International Student Admission
Guidelines for International Applicants
TOEFL Scores
Admission of CMU Faculty and Staff
Admission with Baccalaureate from Schools without Recognized Standing
Military Service Commission
Off Campus Enrollment
Duration of Admission Status: Time for Completion of Degree
Changing Degree Programs
Recomputing Grade Point Average
Registration Information
Registration Procedure
Campus ID Card
Internships, Practica, Independent Studies, Theses, Dissertations
Auditing Courses
Change of Registration (Drop/Add)
Withdrawing from a Class After the Drop/Add Period
Withdrawing from the University
Academic Load
International Student Admission
International applications for admission require
longer processing time than other applications. Prospective
students should be certain to allow ample time for documents
to be sent to the College of Graduate Studies and should
recognize that notice of admission may take longer than
expected to reach them. Also, certain programs have early
deadlines, and this should be taken into consideration when
applying for admission.
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Guidelines
for International Applicants
1. At least six months before the beginning of the semester he
or she wishes to begin study, an applicant who is a citizen of
a country other than the United States must submit an
International Student Application for Admission. (U.S.
citizens and international applicants who are permanent
residents of the U.S. need not use the International Student
Application, but should submit a Domestic Application for
Admission instead.) At that same time, the applicant must
submit directly to the College of Graduate Studies one
official copy of all diplomas, degrees, and transcripts, as
well as the corresponding official English translations of any
non-English documents, from all post-secondary institutions
attended in the home country. Applicants must also have any
American university or college where credit was earned send
one official copy of transcripts.
2. All prospective students must demonstrate competency in the
English language in one of the following ways:
(a) Achievement of a satisfactory score on the Test of English
as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is administered in the
U.S. and other countries by the Educational Testing Service,
Princeton, NJ 08541-615. Score requirements are explained
later in this section. Requests to substitute another test
will be evaluated individually with minimum scores to be
established by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies
when necessary.
(b) Satisfactory completion of a course of study (for example,
high school or baccalaureate degree) in which the language of
instruction was English.
(c) Successful completion (grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0
scale, or the equivalent) of at least twelve credit hours of
work in a recognized graduate program in which the language of
instruction was English.
(d) Employment at a professional level for at least four
years, with written verification by the student's current or
former employer of the student's competency in English. A
student meeting the English proficiency requirement using this
standard will be subject to the same requirements as those
with TOEFL scores are between 173 and 210 computer-based
testing (CBT) or 500 and 547 paper-based testing (PBT). (See TOEFL
Scores)
(e) Employment in the United States at a professional level
for at least two years in a position that relies on the use of
English, with written verification by the student's current or
former employer of the student's competency in English. A
student meeting the English proficiency requirement using this
standard will be subject to the same requirements as those
whose TOEFL scores are between 173 and 210 CBT or 500 and 547
PBT. (See TOEFL
Scores)
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TOEFL Scores
Although applicants admitted with TOEFL scores of 213 CBT or
550 PBT and
above may be granted regular admission, the College of
Graduate Studies encourages them to take an English
proficiency test upon arrival at the university. The testing
benefits students in that it enables CMU to advise them of any
weaknesses in their command of academic English and,
additionally, how to use the English Language Institute (ELI)
on CMU's campus to remediate those weaknesses.
Applicants with TOEFL scores between 173 and 210 CBT or 500 and
547 PBT may be
granted conditional admission. This means that upon arrival at
the university, they will be required to take an English
proficiency test. The results of the test will be used to
determine the number of courses they will be required to take
in the ELI. Conditionally admitted students will be allowed to
take a restricted number of courses in their academic
disciplines concurrently with the ELI courses. Once
satisfactory proficiency in English has been demonstrated, as
determined by ELI policies, these restrictions will be
removed.
Applicants with TOEFL scores below 173 CBT or 500 PBT may be granted
admission to the ELI only. Upon arrival at the university,
they will be required to take an English proficiency test to
determine which ELI courses they must take. At the same time,
their academic credentials will be evaluated and they will be
told of the likelihood of their future admission to the
program of their choice pending improvement of their English
skills. Once satisfactory proficiency in English has been
demonstrated, as determined by ELI policies, and once the
applicant satisfies department, college, and university
requirements, these students may be granted either regular or
conditional admission to the College of Graduate Studies and
the program of their choice.
3. The cost for one academic year (nine months) of graduate study in
2002-2003 at CMU was approximately $17,400 U.S. For ELI-only students, the cost
was approximately $20,620 U.S. These figures do not include
initial travel expenses or any summer expenses, including
tuition, fees or living expenses. Applicants must show proof of
sufficient funding for at least their first year of study.
