Admissions

On-Campus Programs

On-Campus Admissions Information

Admission to Southern Wesleyan University is dependent upon scholastic attainment, character, and potential to profit by the programs offered. The university welcomes applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or physical handicap, so long as they have a genuine desire for a post-secondary education and possess character traits that will enable them to fit into a Christian collegiate environment. SWU is a Christian institution and, as such, reserves the right to accept or deny students based on their willingness to adhere to our Lifestyle Agreement as articulated on the application for admission.

Each application is considered individually, considering basic admissions requirements and the individual’s unique abilities and circumstances. Applicants are notified in writing as soon as a decision is made.

Admission requirements vary depending on the program for which the student has applied.

On-Campus Additional Admissions Policies

Applicants with Disabilities

Southern Wesleyan University welcomes applications from anyone who has a documented impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Prospective students are invited to visit the university to determine how their needs might be met by campus facilities and services. Additional information is available from the Office of Student Life.

More information can be found in the “Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities” section of this catalog.

A Word about Harassment of the Disabled

Southern Wesleyan University endeavors to create an environment in which all members of the community are treated with the dignity and respect inherent in their position as creatures made in the image of God. Not only is harassment a violation of federal law, but it is also contrary to principles of Christian conduct. Consequently, it is the policy of Southern Wesleyan University that harassment of individuals is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. Any form of harassment is absolutely prohibited. (A copy of the Southern Wesleyan policies regarding sexual harassment and harassment of students with disabilities can be found in the SWU Student Handbook.)

Health Policies and Class Attendance

A Southern Wesleyan University physical examination form completed within one year prior to registration, including a complete immunization record, is required of all new students in the On-Campus program. Students are not permitted to register for classes until the physical examination form is fully completed and returned to the Counseling and Health Services Office. Re-entering students must have on file a physical examination form completed within four years of their re-enrollment. All forms are kept by the campus nurse in the university infirmary.

Additional Information

Requests for general information about the On-Campus program or the application should be directed to:

Office of Admissions - Southern Wesleyan University
P.O. Box 1020
Central, SC 29630-1020

-or-

www.swu.edu.

Specific answers to questions about the On-Campus program may also be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office at 1-864-644-5550 or 1-800-C-U-AT-SWU.

On-Campus Admission Requirements and Types

Freshman Applicants

The following criteria must be met by those seeking admission to the on-campus undergraduate program:

A completed application form.
A high-school diploma (not a certificate of attendance) or its equivalent must be received. If a high school diploma was not received, official GED test scores must be provided. A final transcript, reflecting the graduation date and certification of graduation, is required prior to the start of classes. Courses taken in high school should include at least four units (college-preparation or equivalent) of English, two of science, two of social studies, and two of mathematics.
Submission of all military transcripts, if applicable.
Willingness to conform to the community and lifestyle expectations of Southern Wesleyan University.

Freshman Admissions Statuses

Regular admission - grade point average of 2.3 or higher or a ranking in the upper half of the high-school graduating class at the time of acceptance.

Conditional admission - have a grade point of average of 2.29 or lower but give evidence that they are able to successfully complete college-level work. On the recommendation of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee, based on criteria set by the faculty, those admitted in this category will need to meet certain conditions during their first semester at SWU to continue in good standing. Those conditionally admitted must limit course hours to 12-13 hours in the first semester, must work with an academic coach to develop an individual plan for academic support, and must obtain a 2.0 in their first semester at SWU to secure their enrollment for a second semester.

Transfer Applicants

A transfer student is defined as one who has graduated from high school and has completed any academic work at another college or university prior to coming to Southern Wesleyan University. For regular admission to Southern Wesleyan University as a transfer student, the student must submit official transcripts of all academic work from all colleges or universities attended, reflecting a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students with a cumulative GPA less than a 2.0 may be accepted on a conditional basis after review by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. High-school transcripts may also be requested at the discretion of the Office of Admissions.

