 are subject to the foreign language unit requirement(s); applicants with GED diplomas earned in 1993 and thereafter are subject to the foreign language and visual/performing arts requirements.

Academic Assessment Placement Program (AAPP)

Applicants who qualify for admission may be required to complete all or part of the COMPASS test battery prior to registration for classes.

Early Enrollment Plans

Early enrollment is offered to high school students with superior academic records through plans authorized by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Each application for early admission is reviewed individually and must be endorsed by parents of the applicant, the high school principal or counselor, and admissions officers.

1. Enrollment After the Junior Year in High School: A select group of students who distinguish themselves by high academic achievement in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades may qualify for admission to the freshman class after the junior year in high school. Minimum selection criteria include a high school grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and an ACT composite score of 25 (or equivalent SAT). Successful completion of the prescribed freshman courses at the university satisfies high school graduation requirements.

2. Enrollment During the Junior or Senior Year in High School: Currently enrolled high school students who have completed their sophomore year in high school may be admitted for either joint enrollment or dual enrollment or both in order to complete university courses. Minimum academic requirements include a 3.2 high school grade point average on a 4.0 scale and a minimum ACT composite of 23 with no subscore below 19. Students may register for no more than seven (7) semester hours per semester when enrolled in this program.

3. Academically Talented/Gifted High School Students: Currently enrolled students in grades 9-12 in public or private high schools who have been identified as academically talented/gifted and whose program of studies is planned on an individual basis by a multidisciplinary team may, with endorsement by the high school and the university, enroll for prescribed courses and earn university credit. Minimum criteria include a high school grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Students may register for no more than seven (7) semester hours per semester when enrolled in this program.

Inquiries about plans for early enrollment should be directed to the Office of Admissions.

Former Students - Readmission

All former ETSU students who have not been enrolled for one major term (fall or spring) must apply for readmission. Students who have attended another college since their last enrollment at ETSU are required to have an official transcript from that school forwarded to the Admissions Office for review. Attending another higher education institution during a period of academic dismissal may adversely affect readmission to ETSU. Former undergraduate students interested in graduate school must apply for admission to the School of Graduate Studies.

Transfer Student Admission

Students who have completed registration at any degree granting institution of higher education are required to report this fact on the Application for Admission. In addition, official transcripts from each institution must be forwarded to the Office of Admission.

Students who seek to transfer from any degree granting institution of higher education are eligible for admission according to the following:

Postsecondary Transfer Credit Admission Requirements

12 or more transferable semester hours of credit earned	Minimum overall grade point average on transferable hours:
	Attempted Hours	GPA
	12 - 29.0	1.4
	29.1 - 45.0	1.7
	45.1 - 59.9	1.9
	60 - above	2.0
Less than 12 transferable semester hours of credit earned	Minimum overall grade point average on transferable hours:
	Attempted Hours	GPA
	1 - 29.0	1.4
	29.1 - 45.0	1.7
	45.1 - 59.9	1.9
	60 - above	2.0
	and appropriate freshman admission requirements as outlined in this catalog.

Applicants who do not meet the standards outlined above and who have not been enrolled in any institution of higher education for a minimum of three years may receive individual review by the Vice Provost or designee. If no transferable hours have been attempted, admission may be determined by a review of high school credentials, standardized test scores, and/or coursework completed at any degree granting institution of higher education.

Remedial and developmental courses are not used in determining eligibility for transfer admission. Applicants who have enrolled for one term only at any other college or university without obtaining the required grade point average for transfer and who meet regular freshman admission standards or admission by exception standards may be admitted on appropriate academic probation. Students are subject to existing regulations regarding removal of probationary status.

Transfer Student Application Procedure

In order to be admitted in a timely manner, degree-seeking transfer students should follow these recommendations:

1. Fully complete the application form (all sections should be completed including dates where specified). Forms should be submitted to the Office of Admissions a minimum of three weeks prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying.

