LSUS encourages applications from all interested individuals, including adults who have been out of high school for some time and who have not had college experience. Such an adult's total education, training, and experience will be considered in any admissions decision.

The University tries to assure a successful college experience for each student. In order to take full advantage of the University environment, however, the student should meet the standards for regular admission to credit work in degree programs outlined in this section.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The University operates on a two semester plan with additional summer terms. A qualified applicant may register at the beginning of any semester or term. However, complete admission records must be received in the Office of Admissions and Records at least 30 days before the registration period in order for the applicant to be notified regarding eligibility for admission.

In all of the programs or operations of the University, no distinction is made between persons on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran's status, or national origin.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

Basic procedures and requirements for undergraduate admission are described below for several different categories of applicants. Find the description that fits you. Then go to the appropriate paragraph under – “Basic Application Procedures.”

Are you:

• A recent high school graduate entering college for the first time? See The freshman applicant.
• A student entering LSUS with less than 12 hours of credit earned at another college? See The freshman applicant.
• A person who has (1) earned a G.E.D. or graduated from high school at least five years ago and (2) never attended college but wants to earn a degree? See The nontraditional freshman applicant, paragraph 1.
• A Louisiana resident who did not graduate from high school and who is at least 21 years old? See The nontraditional freshman applicant, paragraph 2.
• A student who has been or is now enrolled in another college or university (including two year schools) , has earned over 12 hours college credit, and who wishes to earn a degree at LSUS? See The transfer student applicant.
• A student who is currently enrolled in another college or university, who is eligible to continue at that institution in the fall, and who wants to take summer courses at LSUS for transfer to that institution? See The summer only applicant.
• A student who is currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and who plans to continue at that university the next regular semester or summer term? See The visiting student applicant.
• A person who wishes to participate in a class without earning credit? See The audit only applicant.
• An individual who has been out of high school or college at least three years and whose goal is educational enrichment, not a degree? See The Educational Enrichment Program applicant under the heading Other New Applicants.
• A citizen of a country other than the United States, see International Students under the heading Other New Applicants.

If none of these seems to fit your situation, then come to the campus or call one of our admissions or academic officers (318) 797-5061. We want to help you find your place at LSUS.

BASIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A student seeking admission or readmission to LSUS may obtain appropriate application forms from the Office of Admissions and Records in the Administration Building, or from the website: http://www.lsus.edu/admissions/

The student should complete an application and return it to the Office of Admissions and Records at least 30 days preceding the date on which admission is desired. A non refundable application fee is required for first time students.

These deadlines are as follows:
Fall Semester--August 5
Spring Semester--December 15
Summer Term--May 1

Records submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records become a part of the student's official file and are not returned to the student or released to a third party. The University may deny admission, readmission, or continued enrollment to persons whose behavior is or may be disruptive, dangerous, or abusive.

Immunization: Before registering, students born after 1956 must provide proof of immunization or immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus/diphtheria to the Office of Admissions and Records. This policy applies to all students entering LSUS for the first time and all students returning after an absence of one semester or more. A copy of the Immunization Policy is provided with the admissions material.

A student may claim exemption from the immunization requirement for medical or personal reasons; however, the University will require the student to leave the campus and be excluded from class in the event of an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella. Students claiming exemption will not be permitted back on campus or in class until the outbreak is over or until proof of adequate immunization has been submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Selective Service: In accordance with Louisiana Law, male applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 must provide proof of Selective Service registration to enroll past the first semester of attendance at LSUS.

1. The freshman applicant:
   
   
   1. Is required to take the American College Testing (ACT) battery on one of five dates set by the testing agency and have the scores sent to LSUS. These scores determine placement of all freshman students at appropriate course levels. They also aid admission decisions for applicants who are not residents of Louisiana, applicants who are graduates of non state approved high schools, and applicants for early admission. Detailed information and registration forms for these tests may be obtained from high school counselors, LSUS Student Development and Counseling Center, or the American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 451, Iowa City, Iowa 52243 0451. or www.ACT.org
   2. Should have the high school send official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Records. The high school senior should have the transcript sent immediately after graduation. If the student has taken college level courses, these manuscripts must be submitted, also.
   3. Who has been home schooled must show satisfactory completion of the G.E.D.
      
