Admission

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Some majors, emphases, and areas of study offered by NIU limit admissions. Admission to NIU does not guarantee admission to a specific major. See “Limited Admissions and Limited Retention Requirements” in this section of the catalog and individual department sections.

Northern Illinois University recognizes that the principles of cultural diversity and global awareness are essential to learning and striving for excellence in the higher educational environment. In recognition of this commitment, NIU expressly prohibits the consideration or use of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, status as a victim or perceived victim of domestic or sexual violence or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications as a basis for any employment decision, in its admission procedures, and in access to its programs. Factors such as academic record, test scores, special talents or ability, personal character, and references may be taken into consideration in the admission process.

Applicants will be considered for admission to the university if they meet the requirements specified under any of the following headings.

Freshmen
Transfer Students
Illinois Public Community College Graduates
International Students
Postbaccalaureate Students

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for the categories listed above may apply for special admission to the university. Information about these opportunities may be found under “Special Admission to the University.”

Applicants who desire to enroll for a limited period at the university may find information about these opportunities under the following heading.

Visiting Students

Former NIU students should refer to the section “Readmission of Former NIU Students.”

Applicants must meet additional criteria and/or submit additional documents if they wish to be considered for admission to the following units that administer limited admissions majors, emphases, and/or areas of study. See “Limited Admissions and Limited Retention Requirements.”

Department of Computer Science
Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (athletic training)
Department of Curriculum and Instruction (elementary education)
Department of Special and Early Education (early childhood studies)
Department of Technology (nuclear engineering technology emphasis)
School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders (health sciences/physical therapy)
School of Art and Design (art and design education; art studio; visual communication area of study)
School of Family and Consumer Sciences (human development and family sciences)
School of Health Studies (medical laboratory sciences)
School of Music
School of Nursing (nursing)
School of Theatre and Dance (B.A. major in theatre studies; B.F.A. emphasis in acting; B.F.A. emphasis in design and technology)

Some programs have limited retention. See individual colleges and departments for specific requirements.

Application Materials

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Correspondence about undergraduate admission to the university should be addressed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Northern Illinois University, 1425 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2857. All applicants may be requested to submit the following materials.

A formal application for admission.
An official high school transcript indicating class rank and courses completed. Class rank should be indicated as of the end of the sixth, seventh, or eighth semester unless the applicant will be an early graduate.
An official ACT assessment or SAT Reasoning Test score report. (Students’ copies cannot be accepted.) The ACT code for NIU is 1102. The SAT code for NIU is 1559.
An official transcript from each college attended.

When to Apply

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Students can apply after the following dates.

Application Deadlines

The completed application and all supporting documents must be on file in the Office of Admissions by the dates listed below. However, early application is strongly recommended.

Space limitations and/or budget constraints may necessitate earlier deadlines.

The size of the freshman class will be determined by the level of university resources available to maintain the quality of academic programs.

Individual colleges and departments may also have earlier application deadlines. Please refer to the section titled “Limited Admissions and Limited Retention Requirements” for specific dates.

If any published application deadline date falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, complete applications and all supporting documents will be accepted on the immediately following Monday.

Students applying for reinstatement, for a change to degree status, or for transfers petitioning their admission decision, completed applications and all supporting materials must be on file by the following dates.

ACT/SAT Scores

To view the Test-Blind admission policy for the 2021-2022 academic year 2021-2022 Test-Blind Admission Policy .

Applicants must take either the ACT or SAT Reasoning Test assessment and request that the score reports be forwarded to NIU from the testing company. Although NIU welcomes the addition of the writing tests introduced by both ACT and SAT, NIU will recommend but not require the ACT writing test and consider only the SAT critical reading and mathematical scores for admission consideration until the predictive value of the writing test is determined. The ACT code for NIU is 1102. The SAT code for NIU is 1559. Applicants who have not taken either of these tests should contact their local high school or community college counselor to register for a testing session. Applicants who have never taken one of the tests and have been out of high school for more than three years may request in writing a waiver of this requirement. ACT/SAT scores will not affect the admission of postbaccalaureates or of transfer students with 24 or more transferable semester hours.

Admission to Major Programs

Applicants declare their major on the application for university admission. The declared major indicates an area of interest and does not guarantee admission to a degree program in that specific area. Procedures for declaring a major are described in the “Academic Regulations” section of this catalog.

