Admissions

Fresno Pacific University welcomes those students who qualify academically, who demonstrate physical and emotional capacity for university work, who accept the purposes and standards of the university and who would benefit from a Christian university education. Students are admitted without discrimination as to race, color, nationality, creed or sex.

Baccalaureate Programs

Fresno Pacific University offers two baccalaureate programs for students to choose from. The traditional undergraduate program is designed for students coming from high school or transferring from another institution. The Degree Completion program is designed for students who have work experience and desire to finish their college education in an evening or online accelerated program. In addition to these degree programs, the Intensive English Language Program offers a pre-baccalaureate language program for international students who desire to study English at an American university.

Students in either the traditional undergraduate track or the degree completion track must apply in order to move their enrollment into the other track. Students need to meet the full admission requirements for the new track. Courses completed in one track will be evaluated to determine whether or not they transfer to the other track. Transfer credit evaluations are made by the Registrar's Office in conjunction with the academic department heads.

Traditional Undergraduate Programs

Admission Policy

Students applying to a traditional undergraduate program should present a record of achievement that documents their academic experiences and their extra-curricular and/or community activities. Skills in critical thinking, communication, reading, and a solid foundation in writing and mathematics are highly desirable. The admission office takes the following criteria into consideration when evaluating applicants:

• Academic achievement in high school and/or post-secondary education (GPA, course selection, academic rigor, and class rank)
• Achievement test scores (SAT and/or ACT)
• Responses to required essay questions.
• Recommendations from high school guidance counselors, teachers, and community leaders.

Prospective first time college students are strongly recommended to have the following high school courses as minimum preparation for college-level study at Fresno Pacific University.

• 4 years of college preparatory English
• 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
• 3 year of foreign language
• 2 years of social studies
• 1 year of laboratory science
• 1 year of visual and/or performing arts

Application Process

Application for admission and required materials should be submitted as early as possible. Application deadlines are as follows:

• Fall Term
  • Priority Application Deadlines: December 1 and March 1
  • Regular Application Deadline: August 15
• Spring Term
  • Priority Application Deadline: December 1
  • Regular Application Deadline: January 5

Applications received after the regular application deadline may be deferred to the next term of enrollment. Student notification is made on a rolling basis throughout the year beginning October 1 for the following fall term of entry. Students may apply for admission online at www.fresno.edu/apply.

An application for admission may be submitted after completion of the sixth semester of high school. Students who have completed any college course work (excluding summer courses taken after high school graduation but before fall college start) in subsequent semesters/terms following high school graduation will be considered for transfer admission.

To apply to a baccalaureate program, the following documents must be submitted before an application will be reviewed:

• A completed application for admission along with a $40 non-refundable application fee.
• Two essays as indicated on the application for admission.
• Official transcript(s) of all credits earned in high school and in any college or university previously attended.
  • High school transcripts should reflect work through at least six semesters of high school to be considered.
  • Prior to starting classes, a final transcript establishing graduation or the equivalent (e.g., GED) and final grades must be received by the admission office.
  • Students who have not earned a high school diploma will be considered for admission based on certificates acquired through the General Education Development Tests (GED) or the California High School Proficiency Examination.
  • Transfer students are required to submit a high school transcript
  • Official transcript(s) from each post-secondary school attended (college or university).
  • Veterans seeking benefits must submit a DD214 and military transcripts.
  • Achievement Test Scores – Official score reports from the SAT and/or ACT should be sent directly to FPU.
  • Transfer applicants are not required to submit achievement test scores. For transfer students with less than 24 transferable units, test scores are strongly recommended.
  • Register for the SAT at www.sat.org and the ACT at www.act.org
    • FPU SAT Code: 4616
    • FPU ACT Code: 0357
• Reference or recommendation form as indicated on the application for admission.

When all required admission materials are on file, the admission committee will review the materials and notify the applicant in writing of its decision – usually within 3 weeks of the file being completed. Acceptance to Fresno Pacific University does not guarantee later admission to a specific academic program (if applicable).

Additional Information

• All application materials are kept on file for two years and become property of Fresno Pacific University.
• Transcripts received from other institutions will not be returned to the student or released to another institution or third party.
• Admitted students may elect to defer their enrollment for one year by notifying the admission office.
• If a student is denied admission, they may reapply after one academic year (unless otherwise stipulated in their denial letter).
• An appeal of an admission decision can be made in writing to the Director of Undergraduate Admission. Applicants must provide new and compelling evidence not previously considered. The appeal will be reviewed by the Vice President of Enrollment Services and the Admissions Selections Committee.