      
2. The nontraditional freshman applicant:
   
   
   1. Does not have to submit ACT or SAT scores if the applicant holds the G.E.D. or graduated from high school at least five years before applying to the University. However, before enrolling, the applicant must take the University's placement tests in mathematics and English, and must have high school transcripts sent to the University's Office of Admissions and Records.
   2. Must submit satisfactory evidence of academic ability if the applicant is 21 or older and does not have a high school degree or G.E.D. Satisfactory evidence is either a composite score of 18 on the ACT or a satisfactory score on another national examination such as the SAT together with proof of relevant education, training, and experience.
      
      
3. The transfer applicant:
   Should request that each college attended mail an official transcript directly to the LSUS Office of Admissions and Records, regardless of whether credit was earned there or is desired here. A student who has earned fewer than 12 semester hours of college credit must also submit a high school transcript certifying graduation and ACT scores. Any student who fails to acknowledge attendance at each college or university, whether or not credit was earned or desired, is subject to dismissal from the University. A student enrolled in another college at the time of application should have transcripts sent at the close of the semester. If transcripts have not arrived on time, the University may grant provisional admission until they do arrive.
   
   
4. The alternate certification applicant:
   Should request that each college attended mail an official transcript (regardless of whether credit was earned) directly to the LSUS Office of Admissions and Records. The final transcript showing the bachelor’s degree earned with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better must be submitted. Any student who fails to acknowledge attendance at each college or university, whether or not credit was earned or desired, is subject to dismissal from the University. A student enrolled in another college at the time of application should have transcripts sent at the close of the semester. If transcripts have not arrived on time, the University may grant provisional admission until they do arrive.
   
   
5. The summer only applicant:
   Must submit a letter of eligibility to continue at the other institution from the dean or registrar at that school. This letter, which replaces official records, must state the total credit previously earned. Such enrollment terminates at the end of that summer term and does not presuppose admission to the University in subsequent semesters. A student admitted under these conditions assumes full responsibility for course selections and should seek the guidance of the institution to which credits are to be transferred.
   
   
6. The visiting student:
   Must submit a letter from the other institution's registrar stating eligibility for continued enrollment at that institution and indicating the total number of credits earned and overall grade point average. Enrollment for visiting students is for one semester or summer term only. It does not constitute or presuppose continuing admission to the University.
   
   
7. The audit only applicant:
   Should indicate clearly on the application intention to audit only. No official records are required to be submitted. The student admitted for audit only pays the same fees as the regularly admitted student. (See also “Auditor” under “UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS.”) Auditors who later wish to enroll for credit must follow the procedures applicable to their status.
   
   
8. Other new applicants
   
   
   1. Educational Enrichment Program (EEP) students should indicate clearly on the application intention to enroll as EEP. No records of previous work are required for admission to this non degree program, providing that at least three years have elapsed since last enrollment in high school, college, or university. (See also “Educational Enrichment Program.)
   2. International Students should submit an acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the completed application and complete official scholastic records at least 90 days before the beginning of the semester in which admission is desired. (For complete requirements see “Admission of International Students.)

Admission from Secondary Schools
Applicants who have graduated from high school, whether one approved by the Louisiana State Department of Education or not, must follow the same procedures and meet standards that the University applies to increase students' chances of academic success. Applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions and Records a completed application form, a high school transcript, and scores on the ACT. Admissions officers will then apply standards that vary somewhat according to date of high school graduation.

1. Those who graduated from high school in May 1992 or later should have completed the following curriculum:
   
   
   • English I, II, III, IV
   • Mathematics: 3 units to include Algebra I and Algebra II
   • Sciences: Biology and 2 units from earth science, chemistry, or physics
   • Social Sciences: 3 units to include civics free enterprise, U.S. history, and either world history or world geography
     (Recommended electives: arts and humanities, computer science, foreign language, and speech)
     
     
2. Those who graduated from high school in May 1993 or later must also have one of the following:
   
   
   • A composite score of 18 on the enhanced ACT
     or
   • A high school grade point average of at least 2.3
     
     
3. An applicant who is a resident of a state other than Louisiana must have a score of at least 17 on the American College Test (ACT) or an equivalent score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission.