2. Provide the appropriate application fee at the time of application.

3. Applicants who competed high school graduation requirements or the GED in 1989 and thereafter must provide to the Admissions Office an official high school transcript* and GED scores if applicable. High school records are not generally required for those graduating prior to 1989. However, when an individual has fewer than 12 transferrable hours such records must be submitted. Such documentation must be provided a minimum of three weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.

Office of Admissions. An official transcript of AP credit must be provided from the CEEB.

International Baccalaureate Program

The International Baccalaureate is a secondary curriculum and university entrance examination available in many countries and recognized worldwide. Students completing International Baccalaureate program higher level courses in high school who successfully complete the examinations for such courses with a score of 4, 5, 6, or 7 are awarded passed hours of credit (grade of `P') in degree courses. Additional information is available from the Office of Admissions.

Credit by examination as outlined below will not award credit in courses previously completed for credit and will not satisfy writing, oral communication, and using information technology proficiency requirements.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP examinations are sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). Eligible students may earn advanced standing credit by successfully completing certain CLEP general and subject examinations. ETSU generally follows the recommendations of the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education for awarding credit toward degree programs. A grade of `P' for passed hours of credit will be awarded in appropriate degree courses, but will not replace previously earned grades. A list of CLEP examinations, minimum scores, ETSU courses fulfilled and semester hours of credit is available in the Nontraditional Credit guide available from the Office of Admissions.

Departmental Course Challenge Exams

Comprehensive departmental course challenge exams are available in most undergraduate courses. Students enrolled in ETSU who believe they have sufficient mastery of subject matter in specific ETSU courses may request to attempt a comprehensive examination through the chair of the department offering the course. Grades of A, B, C, D, or F or grades of `P' for passed hours and `F' for failed hours may be assigned for satisfactory examination performance as determined by the appropriate academic department. A fee of $15.00 per credit hour sought will be charged. The administration of the examination is at the discretion of the academic department. Information regarding comprehensive departmental examinations is available from the Office of the Registrar.

Excelsior College Examination (formerly Regents College Examination)

The Excelsior College Examination provides a series of college-level examinations designed to measure subject matter attained primarily outside typical classrooms as a basis for advanced standing credit. A grade of `P' for passed hours may be assigned for satisfactory examination performance on certain exams. Additional information is available from the Office of Admissions.

National League for Nursing (NLN) Mobility Profile II Testing

The ETSU College of Nursing accepts credit earned through NLN Mobility Profile II testing. Registered nurses may receive credit for Nursing coursework completed at a diploma program or a non-NLN-accredited associate program. This credit may be applied toward the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (B.S.N.). Additional information is available from the Office of Student Services, College of Nursing.

4. Provide official transcripts* from all previously attended colleges and universities to the Office of Admissions a minimum of three weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.

Applicants not meeting the guidelines as outlined above cannot be assured of admission to the university or complete transfer credit analysis.

*An official transcript is one which is validated, issued, and mailed directly by the previous institution in a sealed institutional envelope to the Office of Admission, P.O. Box 70731, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614. Tennessee Board of Regents institutions may provide Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transcripts per TBR policy.

Advanced Standing Credit

ETSU will review for possible credit courses earned from all institutions of higher education previously attended, advanced placement or other examinations, training provided by non-collegiate institutions, or experiential learning. Credit toward a degree will be directly accepted only from college-level institutions for courses that are substantially equivalent in nature, content, and level of credit offered by ETSU. Consideration will be given to the appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned to the programs offered by ETSU, in light of the student's educational goals.

Transfer credit earned from colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (or corresponding agencies for other states and regions of the United States) will be considered for direct application toward a degree. The Office of Admissions will evaluate undergraduate credits for university-wide use. This evaluation will be made using historical precedent, current articulated program information, and/or review by the appropriate ETSU college dean and faculty.

Credit from courses completed at institutions not regionally accredited as described above, advanced placement or other examinations, training provided by non-collegiate institutions, or experiential learning will be reviewed according to the following.

Credit for Service in the Armed Forces

ETSU will award credit for military training courses in the Armed Services of the United States as recommended by the American Council on Education in the publication Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Veterans may submit the following transcripts for consideration.

