Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Undergraduate Admission to the University


A. Degree-Seeking Undergraduate Students (U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Refugees)
B. Degree-Seeking Undergraduate International Students
C. Non-Degree-Seeking Undergraduate Student
D. Programs for High School Students
E. Admission by Exception Committee
F. Academic Amnesty
G. Students Seeking Professional Certification

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette maintains several avenues to higher education for members of the community it serves. Students come to the University with a variety of individual goals and personal aspirations. The University, through its admission policy and the programs it offers, provides an opportunity for students with diverse backgrounds and abilities. Every attempt is made to address directly the needs of the individual while providing the flexibility necessary for full service to the community.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette invites all students who wish to be considered for undergraduate admission to apply.  Admission into the University does not guarantee admission into a specific College or specific degree program within a designated academic college.

No student shall be denied admission to the University because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or marital status. The University, however, reserves the right to deny admission to any student whenever such action is deemed in the best interest of that student and the University community. Applicants that are currently incarcerated are not eligible for admission to the University. 

A. Degree-Seeking Undergraduate Students (U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Refugees)

A degree-seeking undergraduate student is one who wishes to pursue a baccalaureate degree through one of the undergraduate colleges of the University. Non-international students may be admitted in one of the following categories: first-time freshman, transfer student, or re-entry student.

  1. Admission as a First-Time Freshman
    An applicant that has not earned college credit since his/her high school graduation (except in the summer semester immediately following high school graduation) is considered a first-time freshman student.A student applying for admission as a first-time freshman must:
    1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission. A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.

    2. Provide high school transcripts that include a minimum of six semesters (completed coursework through junior year) for initial consideration.

    3. Take and present valid results of the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). 

      Applicants whose ACT/SAT scores, high school units and/or grade point average appear to meet the stated admissions requirements will be granted provisional admission, pending receipt of an official ACT or SAT score report and a final, official high school transcript.If the required transcripts and/or test scores are not received by the 14th class day (7th class day of summer session) or if the student is found to be ineligible when the transcripts are evaluated, then the student’s registration will be cancelled and all registration fees may be forfeited (See Fee Regulations for resignation/cancellation refund policy). A hold preventing registration will be placed on the student’s record until the final, official transcript and/or official test scores are received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

      1. Admission Requirements for In-State First-Time Freshman Applicants
        First-time freshmen who have graduated from a state approved or recognized accredited high school will be eligible for guaranteed admission if they meet the following standards:

        1. Have an ACT Math score of at least 19 (510 on SAT Math).

          1. Students who earn an ACT Math score of at least 19 (510 on the SAT Math) are eligible to enroll in a college-level Math course.

          2. To be considered for admission with an ACT Math less than 19 (510 on the SAT Math), the applicant must successfully complete remedial Math no later than the summer semester immediately following high school graduation OR provide an Accuplacer Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QRAS) score of at least 250.

        2. Have an ACT English score of at least 18 (500 on SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing).

          1. Students who earn an ACT English score of at least 18 (500 on the SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing) are eligible to enroll in college-level English.

          2. To be considered for admission with an ACT English less than 18 (500 on the SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing), the applicant must successfully complete remedial English no later than the summer semester immediately following high school graduation OR provide an Accuplacer Writing score of at least 250.

        3. Have at least a 2.0 overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

        4. Successfully complete the 19 units constituting the Louisiana Board of Regents High School Core 4 Curriculum with a 2.5 core GPA.

          1. The core GPA requirement is waived if the applicant has a 23 ACT Composite (1130 SAT Composite).

          2. Louisiana Board of Regents High School Core 4 Curriculum:

            English (4 units)
            Units     Courses
            1           English I
            1           English II
            1           English III
            1           English IV

            Mathematics (4 units)
            Units     Courses
            1           Algebra I or Applied Algrbra I or Algebra I - Part 2
            1           Geometry or Applied Geometry
            1           Algebra II
            1           Financial Math or Math Essentials or Advanced: Pre-Calculus or
                         Advanced Functions & Statstics or Pre-Calculus or Calculus or
                         Probability and Statistics or Descrete Math or approve elective

