Admissions Policies and Procedures

Chowan University is committed to its responsibility as a liberal arts university within the context of the Christian faith. It seeks to enroll students from a variety of racial, economic, social, religious, and geographic backgrounds.

Chowan University seeks to admit students who are academically qualified for admission, who are compatible with its mission statement, and who will benefit from the academic and social experiences provided by the institution. In addition to being intellectually capable, prospective students should have the level of maturity and self-discipline required to succeed at a 4-year university. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Notifications of admissions decisions are typically made within one week of completion of the applicant’s admissions file. Due to the confidential nature of some items required for admission, Chowan University reserves the right to reject an applicant without stating a reason.

Each applicant is reviewed on an individual basis with emphasis on the applicant’s grade point average, high school rank, course curriculum, SAT 1, ACT, and/or CLT score(s) and extracurricular activities, both inside and outside of school. Chowan University is test optional, therefore we do not require standardized test scores.

All students interested in attending Chowan University are strongly encouraged to visit campus. Visits may be scheduled by e-mailing the admissions office at admissions@chowan.edu, calling 1-888-4-CHOWAN (1-888-424-6926), or registering online at chowan.edu/visit. Campus visits are available Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Special visitation day events are also planned throughout the year. For the complete visitation day and Saturday schedule, please visit Chowan University’s website at chowan.edu/visit or call the Admissions Office at 1-888-4-CHOWAN.

Students interested in receiving printed brochures, and more information about Chowan University may complete an online inquiry form at http://www.chowan.edu/request-info, by emailing the admissions office at admissions@chowan.edu, or may request more information via phone at 1-888-4-CHOWAN.

Students may apply online at chowan.edu/apply.

Admissions Contact Information

Documents can also be uploaded to chowan.edu/forms

Important Codes

Freshman Applicants

The Admissions Office requires that high school students who wish to attend Chowan University on a full-time basis must submit the following: (1) completed application for admission and (2) an official high school transcript. If the SAT 1, ACT, and/or CLT score(s) has been taken, those scores may be submitted as well. Transcripts received from the student, faxed transcripts, or copies of transcripts are considered unofficial. Students who enroll at Chowan University must submit a final, official high school transcript certifying high school graduation no later than the drop/add deadline for their entering semester.

All offers of admission to the university are contingent upon submission of final high school transcripts or proof of high school graduation. GED scores are acceptable. All offers of admission are contingent upon completion of all coursework attempted or pending at the time an offer of admission is made. Applicants who receive less than twelve transferable hours must follow freshman admissions procedures plus submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

The university strongly suggests that freshman applicants successfully complete the following Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) with a minimum of C average or higher:

• English - 4 courses
• Mathematics - 3 courses, Algebra, Algebra II and Geometry, Advanced Math beyond Geometry is strongly recommended.
• Laboratory Science - 2 courses, 1 must be a lab science.
• Social Studies - 2 courses, 1 course in U.S. History is required.
• Foreign Language - 2 years of the same language are strongly recommended.
• AP classes are strongly recommended. Score reports should be sent to the address below and credit is given on a course-by-course basis. Chowan University’s College Board code is 5107.
• Recommendations and essays are not required.

If freshman applicants plan to enroll at Chowan University, a $100 Advanced Tuition Deposit is required. For a student attending the fall semester, the deposit secures the student’s place in Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR). SOAR is a required event for new students that give students an opportunity to meet other new students, register for classes, and attend important sessions related to student life at Chowan University. The Advanced Tuition Deposit is refundable prior to May 1 for fall semester applicants and prior to December 1 for spring semester applicants. To receive a deposit refund, the admissions office must be notified in writing prior to the above dates. Housing assignments will not be made until both the Advanced Tuition Deposit and Housing Preference Form are received.

The Application for Admission can be submitted online at chowan.edu/apply

The Advanced Tuition Deposit can be paid online at chowan.edu/deposit.

