Admission to the Center for Online Learning

Applicants with less than 12 credit hours of earned undergraduate post-secondary education who wish to qualify for admission as a fully matriculated, degree-seeking student at the Center for Online Learning must submit an application package including a completed application form and one of the following:

First Time in College (FTIC) 21 years of age and older must submit one of the following by the application deadline:

• An official secondary school transcript
• An official GED score report

FTIC applicant under the age of 21 must submit one of the following by the application deadline:

• An official secondary school transcript
• An official GED score report

In addition, an applicant in this category must submit the following:

• An official ACT/SAT score report (usually found on official high school transcripts)
• A letter of recommendation
• A graded essay

FTIC applicant on military active duty or reservist must submit the following by the application deadline:

• A DD-214 and/or an official military training transcript

FTIC students who complete the application form but fail to submit all supporting documentation prior to the application deadline for a given term may be conditionally admitted for that term. In order to for the student to re-enroll for a subsequent term, all required documents must be received by the registration deadline for that term.

Students transferring to the Center for Online Learning who have at least 12 credit hours of earned undergraduate post-secondary education may also qualify for admission as a fully matriculated, degree-seeking student in the absence of any of the documents required above. Applicants must submit an application package including the following:

• a completed application form
• official transcripts from all post-secondary education institutions attended showing at least 12 credit hours of post-secondary academic earned credit with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above from regionally accredited two- or four-year post-secondary institutions.

Coursework qualifying as academic credit must be courses normally acceptable for admission as a matriculated transfer student and may not be vocational or remedial in nature. No experiential learning, including time-in-grade, time-in-service credit, or other certificate or training programs, will meet the standard of qualification for unconditional admission, high school or GED requirements, or for transfer credit unless such work is recognized in the American Council of Education (ACE) Guidebook.

Center for Online Learning transfer students must submit Official Transcript Release Authorization form(s) in order to be conditionally admitted for two consecutive terms. In order to re-enroll for a subsequent term, all official transcripts must be received by the registration deadline for that term.

Conditional admission to the University also may be granted at the discretion of the Center Director. Conditional admission may be made if the prospective student does not qualify for admission by meeting the usual requirements but, in the opinion of the admission counselor or the Center Director, has qualifications that lead to the belief that academic success is a reasonable expectation. Conditionally admitted students will be considered for full admissions status upon the completion of 18 credit hours of undergraduate, non-remedial courses at Saint Leo University within two academic years. If the student has maintained a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 (GPA) and has no grades below a D, that student will meet the conditions for full admissions and will be allowed continued enrollment in the University.

If applicants meet none of the criteria for admission, they may enroll in courses as non-degree-seeking students. Upon completion of 18 credit hours of non-remedial coursework with Saint Leo University, the applicant may reapply for admission to the University.

The Center for Online Learning enrolls a limited number of students who wish to take selected courses for credit but who do not want to study for a degree. These students must complete an application and indicate that they are not degree seeking. Non-degree-seeking students are limited to 18 credit hours with Saint Leo University.

Veterans eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) educational training benefits must be in a degree-seeking status in order to qualify for VA benefits. Admission requirements may also be imposed by providers of financial aid or military tuition assistance.

Admission Procedure

Individuals interested in applying for degree-seeking status with the Center for Online Learning should apply online at http://online.saintleo.edu. A qualified applicant will be considered to be matriculated (classified as degree seeking) when the following materials are submitted or received and approved by the Center Director or designee:

1. Completed application form;
2. Application fee (nonrefundable);
3. Documentation of high school or GED completion. For transfer students, this may be documented by the transcript of the previously attended university;
4. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities (the Center for Online Learning will obtain official transcripts from U.S. colleges and universities in the student's behalf); and
5. Other transfer credits can be granted with the receipt of all appropriate documents, including:

Documentation to support the granting of University credit from such sources as:

• CLEP, DANTES, GED college-level examinations, USAFI examinations, Regents Standardized Examinations, or advanced placement (AP) examinations.
• Documentation for evaluation of nontraditional transfer credit (including military training on a U.S. Army-AARTS transcript, a validated DD Form 295, Navy-Marine Corps SMART document, or Community College of the Air Force CCAF Transcript).
• Other relevant documentation as needed (veterans/retirees should include a DD Form 214).
• Licensure documentation to support the granting of University credit for some occupational courses. University credit is available to members of the military services upon presentation of proof of completion of service-related courses and/or training schools and to law enforcement officers who have completed coursework in the FBI National Academy, local law enforcement academies or other training, police institute, and certified polygraph schools. Verification of coursework is obligatory in order to obtain credit. Nontraditional sources of credit have specific limits (see Nontraditional Transfer Credit ).

Once all of a student's documents are received at the Center for Online Learning, the Admissions Committee will review the student's application and the student will be notified of the admission decision. Upon completion of the Registrar's evaluation, students will have access to their program evaluations online via the Saint Leo Portal and eLion. This evaluation will include courses for which transfer credit has been granted and courses left for degree completion.

In order to file for veterans' benefits or to be eligible for most other types of financial aid, a student must first be admitted to the COL. Service members using tuition assistance have a reimbursement limit of 15 semester hours, unless they become degree seeking and obtain a Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Agreement.

As with Saint Leo University's other programs, there is a minimum residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours. The residency requirement means that students must earn 30 credit hours at Saint Leo University. All credit may be earned online.

International Students Admission Policies

International students are required to have all documents and credentials submitted to the Center for Online Learning. 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 will have academic work evaluated by the Registrar. The Registrar will determine the exact number and nature of courses granted once the international evaluation is received. Please see the application packet for a complete list of approved international evaluation agencies.

English Language Proficiency

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

1. A minimum score of 550 (paper based) or 213 (Web based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
2. A minimum of 6.0 on the International English Language Test 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 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 NASFA-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 application fee. Funds must be drawn on U.S. banks and made payable in U.S. dollars.
2. Original international evaluation from an approved international evaluation agency (please see the application packet for list of approved evaluators).
3. 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.

Change of Residency

A student wishing to enroll in courses at another University center or campus must apply for a change of residency. To complete an application for a change of residency, please log into http://mysaintleo.edu. Click on the "UTS Help Desk" link in the left-hand navigation bar. Follow the posted instructions to fill out the form. Please note that a change in residency may result in a change of tuition rates. Consequently, a student should not complete the application until his or her student account at the prior resident center or campus is settled. Saint Leo University reserves the right to deny a student's application for change of residency if the student violates any University policy or fails to stay current on his or her student account.

Changes of residency requests are not automatically granted and are made at the discretion of the Vice President for Enrollment or the Center for Online Learning Director.

Enrollment/Re-enrollment and Registration

Enrollment/Registration

New students seeking to enroll in Saint Leo University can contact a program representative at 888/875-8265. For more information, go to the Center for Online Learning website: http://online.saintleo.edu.

Re-enrollment/Registration

Continuing students can re-enroll by using Saint Leo University's online registration system, eLion, at http://elion.saintleo.edu.

Before official registrations are completed, course selections are checked to make sure that the necessary prerequisites are met. Obtaining academic advisement and early registration is highly encouraged because many course selections close out early. COL students are not considered registered until they have paid for their courses (their share and documentation for any third-party payment of the remainder). Active-duty military tuition assistance requests normally take at least 24 hours to be processed and approved.

Students carrying a course load of two courses (six semester credit hours) are considered full time; those taking one course (three semester credit hours) are considered part time. A course load of three courses requires approval and a 3.0 GPA or higher. To take four courses, students must obtain permission from a Center for Online Learning administrator. A four-course load is approved only under unusual circumstances.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

***Varies by capstone course.

Textbooks and Materials Fees

Saint Leo uses MBS (Missouri Book Services) as its book vendor. Financial aid students are able to buy their books using their anticipated financial aid credit (if their financial aid award exceeds tuition charges for the term). Financial aid students who wish to buy their books using their financial aid credit must wait until after they receive their book vouchers to purchase their books. Financial aid students will receive, via their Saint Leo e-mail account, a voucher number from MBS Books (VB@MBSBooks.com) with the Subject of the e-mail being "Use your STUDENT ALLOCATION to order your books online." Students who are purchasing their books by credit card can do so when registration opens. Students can access the MBS website at http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/saintleo.htm.