The university’s undergraduate academic work is organized under the Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. Individual colleges control admission to degree programs. The selection of any courses to be required prior to admission to a major will be determined by each college or department in accordance with its respective expectations. In general, students are strongly encouraged to complete successfully the foundational studies requirements and some general education courses early in their programs of study.

All students enrolled in on-campus courses are required by the Illinois College Student Immunization Act (110-ILCS 20) and University policy, to be compliant with the following requirements:

• Three (3) vaccines that contain Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, one of which must be a Tdap vaccine. The last dose of vaccine must be within 10 years. Vaccines must be at appropriate intervals (#1 and #2 at least 28 days apart, #3 no less than 6 months after #2). Tetanus toxoid (TT or Tetanus) is not acceptable.
• Two (2) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) valid vaccines after the first birthday, at least 28 days apart. If students are unable to provide proof of MMR vaccines, serologic evidence (IGG antibody titers), a copy of lab report to prove positive immunity is acceptable.
• One (1) Meningococcal conjugate vaccine after the age of 16 for newly admitted students starting spring 2017 and under the age of 22. Meningitis or Meningococcal vaccinations are not acceptable.

Documentation of immunity must be complete and on file at the Immunization Compliance and Records office before the following dates:

Fall term enrollment: August 1st
Spring term enrollment: January 1st
Summer term enrollment: June 1st

Failure to provide the required documentation by the 10th day of the semester will result in a late processing fee and registration hold. You will be notified at your NIU zID e-mail account if any documentation information is incomplete. Immunization information may be obtained from the Immunization Compliance and Records web page at https://www.niu.edu/health-services/services/immunizations.shtml or by calling 815-753-9585.

The Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that college freshman living in residence halls be immunized against meningococcal disease. The ACIP recommendation further states that other college students under 25 years of age who wish to reduce their risk for the disease may choose to be vaccinated.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord that is caused either by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis, especially meningococcal meningitis, is more serious and can result in permanent neurologic damage or death.

Meningococcal meningitis commonly begins with high fever, headache, and stiff neck that develop over a period of several hours to two days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness and discomfort looking at bright lights. Meningococcal meningitis is spread through exchange of oral and respiratory secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing, and sharing eating utensils), not through casual contact. Individuals who live in the same household or have direct contact with an infected person’s oral secretions are at an increased risk of acquiring the infection.

Two vaccines are available that protect against four of the five strains (or types) of the bacterium that cause meningococcal disease. While both vaccines provide immunity for a number of years to approximately 90% of those who are vaccinated, neither medication confers lifelong immunity to meningococcal meningitis.

Health Services provides meningococcal vaccinations for NIU students on request. There is a charge for this vaccination. For more information, please contact Preventive Medicine at 815-753-9585.

Freshmen

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An applicant for freshman admission must be a graduate of a secondary school at the time of enrollment or have attained high school equivalency through the General Educational Development (GED) test. Applicants must submit

A formal application for admission.
An official high school transcript indicating class rank, GPA, and courses completed or an official GED score report.
An official ACT score report sent to NIU by ACT Inc. or an official SAT score report sent to NIU by the College Board.

Individuals applying for admission will be evaluated and notified of their admission decision according to the “Criteria for Admission” and “Schedule for Application Review.”

Please note that the actual size of the new freshman class will be determined by the level of university resources available to maintain the quality of academic programs.

Criteria for Admission

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Individuals will be considered for admission if they meet one of the following sets of criteria. Weighted and unweighted class rank and weighted and unweighted GPA will be considered.

Applicants who have graduated or will graduate from a secondary school prior to enrollment at NIU must meet the following criteria.

Applicants who rank in the upper half of their graduating class or who have a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.00 scale must have a composite ACT score of at least 19 or an SAT total score of 990. For SAT exams taken March 2016 or prior, a critical reading and mathematics SAT score of at least 910 is required.
OR
Applicants who do not rank in the upper half of their class but who rank in the upper two thirds of their graduating class or who have a GPA of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale must have a minimum composite ACT score of 23 or an SAT total score of 1140. For SAT exams taken March 2016 or prior, a SAT critical reading and mathematics score of 1070 is required.