Students may also apply online at www.chowan.edu/apply, fax documents to (252)398-1190, or upload to chowan.edu/forms.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

Please refer to the Academic Policies and Regulations section of the catalog for information about Advanced Placement courses and credit.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants who wish to attend Chowan University must submit (1) a completed and signed application for admission, (2) a final high school transcript or GED scores, (4) and an official transcript from each college or university previously attended. Applicants who receive less than twelve (12) transferable hours must follow freshman admissions procedures.

Official transcripts submitted by transfer applicants will be evaluated to determine the number of credit hours that will transfer to Chowan University. Transcripts issued to the student containing the student’s name in the “issued to:” section are not considered official. Official transcripts must be issued to Chowan University. The evaluation will be mailed to the prospective applicant. Additional information about transfer credits is located in the Academic Policies and Regulations section of this catalog.

If transfer applicants plan to enroll at Chowan University, a $100 Advanced Tuition Deposit is required. The Advanced Tuition Deposit secures the student’s place in Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR). SOAR gives students an opportunity to meet other new students, register for fall classes, and attend important sessions related to student life at Chowan University. The Advanced Tuition Deposit is refundable prior to May 1 for fall semester applicants and prior to December 1 for spring semester applicants. To receive a deposit refund, the Admissions Office must be notified in writing prior to the above dates. Housing assignments will not be made until both the Advanced Tuition Deposit and housing preference form are received.

Students may apply for admission online at www.chowan.edu/apply.

Admissions Policies for Music and Music with Emphasis in Music Industry Degree Programs

In addition to following regular admissions procedures and meeting the general admission requirements of the university, the Department of Music has specific policies and procedures for prospective music majors. For more information, please see the Department of Music section of this catalog.

Admissions Policies for Teacher Education Majors

In addition to following regular admissions procedures and meeting the general admissions requirements of the university, the Department of Teacher Education has specific policies and procedures for all students applying to the Chowan University Teacher Education program. For more information, please see the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.

International Students

Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or permanent residents are considered international students. International applicants are required to submit the following: (1) completed and signed application for admission, and (2) an official high school transcript translated into English. Transcripts received from the student, faxed transcripts, or copies of transcripts are considered unofficial. International students who enroll at Chowan University must submit a final, official high school transcript no later than drop/add deadline for their entering semester. All offers of admission to the university are contingent upon submission of final high school transcripts or proof of high school graduation evaluated by a third party for U.S. equivalency. GED scores are acceptable.

International applicants may also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if the applicant’s native language is not English or does not exhibit proficiency in English. International applicants must also provide a statement of financial resources to support educational costs at Chowan University for one academic year. The statement of financial resources must be translated into US dollars and received directly from the applicant’s bank on official stationery within ninety (90) days of transaction history. The I-20 will be issued after the applicant has received an offer of admission to the university and all required documents are received. International applicants must also pay the $100 Advanced Tuition Deposit before an I-20 is issued.

To allow adequate processing time, international students should complete all application materials and be accepted for admission at least 90-days in advance of the beginning of the semester in which they plan to enroll.

It is the sole responsibility of the international student applicant to have all transcripts, certificates, or diplomas from any institutions outside the United States sent to a credentials evaluation agency. The evaluation refers to:

• The quality of the foreign school attended.
• The equivalency of the student’s coursework to our undergraduate degrees.
• The equivalency of the student’s international scores into a U.S. equivalent grade.

A copy of the results for each document must be sent directly to Chowan University from the evaluation service. This is required before an acceptance decision can be determined. Please take into consideration that this process can take several weeks to complete. You can find more information on foreign credential evaluations at SpanTran. (www.spantran.com/). In order to allow adequate processing time, international applicants should complete the application process at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the semester they plan to enroll.

Home School Students

Home school students should submit a portfolio/transcript showing courses taken, grades, extracurricular activities and out of classroom experiences. The portfolio/transcript must indicate the program or programs used in instruction. If courses were taken at a community college, or college/university, official transcripts must be submitted.

