Admission Policies and Procedures

Shippensburg University is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and adheres to their Statement of Principles of Good Practice: NACAC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.  

We strive to follow these principles set forth by NACAC:

• Education of students, families, and others about the transition to and within postsecondary education.
• Professionalism, including ethical behavior and integrity of actions.
• Collaboration by working together to advocate for students and their best interests.
• Fairness and Equity by striving to eliminate bias from the education system which is viewed as a fundamental responsibility of educators.
• Civility by conducting dialogue with respect and openness to differences.
• Trust with one another and students.
• Social Responsibility to serve students by safeguarding their rights and their access to and within post-secondary education.

All Applicants

The following general requirements apply to all applicants seeking admission to Shippensburg University.

General Requirements

Students must show evidence of academic experiences that indicate their capacity to accomplish satisfactory work at Shippensburg University in their selected area of study. Criteria include graduation from an approved secondary school or equivalent preparation (as determined by the Credentials Evaluation Division of the Pennsylvania Department of Education) or successful completion of significant college-level work at another institution. The grades earned and the relationship of the course work to college preparation is of particular importance.

Academic Potential

This is determined, in part, by scores from the SAT I: Reasoning Test of the College Entrance Examination Board or the entrance examination of the American College Testing Program (ACT). Placement tests may also be required.

Other Criteria

Letters of recommendation, interviews, and statements of personal experiences in some cases can represent an important part of the evaluation process, particularly in those cases where the decision may be in question. These items are optional.

New First Year Applicants

1. Applicants should visit our website at www.ship.edu/admissions for application requirements and to apply online. You may also request general information on-line, call (717) 477-1231, or e-mail the Office of Admissions at admissions@ship.edu.
2. First year candidates are urged to initiate the application process (which includes a $45 application fee) as soon as possible for the fall semester. Candidates for spring semester are encouraged to submit applications by December 1. Final dates for receiving applications in the Office of Admissions for any entry period are subject to change without notice.

* Shippensburg University subscribes to the CEEB fee waiver program. This program provides waivers for those students for whom the fee is judged a hardship. Students should request submission of the fee waiver form through the high school counselor.

1. The secondary school transcript must be requested from and sent by the counselor directly to the Office of Admissions for the paper and online applications. GED results must be sent directly from the Department of Education.
2. Applicants chosing to submit standardized test scores need only to submit at least one set of scores on the SAT I: Reasoning Test of the College Entrance Examination Board or American College Test (ACT). The writing portion of the SAT will be used for placement purposes only. Those students taking the ACT are encouraged to complete the optional writing test. Arrangements should be made with the guidance counselor to take the SAT I during the junior and senior year. Applicants who graduated from high school more than two years ago are exempt from this admission requirement.
3. Shippensburg University grants advanced placement (AP) and college level examination program (CLEP) credit for general and subject area examinations based on the guidelines established by the College Board. The College Board administers examinations for these courses nationally each year. See http://www.ship.edu/admissions/clep_credit_ap_credit/ for more information on credits you can earn and how to register for the tests.
4. SAT II: Subject Tests are not used for the admission process. However, if submitted, these scores may be used to assist in course placement.
5. Although the university does not require specific numbers and types of high school courses, students are strongly urged to pursue a typical college preparatory program in senior high school which should include: four years of English, three years of social sciences, three years of sequential mathematics, three years of laboratory science, and three years of one foreign language.
6. Applications will be considered by the Office of Admissions on a rolling basis. The applicant will be notified after the application is complete.
7. When approved for admission to the university, each student will be required to make a NON-REFUNDABLE confirmation deposit. Those students admitted to the residence halls will make an additional non-refundable room deposit. The deposits are payable to Shippensburg University and will confirm the intention of the student to become a matriculated student. The priority deadline for submitting the confirmation deposit is May 1.
8. A personal interview is not required for admission but in some situations is advisable. Please call in advance to arrange an appointment.
9. A medical form will be forwarded to all successful applicants following receipt of the confirmation deposit. Completion of the medical form is required for enrollment.
10. A favorable admission decision is based upon the student’s qualifications at the time of the offer and is contingent upon their maintaining those standards through graduation from the secondary school. The student must request the final transcript (including date of graduation) be sent to the Office of Admissions. Failure to submit a final transcript will result in a hold on the applicant’s file.
11. Placement testing may be required in English, reading, mathematics, and foreign language. Notification of test dates and which exams must be completed, will be provided after admission is granted.
12. Mandatory New Student Orientation programs are held in the summer and prior to the beginning of the fall semester. An orientation program is also held at the beginning of the spring semester.