Army - Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript (AARTS)
Navy/Marine - Sailors-Marine Corps American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART)
Air Force - Community College of the Air Force Transcript
Coast Guard - Coast Guard Institute Education Transcript

In addition to the forms mentioned above, an individual may submit a DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, a DD295, or an official transcript from Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) subject standardized tests administered by Education Testing Service or other official documentation of completion of military training. No credit is awarded for MOS, rates, and ratings. Military credit will not satisfy writing, oral communication, and using information technology proficiency requirements. Questions regarding military training credit should be referred to the Admissions Office.

Advanced Placement Credit

ETSU participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). Advanced Placement course participants who score 3, 4, or 5 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Tests will be awarded credit. A grade of `P' for passed hours will be awarded in appropriate degree courses. A list of Advanced Placement examinations, minimum score requirements, ETSU courses fulfilled and semester hours of credit is available in the Nontraditional Credit guide available from the

University Credit for Experiential Learning

(Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.), Bachelor of Professional Studies, the Bachelor of Applied Science [B.A.S.] or Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies [B.S.I.S.])

Students seeking one of the degrees listed above may provide for review a detailed and documented portfolio of experiential learning for possible credit. Experiential learning is typically learning that has taken place outside of traditional college settings but does not include credit based upon advanced placement or other examinations (i.e., CLEP) or training provided by noncollegiate institutions such as the Armed Forces that is reviewed for credit by the American Council on Education. Credit for experiential learning will only be awarded after the appropriate ETSU academic department and college dean have determined that end of course competencies have been evidenced for specific ETSU courses. A grade of "P" for passed hours will be awarded for credit in the B.G.S. degree program. Credit for specific courses will not exceed the credit hour(s) awarded by ETSU for the equivalent course. Students must file the Application for Academic Credit Earned through Experiential Learning. Credit may be obtained for applicable courses completed through noncollegiate-sponsored instruction or training as recommended in the American Council on Education National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. Additional information is available from the Office of Admissions or the School of Continuing Studies.

Credit from Non-Regionally Accredited Collegiate Institutions

ETSU will review for possible credit courses earned through non-regionally accredited collegiate institutions. If a student wishes ETSU to consider acceptance of academic credit completed through institutions not accredited by regional accrediting associations, a petition that such credit be reviewed must be filed. This petition, the Application for Academic Credit Earned at Non-Regionally Accredited Collegiate Institutions, is available from the Office of Admissions. The student must obtain this petition form and provide it to the appropriate academic department. Credit will be recorded on a student's record only after the appropriate academic department and dean have reviewed the course and determined it to be equivalent in content to an ETSU course and approval is issued by the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Further, the academic department and dean will determine that end of course competencies have been satisfactorily completed by the student. Departmental examinations, standardized testing, validation, and other means may be used by the academic department to determine course competencies. A grade of "P" for passed hours will be recorded for approved courses. One form is required for each course petitioned for acceptance. The Office of Admissions should be contacted for additional information.

Additional Transfer Information

Applicants holding an associate's degree designed for transfer to a university are granted credit toward completion of the baccalaureate degree for appropriate courses completed for the associate's degree program. Applicants holding an associate's degree not designed for transfer to a university are granted credit for level-one (freshman and sophomore) courses that are equivalent to level-one courses offered by the university.

Where a student was not awarded an associate's degree designed for transfer purposes, ETSU will accept those level-one (freshman and sophomore) courses completed at a community college which have been determined to be equivalent to level-one courses offered by the university, as creditable toward completion of relevant requirements for degree programs at ETSU, to the same extent that level-one courses would be creditable toward completion of the degree programs by the university's native students with the same degree major.

A student transferring credits from a two-year collegiate institution must complete as a requirement for the baccalaureate degree a minimum of 60 semester hours in an accredited senior institution. Residency and other degree requirements of the university must be met.

Grades accepted in transfer become a part of the ETSU grade point average. Transfer grades are computed as the same grades would be computed had they been earned in residence at ETSU, including repeated courses. However, ETSU does not recognize forgiveness policies or academic bankruptcies administered by other institutions. In the case of the application of such a policy prior to transfer, all grades are treated at their original face value. If original grades are not contained in original transcripts, then all previous courses are assumed to have been failed.

