Admission Procedures and Requirements for University College

Students intending to enroll for undergraduate study at University College may obtain an application from the Office of Undergraduate Admission, Saint Leo University, P.O. Box 6665, MC 2008, Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665 or by calling 800/334-5532. The application is available at the University's website, www.saintleo.edu. The University also accepts the Common Application.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission reviews and admits students based on evidence of satisfactory academic performance, including transcripts of high school and college work, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), community service, leadership, work experience, special talents, and evidence of good character as demonstrated in letters of reference. Students offered admission are expected to offer a positive contribution to the University community.

Application Timetable

Priority Application

*Applications for admission are accepted and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. The application due dates are priority dates only.

Application Procedures for Freshmen

In order for applicants to be considered for admission to Saint Leo University, the following documents must be received in the Office of Admission:

1. Application form. Applications submitted according to the priority deadlines outlined in the application timetable will receive priority consideration, but all applications will be processed as quickly as possible regardless of date received. Applications may be obtained from the Office of Admission or from www.saintleo.edu. The Common Application is also accepted.
2. Official high school transcript. The transcript should include at least the first marking period senior grades. Final transcripts are required of all admitted students at the end of the senior year, and transcripts may be requested earlier to monitor an applicant's progress. Transcripts must be mailed directly from the institution to the Office of Admission in a sealed envelope and are subject to verification. Final transcripts reflecting the award of a diploma must also be sent directly from the institution in a sealed envelope and are subject to verification. The Office of Admission will confirm all students’ transcripts arrive from a high school with a CEEB code, as well as with the high school seal and/or signature. If a transcript is from a high school that lacks a CEEB code or seal/signature, the Office of Admission will investigate to confirm the school is recognized by the state department of education or home school association. If the award of a diploma is determined to be invalid, a GED may be required for admission consideration.
3. High school guidance counselor recommendation. The recommendation must be sent to the Office of Admission directly from the secondary school counselor. A recommendation letter from a teacher is an acceptable substitute for the guidance counselor recommendation form. Recommendations may be waived at the discretion of the Office of Admission. Can be waived by Associate Vice President of Enrollment.
4. Application fee of $40 (nonrefundable). The fee should be sent in the form of a check or money order made payable to Saint Leo University. Guidance counselors may submit a College Board fee waiver or letter outlining unique circumstances if the application fee presents a financial hardship to the applicant.
5. Scores from the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing Program (ACT). These scores are required of all domestic applicants and may be submitted directly from either the appropriate testing agency or from the high school guidance counselor. SAT or ACT scores appearing on the official high school transcript will be deemed official. The University is considering only the critical reading and math components of the SAT. The writing portion of the test may be used for placement purposes only.
6. High school athletes who wish to participate in University athletics must receive eligibility clearance from the NCAA Eligibility Center Certification Processing, P.O. Box 7136, Indianapolis, Indiana 46207-7136.

Students are encouraged to visit the campus. Interviews are not required, but a visit enables the candidate to talk with an admission counselor, tour the campus, visit classes, and meet faculty and students. Arrangements for visits may be made by calling the Office of Admission at 800/334-5532 or 352/588-8283, or by e-mailing admission@saintleo.edu.

The Admissions Committee recommends, as a minimum, the following distribution of 16 college preparatory academic units:

*It is strongly recommended that students successfully complete Algebra I and II and Geometry to be considered for admission to full-time undergraduate study.

**In addition to the science requirements listed above, it is strongly recommended that students choosing to major in science complete a course in biology and chemistry in order to be considered for admission to full-time undergraduate study.

Additionally, first-time-in-college students must have at least a 2.5 GPA in college preparatory academic units upon application to Saint Leo University to be considered for admission. An applicant must have a minimum SAT score of 900 or an ACT score of 19 to be considered for admission. If either of these criteria is not met, admission to the University may still be considered, but the student will be asked to schedule an interview with an admission representative.

Sport Business majors must apply for admission into the major and may do so after meeting the basic minimum requirements as outlined in Sport Business, B.A.  for admission into the major. Admission is not guaranteed. Because of the competitive nature of entering the sport business industry, academic progress of students hoping to major in this field is closely monitored during the freshman year.

Early Admission

Saint Leo University welcomes accelerated students to apply for early admission. The University also encourages exceptionally gifted and motivated students to apply whenever it is appropriate.

Generally speaking, early-admission applicants who have accelerated their high school program are eligible to seek admission after completion of their third year in high school. Early-admission applicants must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent, or have arranged with their high school to be awarded a high school diploma after a freshman year in college, and have completed all of the prerequisite coursework, or the equivalent, as required by Saint Leo University. In special circumstances, well-qualified students may substitute test results, portfolios, or other work products for prerequisite coursework.

