Transfer Policies

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Admission Information

Admission to Southern Wesleyan University is dependent upon scholastic attainment, character, and potential to profit by the programs offered. The university welcomes applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or physical handicap, so long as they have a genuine desire for a post-secondary education and possess character traits that will enable them to fit into a Christian collegiate environment.

Each application is considered individually, taking into account basic admissions requirements and the individual’s unique abilities and circumstances. Applicants are notified in writing as soon as a decision is made. 

Admission requirements vary depending on the program for which the student has applied.

Admission to On-Campus Programs

Transfer Applicants

A transfer student is defined as one who has graduated from high school and has completed any academic work at another college or university prior to coming to Southern Wesleyan. For regular admission to Southern Wesleyan University as a transfer student, the student must submit an official transcript of all academic work from all colleges or universities attended, reflecting a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students with a borderline GPA may be accepted on a conditional basis. High-school transcripts may also be requested at the discretion of the Admissions Office.

Transfer credit is generally accepted from regionally accredited colleges and universities and from postsecondary higher education institutions that are recognized by the US Department of Education, provided such transfer courses meet the degree requirements at Southern Wesleyan University as well as transfer-quality accreditation standards.  Courses that are identified by the institution as intended for transfer must demonstrate comparable course content, comparable learning outcomes, and the nature, content, and level of the course learning experience and its appropriateness must be applicable to the programs offered by SWU.  Southern Wesleyan University reserves the right to deny credit from institutions that are not regionally accredited.

Grades lower than C- will not be accepted in transfer.

Except with special permission, transfer credits may not be among the last thirty-two hours of the degree. (Cooperative program hours count as Southern Wesleyan University hours.)

Substitutes for required courses must be approved by the division chair or the school dean.

Transfer Admissions Requirements

• A completed application form along with a $25 non-refundable application fee. Waivers for this fee include: campus visitors, students receiving an SAT/ACT waiver, students who attend a Wesleyan church, and students who submitted all documents for application review.
• Official university transcripts from all previously attended institutions regardless of credits earned or unearned.
• Regular admission - cumulative collegiate grade point average of at least a 2.0.
• Conditional admission - Grade point average of less than 2.0 will be considered on a case by case basis and must go through the Undergraduate Admissions Committee process for consideration.
• International transfer students requiring an I-20 must also provide TOEFL scores or meet one of the university approved waivers for consideration. Official transcripts of all foreign academic work, evaluated by a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) association member is required for admission.  Additionally, a word-for-word, line-by-line certified English translation of all foreign academic transcripts by an NCAA approved agency is a pre-certification requirement for NCAA eligibility.  
• The final transcript must be sent following the completion of the semester if courses are still in progress at time of application.
• Willingness to conform to the community and lifestyle expectations of Southern Wesleyan University.

International Application Procedures

The following documents must be completed before a letter of acceptance will be considered. The deadline for acceptance is November 1st for Spring Semester and July 1st for Fall Semester:

• A completed application with a US $150 non-refundable application fee or application fee waiver if applicable.

• Official transcripts of all foreign academic work, evaluated by a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) association member. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for a list of association members or visit International Students.  For transfer students, the evaluation must include all foreign university or college transcripts. For freshmen, the evaluation must include all high school transcripts. 

• Official scores from either the SAT or ACT for freshmen.
• Official TOEFL score of 500 (paper test), 61 (online test), or 173 (computer-based test), or official IELTS score of 6. Evidence that English is the student’s primary language may also be considered. IF TOEFL or IELTS are not available, student may request waiver if student meets certain other requirements considered by the university. This waiver request may be obtained from the student’s admissions counselor. Waivers are not guaranteed.

Additional requirements for enrollment at SWU include the following items which should be completed after acceptance:

• Pay a $200 Enrollment deposit.
• Show proof of health insurance.
• Submit a housing form, if living on-campus as a resident student.
• Register to attend New Student Orientation.
• Submit Southern Wesleyan University medical history form, including shot record.
• A housing form and $200 housing-security deposit (resident students only). This should be completed by November 15th for Spring Semester and July 15th for Fall Semester.
•  A declaration of finances form, listing any scholarships and grants being applied toward the educational costs. This should be completed by November 15th for Spring Semester and July 15th for Fall Semester.
• Make a payment equal to the expenses for the first semester. This payment will reflect all expenses not met by institutional financial aid awarded by the university through the Financial Aid Office. Students must also provide proof of funds (certified bank statement in English and USD$) equal to one academic year of costs, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. This should be completed by November 15th for Spring Semester and July 15th for Fall Semester.