Admission to the University

Freshman applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for regular admission:

1. A minimum grade point average of 3.1 in high school. Grade point averages are determined by the university.
2. A minimum of a 900 SAT total score (critical reading and math only) or ACT composite score of 19. (NOTE: These scores are subject to change without notice pending updates from the College Board on scoring standards.)

Regular Admission

Standard admission with no restrictions.

Provisional Admission

Students who do not qualify for regular admission may be evaluated on an individual basis for provisional admission. They may be required to take certain college preparatory classes as part of their curriculum.

Transfer Students

Students who have completed any college coursework following high school graduation (with the exception of the summer between graduation and the beginning of that fall semester) are considered for admission as transfer students.

Fresno Pacific University takes into consideration the accreditation of the school attended as well as the general quality of the course work. Transfer students will receive credit for classes from an accredited college or university based on official transcripts submitted by the student and any transfer agreements that may be in place with other institutions. For students who have attended an institution that does not have regional, national, or international accreditation accepted by FPU, transcripts will be evaluated upon request. For more information, see the Academic Policies and Registration  section.

Acceptance for admission as a transfer student is determined by evaluation of all required documents. To be granted admission solely on college-level academic work, students must complete a minimum of 24 transferable units with a 2.4 academic GPA. If fewer than 24 transferable units have been completed, admission will be reviewed in accordance with the student's total academic record in both high school and college-level work.

Home School Students

Fresno Pacific University welcomes prospective students who have received a home school based education. Homeschooled students should follow the application steps listed above. Homeschooled students must submit a transcript of documentation showing that they have completed a comparable high school/college preparatory curriculum. This may be established through the following:

• A transcript through an agency or association recognized by Fresno Pacific University that issues transcripts as part of its function.
• Successful passage of the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test or California Proficiency Exam.
• A transcript of high school level courses completed.
  • Must include activity from 9^th grade forward, the course name, a grade for the course, and a cumulative grade point average.
  • A final transcript showing completion, graduation date, and final classes must be submitted prior to attendance.
  • All transcripts must be signed and dated by the primary home educator.

Criminal History Check

All applicants must disclose any criminal history as part of the application process. A written statement explain the circumstances, dates of incident(s) and charges(s) is required. A criminal history check and an interview may also be required. If a criminal history check is required it may be done at the applicant's expense. Admission decisions for applicants with criminal histories will be made by the Admissions Special Circumstances Committee.

Placement Examinations

Traditional undergraduate applicants may be required to take additional placement tests in English, mathematics, and/or foreign language. Placement may also be determined by achievement test scores or transfer credit.

Re-Admission

Students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester will be required to re-apply for admission to FPU. Students can re-apply by submitting a readmission application form to the undergraduate admission office along with a $15 non-refundable application fee. Students who have attended another educational institution during his/her absence will be required to submit official transcripts before an admission decision will be made. The admission committee cannot make a decision on a student who is reapplying if there are any holds on their file, including student accounts, student life, or academic. These should be resolved before re-admission.

Non-Matriculating/Non-Degree Seeking Students

A non-matriculating or non-degree seeking student is someone interested in taking classes, but does not want a degree from FPU. Often these are students who have degrees but want to take additional classes for personal or professional development. Students desiring to apply as a non-degree seeking student need to submit an application for admission indicating non-degree status and provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent. Non-degree seeking students are limited to 2 classes or 6 units per semester for 2 semesters and may register for these classes no more than 7 days prior to the start of the term. If students transition into an FPU degree program, they may not apply more than 9 units towards their degree. Class pre-requisites may apply and students must adhere to the academic policies and student life guidelines in place at the time of enrollment. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for any federal, state, or institutional financial aid.

Audit

New students wishing to audit a class can submit an application for admission indicating audit status. Students auditing a class are not eligible for financial aid. Auditing a class will not impact a student's GPA and they will not receive course credit.

Enrolling in the University

All newly admitted traditional undergraduate students will be asked to submit an enrollment deposit as an indication of intent to enroll. The enrollment includes an orientation fee as well as a payment that is applied to the student's account. The enrollment deposit is refundable until May 1 prior to the fall term of enrollment and December 1 prior to the spring term of enrollment.