Withdrawal and Refund Policies

To withdraw from a class or classes, students must complete an Official Course Withdrawal Form online. Students have the prerogative of dropping a course until the end of the first week of classes without financial penalty or grade, and after that students will receive only a partial refund of tuition (see below), and a grade of W is assigned until the final published date for withdrawing (the last day of week 6). The grade will be reflected on the transcript, but not calculated into the grade point average. Failure to properly withdraw will result in a grade of FA. Deadlines for withdrawal from courses are reflected on the published schedule below. 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, he or she 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.

Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees

Refunds for Saint Leo University students who withdraw before 25 percent of the term/semester has been completed shall be calculated on a pro rata basis as defined by federal regulations.

Refunds of tuition for withdrawal from courses are given according to the following schedule. Note that if you are enrolled at a Saint Leo University Continuing Education Center and/or online program in Georgia, South Carolina, and/or Virginia, please proceed to the applicable schedule.

Tuition:

100% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs by the end of the add/drop period.

75% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after add/drop and before the end of week two.

No refund for any course with withdrawal after the end of week two.*

*Policy does not apply to students enrolled at a Saint Leo University Continuing Education Center and/or online programs in Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia.

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

Refunds due students who have credit balances in their tuition account will automatically be issued within 14 days. 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.

Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees (Georgia and Virginia)

Refund policy for students enrolled in courses at Saint Leo University Continuing Education Centers and/or online programs in Georgia or Virginia.

Refunds of tuition for withdrawal from courses are given on the following schedule:

Tuition:

100% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs by the end of the add/drop period.

75% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after add/drop and before the end of week two.

50% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after the end of week two and before the end of week four.

No refund for any course with withdrawal after the end of week four.

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

Refunds due students who have credit balances in their tuition account will automatically be issued within 14 days. 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.

Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees (South Carolina)

Refund policy for students enrolled in courses at Saint Leo University Continuing Education
Centers and/or online programs in South Carolina.

Refunds of tuition for withdrawal from courses are given on the following schedule:

Tuition:

100% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs by the end of the add/drop period.

75% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after add/drop and before the end of week two.

62% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after the end of week two and before the end of week three.

50% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after the end of week three and before the end of week four.

40% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after the end of week four and before the end of week 5.

No refund for any course with withdrawal after the end of week five.

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

Refunds due students who have credit balances in their tuition account will automatically be issued within 14 days. 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.

Add/Drop/Withdrawal

Registered students may add courses until the first day of classes. To receive a full refund, courses should be dropped before the end of the first week of classes. Registered students are automatically "dropped" from classes if not logged in during the first week of classes.

The University reserves the right to cancel a course for which there are insufficient enrollments. Students will be notified via e-mail or telephone, and any tuition and fees paid for a course that has been canceled will be refunded if the student does not register in a replacement course.

Withdrawal with an Excuse

If a student is active-duty military and receives unexpected TDY orders during the semester, an excused withdrawal is available without financial penalty by providing orders of the duty to the Saint Leo University Center for Online Learning. Students may re-enroll for the same class at a later date without penalty. During this time, the Center for Online Learning will hold the tuition. These circumstances must be reported to the issuing Tuition Assistance office in order to avoid repayment of the Tuition Assistance portion of the bill.

Financial Aid

Students can log on to www.saintleo.edu and click on "Financial Aid," call the Office of Student Financial Services at 800/240-7658, or e-mail finaid@saintleo.edu. The mailing address is Saint Leo University Student Financial Services Office, P.O. Box 6665, MC 2228, Saint Leo, FL 33574.

Loan Deferment/Verification

Students must request loan deferment/enrollment verification forms from the institution requesting verification. Saint Leo University does not provide loan deferment or enrollment verification forms. All deferments must go to the Registrar's Office on the University Campus. No deferment or verification forms may be processed by the Center for Online Learning.