            Science (4 units)
            Units     Courses
            1           Biology
            1           Chemistry
            2           Physical Science or Integrated Science or Physics I or Physics II or
                         Physic of Technology I or Physics of Technology II or Aerospace
                         Science or Biology II or Chemistry II or Earth Science or
                         Environmental Science or Agriscience II or Anatomy and Physiology
                         or approved elective (including approved IBC-related course)

            Social Services (4 units)
            Units     Courses
            1           Civics or AP American Goverment + Free Enterprise (1/2 each unit)
            1           American History
            1           World History or World Geography or Western Civillization or AP
                         European History or Law Studies or Psychology or Sociology or
                         Civics (second semester, 1/2 unit) or African American Studies
                         or approved IBC-related course (Religion I, II, III, IV for non-public
                         schools)

            Foreign Languages (2 units)
            Units     Courses
            1           2 units from same language or 2 Speech courses

            Arts (1 unit)
            Units     Courses
            1           Fine Arts Survey or 1 unit: Art or Dance or Music or Theater
                         Arts or Applied Arts or approved IBC related course
      2. Admission Requirements for Out-of-State or Home Schooled First-Time Freshman Applicants
        1. Have an ACT Math score of at least 19 (510 on SAT Math).
          1. Students who earn an ACT Math score of at least 19 (510 on the SAT Math) are eligible to enroll in a college-level Math course.
          2. To be considered for admission with an ACT Math less than 19 (510 on the SAT Math), the applicant must successfully complete remedial Math no later than the summer semester immediately following high school graduation OR provide an Accuplacer Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QRAS) score of at least 250.
        2. Have an ACT English score of at least 18 (500 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing).
          1. Students who earn an ACT English score of at least 18 (500 on the SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing) are eligible to enroll in college-level English.
          2. To be considered for admission with an ACT English less than 18 (500 on the SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing), the applicant must successfully complete remedial English no later than the summer semester immediately following high school graduation OR provide an Accuplacer Writing score of at least 250.
        3. Have at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
        4. Meet one of the following requirements:
          1. Meet the in-state student requirements above (A.a.i.) including completion of all 19 units of the Louisiana Board of Regents high school Core 4 Curriculum, or
          2. Successful completion of 17 of 19 units from the required Core 4 Curriculum with a core grade point average of 2.5 and have an ACT Composite of at least 23 (1130 SAT Composite), or
          3. Have an ACT Composite of at least 26 (1230 SAT Composite).
             
  2. Admission as a Transfer Student
    An applicant who has been enrolled or who is currently enrolled at another college or university is considered to be a transfer student. A student applying for admission as a transfer student must:

    1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission. A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.

    2. Provide transcripts from all colleges or universities attended regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired.  Students who fail to acknowledge attendance at any college or university in which they have registered are subject to dismissal from the University.

    3. If applicable, provide ACT/SAT scores and high school transcripts.

      A transfer student who is currently enrolled at another collegiate institution should have a transcript sent at the time the application for admission is submitted. This should be followed by a final, official transcript upon completion of any coursework in progress.  A transfer student may be granted provisional admission status until all final, official transcripts are received and evaluated. If these required transcripts are not received by the 14th class day (7th class day of summer session) or if the student is found to be ineligible when the transcripts are evaluated, then the student’s registration will be cancelled and all registration fees may be forfeited (See Fee Regulations for resignation/cancellation refund policy). A hold preventing registration will be placed on the student’s record until the final, official transcript is received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the student proves their eligibility to return to their previous institution.

      1. Admission Requirements for Transfer Applicants
        To be eligible for admission, a transfer applicant must be eligible to return to the last institution attended and one of the following:

        1. Must have earned an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.

        2. Earned 24 hours or more (excluding developmental/remedial courses):

          1. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher (excluding developmental/remedial courses) and

          2. Must have successfully completed both college-level freshman English (non-remedial) and college algebra (non-remedial) with a grade of C or better.

        3. Earned fewer than 24 hours (excluding developmental/remedial courses):

          1. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 (excluding developmental/remedial courses) and

          2. Meet all other admissions standards for first-time freshmen.

      2. Academic Status/Eligibility after Admission as Transfer Student

        1. A transfer student who is applying for admission to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette after being suspended for academic reasons at the last collegiate institution attended, who has completed the period of his or her suspension, or, after being placed on academic probation at the last collegiate institution attended, may be admitted on academic probation in accordance with regulation VII.D (Academic Status).