Students beginning college study fall 1989 or later who have not completed 60 semester hours of transferable work and who have not earned an associate's degree designed for transfer are subject to the same high school units requirement described under "Freshman Admission." Eligible transfer students who have not completed all these courses will be admitted, but must remove any deficiencies within the first 30 semester hours after initial enrollment. Following a review of transfer credit, it may be determined that a transfer student must complete the AAPP (Academic Assessment Placement Program) test in part or total before registering for classes.

Transfer students with less than 60 semester hours of credit who have not earned college-level math or English credit must undergo AAPP assessment in the appropriate area(s). For transfer students with less than 12 semester hours of credit, assessment in reading will also be required.

All transfer applicants should request that the registrar of each college attended mail an official transcript to the ETSU Office of Admissions. Students who began college fall 1989 and thereafter should request that both college and high school transcripts be sent to the Office of Admissions.

Second Undergraduate Degree Students

Students who hold a bachelor's degree from ETSU or any other regionally accredited college or university may apply to earn a second bachelor's degree. Applications should be filed in the Office of Admissions. Additional information on second bachelor degrees is available in the catalog section entitled Degree and Graduation Requirements.

Undergraduate Special Student Admission

An Undergraduate Special Student is one who may or may not have a bachelor's degree who wishes to enroll in undergraduate level courses only, but who is not admitted into an undergraduate or certificate program of study. Undergraduate Special Students may enroll only in undergraduate level coursework.

The classification of "special student" is provided for persons over 18 years of age who are not enrolled for a degree but who wish to enroll for a limited number of courses for vocational or avocational reasons. Special students are not required to submit full application credentials. Undergraduate special students who have not completed appropriate collegiate level math or English shall not enroll for such courses without taking appropriate portions of the COMPASS test battery. In order to have credit apply toward a degree, special students must submit full application credentials, complete the COMPASS test battery where appropriate, and be approved for admission to a degree program.

Admission of Undergraduate Special Students will be through the ETSU Undergraduate Admissions Office. For more information contact the Admissions Office at 423-439-4213.

Visiting Student Admission

The classification of "visiting student" is provided for persons enrolled in a degree program at another institution who have been given permission to enroll for a limited number of courses at ETSU. A letter of good standing may be submitted from the degree-granting institution in lieu of a transcript of the academic record.

Milligan College/Emmanual/ETSU Agreement

Full-time students (12 credits or more) may take courses at Milligan College and Emmanual School of Religion. Courses taken through this agreement may be used for elective credit only. Students who wish to cross enroll under this plan may obtain additional information from the Office of the Registrar, Burgin E. Dossett Hall, Room 101.

Students Denied Admission

Applicants who do not meet admission standards and, as a result, are denied acceptance may choose to file a letter of appeal. Appeals will be considered on a timely basis prior to the beginning of each semester. Appeals are reviewed by the Admissions and Readmissions Advisory Committee. The committee may approve or disapprove the initial decision to deny admission. A committee recommendation is then made to the Chief Academic Officer, who may approve or disapprove the committee's recommendation. Appeals requested after the first day of classes for the semester may be considered by the Admissions and Readmissions Advisory Committee at the discretion of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs or designee.

Admission of International Students

International students are required to submit the same credentials for admission as are required of other students and, in addition, must submit their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not their native language. A minimum score of 500 (score of 173 on computer-based TOEFL) is required for undergraduate admission. Admission credentials must also include evidence of capability to meet financial obligations relating to study at the university. Transfer credit awarded on the basis of educational experiences outside of the United States, including Examination Results, carries a grade notation of `P' for passed hours.

If English is not the native language, students may be required to take an English placement exam when they arrive on campus. Students who cannot demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in English may be required to enroll in an English as a Second Language class.

All freshman international students who do not present an Enhanced ACT Composite Score of 19 or higher or subscores in English or math of 19 or higher, (or comparable SAT) will be required to complete appropriate testing and/or developmental classes.