General Transfer Applicants

Admission Procedures and Requirements

1. Applicants may apply online at www.ship.edu/admissions. Recommended time for submission of all application materials is December 1 for the Spring semester and early summer for the Fall semester.
2. Submit official transcripts of ALL college-level course work attempted. Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the issuing institution to the Office of Admissions. If a student is currently enrolled at an institution, please be sure the transcript lists in-progress courses and course number. Shippensburg University’s Office of Admissions MAY waive the submission of high school records and SAT I scores prior to the admissions decision for students who have successfully completed 12 or more credit hours of college-level work. In addition, applicants who graduated from high school more than two years ago are exempt from submitting SAT I scores but may be required to complete placement testing (English (Writing), Math, Reading) in order to determine eligibility for admission into the University.
3. An offer of admission is based upon the student’s qualifications to date and is contingent upon continuing to meet those standards for enrollment. For a transfer student, it is also required that the final transcript indicate a cumulative quality point average comparable to that which the student possessed when originally offered admission. Transfer students presently enrolled at another institution are responsible for ensuring the Office of Admissions receives a final transcript upon completion of their programs. Failure to submit a final transcript will result in a hold being placed on the applicant’s file.
4. If admitted, the Office of Admissions will evaluate the student’s transcript to determine the amount of transferable credits. Upon completion, the student will be notified by the email address they provided on their application with instructions on how to access their official evaluation. 
5. When admitted to the university, each student will be required to make a NON-REFUNDABLE confirmation deposit. Those students admitted to the residence halls will make an additional non-refundable room deposit. The deposits are payable to Shippensburg University and will confirm the intention of the student to become a matriculated student.
6. The priority deadline for submitting the confirmation deposit is May 1.
7. A personal interview is not required for admission but in some situations is advisable. Please write or call in advance to arrange an appointment.
8. A medical form will be forwarded to all successful applicants following receipt of the confirmation deposit. Completion of the medical form is required for enrollment.
9. All transfer students seeking a degree must plan on:
   • A minimum program of 30 semester hours to include half the credits of their major at Shippensburg. (See Graduation Requirements and Majors )
   • All course selections subject to prior approval by the appropriate academic dean.

9. Admitted transfer students who have not completed the appropriate courses in English, mathematics, or foreign language will be required to take placement tests prior to enrollment. Notification of test dates will be provided subsequent to transcript evaluation.
10. Mandatory New Orientation programs are held in the summer, prior to the beginning of the fall semester, and at the beginning of the spring semester.

*If you are attending a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university, a Pennsylvania community college, Lackawanna College, Hagerstown Community College, Carroll Community College, Howard Community College, Frederick Community College, Raritan Valley Community College, Middlesex Community College, or Allegany College of Maryland please refer to the Pennsylvania State System Student Transfer Policy section for important additional information.

Transfer from Accredited Colleges

A minimum program of at least 30 semester hours must be taken at Shippensburg University. A transfer student who has completed an associate’s degree in an academic program parallel to one at Shippensburg University will normally complete a baccalaureate program in two additional years; however, more than two additional years may be necessary to complete degree requirements in certain programs. The official transcript evaluation will be provided following the offer of admission to the university.