In addition to the high school class rank and ACT/SAT score requirements, all applicants must have successfully completed the following high school courses (one unit equals one year).

English. Four units (three of which must be courses emphasizing written and oral communication and literature).

Mathematics. Three to four units of college preparatory mathematics, including one year of geometry and one year of advanced algebra and/or trigonometry. For students intending to major in mathematics, science, business, or engineering, four years of college preparatory mathematics are very strongly recommended. Further, all students, regardless of intended major, are strongly encouraged to take a mathematics course or a course with a mathematics prerequisite during the year before they enroll in a mathematics course at NIU.

Science. Two to three units (two of which must be courses in the physical or biological sciences). One unit must be a laboratory science.

Social Studies. Two to three units (one of which must be U.S. history or a combination of U.S. history and government).

Foreign Language, Art, Music, or Vocational Education. One to two units (one of which must be course work in foreign language, art, or music).

Additional Course Work. Up to three units of the required fifteen may be distributed throughout any of the five categories of course work listed above. Vocational education may satisfy up to three of the units.

Students who complete the required fifteen units in college preparatory courses including two years of a foreign language, advanced mathematics, composition, literature, and at least one unit in chemistry or physics will be more likely to (a) qualify for advanced placement or proficiency credit and (b) complete their programs of study within the amount of time anticipated for a given baccalaureate degree from NIU.

Applicants who have attempted transferable college-level credit at the time of application, and are entering the University in the academic year following their graduation from secondary school or its equivalent are evaluated using freshman admission requirements.

Applicants who are not high school graduates must have attained high school equivalency through General Educational Development (GED) tests. In addition, applicants must have a minimum composite ACT score of 23 or an SAT total score of 1140. For SAT exams taken March 2016 or prior, a minimum critical reading and mathematics SAT score of 1070 is required.

Freshman Petition Review

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Freshman applicants who believe their application warrants additional consideration despite their not fulfilling the minimum ACT/SAT score, high school rank, and/or course-specific requirements described above may petition for review of their application status. To request such a review, prospective freshmen must have a letter of petition on file in the Office of Admissions by the dates listed below. The letter should describe circumstances relevant to the petition, including information about academic potential that is not reflected in the ACT/SAT scores or high school performance.

Schedule for Application Review

Individuals who meet all applicable admission criteria will be notified of an admission decision as soon as possible following the completion of their application file. Students are encouraged to apply early. Applicants will be considered for admission as long as space is available.

The actual size of the new freshman class is determined by the level of university resources available to maintain the quality of the academic programs. The schedule on which applications are reviewed provides for competitive admissions on a space-available basis.

Transfer Students

To maintain the quality of academic programs, the number of transfer students admitted each semester will be determined by the level of university resources available. The schedule on which applications will be reviewed provides for competitive admission on a space-available basis. Early application is encouraged. Also see “Transfer Credit” under “Academic Regulations.”

Transfer applicants must submit the following.

A formal application for admission.
An official high school transcript. (Applicants with 24 or more semester hours of transferable credit are not required to submit a high school transcript.)
An official transcript from each college attended (sent by each college to the Office of Admissions).
An official ACT or SAT score report sent directly to NIU by the testing company. (Applicants with 24 or more semester hours of transferable credit are not required to submit an official ACT/SAT score report but are encouraged to do so for research purposes.)

Enrollment in courses offered at NIU which fulfill NIU’s foundational studies requirement in mathematics requires an entry-skill level, determined through placement testing and/or explicit prerequisites, at least equal to that expected from the successful completion of an intermediate algebra course. Such a course is not offered by NIU. However, an intermediate algebra course offered by Kishwaukee College can be taken on the NIU campus.

Applicants who have attempted up to and including 12 semester hours of credit are evaluated as freshmen for admission purposes and must meet the current freshman admission requirements. The GPA earned for the attempted 12 hours or fewer will not affect the admission decision. (This policy has been developed to encourage students to take advantage of local post-secondary educational opportunities, either during their senior year in high school or during the summer before NIU enrollment, without jeopardizing their admission to NIU.)

Applicants who have attempted more than 12 semester hours but who have earned fewer than 24 semester hours of transferable college-level credit at the time of application must

have a GPA of at least C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) from all colleges attended (as computed by NIU standards).
be in good standing at the last college attended.
satisfy NIU’s competitive transfer GPA.
meet the current freshman admission criteria.