Alternative Admission
Louisiana residents only, who do not meet these requirements or cannot demonstrate satisfactory performance on University placement tests in English and mathematics may do one of the following:

• Contact the appropriate academic appeal authority through the Office of Admissions and Records. A student who has not had access to one or more of the courses in the high school curriculum outlined above may gain admission but, as an extra degree requirement, may have to take courses in the areas of deficiency.
• Enroll as a non degree seeking student and complete appropriate developmental courses. A student who shows a deficiency in only one or two readiness areas may petition the appropriate college dean for permission to enroll for up to 12 hours of regular credit work while removing the deficiency.
• Enroll in a community college or other preparatory program in order to transfer later to LSUS. (Information regarding articulation agreements between LSUS and area community colleges is available in the Office of Admissions and Records.)
• Request conditional admission. Under this option, a student can take no more than 12 hours the first semester and must achieve a grade point average of at least 2.0 by the time 12 hours have been completed at LSUS to be able to continue at the University.

Fifteen percent of the entering freshman class is reserved for admissions exceptions as required by the Settlement Agreement.

Early Admission
Superior students may gain admission to the University before graduating from high school, though such admission does not constitute the award of a high school diploma. Early admission requires:

• Credit for 15 high school units, including 3 units in English, 2 units in mathematics, 2 units in the social sciences, and 2 units in sciences. (See high school curriculum under “Admission from Secondary Schools.)
• Overall average of B in high school academic subjects.
• A composite score of 27 on the old ACT or its equivalent on the enhanced ACT.
• Recommendation of the high school principal.

An applicant for early admission must file the required records by July 15 to be considered for the fall semester or by December 1 for the spring semester.

Readmission of Former Students
Former students who were not registered at LSUS for the preceding regular semester must apply for readmission (no application fee is required). A student who has registered at another college or university since enrollment at LSUS must submit transcripts from all institutions enrolled in, regardless of whether credit was earned. Failure to submit transcripts may result in cancellation of registration.

To be eligible for unconditional readmission, the student must have earned an overall 2.0 average both at LSUS and at all other colleges and universities. However, the University may readmit on probation a student who

• Was on probation when last attending LSUS.
• Does not have an overall grade point average of 2.0.
• Did not earn a 2.0 in the last semester at another institution, was placed on academic probation, and would have been allowed continued enrollment.
• Has not been enrolled in another college or university in the last 12 months.

Educational Enrichment Program
The Educational Enrichment Program (EEP) admits students without requiring records of their previous academic work, provided that at least three years have elapsed since they were enrolled in a high school, college, or university.

A student in this non degree program may register for a maximum of nine hours of credit during a semester, and six during a summer term, and may earn a maximum of 24 hours of credit. The student who wishes to continue after earning credit for 24 hours must submit complete academic records before a decision is made regarding admission to a degree program.

The student enrolled in the Educational Enrichment Program is subject to University regulations as set forth in this catalog.

A student in the Educational Enrichment Program is not enrolled in a degree program and thus is not eligible for Veterans Administration benefits or other forms of financial aid.

Admission by Transfer
Students who have accumulated at least 12 semester hours of college credit may transfer to LSUS if they meet all other transfer requirements; otherwise, they must meet admissions standards outlined above for admission from approved secondary schools.

Unconditional admission from another regionally accredited college or university requires a cumulative 2.0 average on all college work attempted. Repeated course policies from other colleges and universities are not recognized by LSUS. Students who are registering for the first time at LSUS, have had less than successful work at previous institutions, and have not been enrolled in a college or university for three consecutive years may wish to consider the academic bankruptcy provisions in this catalog.
Applicants for transfer must submit official transcripts of all previous college or university work, regardless of whether or not credit was earned. The University is guided in its decision regarding acceptance of credit from institutions not regionally accredited by recommendations of selected institutions in the states in which the schools are located. Courses on such a transcript may be denied credit altogether, in which case the transcript is held merely as evidence that the student has studied the subject. Applicants may be given the opportunity, usually through advanced standing or departmental examinations, to validate some or all credit.