Dual Enrollment

High school students with exceptional academic ability may enroll in university courses while in high school. Students must (1) complete the application for admission, (2) submit an official high school transcript, and (3) submit a recommendation from their high school principal or guidance counselor. Students seeking course credit via Dual Enrollment are subject to the availability of space.

Early Admission

High school seniors may be granted early admission as a regular, full-time student if the applicant demonstrates outstanding academic ability. Students interested in early admission must (1) complete the application for admission, (2) submit an official high school transcript, (3) submit SAT or ACT score, and (4) submit a recommendation from their high school principal or guidance counselor. An interview with the Director of Admissions is also required.

Part-time or Special Status Students

Chowan University will admit students who desire to enroll in courses that meet their specific academic needs, subject to the availability of space.

Part-time or special status students may take no more than 11 hours of classes and may not live in on-campus housing. Students must complete and sign an application for admission. Students seeking teacher education certification must provide college or university transcripts to determine his or her plan of study. If the applicant decides to change to full-time status, the student must notify the admissions office immediately and follow full-time admissions procedures.

Readmission for Former Students

A former Chowan University student may gain readmission. These students must (1) complete and sign an application for admission. If the applicant has completed courses at another institution after withdrawing from Chowan University, the applicant must also (2) submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Additional information about transfer credits is located in the Academic Policies and Regulations section of this catalog.

Former students who have been suspended for academic reasons may seek readmission by (1) following the steps outlined above, and (2) submitting a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form to the Office of Admissions. Admissions will forward the form to the Office of Life Skills for action. Additional information about the Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal process is located in the Finances and Financial Aid section of this catalog. No student may gain readmission under this option more than one time.

A former student’s disciplinary record with the Office of Student Affairs and account balance with the Office of Business Affairs are also evaluated for readmission.

Summer Session

Students who wish to enroll at Chowan University for the summer session must (1) complete the application for admission. Students who desire to continue their enrollment for the following fall semester must notify the admissions office and follow admissions procedures for their respective category (freshman or transfer) sending an official high school and/or college transcript. Summer registration must be manually performed by the Registrar’s Office after payment of tuition.

Senior Citizens

Persons 60 years of age or older may take up to nine hours per semester on a space available basis. Applicants who meet the criterion must complete and sign an application for admission. The cost is $150 per semester and any special fees will apply. Students are also required to complete a FAFSA as determined by the Financial Aid Office.

Ordained Ministers

Ordained ministers actively serving a church may take up to nine hours per semester on a space available basis. The cost is $150 per semester and any special fees will apply. Applicants follow the same admissions procedures as freshmen or transfer applicants and provide a copy of their ordination certificate. See the Financial Aid section for more information.

Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR)

All new full-time freshman and transfer applicants who plan to attend Chowan University are required to attend Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR). This event gives new students an opportunity to meet their academic advisor, register for classes, attend important sessions on preparing for college, learn more about the Chowan University experience, and socialize with other new students and members of the Chowan University community. Parents of new students are encouraged to attend this event. Sessions designed for parents will be available. In order to attend SOAR, students must pay the $100 Advanced Tuition Deposit.

Medical Form

N.C. State Law requires that all undergraduate students entering college must have required immunizations. In addition, a licensed medical doctor or nurse practitioner must complete the Medical Form. These documents must be received by the Wellness Center prior to matriculation. Students may submit the Medical Form to the Office of Admissions to be forwarded to the Wellness Center.

International students must present the completed Medical Form and Immunization record upon arrival to campus. Student athletes will not be permitted to practice until the completed medical form and immunization record have been received by the Wellness Center. Students who arrive without prior completion of physical and immunization requirements cannot occupy campus housing or participate in any campus activity.

If for any reason a student needs a physical exam, the minimum cost will be $75, plus the cost of any immunizations.

Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP)

The Admissions Office requires that students who wish to attend Chowan University through the Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP) submit the following: (1) a completed and signed application for admission. Students apply online at www.chowan.edu/apply, (2) an official college transcript demonstrating 30 college level, transferable hours, and (3) an official high school transcript. All offers of admission are contingent upon completion of all coursework attempted or pending at the time the offer of admission is made. Applicants should be 24 years or older. However, those under 24 or those with fewer than 30 transferable credit hours may be admitted upon an evaluation by the ADCP Review Committee.