Admission must be granted and financial documentation and degree confirmation must be received prior to issuance of an I-20 or IAP-66 form needed to obtain a visa.

The university will adhere to all Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Department of State Regulations in the admission, enrollment, and readmission of international, nonimmigrant applicants.

Exchange Programs

It is the responsibility of a nonimmigrant applicant to comply with current INS regulations in regard to collegiate enrollment. New INS regulations may prohibit the enrollment of an individual in B-1 or B-2 status.

The Office of International Programs administers the university's foreign student (F status) and visitor exchange (J status) programs. Other nonimmigrant applicants may consult with this office.

East Tennessee State University encourages and supports students' participation in sponsored exchange programs such as the National Student
Exchange (NSE), International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), and bilateral exchanges. Courses taken while participating in exchange programs may be transferred to ETSU and may fulfill graduation requirements while tuition, fees and sometimes room and board are paid at ETSU rates. See International Programs for more information.

Special Requirements

Certain instructional programs of the university are subject to special admission requirements which are in addition to the general requirements. Students should check for special admission requirements for their major field of study in the departmental sections of this catalog.

Enrollment of Disabled Persons and Persons Over 60 Years of Age

Audit Enrollment Disabled persons suffering from a permanent disability which totally incapacitates them from employment, and persons 60 years of age or older may audit courses without the payment of fees.

Credit Enrollment Disabled persons described above and persons 65 years of age or older may enroll for credit by payment of a service fee required to defray the cost of record keeping.

Enrollment of such disabled persons and persons 60 years of age or over is restricted to those who are domiciled in Tennessee and may be further limited or denied on an individual classroom basis according to space availability. Acceptable documentation of disability and age is required. Enrollment in classes offered through the James H. Quillen College of Medicine is not included in this provision.

Academic Fresh Start

Academic Fresh Start is a plan of academic forgiveness provided for students who have a record of poor academic performance. This program is designed to assist students by allowing calculation of grade point average and credit hours toward graduation to be based only on work completed after returning to college under the Academic Fresh Start policy. A period of no less than four years must have elapsed since the candidate was last enrolled in a higher education institution. A student may be granted an Academic Fresh Start only once.

Eligibility

Application Procedure

Policy Provisions

Additional information is available from the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 423-439-4213.

Other Admission Categories

Contact the Office of Admissions for any special requirement.

Registration and Orientation

During the summer, new students, both freshmen and transfer, and their parents are invited to the campus to share in an orientation to university life and to register early for fall semester classes. In this way, new students and their parents become acquainted with other students, faculty members, and administrators; discuss college plans with academic advisors and career counselors; visit dormitories, classrooms, and laboratories; and enjoy guided tours of the campus. All students attending ETSU for the first time must attend an orientation session. When the day of freshman and transfer orientation and registration is over, students leave the campus with their class schedules completed and with much firsthand information about the university, its academic programs, its faculty, students, and administrators.

Throughout their college careers at ETSU, students have opportunities each semester to participate in career development programs, discuss academic goals with faculty advisors, and register early for the next semester of study.

Student ID Card

All students must obtain a permanent East Tennessee State University ID card in order to have full access to all university facilities and services. This card will not only provide student identification, but will also allow students to create a debit account for convenient use in the bookstore, comptroller's office, health clinic, craft shop, food services, vending machines, laundry facilities, and controlled access to residence halls. IDs will be issued during orientations or at the ID Office during the term. Please contact the University Center ID Office on the 2nd floor of the D.P. Culp University Center for additional information. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Expenses

No tuition and fee bills are mailed to students. Account statements are available on GoldLink online. Tuition and fees of the university are subject to change at any time by the Tennessee Board of Regents. School year 2003-2004 fees are as follows.

Tuition and Fees

(Subject to change for 2003-2004 year.)

Application Fee

All applications for admission submitted by persons who have not been enrolled in the university previously must be accompanied by a $15 application fee. ($25 for international applicants.) This fee is nonrefundable.