After submitting the deposit for the first semester and documentary evidence for the full academic year, the I-20 form will then be issued by a Designated School Official. All items necessary for the processing of the I-20 must be completed by the appropriate deadlines in order for an I-20 to be issued in a timely manner. The deadline for issuing an I-20 for a given semester is November 15th for the Spring and July 15th for the Fall.

International students must also complete steps necessary to gain a student visa prior to enrollment:

1. After receiving the I-20 form, the student must then pay government fees, obtain student visa, and prepare to travel.
   1. For more information regarding the process of coming to the United States, visit studyinthestates.dhs.gov for step-by-step instructions on how to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, request a visa (and pay applicable fees), schedule a visa interview, and prepare to travel to the U.S. For a complete list of documentation necessary for your appointment, visit www.usembassy.gov. Select your embassy to determine your requirements.
   2. For an overview of the entire process, you may also visit travel.state.gov. Click links regarding an “F” visa.
2. After obtaining the student visa, make arrangements to arrive at the university no earlier than Orientation to your start date, and no later than the date on the I-20.

International student-athletes must also complete NCAA eligibility requirements for athletic certification.

A complete list of international student-athlete pre-certification requirements is available on the NCAA.website (http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/international-student-athletes). A word-for-word, line-by-line certified English translation of all foreign academic work is one of the NCAA pre-certification requirements for student-athlete eligibility.  SWU faculty cannot provide certified English translations. To search for ATA (American Translators Association) certified translators, go to www.atanet.org.  SWU recommends students us Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) www.ece.org for certified English translations.  

Admission Status

The admission status of students seeking a degree through the traditional program at Southern Wesleyan University is determined on the basis of academic work, class rank, and national test scores. (For non-traditional programs, see Adult and Graduate Studies.)

Distinction

These students have obtained superior ratings in their high-school academic work by obtaining a GPA of 3.5 or above or ranking in the top 10% of their class and have at least 1200 SAT (combined scores from Critical Reading and Math Section) or 26 ACT.

Regular

These students have completed high-school or college work satisfactorily by obtaining at least a 2.3 GPA or ranking above 50% of their graduating class and have a test score of at least 860 SAT (combined scores from Critical Reading and Math Section) or 18 ACT.

Conditional (Academic Warning)

These students do not meet the requirements for regular admission, but indications suggest that college-level work is obtainable for them. On the recommendation of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee, based on criteria set by the faculty, those admitted in this category will need to meet certain conditions during their first semester at SWU in order to be permitted to continue in good standing. These students will be limited to 12-13 hours the first semester.

Provisional

Upon occasion, a student may be accepted on a provisional basis. This gives permission for a student to register for classes before all of the information has been received to make a full acceptance to the university. Within two weeks of the start of classes, this status must be cleared or acceptable arrangements made with the Admissions Office, or the student will be asked to withdraw from the university for the semester. The student is responsible for room, board, and other charges incurred while on provisional status (regular refund policies apply).

Special (Gateway)

Students not pursuing a degree at Southern Wesleyan University but desiring to take courses may be admitted as special students. Such students include high-school students, continuing-education students, students enrolled at other institutions, and senior citizens. Students admitted as special students may not take more than a total of 18 credits from Southern Wesleyan without applying for regular admission. (See section on “Gateway to Learning” under Special Programs).

Applicants with Disabilities

Southern Wesleyan University recognizes anyone who has a documented impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Southern Wesleyan has appointed a Coordinator of Services to the student with disabilities as well as a Committee for Students with Disabilities. The Coordinator and the Committee are responsible for helping to integrate the student with a disability into the normal academic process.

Prospective students are invited to visit the university to determine how their needs might be met by the campus facilities and services. Additional information is available from the Office of Student Life.