Transfer credit is generally accepted from accredited colleges and universities and from postsecondary higher education institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, provided such transfer courses meet the degree requirements at Southern Wesleyan University as well as transfer-quality accreditation standards. Courses that are identified by the institution as intended for transfer must demonstrate comparable course content, comparable learning outcomes, and the nature, content, and level of the course learning experience and its appropriateness must be applicable to the programs offered by SWU. Southern Wesleyan University reserves the right to deny credit from institutions that are not accredited by an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Grades lower than C- will not be accepted in transfer.

Except with special permission, transfer credits may not be among the last thirty-two hours of the degree. (Cooperative program hours count as Southern Wesleyan University hours.)

Substitutes for required courses must be approved by deans and/or division chairs.

Transfer Admissions Requirements

A completed application form.
Official university transcripts from all previously attended institutions regardless of credits earned or unearned.
International transfer students requiring an I-20 must also provide TOEFL scores or meet one of the university-approved waivers for consideration. A course-by-course evaluation of official transcripts of all foreign academic work, evaluated by a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) association member is required for admission. Additionally, a word-for-word, line-by-line certified English translation of all foreign academic transcripts by an NCAA-approved agency is a pre-certification requirement for NCAA eligibility.
The final transcript must be sent following the completion of the semester if courses are still in progress at time of application.
Willingness to conform to the community and lifestyle expectations of Southern Wesleyan University.

Transfer Admissions Statuses

Regular admission - cumulative collegiate grade point average of at least a 2.0.

Conditional admission - have a grade point of average of 1.99 or lower but give evidence that they are able to successfully complete college-level work. On the recommendation of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee, based on criteria set by the faculty, those admitted in this category will need to meet certain conditions during their first semester at SWU to continue in good standing. Those conditionally admitted must limit course hours to 12-13 hours in the first semester, must work with an academic coach to develop an individual plan for academic support, and must obtain a 2.0 in their first semester at SWU to secure their enrollment for a second semester.

Students Seeking Readmission

At times, there may be an interruption to a student’s attendance at Southern Wesleyan University. If a student finds it necessary to withdraw from classes either during the semester or at the end of the semester and does not attend Southern Wesleyan University for a calendar year or longer, the following guidelines apply:

Students who have not attended for consecutive semesters (not including summers) must reapply unless granted a leave of absence. The student must submit a new application for admission (available online). They will be subject to the current catalog policies and degree completion requirements at the time of their readmission and re-enrollment.

If the student attends another college during the absence from SWU, an official transcript of all work must be submitted with the application for admission.

Before a student may begin the readmission process, approval must be given by the following offices: Student Accounts, Student Life, and Academic Records. The student will be notified in writing of any concerns that hinder this approval.

The readmitted student is required to meet the requirements for graduation in effect at the time of readmission. Review by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee is required for readmission of all on-campus students who are dismissed or suspended, leave on academic warning or probation, or withdraw with a GPA less than 2.0.

Home School Applicants

Southern Wesleyan University welcomes applications from home schooled students. For consideration, the home school must be registered with the home state’s department of education. Home schoolers will submit official home school transcript for review. Provisional admission may be granted based on review of unofficial transcripts. (Admissions criteria are outlined in the “Freshman Applicants” section.)

International Applicants

The deadline for acceptance is November 1st for the spring semester and July 1st for the fall semester. Exceptions to these deadlines are available for international transfer students who have already received an issued I-20 form and student visa. The following documents must be completed before a letter of acceptance will be issued:

A completed application.
Course-by-course evaluations of official transcripts of all foreign academic work, evaluated by a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) association member. A list of NACES association members can be found at naces.org/members. For transfer students, the course-by-course evaluations must include all foreign university or college transcripts. For freshmen, the course-by-course evaluation must include all international high school transcripts with the possible exception of high school transcripts from international high schools that hold United States recognized regional accreditation status.
Official TOEFL score of 500 (paper test), 61 (online test), or 173 (computer-based test), official IELTS score of 6, or a Duolingo score of 95. Evidence that English is the student’s primary language may also be considered. If TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo are not available, a waiver may be requested if certain other requirements considered by the university are met. This waiver request may be obtained from the student’s admissions counselor. Waivers are not guaranteed.