An early-admission candidate must meet the general admission criteria established for all freshman students. In addition, early admission candidates must:

1. submit a strong letter of recommendation from a high school counselor, psychologist, faculty member, or other professional person familiar with the student's qualifications;
2. submit a letter of support from the parent(s) or guardian(s); and
3. interview with the Vice President for Enrollment. Interviews with other administrators and/or faculty members may also be required.

In addition, unique students who have superior SAT/ACT test scores, outstanding grade point averages, and/or who have been identified as exceptionally gifted or talented may be considered for early admission at any time after completing the eighth grade. These special students must demonstrate the prerequisite skills and knowledge levels predictive of success through documented performance, an independent study portfolio, and/or test scores.

To be admitted, these extraordinary students must also demonstrate the intellectual, social, and emotional maturity to benefit from higher education, and must be deemed developmentally ready for a college learning experience. Saint Leo University is dedicated to developing a cohort of exceptionally gifted, young students and offering them the opportunity for advanced study in a nurturing, stimulating environment with individualized attention. Admission is granted to such students on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Placement

University credit for advanced placement examinations will normally be given in those subjects in which a candidate achieves a score of 3 of higher. Students may receive credits in American history, American government, European history, biology, calculus, computer science, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics, Spanish, and music.

The University Entrance Examination Board advanced placement tests are given during the month of May. Information about schedules, subjects, test sites, and fees may be obtained from high school guidance counselors or from the CEEB Advanced Placement Tests, Box 592, Princeton, NJ 08540. The applicant should request to have the test scores sent directly to the Office of Admission from the testing agency. See the "Advanced Placement Exam " chart for a complete description of advanced placement credit.

International Baccalaureate

Saint Leo University recognizes the academic rigor and attendant motivation inherent in the International Baccalaureate. Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate Program is received most favorably by the Admission Office. Students earning International Baccalaureate diplomas may be considered for admission as sophomores.

Saint Leo University awards 30 semester hours of credit to students who have completed the IB diploma and have obtained a 5, 6, or 7 in their higher-level subjects. Students who do not complete the full diploma will receive six semester hours of credit for higher-level examinations results of 5, 6, or 7 on a case-by-case basis.

Learning Enhancement for Academic Progress (LEAP)

LEAP is designed to assist first-time freshman students who do not meet the regular admissions requirements for Saint Leo University but who exhibit potential for academic success. A limited number of students are admitted to LEAP each year.

In addition to the regular Saint Leo University application materials, students interested in admission to LEAP are encouraged to submit a personal statement indicating the reasons they want to participate in LEAP and why they will be successful at Saint Leo University given their past academic performance. A personal interview with the director of LEAP may also be required. Inquiries regarding the admission to LEAP should be directed to the Office of Admission, Saint Leo University.

LEAP students must:

1. Attend one, 90 minute, one-credit, required learning lab once weekly throughout the fall semester. Students will be placed in a lab according to their class schedule. Upon successful completion of the fall semester, with a 2.0 or better GPA, Learning Lab attendance will be optional in the spring semester. However if at any time the Director feels a student would benefit academically from regular learning lab attendance, the student will be placed accordingly. If a student does not earn a 2.0 or better GPA in fall, lab attendance will remain mandatory in the spring semester. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to use the Learning Resource Center on a regular basis throughout their first year—and beyond—at SLU.
2. Meet weekly with their faculty advisor, and with the director as required.
3. Abide by all University rules and regulations. A recommendation by the Office of Student Affairs that there is cause for dismissal from the University for disciplinary violations will be cause for immediate termination of enrollment.
4. Achieve a 2.0 GPA at the end of the fall semester. If a 2.0 is not achieved, a student may register for a second semester only with the approval of the director and the freshman faculty advisor.
5. Make academic progress at the end of the spring semester in order to continue attendance.

Students who meet all required standards of progress will proceed to the sophomore year without condition in any major for which they qualify. Students interested in majoring in education must meet the guidelines established by the State of Florida.

Home-Schooled Applicants

Saint Leo University recognizes that a growing number of students and families may choose a home-schooling alternative in place of a traditional secondary school experience. In order to assess a home-schooled applicant's likelihood of success at the University, the Office of Admission requires several forms of documentation in addition to the standard application materials.