Applicants whose credentials have not been received by the Office of Admissions and Records by the time of registration must sign a provisional registration agreement. (See Provisional Admission for more information.) Failure to submit transcripts may result in cancellation of registration. Registration for subsequent semesters will not be permitted until all transcripts have been received. Transfer applicants will be admitted on probation under three circumstances:

• If they have an overall grade point average of less than 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• If they had a grade point average of less than 2.0 in their last enrolled semester and were placed on probation by the other institution.
• If they do not meet transfer requirements and were not enrolled in residence in a college or university during the previous twelve months. For further information see Probation and Suspension and Grading System under UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS.

Transfer applicants who have been suspended from another college or university within the previous twelve months are not eligible for admission to the University until the suspension has expired. Credits earned in colleges and universities accredited by regional accrediting associations are accepted by the University. Credits earned in some non-accredited institutions are accepted on a limited basis. The dean of the college offering the degree determines the extent to which accepted credits are applied toward a degree. Evaluations of courses will not be made in advance of receipt of the completed application and official transcripts from each college and university attended. Not more than one half the credit required for a degree may be accepted from a two year college (except one within the LSU System) unless specifically authorized by the student's dean. Courses taken at the freshman and sophomore levels at two year colleges (courses at the 100 and 200 level) may not be counted for transfer credit in upper level courses (any course numbered 300 and above). For an explanation of the granting of credit for examination scores, correspondence and extension work, and military service experiences, see Maximum Use of Credits under UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS. Validation may be required for credits earned more than ten years ago.

OTHER TYPES OF ADMISSION

Conditional Admission
If a student does not meet the criteria necessary for unconditional admission, he or she may be admitted conditionally for one semester with a maximum load of 12 hours. If the student earns less than a 2.0 for that semester, regardless of the number of hours pursued, the student will not be allowed to enroll for a subsequent semester/term. The student will not be eligible for conditional readmission.

Provisional Admission
An applicant who does not have complete admission documents on file at the time of application may be granted provisional admission pending receipt of complete and satisfactory records. A student admitted provisionally may not enroll for a subsequent semester or term if the required records are not received within 30 days after the first class day for a spring or fall semester, or within 21 days for a summer term. The student may complete the semester or term of current enrollment unless the received records do not meet requirements for admission. A student allowed to continue in class without complete records is not eligible for financial aid or veteran's benefits. No official or unofficial records of a student's enrollment while at LSUS will be released until all records are received. An individual whose registration is canceled may not continue and will not receive a grade or credit in any class registered for provisionally. Credit earned while the student was ineligible to attend the University will be removed, a notation to that effect will be placed on the record, and fees already paid will not be refunded.

Admission by Entrance Examination
An applicant who has not attended another college or university, is not a high school graduate, and is at least 21 years old may apply for admission by submitting a minimum old ACT composite score of 16 (Enhanced ACT of 18), or by submitting satisfactory scores on another approved national examination and satisfactory evidence of education, training, and experience.

Petition for Special Admissions Consideration
A first time freshman who does not qualify for regular admission or for alternative admission under any previously stated provision may petition the Admissions and Standards Committee in writing and ask to be admitted.

Admission of International Students
A superior international student may apply for admission as a freshman or a transfer student. An applicant whose native language is not English must submit an acceptable score (minimum score of 500 on the paper administered test, 173 on the computer-based version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is administered by the Educational Testing Service in the United States and at many overseas testing centers. A student who wishes to take the test should write directly to TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541 6151 or visit http://www.toefl.com. The application, complete official scholastic records, and TOEFL score must be in the Office of Admissions and Records at least 90 days before the beginning of the semester in which admission is desired. If complete documents are not on file by this deadline, the application will be considered for the next scheduled registration period. A non-refundable fee of $20 must accompany the application.

International applicants must indicate the availability of sufficient funds to meet all costs while studying at the University.

First consideration is given applicants who supplement their academic records with scores earned on College Entrance Examination Board tests or other recognized tests and who apply early.