Additional requirements for enrollment at SWU include the following items which should be completed after acceptance:

Pay an Enrollment deposit. This should be completed by November 15th for the spring semester and July 15th for the fall semester. Exceptions to these deadlines are available for international transfer students who have already received an issued I-20 form and student visa.
Submit a housing/commuter form.
Show proof of health insurance.
Register to attend Warrior Welcome Weekend.
Submit Southern Wesleyan University medical history form, including immunization record.
Make a payment equal to the estimated expenses for the first semester after institutional aid has been awarded by Financial Aid or $2,500 (whichever is less). Payment plans are available for additional expenses beyond the initial payment. Our Student Accounts Office will send information regarding payment plance once bills are available for the upcoming term.
Provide proof of funds (certified bank statement in English and USD$) equal to one academic year of costs, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. This should be completed by November 15th for spring semester and July 15th for fall semester. Exceptions to these deadlines are available for international transfer students who have already received an issued I-20 form and student visa.

After submitting the payment for the first semester and proof of funds for the full academic year, the I-20 form will then be issued by a Designated School Official. All items necessary for the processing of the I-20 must be completed by the appropriate deadlines in order for an I-20 to be issued in a timely manner. The deadline for issuing an I-20 is November 15th for the spring semester and July 15th for the fall semester.

Following receipt of the I-20 form, international students are responsible for making all necessary international travel arrangements. Students should consult studyinthestates.dhs.gov for step-by-step instructions regarding the SEVIS I-901 fee, visa request, requirements, and fees, and other required documentation. For a complete list of documentation necessary for your appointment, visit usembassy.gov. Select your embassy to determine your requirements. For an overview of the entire process, you may also visit travel.state.gov. Click links regarding an “F” visa. International students should plan to arrive at SWU no earlier than Warrior Welcome Weekend for the term of enrollment and no later than the date on the I-20.

International student-athletes must also complete NCAA eligibility requirements for athletic certification.

A complete list of international student-athlete pre-certification requirements is available atncaa.org/student-athletes/future/international-student-athletes. A word-for-word, line-by-line certified English translation of all foreign academic work is one of the NCAA pre-certification requirements for student-athlete eligibility. SWU faculty cannot provide certified English translations. Search for ATA (American Translators Association) atanet.org.

Admission Status

The admission status of students seeking a degree through the On-Campus program at Southern Wesleyan University is determined on the basis of academic work, class rank, and national test scores. (For online programs, see the information in the SWU Global section.)

Regular

These students have completed high-school or college work satisfactorily by obtaining at least a 2.3 GPA or ranking above 50% of their graduating class.

Conditional

SWU applicants with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.29 or lower will be referred to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee (UAC) for special consideration. If there is evidence that the applicant is able to successfully complete college-level work, the UAC will offer conditional admission.

In order to support the success of those admitted in this category, conditionally admitted students will be required to complete the following:

Limit course credit hours to 13 in their first semester.
Work with a SWU academic success coach to develop an individual plan for academic support.
Achieve a GPA of 1.6 or higher in their first semester at SWU in order to secure their eligibility for enrollment in the second semester.

Provisional

Upon occasion, a student may be accepted on a provisional basis. This gives permission for a student to register for classes before all the official documentation has been received to make a full acceptance to the university. Within the first semester of enrollment at Southern Wesleyan University, this status must be cleared, or acceptable arrangements made with the Admissions Office, or the student will be administratively withdrawn from the university for the semester. The student is responsible for room, board, and other charges incurred while on provisional status (regular refund policies apply).

Special

Students not pursuing a degree at Southern Wesleyan University but desiring to take courses may be admitted as special students. Such students include continuing-education students, students enrolled at other institutions, and senior citizens. Students admitted as special students may not take more than a total of 18 credits from Southern Wesleyan without applying for regular admission. (See section on Special Programs).