Undergraduate Registration Fee

One hundred twenty dollars ($120) per semester hour, not to exceed $1,374 per semester (except during Summer Term. See Summer Schedule of Classes.).

All determinations concerning classification of in-state and out-of-state for fee-paying and other purposes are made in the Office of Admission for undergraduate students.

Graduate Registration Fee

One hundred ninty-four dollars ($194) per semester hour, not to exceed $1,845 per semester (except during Summer Term. See Summer Schedule of Classes.).

All determinations concerning classification of in-state and out-of-state for fee-paying and other purposes are made in the School of Graduate Studies for graduate students.

Out-of-State Tuition

Three hundred and one dollars ($301) per semester hour, not to exceed $3,479 per semester (IN ADDITION TO ABOVE REGISTRATION FEE) (except during Summer Term. See Summer Schedule of Classes.).

Auditing Fees

Same as regular fees.

Pre-Summer

The university offers a three-week pre-summer between the end of spring semester and the beginning of summer term. Students may enroll for concentrated course offerings, special courses, and workshops during this period. Maintenance fees will be assessed by credit hour.

Fees for Summer Term

The summer term is divided into two sessions, each five weeks in duration. Students may enroll for either session separately or for both sessions at the beginning of the summer term. If a student who has registered for first-session courses decides later to enroll for second-session courses, he may do so by adding and paying for such courses on or before the second session begins. Summer maintenance fees are assessed per credit hour with no maximum.

Housing

Fees and Deposits

The listing of fees in this publication does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. As a condition of registration, each student must pay fees by the established deadline and prior to attending classes.

Returned Checks

Acknowledged bank errors excepted, students will be charged $20 for each check (regardless of amount) that is returned unpaid by their bank. See Regulations Governing Fee Payment below.

Fee Payment

Students are expected to make payment for all classes for which they are enrolled on or before the payment deadline.

Confirmation of Fee Payment

A student's registration is not complete until the student pays the appropriate fees in the Bursar office. Students with fees paid in full by financial aid must confirm fee payment by authorizing the university to use financial aid proceeds through one of the fee payment methods listed below.

Fee Payment for Financial Aid Recipients

Students receiving financial aid will have estimated awards on their account statement. If the awarding of aid is complete and the student's fees are paid in full, the student's registration will be completed by confirmation of fee payment. If fees are not paid in full by financial aid, the student must pay the balance due by the fee deadline. If you have
questions about the payment of fees for financial aid recipients, please consult the "How to Credit Fees" notice mailed with the award letters or the Bursar Office at 423/439-4212.

Other Fees

Post Office Box Rental Fee (per semester)     $10.00
Replacement Diploma     $10.00

Digital Media Fee

Effective with the 2003 Summer term, a Digital Media Enhancement Fee of $100 per semester hour will be applied to all DIGM courses for all students, with the following exception: A phase-in period will apply to two groups of existing matriculated Digital Media majors— undergraduate students who are designated on SIS Screen 114 for Spring Term 2003 as Digital Media majors; and graduate students admitted to the Digital Media concentration prior to or for Spring 2003. Students subject to the phase-in period will pay the following fees per semester hour: Summer 2003, $0; Fall 2003, $0; Spring 2004, $50; Summer 2004, $50; Fall 2004, $75; Spring 2005, $100.

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market is an interstate agreement among southern states for sharing academic uncommon programs. Participating states are able to make arrangements for their residents who qualify for admission to enroll in specific programs in other states on an in-state tuition basis.

To enroll as an Academic Common Market student, you must (1) Be accepted for admission into an ETSU program to which your state has obtained access for its residents through the Academic Common Market. (2) Obtain certification of residency from the Common Market Coordinator in your home state. Contact the State Coordinator for certification information. (3) Process certification in ETSU Office of Admissions (undergraduate programs) or Graduate Office (graduate programs). Important Certification must be processed by last day of registration (official census date) of semester in order to be effective with that semester. Certification processed after that date will be effective with the next semester.

*Note: These programs are subject to change by the university, the states, or the Southern Regional Education Board without notice.