A Word about Harassment of the Disabled

Southern Wesleyan University endeavors to create an environment in which all members of the community are treated with the dignity and respect inherent in their position as creatures made in the image of God. Not only is harassment a violation of federal law, it is contrary to principles of Christian conduct. Consequently, it is the policy of Southern Wesleyan University that harassment of individuals is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. Any form of harassment is absolutely prohibited. (A copy of the Southern Wesleyan policies regarding sexual harassment and harassment of students with disabilities can be found in the SWU Student Handbook.)

Health Policies and Class Attendance

A Southern Wesleyan University physical examination form completed within one year prior to registration, including a complete immunization record, is required of all new students in the On-Campus program. Students are not permitted to register for classes until the physical examination form is fully completed and returned to the Admissions Office. Re-entering students must have on file a physical examination form completed within four years of their re- enrollment. All forms are kept by the campus nurse in the university infirmary.

Additional Information

Requests for general information about the On-Campus program or questions about the application for admission should be directed to:

Director of Admissions Southern Wesleyan University
P.O. Box 1020
Central, SC 29630-1020

-or- 

www.swu.edu.

Specific answers to questions about the on-campus programs may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office at 1-864-644-5550 or 1-800-C-U-AT-SWU.

Admission to SWU Online Undergraduate Programs

In addition to its On-Campus programs, SWU Online offers undergraduate online programs. Admission to these programs is open to transfer students with a minimum 2.0 cumulative combined GPA for all accredited colleges attended or first-time college students who rank in the upper half of their high school graduating class or who earn a General Education (GED) Passing Score (at least 150 on each of the four test subjects). Additional admission requirements vary by degree program.

Associate and Bachelor Degree Programs:

• Submission of a completed application.
• $25 application fee.
• An official high-school transcript if transferring fewer than 15 credit hours from accredited colleges or universities. Minimum high school cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
• Home school students must provide evidence of membership in an approved home school association and provide an official transcript with a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale; otherwise, applicant must submit GED scores.
• Transfer students who have attended other colleges or universities must provide official transcripts¹ from each school attended. Students must have earned a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for all college work attempted ¹ .
• Submission of all military transcripts, if applicable.
• Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet the official TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper test), 213 (computer test), or demonstrate equivalent evidence of proficiency in English, such as an overall band score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS test.
• Satisfactory interview with a designated committee or academic division, if required.

¹International transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency. American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers can do this evaluation, and National Association of Credential Evaluation Services provides a list of approved agencies. From the NACES list, Southern Wesleyan recommends using World Education Services or Josef Silny.

Conditional Admittance

First-time students who do not rank in the upper half of their high school graduating class and transfer students who do not have a minimum 2.0 cumulative combined GPA for all accredited colleges may apply for conditional admittance on appeal to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. Students must appeal in writing, explaining their past circumstances and their plan for success. An interview (in-person, video, or phone) may be required. High school transcripts may also be requested by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. The appeals process occurs only at the student’s request and is not automatically implemented. Students whose appeals are granted may be limited in their course registration or have mandatory requirements for tutoring. The decision of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee is final.

If accepted, these students must maintain a 2.0 GPA over the next two courses of enrollment.

Students Seeking Re-Admission

Students who have been dismissed or suspended, have left on academic warning or probation, have left during the semester without officially withdrawing, or have withdrawn with a GPA less than 2.0 may appeal for re-admittance to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. Students must appeal in writing, explaining their past circumstances and their plan for success. An interview may be required. The appeals process occurs only at the student’s request and is not automatically implemented. Students whose appeals are granted may be limited in their course registration or have mandatory requirements for tutoring. The student’s status may be determined to be probation, academic warning, or good standing, as determined by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. The decision of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee is final.

Traditional Student Enrollment in SWU Online Courses

Students who are enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours on SWU’s residential campus program may take up to two courses/semester in the AGS program, as space is available. AGS summer enrollment is not limited for traditional students but is offered on a space-available basis.

Additional Information

Requests for general information about the SWU Online program or application for admission should be directed to 864-644-5557.

Or inquire at www.swu.edu.