Transfer from Non-Accredited Institutions

Transfer applicants from non-accredited institutions are normally evaluated on the same basis as a first-year applicant. Work from non-accredited institutions may be considered as a part of the evaluation to determine the ability of a student to perform successfully at Shippensburg University. Official transcripts of all post-secondary work must be submitted as a part of the application process. The transcript of an applicant from a non-accredited institution, however, will not be evaluated officially until the student has completed one semester successfully (12 college level credits) at Shippensburg and has attained a cumulative quality point average of at least 2.0. Possible transfer of credits from the non-accredited institution will be considered only at that time. Once admitted, all transfer students from non-accredited institutions are expected to maintain the same academic standards required of those students already enrolled in the university.

Academic Requirements for Consideration as Transfer Students

Admission to Shippensburg University may be granted to transfer students whose records indicate reasonable probability of success. Certain programs, such as business, elementary education, biology, criminal justice, etc., require a higher quality point average for consideration. Please consult with the Office of Admissions for details. Non-transferable courses are not used in calculating cumulative quality point averages including developmental or remedial courses and vocational/occupational/technical courses. In evaluating a transfer student’s application for admission, the university may take into account the total record in high school and college, quality of courses, test scores, and interviews. The major criterion used by the university in evaluating an applicant for admission is the overall quality of previous achievement.

Once admitted, all transfer students are expected to maintain the same academic standards required of those students already enrolled in the university.

Pennsylvania State System Student Transfer Policy

The Student Transfer Policy is designed to promote the transfer of students from Pennsylvania community colleges to Shippensburg University and to support the transfer of undergraduate courses earned by students at other PA State System of Higher Education institutions. This encourages a seamless transfer for students into the University without unnecessary repetition of learning that has already been completed at another institution. Coursework is applicable to the policy if the student earned an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree at one of the following community colleges or are an incumbent student of a State System institution with a 2.0 GPA or above.

At Shippensburg University, policy privileges apply only to students seeking transfer from a Pennsylvania community college, a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university, Lackawanna College, Raritan Valley Community College, Middlesex Community College, and the following community colleges in Maryland: Carroll, Frederick, Hagerstown, and Allegany College of Maryland.

Provisions provided under the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Student Transfer Policy

All college-level credits from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted in transfer, regardless of how the prior learning was acquired. The intent of this policy is to maximize the application of college-level credits awarded by regionally accredited institutions.

Shippensburg University will first apply as many college-level credits as possible toward the satisfaction of general education requirements, then to requirements in the major and finally to elective credits. A course by course match will not be required for general education courses. Vocational, technical and career courses may fulfill major curricular requirements or credits required for graduation in specific programs. Developmental and remedial coursework will not transfer.

1. Students transferring with an Associate Degree:

Admission to a State System university is guaranteed within the established university time frame for undergraduate students transferring from a Pennsylvania Community College with an Associate degree in an identified or a parallel P2P agreement, but not to specific major or degree programs. The requirements for admission to an academic program will be the same for native and transfer students. Students will receive junior standing. Exceptions such as a Criminal Conviction of a Felony Offense or Dismissal from a Previous Institution for Disciplinary Reasons, will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

2. Students transferring from a State System University

a) Admission to a State System university within the established university time frame is guaranteed for undergraduate students transferring from one State System University to another State System University with at least 12 credits and a 2.0 GPA or above, but not to specific major or degree programs. The requirements for admission to an academic program will be the same for native and transfer students. Exceptions such as a Criminal Conviction of a Felony Offense or Dismissal from a Previous Institution for Disciplinary Reasons, will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

b) Students transferring to Shippensburg University from another State System Institution who have completed the their general education program will have their general education requirements met at Shippensburg University unless their program has unique, specific general education requirements.

3. Students Transferring without an Associate Degree

a) Pennsylvania community college students who seek to transfer WITHOUT a degree may apply to and be accepted by Shippensburg University.

b) Students seeking to transfer course credits without the completed A.S. or A.A. degree must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all coursework presented for transfer for each institution attended. Capacity limits and/or higher admissions standards may apply to certain high demand.

c) Students that have transferred from a PA community college without having earned their associate degree may be eligible to earn an A.A. or A.S. from their sending institution through Reverse Transfer. Credits earned while working toward their bachelor degree will be sent to the PA Community College for evaluation for possible credit towards the completion of the associate degree requirements.