Proof of funding consists of a completed Financial Support
Form and an original copy of a current bank statement. Most
international students are eligible for graduate
assistantships, as well as some fellowships, but the
university has no other funding for international students and
assumes no financial responsibility for them at any time. For
more information on financial aid opportunities, see the Financial
Aid Section of this Bulletin.
4. Students must submit a complete Central Michigan University
medical information form when they arrive on campus.
5. All international students are required to have an approved
health and accident insurance policy for the duration of their
study. If a student already has health insurance, he or she
must provide an English translation of the insurance policy as
proof. If the policy is equal to or better than the CMU plan,
the student will not be required to purchase other insurance.
Upon arrival at CMU, all international students should report
to the Office of International Education in the Bovee
University Center.
NOTE: International students must comply with U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations as well as
with CMU regulations, so students should work closely with the
international student specialist in the College of Graduate
Studies during the application process. Not all overseas
bachelor’s degrees are equivalent to a U.S. degree. Not all
international students have the correct visa to be awarded a
graduate assistantship.
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Admission
of CMU Faculty and Staff
A faculty member or administrator (PA) at CMU may not be
admitted to a graduate degree or certificate program or earn a
graduate degree or certificate in a program in his or her own
department. A faculty member or administrator (PA) at CMU may
be admitted to a graduate degree or certificate program and
earn a graduate degree or certificate in a program in his/her
own college, provided that he/she has written permission from
the dean of his/her college. The written permission will be
retained in the student's file in the College of Graduate
Studies. Faculty members and administrators may be admitted to
degree or certificate programs which are outside their own
college.
Faculty members and administrators in Extended Degree Programs
may pursue a graduate degree or certificate through Extended
Learning Programs provided that he/she has permission from the
Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
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Admission
with Baccalaureate from Schools without Recognized Standing
An applicant who holds a baccalaureate or equivalent degree
from an institution which does not have recognized academic
standing may be granted regular or conditional admission to a
degree program on the recommendation of the chairperson of the
academic department concerned and the concurrence of the Dean
of the College of Graduate Studies or, optionally, non-degree
admission at the discretion of the dean. Such an admissions
decision will be based on a careful evaluation of the
applicant’s qualifications, acceptable evidence of the
institution’s competence in the student’s principal areas
of preparation, and other relevant factors. If granted
conditional or non-degree admission, the student may be
required to complete a number of hours of graduate or
upper-level undergraduate qualifying course work at CMU in the
proposed field of study with a grade point average of 3.0 (B)
or higher to become eligible to apply for regular admission to
a degree or certificate program. An applicant admitted with
such a stipulation is advised to consult the chairperson of
the department in which he or she wishes to study for help in
selecting appropriate qualifying courses. No department,
however, is obligated to accept the applicant upon the
completion of qualifying course work if, in its judgment, the
applicant is still not appropriately prepared for degree or
certificate work. Qualifying course work clearly stipulated as
preparatory to normal degree or certificate requirements may
not thereafter be counted toward any graduate degree or
certificate program.
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Military
Service Commission
A commission in the United States Army may be obtained while
enrolled in graduate school. Interested individuals should
contact the chairperson of the Military Science Department,
telephone (989) 774-3049.
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Off Campus Enrollment
Students who have been admitted to the College of Graduate
Studies may enroll in graduate courses scheduled through the
College of Extended Learning (CEL).
Non-degree admission is available for students who wish to
take continuing education courses without pursuing a degree or
certificate.
Courses taken through the CEL may count toward the
satisfaction of requirements in appropriate authorized
graduate degree or certificate programs. It is the student’s
responsibility to consult his or her advisor to determine
which courses will apply in specific programs.
NOTE: International students who are issued an I-20 to
pursue graduate studies at CMU are restricted to taking
classes on the Mt. Pleasant campus unless there is a
compelling and legitimate academic objective that will be
achieved by taking the class through the CEL. The director of
the student's graduate program must approve any off-campus
course work.
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Duration
of Admission Status: Time for Completion of Degree
After admission to a graduate program of study, students are
expected to complete degree or certificate requirements in a
responsible and timely manner. For full-time students, two
calendar years should be adequate for the completion of most
master’s degree programs; five calendar years should be
adequate for the completion of most doctoral programs.
Part-time students may need a somewhat longer period to meet
these requirements, but in all instances, course work and
other requirements must be completed within the following time
limitations: (a) within four years prior to the award of a
graduate certificate; (b) within seven years prior to the
award of a master's or specialist's degree; (c) within eight
years prior to the award of a doctoral degree if the student
had a relevant graduate degree when beginning the program; and
(d) within ten years prior to the award of a doctoral degree
if the student began doctoral study without a relevant prior
graduate degree. Extension of the time to complete degree or
certificate requirements will be granted rarely and only if
steady progress toward the degree or certificate is evident or
if there are clearly extenuating circumstances and the student
can demonstrate current knowledge in the subject matter under
question.