        2. A transfer student with two or more academic suspensions must remain out of school for at least one calendar year. The student’s eligibility to enroll in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is discussed in VII.I (Academic Status).

        3. Transfer students who have been suspended from other college or university systems may appeal to enroll at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette during the suspension period only if they have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

      3. Transfer of Credit Policy

        1. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions evaluates transfer credentials to determine which credits are acceptable by the University; however, the student’s academic dean is responsible for determining which of these credits may be applied in a particular baccalaureate degree program. Although all credits may be accepted by the University (Office of Undergraduate Admissions) and recorded on the student’s University of Louisiana at Lafayette permanent record, these credits are not necessarily applicable to a degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A prospective transfer student should refer to the introduction section of the appropriate college in this Catalog for the transfer of credit policy of that college. A student who feels that an error has been made in the evaluation of transfer credit should initiate a review of his/her record in the office of the student’s academic dean.

        2. Credit for work successfully completed at a regionally accredited college or university or, in some cases, at a non-accredited institution will be accepted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in accordance with the following provisions:

          1. Credits from non-accredited institutions will be evaluated on the basis of the recommendations contained in the current issue of Transfer Credit Practices of Selected Educational Institutions, published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and in accordance with the current Office of Admissions policy. Copies of these documents are available for inspection in the Office of Admissions.

          2. Credit in courses from foreign colleges and universities may be accepted based on an interpretation of the credits by the Office of Admissions and the student’s academic dean.

          3. All regulations governing transfer credit will apply regardless of when these credits were earned; however, students are cautioned that credits which are over 10 years old may be applied toward degree requirements only with the approval of the student’s academic dean.

          4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette students who attend another college or university during a summer or other term and wish to transfer earned credits to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette are governed by these regulations; however, students are cautioned that their academic dean determines which of these transfer credits, if any, are applicable toward a degree. University of Louisiana at Lafayette students who plan to pursue work at another university are urged to consult with their academic dean concerning the applicability of such work prior to leaving the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

          5. Although the number of credits acceptable from a junior college or community college by the University is unlimited, transfer students are cautioned that the student’s academic dean determines which of these credits are applicable toward a degree. The maximum number of credits from a junior college or community college applicable toward a degree is 60 semester hours or fifty percent of the total required for a baccalaureate degree.

          6. Credit earned through correspondence study and other non-traditional credit, earned in any way other than through residence study, is awarded according to university policy as stated in Section VIII (Credit By Other Means) regardless of the policy of the sending institution. Credit earned by departmental or institutional examinations at other regionally accredited colleges and universities and listed on an official transcript is accepted in the same way that residence credit earned in those institutions is accepted.

          7. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will recognize course credits from regionally accredited institutions at the level at which they were taught at the credit-granting institution. When transfer credits are received at the lower level but the course is taught at the advanced level at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Dean may substitute up to six semester hours of transfer credits for six semester hours of advanced level credits in fulfilling the 45 hour requirement.

          8. Credits earned at another baccalaureate-granting institution (four-year college or university) during a period of suspension or dismissal from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette or another institution will not be accepted if the student enters or re-enters the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Hours pursued, hours earned, and quality points will not be included in the student’s cumulative average; however, academic actions such as probation and suspension will be recorded. A student on suspension from UL Lafayette may enroll in a two-year institution (community college or junior college). Credits earned from the two-year institution will be accepted by UL Lafayette, though they will only be applicable toward a degree as determined by the student’s academic dean. Credits earned by a student at a two-year institution while on suspension from another four-year institution may be accepted by UL Lafayette at the discretion of the student’s academic dean.

  3. Admission as a Re-Entry Student
    A re-entry student is a former student of the University who has applied for admission after one or more regular semesters of non-attendance at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and who has attended no other institution. A student applying for admission as a re-entry student must:

    1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission. A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.

    2. If applicable, provide transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired. Students who fail to acknowledge attendance at any college or university in which they have registered are subject to dismissal from the University.