Applicants who have earned between 24 and 59 semester hours of transferable college-level credit at the time of application must

have a GPA of at least C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) from all colleges attended (as computed by NIU standards).
be in good standing at the last college attended.
satisfy NIU’s competitive transfer GPA.

Applicants who have earned 60 or more semester hours of transferable college-level credit at the time of application must

have a GPA of at least C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) from all colleges attended (as computed by NIU standards).
be in good standing at the last college attended.

Transfer Petition Review

Transfer applicants with 24 or more semester hours of transferable credit who petition for a review of their admission decision must have all documents that are required for transfer admission and a letter of petition on file in the Office of Admissions by the dates listed below. The letter should describe circumstances relevant to the petition, including information about educational and career goals.

Illinois Public Community College Graduates

A graduate of an Illinois public community college who has not previously attended Northern Illinois University and who has completed a baccalaureate-oriented A.A., A.S., or A.A.T. degree in early childhood, secondary math, or special education will be admitted to NIU as long as space is available. The student will enter with junior standing and all NIU general education requirements will be considered complete if the student has the following qualifications prior to enrolling at NIU.

An Associate in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree or an Associate in Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree in early childhood, secondary math, or special education in a baccalaureate-oriented program from an Illinois public community college.
At least a C average (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) as calculated by the community college.
At least 60 semester hours of credit.
Good standing at the last college attended.

An Illinois public community college graduate with an Associate in Engineering Science, Associate in Arts in Teaching in secondary science, or an Associate in Fine Arts degree is eligible for admission to NIU but is not eligible for the benefits indicated above unless there is a formal agreement between institutions.

An Illinois public community college graduate with an Associate in Applied Science, an Associate in General Studies, or an Associate in Liberal Studies degree is not eligible for the benefits indicated above. These students will receive the same consideration for admission as other transfer students.

Former NIU students (non-degree, visiting, or regular) who have since attended a community college should refer to “Readmission of Former NIU Students.”

An applicant from an Illinois public community college who has previously been a visiting or non-degree student at NIU and who wishes to enter NIU with junior standing and general education requirements considered complete must petition for these benefits in a letter accompanying the application. It is expected that students who petition will have met the basic minimum GPA and other requirements for the A.A. or A.S. degree or approved A.A.T. degree from the community college.

These benefits do not necessarily satisfy any additional course requirements that may be needed for a specific major program at NIU.

Questions regarding the Illinois Articulation Initiative GECC may be directed to the Transfer Center, 815-753-0446.

Out-of-State Public Community College Graduates

A graduate of a regionally-accredited, out-of-state, public community college who has not previously attended Northern Illinois University and who has completed a baccalaureate-oriented A.A. or A.S. degree and has met the following qualifications will meet NIU general education requirements and enter with junior standing.

• An Associate in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree baccalaureate-oriented program from a public community college.
• At least a C average (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) as calculated by the community college.
• At least 60 semester hours of credit.
• Good standing at the last college attended.

An out-of-state public community college graduate with an Associate in Applied Science, an Associate in General Studies, an Associate in Liberal Studies degree, or any other associate degree as noted is not eligible for the benefits indicated above unless there is a formal agreement between institutions. These students will receive the same consideration for admission as other transfer students.

Former NIU students (non-degree, visiting, or regular) who have since attended an out-of-state public community college should refer to “Readmission of Former NIU Students.”

An applicant from an out-of-state public community college who has previously been a visiting or non-degree student at NIU and who wishes to enter NIU with junior standing and general education requirements considered complete must petition for these benefits in a letter accompanying the application. It is expected that students who petition will have met the basic minimum GPA and other requirements for the A.A. or A.S. degree from the community college.

These benefits do not necessarily satisfy any additional course, GPA, or competitive admission requirements that may be needed for a specific college, major program, or graduation requirement at NIU.

Transfer Students from Illinois Community or Junior Colleges

An applicant who has attended an Illinois public community college but has not graduated with a baccalaureate-oriented A.A. or A.S. degree or approved A.A.T. degree will receive the same consideration for admission as all other transfer students. This policy also applies to all applicants who have attended or graduated from private or out-of-state community or junior colleges. All course work will be evaluated according to the standards and regulations stated for transfer students in the “Transfer Credit” section under “Academic Regulations,” and the student may find that general education requirements have been met.