Admitted students will receive housing and health forms (if applicable). Students planning to live on campus must submit a room reservation deposit. This deposit is refundable until May 1 prior to the fall term of enrollment and December 1 prior to the spring term of enrollment. This deposit serves as a room damage deposit and is returned at the time a student leaves FPU housing, provided there are no damages requiring repairs. Health information must be received prior to the start of classes or moving into a residence hall.

Four Year Graduation Guarantee

Students who earn their bachelor's degree in four years get a head start toward achieving their personal goals, entering top graduate schools and becoming leaders in their professions and communities. Fresno Pacific University will guarantee graduation within four years to qualified students entering the traditional undergraduate program. FPU commits to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. Students who fulfill their responsibilities and are not able to graduate in four years will receive the needed courses in the next semester at no cost in tuition or student fees. This guarantee further demonstrates that a degree from FPU is an excellent investment in academic quality as well as professional and ethical development. Questions about the guarantee may be directed to the student success coordinator in the Office of Student Success and Retention.

Limitations/Extensions

The guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.

• Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
• This guarantee does not apply to "fifth-year" programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor degree.
• The guarantee does not apply to transfer or degree completion students.
• Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
• The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence  section) for medical, military or personal reasons.

Student Responsibilities

• Meet with your mentor and sign up for the guarantee during the fall semester of the freshman year. Contact the student success coordinator for more information.
• Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower- division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
• Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
• Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
• Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the advisor/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
• Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
• Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
• Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
• Keep the student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
• Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies  section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.

Collegiate Credit For High School Students

Students interested in taking college courses while pursuing a high school diploma may apply for the Collegiate Credit for High School Students program. This program is designed for high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate preparation for college-level coursework. High school juniors and seniors who have taken advanced placement courses or hold cumulative grade point averages (GPA) of 3.5 or higher are eligible to enroll. In addition to the regular semesters, high school students are eligible for the summer session prior to their junior year and the summer session between their junior and senior years. Interested students must:

1. Submit the High School Student Application for Collegiate Credit to the Admissions Office, including:
   1. endorsement of high school counselor
   2. endorsement of parent or legal guardian (if below 18 years of age)
2. Provide a sealed official high school transcript
3. Submit one letter of recommendation from a non-family member (example: pastor, school counselor, instructor, etc.)

Please note:

• High school students may only enroll in 100 level courses with the exception of JCC/Bible 100, which would not be considered.
• There is a registration limit of two courses for each semester.
• All students' credits and grades are recorded in the Office of the Registrar.
• Financial aid is not available for this program. This program will be based on reduced tuition rates determined on an annual basis.
• All tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration.
• Students must follow the regular admission procedure, pay applicable tuition and fees and meet program requirements at the time they wish to enter a degree program at Fresno Pacific University.

Degree Completion Program

The Degree Completion program is an accelerated, evening or online adult bachelor's degree program, encompassing major, general education and elective courses in online, face-to-face and cohort formats.

Admissions Policies

1. Acceptance for admission to the Degree Completion general education program is determined by evaluation of all required documents. Students must be two years post-secondary, have a minimum of 6 transferrable baccalaureate level units and have a minimum 2.40 academic GPA to begin their pre-major courses.
   1. Students not meeting the admissions requirements may be considered for admission by the Degree Completion Admissions Selection Committee.
   2. Students with a GPA between 2.00-2.39 on 6 or more transferrable baccalaureate level units may be required to take CP 150 - University Success  and obtain a satisfactory passing grade.
   3. Students with less than 6 transferrable baccalaureate level units must provide.
   4. Additional documents if requested by the Degree Completion Selection Committee. Additionally, students may be required to complete CP 150 - University Success  and obtain a satisfactory passing grade.
   5. Students without a high school diploma or equivalent will need to pass the California High School Proficiency Examination (or other approved tests). Students may also be required to take CP 150 - University Success  and obtain a satisfactory passing grade.
2. Students must have 60 transferrable baccalaureate units and a 2.40 academic GPA to be eligible to start their chosen major program.
   1. Students with 54-59 transferrable baccalaureate units and/or an academic GPA less than 2.4 may be eligible to begin a major cohort by petition and approval from the major's program director. This does not affect a student's admission to the university.
   2. Students having less than 54 transferrable baccalaureate units may petition the Degree Completion Academic Committee for beginning the major cohort.
3. Any other exceptions to the admissions standards may be considered for admission with requirements through appeal to the Degree Completions Admissions Selection committee. Specific course work may be required before entering a program.