      A re-entry student who has enrolled at another collegiate institution since his/her last attendance at the University should have a transcript sent at the time the application for admission is submitted. This should be followed by a final, official transcript upon completion of any coursework in progress. A re-entry student with coursework at another college or university may be granted provisional admission status until all final, official transcripts are received and evaluated. If these required transcripts are not received by the 14th class day (7th class day of summer session) or if the student is found to be ineligible when the transcripts are evaluated, then the student’s registration will be cancelled and all registration fees may be forfeited (See Fee Regulations for resignation/cancellation refund policy). A hold preventing registration will be placed on the student’s record until the final, official transcript is received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the student proves their eligibility to return to their previous institution.

      1. Admission Requirements for Re-Entry Applicants

        1. A re-entry student must have an overall grade point average of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible for admissions consideration.

      2. Academic Status after Admission as Re-Entry Student

        1. A re-entry student who left the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in academic good standing and who remained in academic good standing at any other institutions attended may be readmitted in academic good standing in accordance with regulation VII.D (Academic Status).

        2. A re-entry student who left the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on academic probation or who was placed on academic probation at the last institution attended may be readmitted on academic probation in accordance with regulation VII.D (Academic Status).

        3. A re-entry student who is returning after a period of suspension or who was placed on suspension at the last institution attended, and completed the period of suspension, may be admitted on probation in accordance with regulation VII.D (Academic Status).

      3. Catalog in Effect after Admission as Re-Entry Student

        1. Any student not in attendance for two or more successive regular semesters (excluding summer sessions and inter-sessions) is required to follow the degree program as printed in the Catalog in effect at the time of his/her re-entry into the University. Any exception to this regulation must be approved in writing by the student’s academic dean.

B. Degree-Seeking Undergraduate International Students

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will issue the appropriate initial immigration form for applicants entering the United States with a student visa (F1) or visiting scholar visa (J1). Prospective students who hold other visas should check with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and/or the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service prior to submitting an application for admission.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will make a determination of the student’s eligibility for admission based on the credentials submitted for evaluation. The appropriate immigration form will be issued only after all credentials have been submitted and the applicant has been fully admitted to the University. International students are cautioned that admission into the University does not necessarily constitute admission into any specific college or department of the University.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette reserves the right to require an advance deposit of the first year’s tuition, fees, and all other expenses in cases where the normal flow of funds from a foreign country is interrupted. All international students must provide evidence of adequate financial support comparable to the current estimate of annual expenses.

For undergraduate admissions consideration, all international applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for English language proficiency to be considered for admission (listed below).

  • TOEFL: 70 (Internet-based test) or 523 (paper-based test)
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • PTE Academic: 50
  • ACT English: 18
  • SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing: 500

Applicants who are from a country where English is the official language or have completed all high school coursework form a country where English is the official language do not need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for consideration. A list of countries where English is considered the official language for admissions purposes is found on the University’s website.

International students who have not graduated from a U.S. high school are required to enroll in ESOL courses instead of ENGL 101  and ENGL 102  to complete their freshman writing requirement. Students must complete the course sequence in the same department (ENGL 101  and ENGL 102 ; ESOL 101  and ESOL 102  ).

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has authorization to admit by exception those applicants who do not meet the mandated admission requirements (see Admission by Exception Committee section). Consideration is given to other documented indications of a student’s ability to succeed in a degree program. International applicants who do not meet the mandated English language proficiency requirement cannot be considered for Admission by Exception Committee.

In addition to the TOEFL requirement, all international students, upon their arrival at the University and prior to their initial registration, may be required to take placement examinations in English and Mathematics. These examinations are used to place students at the appropriate level in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses and MATH (mathematics) courses. International students may also be required to take placement examinations in subjects such as chemistry and physics, and in other subjects, as required by their major department.