Community college transfer students interested in teacher certification should carefully read the section “Educator Licensure Requirements.”

Effective fall semester 1998 and after for new transfer students and students reentering NIU with an A.A. or A.S. degree or approved A.A.T. degree from an Illinois public community college, Northern Illinois University is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows transfer of the completed Illinois transferable General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) between participating institutions. Successful completion of the GECC at any participating college or university in Illinois assures transferring students that lower-division general education requirements for an associate or baccalaureate degree have been satisfied and allows students to transfer this portion of an associate or baccalaureate degree from one participating IAI institution to another without incurring a loss of credit. See “Transfer of Illinois Articulation Initiative Credit to NIU” and “Illinois Articulation Initiative Core Curriculum” for further information.

Schedule for Application Review

Spring Semester 2021

Individuals who submit complete applications including all official transcripts and required documents by November 1, 2020, and who satisfy minimum admissions criteria are considered for admission on a competitive basis and notified of the admission decision on or before December 1, 2020.

Individuals who submit complete applications after November 1, 2020, and satisfy minimum admissions criteria are considered for admission on a competitive basis as long as space is available.

Summer Session 2021 and Fall Semester 2021

The schedule on which application will be reviewed provides for competitive admission on a space-available basis. Early application is encouraged.

International Students

To view the Test-Blind admission policy for the 2021-2022 academic year 2021-2022 Test-Blind Admission Policy .

International undergraduate students are asked to submit the following materials for admission to NIU:  Official school records from all schools attended (with official English translation), all official test scores (including TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, SAT, and/or ACT), admissions application, and an application fee. Note: the ACT or SAT is not required for international freshmen applicants from foreign high schools. The ACT or SAT is required for international freshmen applicants from U.S. high schools. F-1 and J-1 students must also submit proof of financial ability in order to receive their immigration documents.

Fall semester deadlines are May 1 for students living outside the United States and June 15 for students living in the United States. Spring semester deadlines are October 1 for students living outside the United States and November 15 for students living in the United States.

Postbaccalaureate Students

Postbaccalaureate students are those who hold baccalaureate degrees from an accredited U.S. college or university, or from a recognized foreign institution, and wish to take additional undergraduate courses or to earn a second baccalaureate degree. To qualify for admission, a postbaccalaureate applicant must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions other than NIU. All credit will be evaluated from the perspective of the new major. Postbaccalaureate applicants are subject to the review procedures applicable to limited admission and retention programs. See “Limited Admissions Requirements” and individual college programs.

The NIU cumulative GPA for all postbaccalaureate students, including those whose initial baccalaureate degree was earned at NIU, will include only postbaccalaureate course work attempted at NIU.

Postbaccalaureate status allows a student to take 100- through 400- level courses for undergraduate credit only; a postbaccalaureate may not take courses for graduate credit.

An individual with a baccalaureate degree who wishes to take 500-, 600-, or 700-level graduate courses should apply to the Graduate School for admission as a graduate student or for student-at-large status. (See the Graduate Catalog.)

Whether postbaccalaureate or a graduate-level (graduate student or student-at-large) classification is the more appropriate depends on the student’s academic objectives, and students are encouraged to consult with appropriate departmental or other academic advisers in making their choice. The student’s classification may also affect eligibility for certain types of financial assistance, and students should contact a financial aid counselor in the Student Financial Aid Office for information. Students may request to change their classification from postbaccalaureate to graduate or vice versa. The change in classification must be requested by completing the appropriate application not later than the first regularly scheduled class day of the academic term for which it is to be effective.

Alternate Admission to the University

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Educational Services and Programs (ESP)

Northern Illinois University has a commitment to provide opportunities and supportive services to students who do not meet traditional admissions criteria. The primary office which administers such admissions options and services is the CHANCE Program, a comprehensive, coordinated collection of counseling, academic preparation, and support services designed to assist students in gaining entry into, and ultimately graduating from, college.