Applicants for admission who have completed some or all of their secondary education in a home-schooling environment will be required to submit the following:

1. Application form. Applications submitted according to the application deadlines outlined in the application timetable will receive priority consideration, but all applications will be processed as quickly as possible regardless of date received. Applications may be obtained from the Office of Admission or on our web page: www.saintleo.edu.
2. Official high school transcript along with a bibliography of all reading material throughout high school, including textbooks. The transcript should include at least the first marking period senior grades. Final transcripts are required of all admitted students at the end of the senior year, and transcripts may be requested earlier to monitor an applicant's progress. Transcripts must be mailed directly from the institution to the Office of Admission in a sealed envelope and are subject to verification. Final transcripts reflecting the award of a diploma must also be sent directly from the institution in a sealed envelope and are subject to verification. The Office of Admission will confirm all students’ transcripts arrive from a high school with a CEEB code, as well as with the high school seal and/or signature. If a transcript is from a high school that lacks a CEEB code or seal/signature, the Office of Admission will investigate to confirm the school is recognized by the state department of education or home school association. If the award of a diploma is determined to be invalid, a GED may be required for admission consideration.
3. Two letters of recommendation (with at least one of these from an individual outside the applicant's home). The recommendation letters must be sent directly to the Office of Admission. Recommendations may be waived by the Associate Vice President of Enrollment.
4. Application fee of $40 (nonrefundable). The fee should be sent in the form of a check or money order made payable to Saint Leo University.
5. Scores from the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing Program (ACT). These scores are required of all domestic applicants and may be submitted directly from either the appropriate testing agency or from the high school guidance counselor. SAT or ACT scores must be reported directly to the University from the testing agencies. Scores appearing on transcripts will not be deemed official.
6. Portfolio of sample work completed. The portfolio should contain representative writing samples as well as samples of work done for various courses.
7. Personal interview. Home-schooled applicants should interview in person or by telephone with an admission counselor.

Readmission

University College students who voluntarily or involuntarily withdraw from the University for one or more full semesters lose degree-seeking status. Students who wish to return to University College are required to submit an application for readmission to the Registrar's Office at least one month before the intended date of their reentry to the University. Students who have attended another institution during their absence from Saint Leo University are required to have all academic transcripts sent to the Registrar's Office, MC 2278, P.O. Box 6665, Saint Leo, FL 33574.

Students who have been suspended for academic deficiencies or for disciplinary reasons for one or more semesters are required to submit a written appeal and append it to their application for readmission to the Registrar.

Deferred Admission

An admitted candidate may choose to defer admission for up to one academic year in order to pursue other personal interests. An admitted candidate who wishes to defer admission may not attend any other educational institution during the time period in which he or she is deferring enrollment at Saint Leo University.

To defer admission, a written letter of request must be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment. A nonrefundable tuition deposit of $500 must be submitted at the time the request for deferment is made. All deferment requests must be received 30 days prior to the commencement of the term for which the student was originally admitted.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

Students transferring to the University's undergraduate program are required to submit the following materials in accordance with the schedule that appears in the application procedures for undergraduate students:

1. Completed application with nonrefundable $40 application fee.
2. An official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, regardless of the number of credits completed. The transcript must be mailed directly from the institution to the Office of Admission.
3. From the most recent institution attended, a recommendation form must be completed by the Dean of Students or other college/university official who has access to the applicant's disciplinary record attesting to the student's social standing. Recommendations may be waived by the Associate Vice President of Enrollment.
4. If the candidate has fewer than 24 academic credits* at a post-secondary institution, he or she will be required to submit official copies of the high school transcripts with date of graduation (or GED) and standardized test scores.

*Credit will be granted only for courses in which the student received a D or higher at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution.

To be admitted as a transfer student to Saint Leo University, a student must be in good academic and social standing at the institution most recently attended.

Evaluation of Transfer Applicants

Once the application forms and other required records of the applicant are complete and in proper order, the application will be submitted to the Admissions Committee for evaluation. Admission of each applicant will be determined by the Transfer Coordinator and the Director of Undergraduate Admission.

International Student Admission Policies

International students are required to have all documents and credentials submitted in accordance with the schedule in the application timetable for University College or the Division of Continuing Education and Student Services.

Saint Leo University recognizes all international diplomas and credits taken at accredited secondary and post-secondary institutions once all appropriate official documentation and credentials are received and translated (where necessary). Credit is granted in accordance with the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Students presenting diplomas indicating academic work beyond the high school level may receive up to one year of University credit. The Registrar and the academic divisions will determine the exact number and nature of courses granted once course syllabi, catalogs, and credential translations are complete.

English Language Proficiency

All international candidates for admission must prove English language proficiency in at least one of the following:

1. A minimum score 550 (paper based) or 79-80 (Web based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
2. A minimum of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing system (IELTS).
3. A minimum of 450 on the verbal component of the SAT.
4. Grades of B or higher in English composition courses where English is the institutional language of instruction.
5. For transfer students, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States.
6. Successful completion of a NAFSA-recognized ESL program.