Dual Enrollment

Rising junior and senior high school students may be admitted to Southern Wesleyan University as dual enrolled students. Dual enrolled students may complete up to 30 credit hours per academic year for a total of 60 credit hours without pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Dual enrolled students who complete 30 credit hours per year may wish to consider enrolling in the Associates of Arts in General Studies degree program.

Special Programs

On-Campus programs provide a number of unique offerings in order to serve a wider range of students. These programs may not be available to SWU Global students.

Non-Degree Seeking (Special Student Categories)

Southern Wesleyan University, as a community of scholars, opens its doors to students who may not be pursuing a degree from the university. The non-degree seeking program permits transient and continuing-education students to audit courses (no credit) or earn up to eighteen credit hours before being required to register as a regular student. Individuals interested in the non-degree seeking program should complete the non-degree seeking application and must re-apply for each subsequent term of enrollment. The following describes the special categories of non-degree seeking students.

High School Students

High-school students enrolled in their junior or senior year may take up to 12 hours each term at Southern Wesleyan University. Students under 16 will need permission from the University Provost, or his/her designee, before enrolling in the program. They must complete the non-degree seeking application, obtained through the Admissions Office, which includes permission of their guidance counselor or principal. Tuition is billed per credit hour. Additionally, a Technology Fee is assessed per credit hour, plus any other course related fees for which they register are due prior to enrollment (see Tuition & Fee). Students may be approved to take more than one course per semester with special permission and provided space is available.

Auditors

Individuals wishing to audit courses at Southern Wesleyan University for non-credit may do so on a space available basis at a rate equal to 10% of the part-time tuition per credit (see Tuition & Fees). Auditors may participate in classroom activities and may do all assignments as they choose. However, faculty are not required to grade or give feedback on assignments or tests submitted by auditors. Students who register to audit a course may not change to a for-credit basis after the last date to add a class in a given semester. Also, once a course has been audited, the student is not eligible to receive credit for that course by examination. Auditors who are not regularly admitted students must enroll by completing the non-degree seeking Application. Specific course fees (for example, laboratory fees) will be charged. This option is not available for private lessons or directed/independent study courses offered by the university. No limit is placed on the number of courses audited.

Senior Citizens

Persons aged 65 or above may audit regular courses at Southern Wesleyan University on a space-available basis for a reduced rate (see Tuition & Fees). Specific course fees (for example, laboratory fees) will be charged. This option is not available for private lessons or directed/independent study courses offered by the university. No limit is placed on the number of courses audited. However, if credit is desired, the policies related to continuing education or regular admission will apply.

Continuing-Education Students

Students wishing to take courses for personal or professional development may also enroll as non-degree seeking students. The regular tuition schedule applies as well as the standard per semester Student Resource Fee and any other course-specific fees.

Transient Students

Students who are currently enrolled at another college or university and wish to enroll in courses at Southern Wesleyan University with the intent of transferring course credits back to their home institution will be designated as transient students. Transient students enrolling for credit will be accepted for this program with the written approval of the home institution. Transient students may not earn more than eighteen credit hours unless a full application for admission is completed and approved. The regular tuition schedule applies as well as the standard per semester Student Resource Fee and any other course-specific fees.

SWU Global

SWU Global Additional Admissions Policies

On-Campus Student Enrollment in SWU Global Courses

On-campus students may enroll in SWU Global 7-week online courses; however, students may take no more than 50 percent of their hours per semester in the SWU Global program. Students enrolled in SWU Global summer enrollment are not limited.

Identification Verification Enrollment Policy

Upon receipt of completed application to Southern Wesleyan University, all students will be sent an identification verification request. This verification request must be completed by all applied students prior to acceptance. Once completed, the results are shared with the Admissions Office, and this will allow the completion of the acceptance process.

Additional Information

Requests for general information about SWU Global (swu.edu/online) or questions about the application should be directed to (877) 644-5557.