4. All transfer students may transfer credits in courses where the grade of “D” is earned only if the student has an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher from each institution attended. Some academic programs at Shippensburg University may require the student to repeat certain courses in which a “D” grade was earned.

Dual Admission Programs

Shippensburg University maintains Dual Admission programs with the following community colleges: Community College of Allegheny County, Community College of Philadelphia, Harrisburg Area Community College, Montgomery County Community College, Reading Area Community College and Allegany College of Maryland, Carroll Community College, Fredrick Community College and Hagerstown Community College. This program provides academic advisement while the student is attending the community college to ensure the optimal transferability of credits. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at Shippensburg University or one of the above named community colleges. Additional agreements are currently in process.

Acceptance and Application of Credits

All college-level credits from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted in transfer, regardless of how the prior learning was acquired. The intent of this policy is to maximize the application of college-level credits awarded by regionally accredited institutions.

Shippensburg University will first apply as many college-level credits as possible toward the satisfaction of general education requirements, then to requirements in the major and finally to elective credits. A course-by-course match will not be required for general education courses. Developmental and remedial coursework will not transfer.

Transcript Evaluation and Credit

Transcripts submitted to meet entrance requirements by transfer students are evaluated by the Office of Admissions. The transcript will be evaluated officially when the applicant has been formally admitted to the university.

Transfer credit will be awarded for equivalent Shippensburg University courses whenever appropriate. If there is not an equivalent course, credit will be awarded based on the academic discipline and type of course. Developmental and vocational courses will not be accepted as transfer credit.

Students who believe the original evaluation of their transfer credit is not correct may request another review by Office of Admissions. Shippensburg University will work with transfer students to ensure credit is awarded in the most appropriate way possible.

Reverse Transfer

Reverse transfer is the transfer of credits from a four-year institution to a two-year institution from which a student transferred from. It provides an opportunity for these students to receive an associate’s degree once they have earned a combined total of at least 60 credits from both institutions. Eligible students can receive a first associate’s degree that accurately reflects their educational attainment and allows them to compete more successfully in higher education and the workforce, even as  they continue working toward a bachelor’s degree or other certification or credential.

Students who have transferred to Shippensburg University (SU) benefit from Reverse Transfer agreements that have been established between all Pennsylvania Community Colleges and Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, as well as an agreement that has been established between SU and Hagerstown Community College.

For students who began their post-secondary education at a community college in Pennsylvania, they must have earned at least 45 credits, including those earned through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Credit by Exam and the military, before transferring to a SU, from which they have earned at least 15 additional credits, excluding remedial and developmental credits.

For those students who began their post-secondary education at Hagerstown Community College, they must have earned at least 15 credits before transferring to SU. They must have earned at least 60 or more credits in total (including transfer and SU credits), excluding remedial and developmental credits.

Qualified students will fill out a Reverse Transfer Agreement Re​lease form, which will allow transcripts and contact information to be sent to the community college for review. The community college will review the eligible student’s transcripts and make that determination. It will use upper-level courses to fulfill the community college’s degree requirements when applicable. It also may determine if a student is eligible for an associate’s degree in a program other than the intended program of study, based on courses completed at SU. Once the review is complete, the community college will submit a new student transcript to SU that denotes the conferment of the associate’s degree.

Degree Completion Program

Shippensburg University offers degree completion options for transfer students. For our current offerings, go to http://www.ship.edu/programs.  For questions, please contact the Office of Admissions at 717-477-1231.