International applicants must meet the English proficiency requirements listed in the International Student Applicant section below.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for admission should request application materials by contacting the university by phone or by applying online. Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file.

Those in need of financial aid should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Further information and instructions for financial aid applications may be obtained from the Student Financial Services Office. (See the section on Financial Aid .)

Documents

To apply to a baccalaureate program, the following documents must be submitted:

1. An application for admission with the nonrefundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts from each college or university attended, as well as verification of high school graduation via transcripts or high school diploma. (Veterans seeking benefits must submit a military transcript and DD214.)
3. Recommendation form.

In some circumstances, students may be required to submit a background check. Documents for admission may be received at any time. New cohorts (major programs) begin with the start of each semester, with some exceptions. General education and elective courses begin eight times during the year.

Notification of Admissions

Students who have applied for admission will receive a letter notifying them of their admission soon after all relevant information and documents—application form and fee, at least one recommendation, transcripts—are on file in the proper admissions office. Meeting admissions requirements does not guarantee admission. After the student has been notified of acceptance, the following steps should be taken:

Send final transcripts of work completed subsequent to the time of application to the university Registrar's Office.

Students will be required to take an English writing test to assess writing ability. Based on the student's score, an additional writing class may be required.

Readmission

To reenter the degree completion program after being inactive for one semester without an authorized leave of absence, the student must reapply by completing a program reentry form. The student's advisor and program director will determine if the student may readmit and any conditions for readmission. Once approved, the student will be admitted under the current academic catalog and may enroll in classes as determined through the reassessment process. If a student has been inactive for more than a five-year period, the student must go through the entire admissions process. New transcripts will need to be provided from any institutions that the student has attended since being an active student at Fresno Pacific University. The current tuition rate will be in effect.

International Student Applicants

International Undergraduate Admissions

An international student is defined as any student who is not a United States citizen or a United States permanent resident.

If you are planning to enroll at FPU on an F-1 student visa, please refer to the instructions below. If you have a different status, please contact the international admission specialist to verify what requirements you will need to meet.

Application Process

International students are encouraged to submit all application materials, transcripts, and recommendations at least 3 months prior to the first semester of enrollment at Fresno Pacific University to ensure there is enough time to obtain a visa.

To apply to a baccalaureate program as an international student, the following documents must be submitted before an application will be reviewed:

• A completed application for admission along with a $40 nonrefundable application fee.
• Two essays as indicated on the application for admission.
• Official transcript(s) of all credits earned in secondary education. Verification of completion is required.
• Official transcript(s) from each post-secondary school attended (college or university) along with a certified English translation and evaluation.
• International standardized English test (TOEFL or IELTS) score report, or transcript from the completion of the Intensive English Language Program at Fresno Pacific University that establishes English language proficiency
• International students are encouraged to take the ACT or SAT test if available. It is not required however they may be considered for more academic financial aid if scores are submitted.
• Reference or recommendation form as indicated on the application for admission.
• Financial certification form that includes an affidavit of financial support along with corresponding bank documents.
• Copy of current passport (must be valid for the student's entire stay in the U.S.)

When all required admission materials are on file, the international admission committee will review the materials and notify the applicant of its decision. Acceptance to Fresno Pacific University does not guarantee later admission to a specific academic program (if applicable).

Additional Information

• All application materials are kept on file for two years and become property of Fresno Pacific University.
• Transcripts and evaluations received from other institutions or credentialed agencies will not be returned to the student or released to another institution or third party.
• Admitted students may elect to defer their enrollment for one year by notifying the admission office.
• If a student is denied admission, they may reapply after one academic year (unless otherwise stipulated in their denial letter).
• An appeal of an admission decision can be made in writing to the Director of International Admissions. Applicants must provide new and compelling evidence not previously considered. The appeal will be reviewed by the Vice President of Enrollment Services and the Dean of Student Life.