The guiding mission of the CHANCE Program is to identify, recruit, and assist capable students whose pre-college education has not fully enabled them to take maximum advantage of their potential and the opportunities of higher education at NIU. The university annually looks at demographic and academic performance data to identify schools which are targeted for inclusion in the program. Please visit the CHANCE Program website for more information and listing of target schools (www.chance.niu.edu).

Admission Criteria

Students who demonstrate strong motivation and potential for success in college but who do not meet one or more of the traditional criteria for admission to NIU may be considered for alternate admission using the services of CHANCE. Beyond the ACT/SAT and high school performance records, NIU looks for characteristics such as special talents, significant activities and accomplishments, leadership potential, personal commitment, and goal orientation. Admission can thus be extended to students who agree to conscientiously make use of the Educational Services and Programs, which includes CHANCE, ACCESS, and related university services as a means to ensure success at NIU.

Freshmen admission to NIU through CHANCE is only available to residents of Illinois and only in the fall semester.

Admission Procedures

Official admission is not considered final until all of the following steps have been completed.
Submit a completed undergraduate admissions application for priority consideration by March 1.
Submit application fee.
Submit an official high school transcript.
Have official ACT or SAT scores sent to NIU.
Write and submit a personal statement.
Meet with a CHANCE counselor for a personal interview.
Participate in a residential two-day summer orientation session at NIU.
Sign all agreements and official acceptance papers.

Sponsored Admission by an Academic Department

An academic department may sponsor a limited number of new freshmen who do not meet regular admission requirements but who show special talent appropriate to the programs of that department. The academic records of these students must meet a minimum standard set by the university Admission Policies and Academic Standards Committee. A recommendation for sponsored admission must be made by the appropriate department. Additional information may be obtained from the Office of Admissions.

Visiting Students

A student who has not previously enrolled in NIU as an undergraduate degree seeking student may apply for temporary admission and take courses as a visiting student. Visiting students are limited to 15 credit hours; those who wish to enroll in additional hours must reapply through the office of Admissions. Students enrolled in International Studies programs are not subject to the one term limitation.

Visiting students are ineligible for scholarships and federal and state financial aid.

Students who wish to attend NIU as visiting students must submit an undergraduate application and application fee. Although transcripts are not required for admission as a visiting student, enrollment in specific courses may require the submission of official transcripts to the college advising office to determine if prerequisite requirements for the course have been met. Secondary students may apply as a visiting student and register for one or more courses at the university by submitting a written recommendation from the secondary school supporting such enrollment, submitting the written consent of a parent or guardian, and paying the standard tuition and fees.

Visiting students are subject to all university policies and regulations in effect during each term enrolled, including those pertaining to academic probation and dismissal. College-level services such as course and university withdrawals will be provided by the academic college or Academic Advising Center identified on the application for admission.

The benefits that apply to the A.A. or A.S. degree or approved A.A.T. degree as described under the section titled “Illinois Public Community College Graduates” are not assured to students who have previously attended NIU as a visiting student. These students must petition for these benefits in a letter accompanying the application for admission to a degree program.

Students who have been denied admission as a degree seeking student are not eligible for admission as a visiting student for the identical academic semester or summer session.

Students who have previously attended NIU as a degree seeking student must apply according to the guidelines listed in the “Readmission of Former NIU Students” section of this catalog. Students who have been academically dismissed from NIU are not eligible to apply as visiting students.

Changing to Degree Status

Visiting students who seek to change to degree status and who meet the current criteria for freshman or transfer admission must have a GPA of at least 2.00 in course work completed at NIU; submit a new application for admission; and submit all documents necessary for freshman or transfer admission as listed in the “Admission Criteria” section of the undergraduate catalog.

The new application and all required documents must be received in the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline date designated below for changing to degree status.

Visiting students who seek to change to degree status but who do not meet the current criteria for freshman or transfer admission must have a GPA of at least 2.00 in course work completed at NIU; submit a new application for admission; submit all documents necessary for freshman or transfer admission as listed in the “Admission Criteria” section; and submit a letter of petition describing circumstances relevant to the petition including educational and career goals.

The new application, all documents, and the letter of petition must be received in the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline date designated below for changing to degree status.

Students who have previously enrolled in the university but whose attendance has been interrupted by more than one year must file an application for readmission with the Office of Admissions. Reentering students who left NIU on academic probation must make an appointment with the appropriate college advising office prior to being cleared to register for classes. Reentering students who left NIU on academic probation who have no college affiliation must make their appointment with the Academic Advising Center prior to being cleared to register for classes.