Homeschooled Applicants

Shippensburg University welcomes applications from students who have been homeschooled. Please review the guidelines under the freshman/transfer sections as well as the following information:

1. Homeschooled applicants are required to submit grade transcripts if available and also the official evaluation for each grade 9-11 (should be an estimated two pages in length and are an analysis of the student’s annual portfolio). A final grade transcript (if applicable) and evaluation must be submitted when the final year of homeschooling is complete.
2. All homeschooled applicants are also required to submit at least one set of scores on the SAT I: Reasoning Test of the College Entrance Examination Board or American College Test (ACT).
3. If an official high school diploma is NOT being awarded by an agency, homeschooled applicants must submit a copy of the General Education Development Exam (GED) diploma and also the GED scores from the five sections of the test. This information must be mailed directly from the Department of Education of the state issuing the diploma.
4. Interviews for homeschooled applicants are not required, but are strongly encouraged for those students who will be graduating when they are less than 17 years old.

For additional information regarding a special situation, please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

Options for Admissions

Wood Honors College

The Wood Honors College welcomes applications from high school seniors, current Shippensburg students, and transfer students. For high school seniors, the Wood Honors College considers high school GPA, the academic rigor of high school coursework, application essays, and evidence of leadership and service in its admissions decisions. Current Shippensburg students and transfer students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA to be eligible to apply to the Wood Honors College.

Application forms for high school seniors, current Shippensburg students, and transfer students are available on the Wood Honors College website at https://www.ship.edu/academics/colleges/honors/ or by contacting the Wood Honors College at 717-477-1604 or honors@ship.edu.

Early Admission

The university offers an early admission plan as a desirable option for those mature and academically talented students who are fully ready for college before completion of the 12th year of high school.

The early admission of full-time students should be reserved for those high school students who, in the judgment of both the secondary school and the university, are clearly outstanding academically and who demonstrate the personal maturity necessary for successful adjustment to the university. Normally such students will have exceeded the academic limits of their secondary schools and will have attained a level of maturity greater than that of their chronological peers. They should be able to logically justify reasons for early entrance. Since an assessment of social maturity is a consideration, the university requires a personal interview of all early admission candidates. With the needs of the student in mind, the institution is obligated to consider whether the first year of the university or the last year of the secondary school will be more beneficial for the student, given the student’s academic ability and maturity.

The usual academic guidelines for the selection of students through Early Admission are:

1. Rank in the upper ten percent of the high school class.
2. College Board SAT I scores totaling at least 1100 with a verbal score of at least 500.
3. Must have followed a college preparatory or academic high school program to the end of the eleventh year with at least three years of English, three years of college preparatory mathematics, at least two laboratory sciences, including biology, two social sciences, and two years of the same foreign language.
4. A letter of recommendation from the high school counselor or principal.
5. A letter from the candidate’s parents supporting the application for early admission.
6. A personal interview with a member of the admissions staff.

The Executive Director of Admissions may use early admission for academically talented students who are fully ready for the university. However, it is not in the best interest of those not fully qualified either academically or personally to apply for early admission. Please email or call the Office of Admissions for information pertaining to application procedures.

Ship Start (Concurrent High School Enrollment)

Ship Start is an early to college program for high school students. These students can be enrolled part-time or full-time in university-level courses while concurrently completing secondary school requirements. Ship Start offers opportunities for those students to enrich their high school program while at the same time functioning within their traditional peer groups. The student might also wish to engage in university-level courses during the summer sessions. This program may be desirable to individuals as long as the student is capable of handling the academic demands involved. Students should first exhaust all required course options in high school before considering becoming a Ship Start student. The following guidelines apply for Ship Start students:

1. Must have completed at least the tenth grade year of high school.
2. Must submit official high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores. College Board SAT scores should total at least an 1100 or an ACT score equivalent to a 22 composite score.
3. Must submit the Ship Start - Early to College Application.
4. Must submit the Consent & Registration Form signed by school counselor as well as parent or guardian demonstrating approval of participation

For more information visit http://www.ship.edu/shipstart/ or call the Office of Admissions for information pertaining to application materials and procedures.

Academic Success/Summer Bridge Program

Students who do not meet regular admission criteria but who have demonstrated the potential, desire, and motivation to succeed in college may be able to gain admission to Shippensburg by successfully completing the Academic Success/Summer Bridge Program. Students who are offered this option enroll in two courses during the summer and are required to participate in Summer Bridge programming as assigned. Students must pay for summer tuition and housing and food for the five week summer term, unless they meet the ACT 101  (Pennsylvania’s Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program) income guidelines. Students are also required to pay for their textbooks.