International applicants transferring from institutions in the United States also must meet requirements for unconditional admission as described in this catalog.

DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Regardless of the student's admission category, the University may require enrollment in certain developmental courses indicated by test scores and other criteria. Any student may elect to take non degree credit courses in English, mathematics, or study skills.

At LSUS, persons in one or more of the following categories are assigned to developmental advisers and placed in developmental courses as described below:

1. Persons with an enhanced ACT composite score below 16.
2. Persons who have a 15 or less on the English ACT, or who have 16 or higher on the English ACT but do not have a 34 or higher when the English and Composite scores on the ACT are added.
3. Persons who do not make a sufficient score on the Mathematics department's placement examination.
4. Persons who do not have ACT scores and are placed into a developmental course through placement testing.

Persons in category 2 can be removed from this category by passing a writing placement test in English.

A student required to take both English and mathematics developmental courses is additionally advised to take Psychology 100, a study skills course. A student with an old ACT composite score of 15 (Enhanced ACT of 17) or less is advised to take Psychology 100 regardless of placement in other courses.

A student must take one or more developmental courses during the first semester enrolled. A student required to take both developmental courses must enroll in those courses during the first semester. The student may also enroll in standard (degree credit) courses but must not later drop developmental courses while continuing in any standard course.

A student must continue enrolling in mandated developmental courses until successfully completing them. Meanwhile, the student should not take any standard course for which the academic adviser judges the student as not yet ready.

The faculty adviser records the courses prescribed and files that record at the end of advising for registration.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Academically superior high school students who have completed their freshman, sophomore, or junior year may enroll in regular freshman classes at LSUS to experience the intellectual, cultural, and social atmosphere of a university. Students may take up to eight semester hours in a summer term and one course in a fall or spring semester. Upon admission as freshmen, students may use credits earned in this program to satisfy degree requirements.

A completed application must be approved by the high school principal or counselor and submitted along with a high school transcript to the College of Liberal Arts no later than one month prior to the beginning of the semester or summer term. In addition, the applicant must:

• Have completed at least one year of high school with a minimum of 5 units.
• Have earned an overall grade of B or better in high school work and at least a B average in each subject area for which application is made.
• Rank in the upper quartile (75th percentile or above) on standardized placement tests. ACT, SAT, and other tests are accepted. A student in the upper one fourth of the class will be considered, but a rank in the upper one tenth is preferred.

Applications and additional information about the program may be obtained from high school principals and counselors or from the College of Liberal Arts at LSUS.

CORRESPONDENCE OR INDEPENDENT STUDY

A student wishing to take correspondence courses or independent study should contact either the Division of Continuing Education and Public Service at LSUS (318-797-5311) or the Office of Independent Study, E 106 Pleasant Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 (504 388 3171).

For information about acceptance of credit, see Credits for Correspondence and Independent Study Courses under UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS.

LOUISIANA RESIDENCE STATUS

The residence status of an applicant or student is determined by the Office of Admissions and Records in accordance with LSU System regulations and is based upon evidence provided in the completed application for admission and related documents.

Resident students are those who have had their domicile in the state of Louisiana continuously for at least one full year immediately preceding the first day of classes of the semester or term for which residence classification is sought. A domicile is the true, fixed, and permanent home at which the individual remains when not called elsewhere for special or temporary purposes, and the place to which the individual returns after an absence. Factors considered in establishing residence classification include the residence of a dependent's parents; tax returns and other financial information, particularly when emancipation is claimed; former domicile in Louisiana; location of the source of the student's income; and the state in which the student is registered to vote.

Persons who reside in out of state counties bordering Louisiana and within commuting distance (considered at as a 60 mile radius) to LSUS may have nonresident fees waived.

Persons who are transferred to the state by their employer or regularly do business in Louisiana may be eligible for a waiver of nonresident fees and should contact the Office of Admissions and Records for further information.

An international student on a student visa is classified a nonresident. Residence status is not determined for students auditing only. Individuals who come to the Shreveport area from out-of-state just to attend the University will be considered nonresidents until demonstrating that their previous domicile has been abandoned and a Louisiana domicile established.