When all official transcripts are received, students are notified of an admissions decision via mail within 72 hours.

Students may also schedule a one-to-one meeting with an ADCP representative. During this meeting, you can learn more about the ADCP academic program, classroom environment, course schedules, and financial assistance options. To schedule a personal meeting, call 1-888-4-CHOWAN (1-888-424-6926).

School of Graduate Studies

The School of Graduate Studies builds on Chowan University’s strength in undergraduate education. For over 175 years, Chowan University students have excelled in a broad variety of academic disciplines and career fields. The School of Graduate Studies maintains this emphasis on academic excellence, service, and commitment to Christian higher education. Currently, Chowan University offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Education.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

All applicants to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) should submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. A completed School of Graduate Studies application, either paper format or online at www.chowan.edu/school-graduate-studies;
2. A non-refundable application fee of $20.00, payable to Chowan University;
3. An official transcript of all previous academic work beyond high school, to be sent directly from each institution attended;
4. Three professional recommendations;
5. Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Chowan University’s GRE code is 5107 and the MAT code is 2564;
6. A typed, two-page maximum, personal statement describing one’s rationale for pursuing an advanced degree as an educator, along with a description of personal qualities, achievements, and activities that will contribute to success as an educator.
7. Evidence of “A” level North Carolina Teacher’s license or evidence of application for a license;
8. A professional resume or curriculum vitae.
9. International Students also submit:

• A satisfactory TOEFL score, unless English is the student’s native language or the language of college instruction.
• Transcripts, certificates, and/or diplomas from any institution outside the United States. These must first be submitted to World Education Services (WES) for evaluation before being mailed to the School of Graduate Studies.  Application for WES evaluations may be found at www.WES.org. 
• An official Statement of Financial Responsibility, along with a letter from the student’s or sponsor’s bank showing the amount to cover one year of graduate study. The Statement of Financial Responsibility must be translated into U.S. dollars and received directly from the applicant’s bank on official stationary.
• All application materials should be in place at least 90-days in advance of the beginning of the semester.

Procedures

When all documents have been received, they will be reviewed by the Admissions Office, who will then forward completed applications to the Graduate Council.  

The Graduate Council will review applicants and make a decision on each applicant’s admission status.  Students are notified of their admission status as soon as possible.  Due to the confidential nature of some of the items required for admission, Chowan University reserves the right to reject any applicant without stating a reason.

Master of Arts in Teaching

All applicants to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) should submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. A completed School of Graduate Studies application, either paper format or online at www.chowan.edu/school-graduate-studies;
2. A non-refundable application fee of $20.00, payable to Chowan University;
3. An official transcript of all previous academic work beyond high school, to be sent directly from each institution attended;
4. Three professional recommendations;
5. A typed, two-page maximum, personal statement describing one’s rationale for pursuing an MAT.
6. Evidence of completing 24 semester hours of coursework in the licensure area (liberal arts or secondary education with a concentration in English, social studies, mathematics, or comprehensive science);
7. A professional resume or curriculum vitae.
8. International Students also submit:

• A satisfactory TOEFL score, unless English is the student’s native language or the language of college instruction.
• Transcripts, certificates, and/or diplomas from any institution outside the United States. These must first be submitted to World Education Services (WES) for evaluation before being mailed to the School of Graduate Studies.  Application for WES evaluations may be found at www.WES.org. 
• An official Statement of Financial Responsibility, along with a letter from the student’s or sponsor’s bank showing the amount to cover one year of graduate study. The Statement of Financial Responsibility must be translated into U.S. dollars and received directly from the applicant’s bank on official stationary.
• All application materials should be in place at least 90-days in advance of the beginning of the semester.

Procedures

When all documents have been received, they will be reviewed by the Admissions Office, who will then forward completed applications to the Graduate Council.  