Transfer Policies

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is generally accepted from regionally accredited colleges and universities and from postsecondary higher education institutions that are recognized by the US Department of Education, provided such transfer courses meet the degree requirements at Southern Wesleyan University as well as transfer-quality accreditation standards.  Courses that are identified by the institution as intended for transfer must demonstrate comparable course content, comparable learning outcomes, and the nature, content, and level of the course learning experience and its appropriateness must be applicable to the programs offered by SWU.  Southern Wesleyan University reserves the right to deny credit from institutions that are not regionally accredited.

Grades lower than C- will not be accepted in transfer.

Except with special permission, transfer credits may not be among the last thirty-two hours of the degree. (Cooperative program hours count as Southern Wesleyan University hours.)

Substitutes for required courses must be approved by the division chair or the school dean.

Alternative Sources of Academic Credit

A maximum of 68 credit hours will be awarded to a student in any combination of the following:  College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST (formerly, DANTES Subject Standardized Tests), Advanced Placement (AP) credit, military credit, and departmental exams.  American Council on Education (ACE) standards are utilized to determine minimum credit awarded.

The minimum test scores required and AP, CLEP and DSST transfer course equivalencies are available on the University website.  Course equivalencies are subject to change without notice.  A fee will be charged for granting all CLEP and DSST credit.  Official score reports are required from each testing provider prior to credit being awarded.

Students should discuss their intent to complete an examination and its applicability to the students’ degree program with their academic advisor BEFORE registering for the exam. 

Students completing exams to meet final graduation requirements should plan to take the exam at least six weeks prior to the anticipated graduation ceremony in order to allow time for official score reports to be received.

In-Residence Graduation Requirement

Associate Degree

The Associate of Arts degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit, including required Core Curriculum course work and remaining elective credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.  A minimum of 15 semester hours of credit must be taken by study under the faculty of Southern Wesleyan University.

Bachelor Degree

The Bachelor degree requires completion of a total of 120 semester hours of credit, including required Core Curriculum course work, major courses and remaining elective credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.  A minimum of 32 semester hours of credit must be taken by study under the faculty of Southern Wesleyan University, and except in some cooperative programs, these must be the final 32 semester hours.  At least the last 52 semester hours must be completed in institutions granting the baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree.

International Transfer

International transfer students must provide an official course-by-course evaluation of all foreign university and college transcripts from a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) association member.  Transfer credit may be awarded for courses that meet Southern Wesleyan University’s transfer credit policy.  The final determination for awarding internatinal transfer credits is made by the SWU academic department or dean of the course discipline.

Transfer of Transient Coursework

Current SWU students may request permission to enroll in courses at other regionally accredited insitutions.  Students in the adult evening or online program should contact their academic coordinator for the transient permission form.  Students in the traditional program should complete the Transient Letter Request Form available in MySWU.  Courses completed at a college or university for which the student has not received prior transient approval may not transfer to SWU.  Earned grades of less than C- for undergraduate courses (less than C for ENGL 1003 and 1013, Freshman Composition I and II) and less than B for graduate courses will not be applicable to the student’s degree program.  Except with special permission from the student’s school chair, transient credit earned within the last 32 credit hours of the student’s degree program may not transfer.  The student is responsible for requesting an official transcript from the transient institution upon completion of the course.  The official transcript should be sent to the SWU Office of Academic Records for evaluation.

South Carolina Technical College System Transfer

Statewide transfer agreements facilitate the transfer of academic credits among institutions of higher education.  Southern Wesleyan University is an Academic Partner with the South Carolina Technical College System as part of the Partnership Agreement with SC Technical College System .  As a member in this partnership, Southern Wesleyan University:

• facilitiates the development of detailed articulation guides for transferable programs, collaborates with SC technical colleges with reverse transfer efforts, and cooperates with SC technical colleges to improve academic advising for transfer students;
• recognizes the Statewide Articulation Agreement of 86 Transferable Courses and will guarantee transfer of these courses in which the student earns a minimum grade of C-.
• guarantees junior class standing for SC technical college Associate of Arts and Associate of Science graduates with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

The Transfer Course Guide displays the type of transfer credit awarded by SWU for each transferable course.  If a course does not appear, the student may submit a written request to the Office of Academic Records to have the course content reviewed for possible transferability.