Students who apply for readmission after an absence of ten years or longer may request consideration for the benefits of a returning student special readmission policy. Such a request will be referred by the Office of Admissions to the college advising office of the intended major for appropriate college and departmental review. If students are reinstated under the provisions of this policy, their new GPA will be determined from course work attempted after the reentry date. All other current university regulations apply, and additional stipulations may be made by the major department. All previously earned hours of NIU course work will be counted toward graduation requirements. Students who reenter under this policy having previously been dismissed or on academic probation will return to NIU on final academic probation.

Direct Reentrance

Students who were in good academic standing or on academic probation when they left the university and who have not attended another college or university since leaving must complete and return an application for readmission to the Office of Admissions. Students on academic probation when they left NIU will return on academic probation.

Reentrance with Additional Credit

Students who were in good academic standing or on academic probation when they left the university and who have since taken course work at another educational institution must complete and return an application for readmission to the Office of Admissions. They must also supply the Office of Admissions with an official transcript from each college or university attended since last attending NIU. To be eligible for reentrance, such students must have at least an overall C average (as computed by NIU standards) in all work taken at all other institutions, and must be in good academic standing at the last school attended. Students on academic probation when they left NIU will return on academic probation.

Reentrance of Illinois Public Community College Graduates

A former student who left NIU in good standing, has been away from NIU for at least a fall or spring semester, and reenters with the baccalaureate-oriented associate degree or approved A.A.T. degree from an Illinois public community college earned after leaving NIU will be granted the same academic benefits as Illinois public community college graduates new to NIU if the student left NIU with fewer than 60 total semester hours of credit and has completed no more than 80 total semester hours (including all transfer course work and all NIU course work except courses not counting toward graduation) at the time of reentry.

In addition to receiving the benefits listed under the section headed “Illinois Public Community College Graduates,” such a student reentering NIU will also begin a new NIU grade point average. A student not wishing to have the benefits granted to Illinois public community college graduates, which include a new GPA, must inform the Office of Admissions of this at the time of reentry.

Former students who were enrolled as visiting or nondegree students are subject to the restrictions pertaining to those categories and are not assured of the academic benefits granted to Illinois public community college graduates.

A former NIU student who was academically dismissed or left NIU on academic probation and who has since graduated from an Illinois public community college with a baccalaureate-oriented associate degree or approved A.A.T. degree will be granted the same academic benefits as a community college graduate new to NIU if the following conditions are satisfied.

The student had completed fewer than 60 semester hours prior to leaving NIU on academic probation or dismissal.
The student has completed no more than 80 total semester hours (including all transfer course work and all NIU course work except courses not counting toward graduation) at the time of reentry.
The student has been away from NIU for at least a fall or spring semester.
The student was not enrolled as a nondegree or visiting student. A former NIU student who was enrolled as a nondegree or visiting student is subject to restrictions pertaining to those categories and is not assured the benefits granted to Illinois public community college graduates.

A student who reenters under these conditions will return to NIU on final academic probation.

Reentrance of Out-of-State Public Community College Graduates

The same provisions as noted for the “Reentrance of Illinois Public Community College Graduates” will apply to out-of-state, public, community college graduates with a baccalaureate oriented Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.

Reinstatement

Students who have been academically dismissed from the university must provide a written petition for reinstatement which describes the expenditure of their time since leaving the university and outlines reasons for believing that their previous record will be improved if they are reinstated. Such students are not eligible for reinstatement until after they have been away for at least one fall or spring semester. Students reinstated after being dismissed for poor scholarship are reinstated on final academic probation and must establish a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 for all hours taken at this university by the end of the semester or summer session of reinstatement.

Each reinstatement case will be considered by a committee in the student’s major college; in no case may it be assumed that after an absence of one semester any student is automatically entitled to reinstatement.

Applications for reinstatement (including an application for readmission, the written petition described above, and transcripts of all course work completed since leaving NIU) must be received in the Office of Admissions by the following dates. In addition, any encumbrances the student has on his or her record (placed by such offices as the bursar, admissions, and health services) must be cleared by the reinstatement deadline.