301-1 Basis for Admission
| Title: |
Basis for Admissions |
| Owner: |
Office of the Provost |
| Last Update/Revised: |
05/01/2024 |
Policy: The admissions process examines both the academic and personal qualifications of all applicants. The University aims to ensure that students accepted into its programs have the ability to benefit from and contribute to the integrated educational experience at the University. Admissions decisions are also based on the congruence of the applicant's educational interests with the philosophy and purpose of the program to which they are applying. The university values a diverse academic community and is committed by purpose and obligation by law to serve all people on an equal and nondiscriminatory basis including applicants who may have a criminal background. Admissions' decisions are made independent of need for financial aid.
In addition to the University application and admission requirements, many degree and certificate programs have additional specific requirements described in the college and program sections of this catalog. Failure to follow the required procedures, provide all requested documentation, or declare all prior enrollments in post-secondary institutions may result in a delay in the application process, denial of admission, or dismissal from the University. The University reserves the right to verify the authenticity of any document through contact with the issuing source and/or request for further documentation.
Application Information
All applications must be submitted by the appropriate deadline. Applications will be accepted after the stated deadline on a space-available basis. For programs that do not have specific application deadlines, it is recommended that prospective students submit their application and all required documentation at least one week prior to the session of intended enrollment. The applicant is responsible for requesting and submitting all documentation necessary to complete the application process. All documentation submitted in support of an application for admission becomes the property of the University and will not be returned.
Adverse Background - Criminal History
The University does not ask for criminal history information or perform background checks during the application process. The university relies on self-disclosure. However, the University is committed to maintaining safe environments for our students, faculty, and staff and may seek further information on past conduct, including criminal histories, as measures to help secure its campus communities.
Prospective students may be ineligible into some programs that lead to licensure if they have self-disclosed a criminal conviction. Alternative programs may be discussed with an enrollment advisor and/or guidance from the College Dean unless the student's stated objective is other than licensure.
Some programs may still have specific requirements after acceptance and enrollment that require background checks and this information can be found within the catalog. Please make sure to read each program's specific admission and/or licensure requirements.
Admission Requirements
Individuals wishing to enroll in a degree or certificate program must apply and be admitted to the University. All admission materials must be submitted directly to the admissions office by the application deadline (if applicable). An application to USU includes but is not limited to the following requirements:
Use of Social Security Number
The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) requires the University to file forms that include information such as amount paid for tuition. Therefore, applicants are required to provide their social security number at the time of application with the University. The social security number will also be used to identify student records, including records for financial aid eligibility and the disbursement and repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the University.
International students are encouraged to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or social security number, if eligible. Students must provide this number to the University at time of application for admission or once issued.
Ability-to-Benefit Students
Ability-to-benefit (ATB) students are those that do not have a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or a recognized equivalent of that certificate. United States University's admission policy does not accept ability-to-benefit students.
Scope: The scope of this policy applies to all university members and students.
Documents and Forms: None