Application Procedure for International Students

International students are required to submit the following items to complete an application for admission:

1. Completed application with nonrefundable $40 application fee. Funds must be drawn on U.S. banks and made payable in U.S. dollars.
2. Original or certified copies of examination results, diplomas, and course syllabi. All international transcripts must be evaluated by an evaluation agency. Recommended sources for official transcripts and course evaluations are Josef Silny and Assoc., Inc. (http://www.jsilny.com/html/foreign.htm) or World Education Services, Bowling Green Station, P.O. Box 5087, New York, NY 10274-5087. Phone 212/966-6311. Fax 212/739-6100 (http://www.wes.org).
3. Standardized test scores from either the SAT or the ACT are highly recommended but are not required. The results of these tests will be used in determining scholarship eligibility.
4. Proof of English Language Proficiency. English proficiency may be demonstrated by submitting qualifying TOEFL scores or by meeting other approved criteria in lieu of the TOEFL as outlined above.
5. Letter of recommendation from a teacher, headmaster, or school counselor.
6. Completed Declaration and Certification of Finances indicating there are sufficient monetary resources available to the student to satisfy the costs of attendance at Saint Leo University.

An application for a student visa (I-20) will be mailed to all admitted students upon receipt of the $500 enrollment deposit.

Enrollment Deposit

Students offered admission to the University must submit a nonrefundable $500 enrollment deposit to reserve their place in the entering class. The deposit will appear as a credit toward tuition costs for the student's first term of enrollment. Saint Leo University adheres to the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) guidelines regarding enrollment deposit deadlines.

For students entering in the fall semester, the enrollment deposit is due by May 1. For students admitted after that date, and for students wishing to enroll for the spring semester, the deposit is due within two weeks of the notification of admission.

Deposits can be paid by check or money order, made payable to Saint Leo University. The University also accepts all major credit cards. International students may pay their deposit by international money order or wire transfer.

Once the deposit is received, the University will provide information regarding residence life, on-campus housing, registration procedures, and orientation.

Student Financial Assistance for University College Undergraduate Students

Institutional Scholarship and Grant Aid—A FAFSA must be filed annually to receive any of these awards.

Saint Leo Academic Scholarship—This scholarship is awarded to full-time University Campus students. All students are automatically reviewed for this scholarship at the time of admission. This award is made independent of financial need. The scholarship may be renewed upon continued satisfactory academic performance.

Saint Leo Phi Theta Kappa—A scholarship of $6,000 is awarded to transfer students who are traditional full-time undergraduate day students at University Campus and who are members of Phi Theta Kappa.

Saint Leo Athletic Scholarships—Scholarships are awarded to outstanding athletes who participate in intercollegiate programs. Additional information can be obtained from the Director of Athletics.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition Rates

The charge per credit hour is $480.00 through eleven credit hours. Thereafter, the following applies:

Summer Session Tuition Rates

(TBA)

Fees

Meal Plan

The University provides a boarding program for all resident students. All resident students are required to be on one of the following meal plans:

A limited number of single rooms are available.

Other University Campus Fees

Registration/Transcripts/Withdrawal

Parking Decal

Miscellaneous Fees

*Varies by capstone course.

Course fees may apply.

Students enrolled through University College may, with the permission of their academic advisor, take courses offered through the Division of Continuing Education and Student Services Centers or the Center for Online Learning. When they take courses offered through the Center for Online Learning, they will be charged the Center rate.

Late Fees

Unpaid balances are subject to a late fee of 1 percent monthly (12 percent annually).

Past-Due Accounts

When a student leaves the University owing money, his or her receivable balance is placed in collection status. These accounts may be assigned to an external collection agency after 90 days past due. Students are responsible for all late fees, collection agency costs, and attorney’s fees imposed on delinquent accounts. Transcripts and diplomas will not be released until the account balance is zero.

Methods of Payment for University College Students

All students must pay their tuition and fees in full at the time of registration. The following payment methods may be used:

1. Checks, cash, or debit/credit cards are accepted at the University Campus. Do not mail cash. Payments may also be made via eLion through the University's website. Payment may also be made via the Student Financial Services Call Center at 800/240-7658.
2. Financial aid grants or loans administered by Saint Leo University.
3. Financial assistance from an outside third-party source. To receive credit for this form of aid, students should present written documentation at the time of registration of the amount of the award and the manner in which it is to be paid.
4. Students may also use the Saint Leo University deferred payment plan. Payment plan enrollment is available for the current semester only. Students can enroll in the payment plan via their eLion account under Financial Information. Enrollment is required each semester, and a $35 non-refundable fee applies for each plan. All tuition and fees for the semester must be paid in full before registration for the next semester will be accepted. The deferred payment plan is subject to late fees, as noted below.