Details are located in the at www.ship.edu/asp.

Non-Degree Status

Shippensburg University provides educational learning experiences for interested adults on a part-time basis. Undergraduate courses for college credit are available for high school graduates or those who have achieved equivalency status as well as for students who have received a bachelor’s degree but are not interested in pursuing a master’s degree or certificate.

This non-degree status is for those who wish to add to their specific subject area knowledge, to review or improve certain skills, or to broaden their interests. Non-degree students will be scheduled after degree-seeking students to ensure space exists for regularly admitted students. Contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Non-degree students who wish to matriculate must apply through the regular admission process. All prerequisite course work requirements of degree-seeking students apply to non-degree students. A maximum of 30 credit hours earned in non-degree status may be credited toward an undergraduate degree. Non-degree students are required to meet the minimum academic standards outlined under Academic Policies and Procedures.

Individuals who apply for regular admission and are denied may not attend the university as a non-degree student.

Visiting Students

Visiting students are those who wish to enter the institution for the purpose of earning credit to be used for graduation at another institution. Please refer to Visiting Student Program  under Academic Policies and Procedures for State System participants. These students should contact the Registrar’s Office at Shippensburg University concerning application procedures.

International Students

Applicants from outside the United States who do not hold nonimmigrant visas or a permanent resident/resident alien status must complete a Shippensburg University Undergraduate international application for admission. Useful information can be obtained at www.ship.edu/admissions/international. Check the web site for application deadlines.

1. International students encouraged to submit the application online at www.ship.edu/admissions/apply or request a paper application from the Office of Admissions by emailing admissions@ship.edu. A $45 application fee is required. Payment can be made online with the application or submit a check that includes a banking bar code or a money order. Paper currency is not accepted.
2. For evaluation purposes, an official copy of the complete academic record/transcripts including courses and grades from the secondary school (and, if appropriate, post-secondary school) must be sent from those institutions directly to one of the following professional credential evaluation services. A Course-by-Course (CxC) report IS REQUIRED of those applying to or who wish to transfer credit into any of our degree programs.
   
   Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
   P.O. Box 514070
   Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470, USA
   ECE Phone number: 414-289-3400
   ECE Fax number: 414-289-3411
   ECE E-mail: eval@ece.org
   ECE Website: www.ece.org
   
   or
   
   World Education Services (WES)
   P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station
   New York, NY 10011-0745, USA
   WES Phone number: 212-966-6311 or 800-937-3895
   WES Fax number: 212-966-6395
   WES E-mail: info@wes.org
   WES Website: www.wes.org

ECE or WES will then forward their official evaluation of the student’s credentials to the Office of Admissions. Students do not need to supply a copy of official high school or post-secondary record/transcripts.

1. International Applicants who speak English as a second language must present an official TOEFL scores report (sent directly from Educational Testing Services, ETS). Students may choose to take the IELTS; an official score report must be sent directly from British Counsel et al. Shippensburg University will accept scores from the paper-based, computer-based, or internet-based TOEFL. Test scores from Duolingo are also accepted. Students whose native language is English must take and submit SAT Test scores and may not take the TOEFL or IELTS.
2. Immigration regulations require the student’s sponsor to complete the Statement of Financial Support for International Students and supply documentation to demonstrate the capacity to meet educational and related expenses. A student’s sponsor may include parent(s), guardian(s), a government or international agency. Once these documents have been processed and approved, the Office of Admissions will notify the student of their status. In order to receive the I-20 document (required to apply for F-1 student visa), you must be admitted to the degree program AND have your financial information (statement of financial support, current bank statement, and income verification) approved by our Director of International Programs. An I-20 will not be issued prior to receiving and reviewing all required documents.