Admission to SWU Global

In addition to its On-Campus programs, SWU offers degrees online. Admission to these programs is open to transfer students with a minimum 2.0 cumulative combined GPA for all accredited colleges attended or first-time college students who rank in the upper half of their high school graduating class or who earn a General Education (GED) Passing Score (at least 150 on each of the four test subjects). SWU accepts students with below 50% class rank if they have 2.0 or higher GPA. Additional admission requirements vary by degree program.

Undergraduate Degree Programs:

Submission of a completed SWU Global application (admissions.swu.edu/apply).
An official high school transcript if transferring fewer than 15 credit hours from accredited colleges or universities. Minimum high school cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
Home school students must provide evidence of membership in an approved home school association and provide an official transcript with a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale; otherwise, applicant must submit GED scores.
Transfer students who have attended other colleges or universities must provide official transcripts from each school attended. Students must have earned a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for all college work attempted.
Submission of all military transcripts, if applicable.
For students whom English is a second language, the following scores must be met: Official TOEFL score of 550 (paper test) 213 (computer-based test), or official IELTS score of 6, or a Duolingo score of 95. Evidence that English is the student’s primary language may also be considered. If TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo are not available, a waiver may be requested if certain other requirements considered by the university are met. This waiver request may be obtained from the student’s admissions counselor. Waivers are not guaranteed.
Satisfactory interview with a designated committee or academic department, if required.
Course-by-course evaluations of official transcripts of all foreign academic work, evaluated by a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) association member. A list of NACES association members can be found at naces.org/members/. For transfer students, the course-by-course evaluations must include all foreign university or college transcripts. For freshmen, the course-by-course evaluation must include all international high school transcripts with the possible exception of high school transcripts from international high schools that hold United States recognized regional accreditation status.

Transfer Credit

Grades lower than C- will not be accepted in transfer.

Except with special permission, transfer credits may not be among the last thirty-two hours of the undergraduate degree. (Cooperative program hours count as Southern Wesleyan University hours.)

Substitutes for required courses must be approved by deans and/or division chairs.

Conditional Admittance

First-time students who do not rank in the upper half of their high school graduating class or have a 2.0 or higher GPA and transfer students who do not have a minimum 2.0 cumulative combined GPA for all accredited colleges may apply for conditional admittance on appeal to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. Students must appeal in writing, explaining their past circumstances and their plan for success. An interview (in-person, video, or phone) may be required. High school transcripts may also be requested by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. The appeals process occurs only at the student’s request and is not automatically implemented. Students whose appeals are granted may be limited in their course registration or have mandatory requirements for tutoring. The decision of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee is final.

If accepted, these students must achieve academic good standing in their first semester of enrollment at Southern Wesleyan University.

Provisional

Upon occasion, a student may be accepted on a provisional basis. This gives permission for a student to register for classes before all of the official documentation has been received to make a full acceptance to the university. Within the first semester of enrollment at Southern Wesleyan University, this status must be cleared, or acceptable arrangements made with the Admissions Office, or the student will be administratively withdrawn from the university for the semester. The student is responsible for room, board, and other charges incurred while on provisional status (regular refund policies apply).

Students Seeking Re-Admission

SWU Global students who have been withdrawn for less than one calendar year and who wish to re-enter, should contact their academic success coach (ASC) for academic advisement and to develop a class schedule.

SWU Global students who have been withdrawn for more than one calendar year must apply for readmission. The students must meet the minimum GPA requirement to enroll, and all previous account balances must be resolved. They will be subject to the current catalog policies and degree completion requirements at the time of their re-admission and re-enrollment.

Students who have been dismissed or suspended, have left on academic warning or probation, or have withdrawn with a GPA less than 2.0 may appeal for readmittance to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. Students must appeal in writing, explaining their past circumstances and their plan for success. An interview may be required. The appeals process occurs only at the student’s request and is not automatically implemented. Students whose appeals are granted may be limited in their course registration or have mandatory requirements for tutoring. The student’s status may be determined to be probation, academic warning, or good standing, as determined by the Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions Committee. The decision of the Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions Committee is final.