The granting of an extension will be at the discretion of the
graduate dean and will occur only after compelling support has
been provided by the student, the thesis director and/or advisor, and the graduate coordinator and/or chair of the
department in which the degree or certificate will be awarded.
Forms requesting an extension of time are available in the
graduate studies office.
Admission to the College of Graduate Studies is valid for four
to ten years (depending on the degree or certificate sought)
after the date of first admission, except by cancellation for
cause, or by one of the following provisions:
1. Degree or Certificate Recipients. The student’s
admission to the College of Graduate Studies is terminated
upon completion of all requirements for a degree or
certificate. (This provision does not apply to students who
earn a master’s degree while enrolled in a doctoral program,
or to students who earn a certificate while enrolled in a
master's or doctoral program.) To resume graduate study
thereafter on a second degree program or as a non-degree
student, the student may apply for readmission by submitting
an Application for Admission.
2. Termination of Admission. This policy is
explained under the “Duration of Admission Status,” noted
above.
3. Inactive Status. If a student does not
register for the initial graduate work within one year after
the date of admission to the College of Graduate Studies, or
if in completing one or more courses the student earns no
further graduate credit at this university for three
consecutive years, the student is classified as inactive and
the admission is terminated. If the student has completed one
or more courses, the permanent record card is retained by the
Registrar. The student may thereafter apply for readmission to
resume graduate study at a later date by submitting an
Application for Admission and supplying all other documents
requested by the department concerned. Effective in 1991, the
College of Graduate Studies retains original application
materials for 7 years (unless the degree or certificate is
awarded), so transcripts that were submitted with the original
application do not need to be resubmitted. If a student became
inactive prior to 1991, check with the graduate studies office
to determine whether transcripts must be submitted from other
universities.
If a student does not earn graduate credit at CMU for seven
consecutive years, the student’s original application,
letters, transcripts from other universities, and other
materials will be destroyed. If one wishes to apply for
readmission after that length of time, all materials,
including a new application, transcripts and other documents
requested by the department will need to be submitted.
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Changing Degree Programs
To change graduate programs, the student should send a
completed Request for Change of Program form, along with a
check for $30.00 to the College of Graduate Studies. The
request will be forwarded to the new department for approval.
Acceptance into one graduate program does not guarantee
acceptance into another.
If the program change is approved, the student should meet
with the new advisor and complete a new Authorization of
Graduate Degree or Certificate Program form.
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Recomputing
Grade Point Average
Students who transfer from one graduate program to another may
file a Recomputation of Grade Point Average Petition. If
approved by the advisor, department chair, and Dean of
Graduate Studies all courses completed on the original
graduate program will be disallowed on the second program
plan, all grades on previous course work will be disregarded,
and the students will begin the new program with no cumulative
grade point average. The Recomputation of Grade Point Average
Petition must be filed within one calendar year of beginning
the new program.
NOTE: All courses will still remain on the student’s
transcript although the grades will not contribute to the
grade point average.
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Registration
Information
Students are eligible to enroll in graduate level courses
after they receive their admission letter. The letter will
show whether they are approved for Regular, Conditional,
Provisional, Non-Degree, or Concurrent admission. Initial registration must
occur within one calendar year of the admission date or the
student will need to reapply.
The information you need regarding dates and procedures for
Phase I registration (course selection), Phase II
registration, and change of registration for a particular
semester is published by the Registrar’s Office in the Class
Schedule. The CMU Class Schedule is available in the Bovee
University Center Bookstore or the Registrar’s Office. Newly
admitted students who live outside of Mount Pleasant can
obtain a copy by calling the College of Graduate Studies.
Registration for fall semester takes place from March to July
and again in August; for spring semester, it takes place from
October to November and again in January; and registration for
summer sessions takes place from February to March and again
in May and June. Exact dates are printed in the Class Schedule
or may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office, 299 Warriner
Hall, (989) 774-3261.
NOTE: The University reserves the right to withdraw any
class in which too few students enroll.
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Registration
Procedure
Graduate students may register any time during the
registration period. It is recommended that they register
during the special computer time reserved for graduate
students. The procedures for Student Telephone Assisted
Registration (S.T.A.R.), the phone-in registration procedures,
are described in the Class Schedule. With phone-in
registration, a student can complete the registration process
from anywhere in the world. However, before registering for
courses, students should verify that they meet the
prerequisites. This is particularly true for internships,
practica, independent studies, and thesis/dissertation
credits.
CAUTION: Students should always consult their advisors
to determine which classes to take.
NOTE: Occasionally a student who is trying to register
is told that there is a “hold” on his or her registration.
Students who receive this message should contact the College
of Graduate Studies at (989) 774-GRAD to determine the cause
of the hold.
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.