Approved Programs in Undergraduate Studies	State
Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Mapping Science	Alabama Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi South Carolina Virginia West Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology  (Biomedical Engineering Technology Option Only)	South Carolina Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (Digital Media Only [subject to approval in 2003])	Kentucky South Carolina Virginia West Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health	South Carolina Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications (Broadcasting Option Only)	Maryland
Bachelor of Science in Special Education	Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Sciences (Apparel Merchandising)	South Carolina
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (Construction Option Only)	Virginia West Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Public Health	Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (Information Technology Option Only)	Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education  (Sports Management and Leisure Services Option Only)	Virginia
Approved Programs in Graduate Studies	State
Master of Science in Engineering Technology	Virginia Kentucky
Master of Arts in Professional Communications	Virginia
Master of Science in Environmental Health	Florida Kentucky Virginia
Master of Arts, Master of Education in Reading	Alabama Virginia
Master of Arts, Master of Education in Reading and Story Arts	Alabama Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Oklahoma South Carolina Texas
Master of City Management	Delaware
Master of Public Management	Delaware

Regulations Governing Fee Payment

The university operates on the semester system and a cash basis. Students are required to pay all university fees when registering at the beginning of each semester.

The student ID card is used for admission and identification for athletic contests, social functions, and other activities during the semester for which the student is enrolled.

The engagement of a room in the dormitory is for the full year, payable on a semester basis. However, if a student enters the residence hall after the semester begins, the charges are prorated for the remainder of the semester. Dormitory rent may be paid on deferred payment plan if the student does not have sufficient grant, scholarship, or loan funds to pay all registration fees, including dormitory rent, at the beginning of the semester. There is a charge for this service.

Students shall be held responsible for damages, breakage, or loss of university property. The room reservation fee of $75 is retained as a room breakage deposit for all living in the dormitories.

Students may not reenroll, graduate, or receive a transcript of their records until all indebtedness to the university is removed.

A student's registration is not completed until the university receives payment in the amount of fees due the university. If payment is made with a check that is not honored (acknowledged bank errors excepted), a late fee will be charged when the student redeems the unpaid check. If the unpaid check is not redeemed within 10 days of return, the student may be disenrolled.

Refund Policies

Refund policies for maintenance fees, out-of-state tuition, and debt service fees are outlined below. Refunds due will typically be processed two weeks after the changes in enrollment status.

Change of a Student's Status Which May Permit a Refund

Change in a full-time student's schedule which results in the reclassification to a part-time student; change in a part-time student's schedule which results in a class load of fewer hours.

Situations Which May Permit a Refund

Dropping a course or courses; withdrawing from the institution; cancellation of a class by the institution; death of the student.

Refund Procedures

Refunds are defined as the portion of maintenance and/or tuition and university housing charges due as a rebate when a student drops, withdraws or is expelled from the university. The amount of the refund is determined according to the schedule below.

Seventy-five percent of fees will be refunded for drops or withdrawals within 14 calendar days beginning with and including the first official day of classes or within a proportioned period for a short-term course. Twenty-five percent of fees will be refunded following the 14 calendar days through the expiration of one-fourth (25 percent) of the time covered by the term. These refund procedures are also applicable to dormitory rent. No refund will be made thereafter.

One hundred percent of fees will be refunded for classes canceled by the institution. One hundred percent of fees will be refunded for drops or withdrawals prior to the first official day of classes for the regular academic terms and prior to the beginning of summer term. One hundred percent of fees will be refunded in case of a student's death.

Return of Title IV Federal Student Aid

This requirement applies to you ONLY if:

• 1. You receive federal student aid, and
• 2. You withdraw prior to completing 60 percent of the period for which the aid was provided.

The new federal law requires federal aid recipients to "earn" the aid they receive by staying enrolled in college at least half time. Students who withdraw prior to completing 60 percent of the semester for which they received federal student aid may be required to return some or all of the aid they were awarded.

The new law assumes that you used Title IV student aid to pay your institutional charges tuition, fees, dorm room, and board. Thus, if you withdraw prior to completing 60 percent of the semester for which you were awarded aid, a pro-rata amount of your aid must be returned to the federal government.