  1. Admission as an International First-Time Freshman Student
    An international first-time freshman is defined as an international student who has never attended a post-secondary educational institution.  A student applying for admission as a first-time freshman must:
    1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the semester for which admission is sought.  A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.
    2. Submit a Chronological Record of Education form with an official or certified true copy of all secondary academic records, notes, transcripts, and/or mark sheets including examination records (ex. Baccalaureate, Bachillerato, General Education Certificate (GCE) “O” and “A” level results, Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Higher School Certificate (HSC), Abitur, and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results).
    3. Take and present valid results of the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). 
    4. Submit the completed Confidential Financial Information Form and supporting bank statement verifying financial support for one year.
    5. Meet English language proficiency as outlined above in Section B.
    6. Provide a copy of passport/visa documentation.
      1. Admission Requirements for International First-Time Freshman Applicants
        International first-time freshmen who have graduated from a state or ministry approved high school will be eligible for guaranteed admission if they meet the following standards:
        1. Have an ACT Math score of at least 19 (510 on SAT Math).
        2. Have an ACT English score of at least 18 (500 on SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing).
        3. Have a high school grade point average of at least 2.5 (converted to a U.S. 4.0 scale).
        4. Meet English language proficiency as outline above in Section B.
  2. Admission as an International Transfer Student
    An international applicant who has been enrolled or who is currently enrolled at another post-secondary educational institution is considered to be a transfer student. An international student applying for admission as a transfer student must:
    1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the semester for which admission is sought.  A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.
    2. Submit a Chronological Record of Education form with transcripts from all colleges or universities attended regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired.  Students who fail to acknowledge attendance at any college or university in which they have registered are subject to dismissal from the University.
    3. Submit the completed Confidential Financial Information Form and supporting bank statement verifying financial support for one year.
    4. Meet English language proficiency as outlines above in Section B.
    5. Provide a copy of passport/visa documentation.
    6. If applicable, provide ACT/SAT scores and an official or certified true copy of all secondary academic records, notes, transcripts, and/or mark sheets including examination records (ex. Baccalaureate, Bachillerato, General Education Certificate (GCE) “O” and “A” level results, Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Higher School Certificate (HSC), Abitur, and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results).
      1. Admission Requirements for International Transfer Applicants
        To be eligible for admission, an international transfer applicant must be eligible to return to the last institution attended and one of the following:
        1. Must have earned an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
        2. Earned 24 hours or more (excluding developmental/remedial courses):
          1. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher (excluding developmental/remedial courses) and
          2. Must have successfully completed both college-level freshman English (non-remedial) and college algebra (non-remedial) with a grade of C or better.
        3. Earned fewer than 24 hours (excluding developmental/remedial courses):
          1. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 (excluding developmental/remedial courses) and
          2. Meet all other admissions standards for first-time freshmen.
  3. Admission as an International Re-entry Student
    An international re-entry student is a former student of the University who has applied for admission after one or more regular semesters of non-attendance at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and who has attended no other institution.A student applying for admission as a re-entry student must:
    1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the semester for which admission is sought. A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.
    2. If applicable, provide transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired. Students who fail to acknowledge attendance at any college or university in which they have registered are subject to dismissal from the University.
      1. Admission Requirements for Re-Entry Applicants
        1. A re-entry student must have an overall grade point average of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible for admissions consideration.
      2. Academic Status after Admission as Re-Entry Student
        1. A re-entry student who left the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in academic good standing and who remained in academic good standing at any other institutions attended may be readmitted in academic good standing in accordance with regulation VII.D (Academic Status).
        2. A re-entry student who left the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on academic probation or who was placed on academic probation at the last institution attended may be readmitted on academic probation in accordance with regulation VII.D (Academic Status).
        3. A re-entry student who is returning after a period of suspension or who was placed on suspension at the last institution attended, who has completed the period of suspension, may be admitted on probation in accordance with regulation VII.D (Academic Status).
      3. Catalog in Effect after Admission as Re-Entry Student
        1. Any student not in attendance for two or more successive regular semesters (excluding summer sessions and inter-sessions) is required to follow the degree program as printed in the Catalog in effect at the time of his/her re-entry into the University. Any exception to this regulation must be approved in writing by the student’s academic dean.
      4. Non-attendance related to visa status
        1. Re-entering international students who have remained in the U.S. after a period of non-attendance of a regular semester are cautioned that admission to the University does not constitute reinstatement to a student status by the Immigrations and Naturalization Service. The student must file for reinstatement of status to the INS after being admitted to the University.

C. Non-Degree-Seeking Undergraduate Student

A non-degree-seeking undergraduate student is one who wishes to enroll in the University, but does not plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The student may or may not meet the requirements for admission of a degree seeking student but has declared intent not to seek a degree. All non-degree seeking students are assigned to University Connection. A student admitted in one of the non-degree categories who later decides to pursue an undergraduate degree must submit an application for admission into the degree program desired to be considered for admission. In addition, the student must meet the same requirements for admission as a degree seeking student.