Campus ID Card
Once you have initially registered for courses at Central
Michigan University you will need to get a photo
identification card, available from the Campus (CHIP) ID
office in Bovee University Center. This campus ID card allows
students to use the various student services described in this
bulletin. Banking services using the CHIP ID card are also
available. Contact the Campus (CHIP) ID Office for additional
information.
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Internships,
Practica, Independent Studies, Theses, Dissertations
Students registering for internships, practica, independent
studies, theses or dissertations should be aware that these
courses ordinarily require permission of the instructor and/or
department chairperson prior to registration. Specific
registration requirements for each course will appear in the
Bulletin description; these requirements must be observed. In
addition, students may not enroll for more than three credits
of thesis or doctoral dissertation until the
project prospectus has been approved at the department level
and the composition of the committee has been verified by the
Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
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Auditing
Courses
If you do not wish to take a graduate course for credit you
may register as an auditor, provided you obtain approval from
the chairperson of the department prior to registration and
are otherwise qualified. To qualify to audit a graduate course
on or off campus you must meet the usual admission
requirements for courses at or above the 600 level. No credit
or grade is granted for an audited course, but such credit as
the course normally would carry is included as part of your
total load. No change from regular registration to audit nor
from audit to regular registration is permitted after the
completion of the Drop and Add period. Your responsibility to
the class being audited is determined by the instructor of the
class. Auditors pay the same fees required of students taking
the course for credit.
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Change
of Registration (Drop/Add)
Students may drop or add classes using the Student Telephone
Assisted Registration system (S.T.A.R.) during the times
listed for drop and add. They may also drop or add classes in
the lower level of the Bovee University Center during the
walk-in registration period. Dropping or adding classes after
the official drop/add period is permitted only in exceptional
situations and requires the approval of the department
chairperson. Information regarding dates for the Drop and Add
Period for a particular semester or session can be found in
the appropriate Class Schedule.
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Withdrawing
from a Class After the Drop/Add Period
The following procedures apply to students who desire to
withdraw from a class after the official Drop/Add period
listed in the Class Schedule.
1. Students should obtain a Withdrawal Request Card from the
Registrar’s Office, ask the instructor to sign it, and
return the card to the Registrar’s Office. A student has
officially withdrawn from a class when the Registrar’s
Office receives a properly completed card, before the
published deadline.
2. Students will receive W’s as an indicator of withdrawal
through the tenth week of the fall or spring semester or
through the midpoint of all courses shorter than one semester.
No course may be dropped after this time.
3. In cases involving academic dishonesty, withdrawal is not
an option and the determination of the grade shall be left to
the discretion of the instructor.
4. If an instructor refuses to sign the card, or is not
available, the student may appeal informally to the department
chairperson. This policy does not supersede the Academic
Integrity Policy.
5. Under unusual circumstances, a student may appeal to the
Registrar for exceptions to this policy. If a waiver is made,
the Registrar shall notify the instructor of this action. The
Registrar’s actions may be appealed to the Dean of Students.
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Withdrawing
from the University
Graduate students who wish to withdraw from the university
should consult the Registrar's Office in order to fulfill all
requirements for withdrawing. The schedule of fee refunds is
published in the university’s Undergraduate Bulletin and in
the Class Schedule for each university session.
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Academic
Load
The College of Graduate Studies considers a normal load for
full-time resident study to be 9-12 hours in the fall or
spring semester and 4-6 hours in a six-week summer session. A
graduate student may not enroll for more than 15 graduate
credits in the fall or spring semester, nor may the student
enroll for more than 15 credits in the two summer sessions
combined. Exceptions to the limitation are automatic for
programs (e.g., Physical Therapy; Physician's Assistant) that
require more credits in a given semester. Other exceptions to
the limitation require approval of the graduate advisor and
the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Credits for
thesis or dissertation are not counted in this
total.
To qualify for financial benefits as a full-time student under
programs of the Veteran’s Administration, and/or to qualify
for financial benefits as a full-time student under programs
of the Social Security Administration and/or for certain loan
agreements, students must carry a minimum of nine credit hours
during the fall and/or spring semester. For shorter sessions,
contact the financial aid office for information on minimum
loads for full-time status.
Unless financial or immigration requirements necessitate
defining a minimum number of hours for status as a full-time
graduate student, there is no minimum load requirement for
graduate studies. It is expected that students will assess
need, ability, and other factors judiciously and register for
a class load that permits them to maintain academic standards.
In order to use CMU resources (e.g., computers, laboratories,
equipment, faculty) during the regular academic year, graduate
students must be registered for a minimum of one credit hour.
For students who have completed their course work and no
longer have additional credits required on their program, it
is suggested that they register for one-credit Continuing
Registration for Final Research Project within their home
department. This will allow the student use of university
resources.
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