The Graduate Council will review applicants and make a decision on each applicant’s admission status.  Students are notified of their admission status as soon as possible.  Due to the confidential nature of some of the items required for admission, Chowan University reserves the right to reject any applicant without stating a reason.

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

All applicants to the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MOL) should submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. A completed School of Graduate Studies application, either paper format or online at www.chowan.edu/school-graduate-studies;
2. A non-refundable application fee of $20.00, payable to Chowan University;
3. An official transcript of all previous academic work beyond high school, to be sent directly from each institution attended;
4. One letter of recommendation from a current or recent supervisor or faculty member that addresses your professional or academic abilities;
5. A typed, two-page maximum, personal statement;
6. A professional resume or curriculum vitae.
7. International Students also submit:

• A satisfactory TOEFL score, unless English is the student’s native language or the language of college instruction.
• Transcripts, certificates, and/or diplomas from any institution outside the United States. These must first be submitted to World Education Services (WES) for evaluation before being mailed to the School of Graduate Studies.  Application for WES evaluations may be found at www.WES.org. 
• An official Statement of Financial Responsibility, along with a letter from the student’s or sponsor’s bank showing the amount to cover one year of graduate study. The Statement of Financial Responsibility must be translated into U.S. dollars and received directly from the applicant’s bank on official stationary.
• All application materials should be in place at least 90-days in advance of the beginning of the semester.

Procedures

When all documents have been received, they will be reviewed by the Admissions Office, who will then forward completed applications to the Graduate Council.  

The Graduate Council will review applicants and make a decision on each applicant’s admission status.  Students are notified of their admission status as soon as possible.  Due to the confidential nature of some of the items required for admission, Chowan University reserves the right to reject any applicant without stating a reason.

Types of Admission Status

Admission for graduate study at Chowan University is granted in the following categories:

Full

An applicant who meets all criteria for admission to the various Master’s degree programs may be granted full admission.  These requirements include the following:

1. A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of M.ED - 2.75, MAT -2.7 , MOL – 2.5.
2. Satisfactory scores on the required standardized entry exam if applicable.
3. Positive recommendations

Notifications of Full Admission will be communicated by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Provisional

If the admissions committee of a graduate program determines that an applicant has failed to meet any of the requirements for full admission, the committee may decide to extend the offer of provisional admission to that applicant. In this case, the admissions committee will communicate a list of conditions that must be satisfied within the first six hours of graduate work completed at Chowan University. Any exceptions to this “six-hour” rule must be approved by the graduate program director at the time of the provisional acceptance decision and indicated in the letter of acceptance. Once the student meets these conditions, he or she will be granted full admission to graduate study at Chowan University. Notifications of Provisional Admission will be communicated by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Special

An applicant who wishes to take courses for professional and/or career enhancement as a non-degree seeker or who desires enrollment to Chowan University to take courses for transfer to the institution in which he or she is enrolled as a degree candidate may be admitted under special status. Non-degree seekers must submit a School of Graduate Studies application and official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions. Students seeking transfer hours must submit a School of Graduate Studies application and a letter from the dean or director of the program in which she or he is regularly enrolled, indicating good standing. The Graduate Council will make admissions decisions concerning those seeking Special Admissions Status.

Online Limitations for F-1 (International) Students

The United States federal government imposes limitations on online course enrollment for F-1 (international) students.

In general, F-1 students may be eligible to take:

• one 3-credit online course, or
• one 4-credit online course in a 4-credit enrollment system
• up to three credits total for 1-credit courses, i.e., three 1-credit courses, or one 2-credit course and one 1-credit course

Students must have on-ground presence throughout the whole academic term. The traditional format for courses is fully on-ground and meets the on-ground course requirements. Other formats such as hybrid and live cast can meet on-ground requirements, but please note the following combinations are NOT acceptable for maintaining full time enrollment:

• One online course + one live cast course
• One online course + one live cast course
• Two live cast courses

​It is important that students contact the Registrar before enrolling in online courses so that they can make an informed decision about their enrollment.