International students are required to pay out-of-state tuition and are not permitted to work off campus without proper authorization. Limited on-campus employment is sometimes available for qualified students after their first semester. All international students are required to carry adequate health and accident insurance.

Immediately upon arrival on campus, holders of F-1 visas are required to report to the Director of International Programs, Mowery Hall, bringing with them their passport, I-94, I-20, and visa.

Further questions regarding international students at Shippensburg University should be addressed to the Office of International Programs, Mowery Hall room 247, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299 USA, 717-477-1279 or email internationalprograms@ship.edu. Online at www.ship.edu/international.

Commonwealth Tuition Waiver (John F. Kennedy) Award

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania grants a limited number of tuition waiver awards at each of the ten state universities. The award is a remission of out-of-state tuition costs, but does not cover housing and food, insurance, activities fee, or residence hall room deposits.

Any non-U.S. citizen eligible for an F-1 undergraduate student visa may apply for this award making formal application to the university. However, only a limited number of awards are available in any given year. Once an international student has been granted a tuition waiver, the award is renewable on a semester-by-semester basis for as long as the review committee considers reasonable for the completion of the student’s academic program. This renewal is contingent upon full-time student status, an acceptable grade point average, and participation in the International Student Organization. If a student is seeking fall admission, application for the waiver should be made by May 1 of the same year. If a student is seeking spring admission, application for the waiver should be made by December 1 of the previous year. Interested applicants must gain admission and acceptance into the university before consideration for the scholarship can be granted. Recipients of the JFK tuition reduction must live on campus and have a meal plan for the duration of their first academic year. Applications for the JFK Tuition Waiver can be submitted along with application for admission. The forms can be obtained at www.ship.edu/International/International_Students/JFK_Process.

Post-Baccalaureate Graduates Seeking Certification

Students who have a four-year degree and are interested in earning teacher certification must have achieved a 3.0 grade point average in their baccalaureate degree program. Those interested in teacher certification should contact the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at 717-477-1141 for an application. Those seeking a master’s degree along with certification courses should enroll through the Office of Admissions at 717-477-1231. The certification portion of the master’s program will be developed by the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services.

Readmission of Former Students

Students who previously attended Shippensburg University and wish to resume their studies must apply through the Admissions Office for readmission.

For more information on applying, see Readmission of Students  in the Academic Policies and Procedures chapter or contact the Office of Admissions at 717-477-1231.

Choice of Major

Enrollment is limited in certain majors and programs offered by the university. Applicants who meet criteria for admission to the university, but who cannot be accommodated in the major or program of their first choice may be offered admission into another major. Those choosing to enter the university as an exploratory student must meet all departmental requirements and prerequisites for the major they eventually select. Students transferring to Shippensburg University with more than 30 college-level credits must declare a major.

Exploratory students should be aware there is no assurance they will be able to declare any major they choose. Programs with limited capacity may be restricted or closed.

Falsification of Records

Students furnishing the university with false, misleading, or incomplete information relating to their application for admission or academic record will be subject to denial or dismissal.

Transcript Validation Policy

While the university is fully aware that a traditional high school degree may not be obtainable for all, it is strongly suggested completing a state issued GED as an alternative if the traditional high school completion option is not realistic. Shippensburg University does not accept GEDs or equivalency diplomas from private vendors/companies.

Below are some key items that must be listed on the high school transcript for SU to certify it as valid:

1. Name, address and phone number of the high school from which student graduated
2. Four (4) years of high school credits
3. Graduation date
4. School seal and/or signature of school official

There are also some key items that SU will look for in determining the validity of an online diploma:

• Was the diploma obtained from an online high school that does not operate in the state of the applicant’s primary residence?
• Did the student pay a sum of money (other than standard transcript request fee) in order to obtain the diploma?
• Was any work required in obtaining the diploma and can the student show proof of the work that was completed?
• Is the high school accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools or another equivalent accrediting body?
• Is the diploma recognized or approved in the state from which it was granted?

For any applicant that has completed the GED, please note that Shippensburg University will only review and honor state-issued GEDs. The university does not accept any equivalency work or certificates that were completed online.