Refunds

In case of withdrawal from University College, it is the responsibility of the student to make formal application through the Office of Academic Student Support Services, located in the Student Activities Building, before any refunds will be made. Refunds are calculated on the basis of the amount payable, not on the amount actually paid.

Refunds of tuition as a result of complete withdrawal from University College are made on the following schedule after deductions for nonrefundable amounts:

Tuition

Note that these figures are for University College students only. Continuing Education students should consult Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees , and Center for Online Learning students should consult Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees .

Each student has the prerogative of dropping a course(s) during the drop/add period as published for each term. After the drop/add period and until the published last date for withdrawal, a letter grade of W will be assigned for each course that is dropped. Caution: Students who fall below full-time status, as defined by their degree program and course of study, will be considered part time and may cause the financial aid status to be reexamined. Failure to attend class or merely giving notice to a faculty member will not be regarded as an official notice of withdrawal. Failure to properly withdraw will result in a grade of F. Deadlines for withdrawal from courses are reflected on the published schedule. Course withdrawal does not cancel any student indebtedness to the University.

Refunds of meal plans are calculated as a pro rata amount of the meals not used after the effective date of complete withdrawal from the University.

Laboratory and special course fees are 100-percent refundable if complete withdrawal from the University occurs before the end of the drop/add period. After classes begin, laboratory and special course fees are nonrefundable.

Other nonrefundable amounts are as follows:

All Housing Costs

Refunds for first-time-in-university students who withdraw before 60 percent of the semester has been completed shall be calculated on a pro rata basis as defined by federal regulations.

Appeals regarding refunds shall be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Financial Services, MC 2097, Saint Leo University, P.O. Box 6665, Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665.

Drops, Adds, and Withdrawals for University College

During the drop/add period, students may change courses without a fee. Drops and adds can be done through the online eLion system. Withdrawals must be done through a student's advisor. After the drop/add period of a semester there is a $20 fee for each course withdrawal.

Each student has the prerogative of dropping a course(s) during the drop/add period as published for each term. After the drop/add period and until the published last date for withdrawal, a letter grade of W will be assigned for each course that is dropped. Caution: Students who fall below full-time status, as defined by their degree program and course of study, will be considered part time and may cause the financial aid status to be reexamined. Failure to attend class or merely giving notice to a faculty member will not be regarded as an official notice of withdrawal. Failure to properly withdraw will result in a grade of F. Deadlines for withdrawal from courses are reflected on the published schedule. Course withdrawal does not cancel any student indebtedness to the University.

Saint Leo University reserves the right to cancel the registration of any student who fails to conform to the rules and regulations of the University.

Any student who stops attending any course for which he or she is registered without following the appropriate withdrawal procedures will be counted as an unofficial withdrawal. As a result of unofficially withdrawing, the student will receive a grade of FA—Failure Due to Absences. The Office of Student Financial Services will reduce the student's aid eligibility and refund a portion of the student's financial aid to the original funding source. The midpoint of the enrollment period will be used for the purpose of calculating the return of Title IV funds. The student will be responsible for repayment of all outstanding loans to any lender and will be responsible for payment of the tuition and fees associated with the course. A student who earns an FA grade earns no credit, and the FA is counted in the same manner as an F grade on the student's grade report.

Saint Leo University does not recognize an unofficial withdrawal for purposes of determining an institutional refund or a change of grade to W—Withdrawn. If the review of the unofficial withdrawal determines that the student did not begin the withdrawal process or otherwise notify the school of the intent to withdraw due to illness, accident, deployment, or other circumstances beyond the student's control, the school will determine a withdrawal date from its consideration of the circumstances.

Withdrawal from the University

If University College students find it necessary to withdraw from the University for any reason, they must do so officially through the Academic Advising Office, located in room 320 of St. Edward Hall, to obtain honorable academic withdrawal.

Withdrawal forms are available in the Student Affairs office for University College students, and the procedure outlined thereon must be followed. Division of Continuing Education and Student Services students should contact their academic advisor to withdraw from the University. Students who fail to carry out the specified procedures will be considered to be continuing students and may receive a failure (F) in all courses for the semester in which they registered.

Because early withdrawal cannot be officially recognized until the student completes the procedures for withdrawal, there can be no refund, if any applies, until the form is filed and receipted. The effective date of withdrawal will be the date the completed form is submitted.