F-1 Student Visa

After the student has been notified of acceptance, the following steps should be taken in order to be issued documents needed to apply for a visa:

1. Submit a $175, nonrefundable confirmation deposit. ($125 applied to account, $50 applied to orientation)
2. Request express mail for your documents. The link with express mail options will be provided upon acceptance notification.

English Proficiency Requirements (All baccalaureate students)

The university reserves the right to require English testing and/or support classes if application materials and interviews indicate that the student's level of English proficiency may not be sufficient for university studies. In addition, faculty at FPU may require students to take English support classes if students appear to be having difficulty in their studies. The student's ability to communicate in English is important for success in studies at FPU. If, while in undergraduate classes, it is determined that the student's ability to communicate and participate in English is below the necessary institutional standard, the student may be referred to the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) program director who may require the student to enroll in IELP courses. Due to the nature of the accelerated courses in the degree completion program, students must meet the English proficiency requirement prior to admission to any courses, including general education and elective courses. Students must demonstrate or gain English proficiency in order to study at Fresno Pacific University. The ways to demonstrate and fulfill the English Proficiency Requirements are:

Prior Studies in English

Students may demonstrate English proficiency by verifying that prior studies (secondary school) were conducted in English. Students must verify all of the following with official transcripts:

• Completed at least two years of full-time study without ESL support/classes.
• Studies in English ended no more than two years before applying to FPU.

FPU reserves the right to verify that the language of instruction was English.

English Testing

Students may demonstrate English proficiency by providing official transcripts demonstrating the minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

International standardized English test (TOEFL or IELTS)

Students who take the TOEFL must either take the paper-based test (PBT) at Fresno Pacific University prior to admission -IF they are in the United States, or they must take the Internet-based test (IBT) and request that an official score report be sent to FPU directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Students who have received a passing score and passed two of the three required sections may be admitted to a traditional undergraduate bachelor's degree program. Students may not graduate from the program without successful completion of either: (1) test scores, or (2) the Intensive English Language Program. All students who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program must enroll in required LANG and ESL courses until successful completion.

Transfer Units

Students may demonstrate English proficiency by providing official transcripts with 24 or more transferable academic semester units that meet both the following criteria:

• Completed a minimum of 24 non-ESL academic units transferred from colleges or universities in which English was the language of instruction.
• All transfer courses must be completed with a minimum cumulative 2.4 grade point average.

Completion of the Intensive English Language Program at Fresno Pacific University

Students may demonstrate English proficiency by completing Level 5 in the IELP program with the grades described below.

Successful completion of Level 5 is a minimum proficiency for admission to the university. To complete Level 5, students must pass all core courses (Writing and Grammar, Reading and Critical Thinking Skills, and Listening and Speaking Skills) with an 80 percent (B-) or higher.

In addition to the undergraduate studies admission requirements, the student must submit a separate application for the IELP. Please refer to the IELP application process to see the requirements for admission.

United States Citizens

The director of undergraduate admissions, together with the Admissions Selection Committee and the IELP director, may require U.S. citizens who have completed their education abroad or local residents to take the TOEFL test as a diagnostic exam, to see if the student needs to improve his or her English language ability. If it is determined by the IELP director based on the TOEFL exam that the student needs language improvement, the student will be required to enroll in English for Academic Purposes (LANG 171 ) or English as a second language courses. Students who enter the university as U.S. citizens are required to meet their foreign language requirement by taking foreign language classes different from their first or native language as required by the university.

Fresno Pacific University reserves the right to require additional English testing and/or classes after the student has arrived at the university, if considered necessary.

Baccalaureate Students Taking Graduate Courses

Baccalaureate seniors at Fresno Pacific University who wish to enroll in a graduate class must fulfill the following requirements in addition to completing an application to unclassified standing:

1. Meet with and obtain written approval from their baccalaureate program director or mentor/ advisor.
2. Be a last-semester senior in good standing, with at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA and no more than 15 units remaining to complete the bachelor's degree. (Leadership Studies and MBA programs require a 3.0 cumulative GPA.)
3. Obtain written permission from the director of graduate admissions or the director of seminary admissions for seminary courses.

No more than 6 graduate units may be applied to the completion of a bachelor's degree.

Students currently enrolled in baccalaureate studies at an institution other than FPU and wishing to enroll in graduate classes at FPU must fulfill the above requirements, with the exception of meeting with their program director or mentor/advisor. They must also include a letter of good standing from their home institution.