Shippensburg University does reserve the right to be cautious in accepting high school transcripts that may not meet the requirements as put forth by the federal government in helping to determine eligibility for Title IV funding.

High school diplomas may only be used for verification of high school completion if special circumstances prevent the submission of the official high school transcript

Please contact the Shippensburg University Admissions Office for a complete analysis of any high school transcripts/diplomas or with any questions you may have regarding your diploma.

Policy on Prior Disciplinary Suspension/Dismissal in Admissions

As required by PASSHE, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania requests that all applicants for admission or individuals intending to take classes must disclose information regarding any disciplinary suspension or dismissal imposed by other higher education institutions.  Shippensburg University is committed to promoting a safe and secure work and learning environment for all members of the University community.

If an applicant has met all admission criteria for general university admission and for the specific program to which they applied or non-degree admission, and they have answered in the affirmative that they have been the subject of a disciplinary suspension/dismissal, the applicant will receive a document that details the policy and the procedures of the University. The applicant will also be provided with a copy of a Dean of Students Certification Form in order to access additional information that the applicant must complete and send to their previous institution(s) in which they have received an outcome of disciplinary suspension or dismissal.

For the purposes of this policy, a disciplinary suspension/dismissal has the following meaning: “Any instance of judicial or administrative action taken by a previous institution for behavior on University property or off University property that is not consistent with that institution’s Student Code of Conduct that has resulted in a suspension or dismissal.”

The university will not necessarily deny admission to the university in general or a particular academic program or to housing because of a disciplinary issue.  This information will only be considered after it has been determined that the student has met all admission criteria for the university and the specific program to which they applied.  Each case will be separately evaluated based upon the rational relationship of interests and needs of the university to the nature, severity, recency of the disciplinary issue; circumstances surrounding the issues; records of other issues; the responsibility and repentance of the applicant; and any other relevant factors.  These factors will be carefully considered and weighed.  The disclosure of information and access to related additional information will be made to the Special Admissions Review Committee and Division of Enrollment Management, Student Success, and Student Affairs as appropriate.

Policy on Criminal Convictions in Admissions Degree Seeking and Non-Degree

As required by PASSHE, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania requests all applicants for admission or individuals intending to take classes must disclose information regarding criminal convictions. Shippensburg University is committed to promoting a safe and secure work and learning environment for all members of the University community.

If an applicant has met all criteria for general university admission and for the specific program to which they applied or non-degree admission, and s/he answered in the affirmative that s/he has a criminal conviction, the applicant will receive this document that details the policy and the procedures of the University. The applicant will also be provided with a copy of a Consent and Authorization to Access Additional Information form that the applicant must complete and return. The members of the Special Admissions Review Committee will review all documents and recommend an admissions decision to the Office of Admissions as they deem appropriate.

For the purposes of this policy, a “criminal conviction” has the following meaning:

“Any instance in any state or national jurisdiction where you have plead guilty or been found guilty by a judge or jury to charges that you committed a felony offense. This includes any plea of ‘no contest’ or ‘nolo contendere’, and any conviction that may be under current appeal.” It does not include an arrest that does not result in a charge, or charges being dropped, or being found not guilty, or a conviction overturned on appeal, or convictions that have been expunged, or convictions that have been executively pardoned.  

The university will not necessarily deny admission to the university in general or a particular academic program or to housing because of the presence of a conviction.  This information will only be considered after it has been determined that the student has met all admission criteria for the university and the specific program to which they applied.  Each case will be separately evaluated based upon the rational relationship of interests and needs of the university to the nature, severity, recency of the crime; circumstances surrounding the crime; records of other convictions; the responsibility and repentance of the applicant; and any other relevant factors.  Generally, the university does not accept anyone who has not completed their criminal sentence, absent any extraordinary circumstances.  All of these factors will be carefully considered and weighed.  The disclosure of information and access to related additional information will be made to the Special Admissions Review Committee and Division of Enrollment Management, Student Success, and Student Affairs as appropriate.