Non-degree seeking students are cautioned that coursework pursued while in this classification may not necessarily be applicable toward a degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. If a non-degree seeking student wishes to enroll in a freshman level English or mathematics course, the student must present ACT/SAT scores prior to enrolling in these courses. Transcripts submitted by applicants in the following categories will only be used to determine eligibility for admissions purposes and will not be evaluated and recorded on the student’s University of Louisiana at Lafayette permanent record. Non-U.S. citizens should confer with the Office of Admissions prior to submitting an application for non- degree status, since these categories may affect immigration status.

  1. Admission as a Special Student
    An undergraduate student who does not wish to pursue a degree but who wishes to take courses for credit is classified as a Special Student.
    1. The following applicants are eligible for admission as Special Students:
      1. Graduates of high schools.
      2. Students who have attended other collegiate institutions and are eligible to return.
      3. Mature persons, at least 25 years old, who have not graduated from high school.
    2. A Special Student must:
      1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission.  A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.
      2. Provide an official high school transcript or an official transcript from the last collegiate institution attended.
  2. Admission as a Post-Baccalaureate Student
    A Post-Baccalaureate Student is one who holds at least a bachelor’s degree, has not been admitted to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Graduate School, and is not pursuing a degree but who wishes to take courses for undergraduate credit. A Post-Baccalaureate Student may not take courses for graduate credit. Any course taken while classified as a Post-Baccalaureate Student cannot be later counted toward a graduate degree. A student pursuing an additional baccalaureate degree should apply as a degree seeking student.
    1. A Post-Baccalaureate Student must be eligible to return to the last collegiate institution attended.
    2. A Post-Baccalaureate student must:
      1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission.  A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.
      2. Provide an official transcript from the last collegiate institution attended and, if different, an official transcript from the institution listing receipt of bachelor’s degree.
  3. Admission as a Visiting Student
    A Visiting Student is an undergraduate student seeking a baccalaureate degree at another collegiate institution or a high school graduate who intends to seek a baccalaureate degree at another collegiate institution and wishes to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for one session or term only.
    1. A Visiting Student must have graduated from an approved high school or have attended a collegiate institution and remains eligible to return to the last institution of attendance.
    2. Visiting Students who wish to continue at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for the Fall semester must reapply for admission and must meet regular admission requirements.
    3. A Visiting Student must:
      1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission.  A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.
      2. Provide an official high school transcript listing graduation date and appropriate signatures or an official transcript from the last collegiate institution attended.
  4. Admission as a DOORS Student
    The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Diversified Opportunities for Older and Returning Students (DOORS) Program is intended to ease the transition into the University for older and returning students. DOORS is designed primarily for students who are 21 years of age or older and who are enrolling in the University for the first time or returning after several years’ absence. This category of admission is designed for two types of students: those who would like to take a few courses for personal enrichment or professional advancement and have no interest in working towards a degree and those who might ultimately desire to seek a degree but want to adjust to the University gradually by entering initially as non-degree seeking students. When DOORS applicants wish to change their status, they must submit an application for admission and meet regular degree seeking admission requirements in effect at that time and submit transcripts of all previous studies.
    1. The following types of students may be admitted through the DOORS program:
      1. Mature persons who have graduated from high school or have a GED.
      2. Transfer students who are eligible to re-enroll at the last institution attended. The normal requirement of transcripts may be waived for admission. If a DOORS Program student desires to transfer into a degree program at a later time, then all credentials will be required.
    2. A maximum of 15 hours of academic credit earned under this admissions category may be transferred into a degree program. These hours must be approved by the dean of the academic college into which the student transfers.
    3. A DOORS student must:
      1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission. A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.
      2. Provide an official high school transcript listing graduation date and appropriate signatures or an official transcript from the last collegiate institution attended.
  5. Admission to Certain Sponsored Programs
    Students admitted into certain approved programs sponsored through University Connection may be admitted as Visiting Students and may earn regular college credit.
    1. Programs for Visiting Students are generally sponsored by or are offered in cooperation with a local industry or an agency in the community. Programs for Visiting Students must be reviewed and approved by the Academic Vice President, the Director of University Connection, and the Director of Admissions and/or Assistant Director for International Admissions.
    2. Participants in these programs must be mature adults recommended by the sponsoring or cooperating agency. Participants are subject to the approval of the Director of University Connection and the Director of Admissions and/or Assistant Director for International Admissions. 
    3. A Visiting Student is admitted for a specific program only and must reapply for participation in any other program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette or for admission as a student in any other category. The Visiting Student is cautioned that coursework pursued while in this classification may not necessarily be applicable toward a degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
    4. A Sponsored Visiting Student must:
      1. Complete and submit the online application for undergraduate admission. A non-refundable application fee is assessed for all applicants, and an additional late application fee may be assessed if the application is received after the published application deadline.
      2. Provide an official high school transcript listing graduation date and appropriate signatures or an official transcript from the last collegiate institution attended.