First, the university will return to the appropriate federal source a proportional share of the institutional charges that you paid. In general, the effect of this "return of Title IV aid" by the institution will be to reduce your outstanding loan balance. Second, if the amount returned by the university is not enough to repay the entire "unearned" amount of student aid according to the length of your enrollment, you will be required to return portions of the federal student aid you received to pay noninstitutional charges.

Amounts that must be returned to federal aid sources, whether by the university or by you, will first be applied to your federal loans. With respect to any amount you owe after the university has returned its share, you will be permitted to repay loans based on the original terms of the loan. In the event you received a grant or scholarship from a Title IV source, you may be required to return portions of the grant of scholarship. In the case of "unearned" portions of federal grants or scholarships, you will be expected to pay 50 percent of the "unearned" portion immediately.

Any refund due to you from the university for amounts you paid to cover institutional charges, will first be applied to obligations to return "unearned aid." Thus, portions of institutional refunds may be applied on your behalf to your outstanding Stafford or Perkins loan or to the federal portions of your grant or scholarship and not actually refunded to you.

(This policy is based on 34 CFR, Section 668.22 of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.)

Distribution Order of Refunds

Refunds from withdrawals will be credited back to student aid program accounts in the following order:

Title IV programs
1. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
2. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
3. Federal Perkins Loans
4. Federal PLUS Loans
5. Federal Pell Grants
6. Federal SEOG program,

Other refunds will be credited to
1. State, private, or institutional aid
2. The student

Refund Appeals Procedures

Students contesting the refund policy may file a refund appeals which may be obtained in the Comptroller's Office, 202 Dossett Hall. It is the student's responsibility to provide written documentation substantiating reasons for the appeal. Withdrawals or reductions in course load due to personal illness/injury require a statement from a licensed medical physician stating withdrawal was necessary due to the health of the student; a death in the immediate family can be verified with a copy of the obituary. Immediate family includes spouse, child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, foster parent, parent-in-law, sibling, grandparents, and grandchildren. Other reasons must be supported by written documentation.

Deferred Payment Plan

Although all charges are due and payable at the beginning of each term, students in good financial standing at ETSU may request the deferment of up to 50 percent of their tuition, fees and housing for fall and spring semesters. The deferment of fees is not available for summer terms.

To be eligible for the Deferred Payment Plan, each participant must be prepared to make a minimum down payment of 50 percent of the tuition, fees and dorm rent. A student who has failed to make timely payments in a previous term is denied the right to participate in the Deferred Payment Plan in additional enrollment periods.

The amount deferred will be payable in two monthly installments. For the fall term, installment payments are due by October 1 and November 1. For the spring term, installment payments are due by March 1 and April 1. Participants in this plan must apply all financial aid received, including students loans, toward payment of tuition and room before a deferment will be considered.

Each participant will be charged a $25 service fee each term to defray administrative costs. This fee is payable along with the 50 percent down payment on or before the registration payment deadline listed in the Schedule of Classes. An additional late payment charge of $50 will be assessed for each installment not paid on or before the 10th day of the month that a payment is due.

Dropping a course or withdrawing from the university will not remove charges. Students who drop or withdraw are required to complete the deferred payment plan. Any refund due under the regular refund policy will be credited to the unpaid balance.

Refund of Residence Hall Rent

Refunds of residence hall rent after registration will be prorated on a weekly calendar basis when the student is forced to withdraw from the residence hall: (1) because of personal medical reasons confirmed in writing by a licensed physician; or (2) at the request of the institution for other than disciplinary reasons. Full refund will be made in the case of death. Withdrawals for other reasons, except disciplinary reasons, will be subject to the same 75/25 percent amounts and time periods as maintenance fees. No refund will be made under any other than the above conditions.

Refund of Residence Hall Reservations and Breakage Deposits

Full deposit will be refunded if the institution is notified a minimum of 14 calendar days prior to the first official day of registration, the student is prevented from entering the university because of personal medical reasons confirmed in writing by a licensed physician, or residence hall space is not available. Full refund will be made in the case of death.