D. Programs for High School Students

Superior high school students who have completed their junior year in high school may be allowed to enroll in regular college classes. The University offers two different programs for those students whose academic qualifications and emotional maturity are clearly above average.

The High School Dual Enrollment Program
Students in their final two years of high school are eligible to begin taking courses through UL Lafayette if they meet certain pre-admission criteria. Students must be on track to complete the Board of Regents (TOPS) core, have an ACT composite score of at least 21, English sub score of 18 and a Math sub score of 19, and a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.75. A wide variety of courses are available to such students, who may earn seven or eight hours of college credit per academic semester at a reduced tuition rate. Students may enroll in courses offered either on their high school campuses or on the UL Lafayette campus.

Those who wish to participate in the program should obtain an application from the Office of University Connection (call 337-482-6729 or e-mail universityconnection@louisiana.edu).

E. Admission by Exception Committee

Applicants that do not meet admissions requirements, including graduates of non-state approved high schools or GED recipients, may submit an Application for Admission by Exception Committee to be considered for admission by exception. The Application for Admission by Exception Committee is available upon request, and these applications are reviewed by the Admission by Exception Committee. Criteria considered in the admission decision includes, but is not limited to, GPA, high school academic history and improvements in academic performance, extracurricular activities, work experience, life events that had an impact on academic performance, and letters of recommendation. In all cases, the final admission decision will be based on the applicant’s potential to be successful academically at the University.

International applicants who do not meet the mandated English language proficiency requirement cannot be considered for Admission by Exception Committee.

F. Academic Amnesty

  1. Academic amnesty provides an opportunity for an undergraduate student or applicant to start a new academic record. When academic amnesty is awarded effective with a given semester, all college or university level credits and grades earned prior to that semester are no longer recognized and thus are not used in subsequent academic status determinations or grade point average calculations. (Notes: The prior credits and grades continue to be shown on the permanent academic record.) The award of academic amnesty does not change a student’s financial aid history.
  2. Academic amnesty can be considered only if the student has not been enrolled in any college or university for at least three years before the effective semester of the amnesty.
  3. A request for academic amnesty by a student enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette should be made to the student’s academic dean within one calendar year of the date of re-enrollment.
  4. An applicant who seeks academic amnesty in order to be admitted to the university will present his or her request to the appropriate Dean’s office for approval of amnesty for admission.
  5. Academic amnesty may be granted to an individual only once. Once granted, academic amnesty may not be rescinded.
  6. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette does not automatically recognize academic amnesty granted to a student by another institution. A request to recognize academic amnesty granted by another institution should be made to the academic dean or the Director of Admissions.
  7. Academic amnesty may not be recognized by all programs at this institution or by other institutions. In particular, many graduate and professional schools do not recognize academic amnesty.
  8. Credit examinations may be taken for courses in which grades of “C” or higher were earned (see Credit by Other Means, VIII. A).
  9. Only the grades earned since amnesty was awarded will be used to compute eligibility for honors.

G. Students Seeking Professional Certification

A student seeking professional certification is one who is pursuing professional or additional certification in one of the areas approved by the Committee on Academic Affairs and Standards. Certification in additional fields as approved by the State Department of Education is an example of such certification. These students must meet the admission requirements of the undergraduate college.