Admissions

Brian Henley, Director, Office of Admissions

(541) 346-3201

(541) 346-5815 fax

240 Oregon Hall

admissions.uoregon.edu

Admission requirements apply to all students seeking to enroll at the University of Oregon.

Application Deadlines

The following majors require a separate application in addition to the university application and have strictly enforced deadlines for admission. Students who plan to enter the university as majors in architecture, art, interior architecture, landscape architecture, product design, or music should be aware of the special admission requirements and the application deadlines (given below). Details are in the departmental sections of this catalog.

Music majors audition for placement and take a musicianship examination scheduled on several dates throughout the spring.

Freshman Admission

Application Procedures

Freshman applicants must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:

1. A completed application for admission and a nonrefundable $50 application fee

2. At the time of application, a transcript showing at least six semesters of the applicant’s high school record

3. The results of either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT college entrance examination with the optional writing component

4. A final transcript of the applicant’s high school record certifying graduation, when available

Freshman Admission Prerequisites

To be considered for admission to the University of Oregon, students must complete the minimum number of years of study in certain disciplines and meet the grade point average or test score alternatives outlined below. Fulfulling these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Fourteen total units (one unit equals one year) of college preparatory course work, each with a grade of C– or better, are required. Specific subject requirements include:

English—four years. All four years should include college-preparatory composition and literature with emphasis on and frequent practice in writing expository prose.

Mathematics—three years. Study must include first-year algebra and two additional years of college preparatory mathematics such as geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry, calculus, finite mathematics, advanced applications, probability and statistics, or courses that integrate topics from two or more of these areas. It is recommended that an advanced mathematics course be taken in the senior year. Regardless of the pattern of mathematics courses or the number of years of mathematics taken, the mathematics course work must culminate at the Algebra II (or equivalent) level or higher.

Science—two years. Study must include a year each in two fields of college preparatory science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and physical science (one laboratory science recommended).

Social studies—three years. Study must include analysis of societal issues and events. It is strongly recommended that study includes knowledge and use of geographic information, patterns of United States and human history, structures and systems of U.S. government, and analysis of economic systems.

Second-language proficiency. Proficiency may be demonstrated through any one of the three options listed below.

1. Two years of the same second language in high school with a grade of C– or better or

2. Two terms of college-level study in the same second language with a grade of C– or better or

3. Proficiency test (e.g., SAT II
or BYU Foreign Language Assessment)

Options for meeting the second-language requirement, including American Sign Language, may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Students admitted as exceptions to the second-language requirement must pass two terms of the same second language with a grade of C– or better before graduating from the university.

Address questions about demonstrating second-language proficiency to the Office of Admissions.

PASS proficiency. The Proficiency-Based Admission Standard System (PASS) may be used to meet some of the standards required for admission. More information about PASS may be found on the Oregon University System website.

Application Review

Applications undergo a comprehensive review that considers such factors as strength of academic course work, grade trends, class rank, standardized test scores, academic motivation as demonstrated in the submitted essay, special talents, and the ability to enhance the diversity of the university. Cocurricular activities are considered but will not compensate for lower grades or weaker course schedules.

For the fullest consideration, students should request that an updated transcript be sent following completion of their seventh semester.

Standard Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the University of Oregon, students must have

1. Graduated from a standard or regionally accredited high school and

2. Completed the college-preparatory subject requirements outlined above and

3. Earned a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and completed fourteen college preparatory units. A chart of the minimum SAT scores needed for admission consideration with a GPA less than 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is available on the admissions website

Automatic Admission

Applicants who have earned at least a 3.40 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale and sixteen academic units with a grade of C– or better qualify for automatic admission.

Alternative Admission Requirements

Students who have not graduated from a standard or accredited high school may be considered for admission in one of the following ways:

Test of General Educational Development (GED). Meet the minimum score of 410 on each subject examination and achieve an average subtest score of 580.

SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Examinations. Meet SAT/ACT requirements and earn an average score of 470 or better (940 total) on two College Board SAT Subject Tests—Mathematics level I or IIc, and another test of the student’s choice. An examination in a second language is strongly recommended to meet the language proficiency requirements needed to qualify for admission. Students who do not take the SAT subject test in a second language must prove language proficiency through another approved process.

Second-Language Proficiency. Students who took the GED in June 1997 or after must demonstrate second-language proficiency to be admitted to the University of Oregon. See Freshman Admission Prerequisites for more information.

Computing Admission Grade Point Averages

A numerical point value is assigned to graded work as follows: A=4 points per credit, B=3 points, C=2 points, D=1 point, F or N=0 points. The grade point average (GPA) equals the total points divided by total credits for which grades are received.

Admission Exceptions

Oregon University System policy permits the university to admit a limited number of students who do not meet minimum requirements. Requests for admission as an exception are reviewed by the admissions committee. For information about this option, write or visit the Office of Admissions.

Transfer Admission

Students who have completed between 12 and 35 quarter credits of college work must meet the freshman requirements outlined above and the transfer requirements described here. Students who have completed 36 or more quarter credits (or 24 or more semester credits) of college work, 24 of which must be graded, are considered for admission based only on a review of their college-level courses. A minimum grade point average of 2.25 (2.50 for nonresidents) is required. Students must have successfully completed one course each in college-level writing and mathematics with grades of C– or better and must be eligible to return to the last college attended. Transfer students who graduated from high school or earned a GED spring 1997 or after must meet the freshman second-language requirement. Meeting these minimum standards does not guarantee admission. Priority consideration is given to students who earn an associate of arts Oregon transfer degree from an Oregon community college.

Transfer students who apply to one of the professional schools may be expected to show proficiency beyond the minimum requirement for transfer admission. See departmental sections of this catalog for details.

Transfer of Credit

The amount of credit transferred depends on the nature of the applicant’s college work, which is evaluated according to the academic requirements of the University of Oregon. Only college-level academic course work from regionally accredited two- and four-year colleges or universities will be considered for transfer. Up to 124 credits from accredited community or junior colleges, of which only 90 credits may be transferred from an international junior college, may be applied to the bachelor’s degree.

See Bachelor’s Degree Requirements under Registration and Academic Policies for requirements that apply to new undergraduates.

Application Procedures

Transfer applicants must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:

1. A completed application for admission and a nonrefundable $50 application fee

2. An official transcript from each college and university attended (an official transcript is one sent directly to the Office of Admissions by the college or university attended)

Transfer students may submit their applications up to one year before they plan to enroll at the university. Applications and official transcripts should be received by the university by the deadlines listed above to allow time for a complete evaluation of the transferred credits.

Premajor Status

The departments listed below admit new students only as premajors. A premajor student is eligible to take advantage of the department’s advising services and, in most cases, complete lower-division course work required for the major. Each department screens enrolled premajor students who have completed some university study and decides if they may advance to major status. Professional schools and arts and sciences departments or programs with premajor admission requirements are the College of Education; Lundquist College of Business; School of Journalism and Communication; marine biology; mathematics and computer science; and planning, public policy and management.

Dual Enrollment Program

The University of Oregon has dual-enrollment agreements with Lane Community College and Southwestern Oregon Community College. These programs provide students with the academic and administrative advantages of simultaneous enrollment in two institutions. More information and applications for admission are available from the UO Office of Admissions and at either community college.

International Admission

Applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent residents are considered for admission to the university as international students.

International applicants, whether freshman or transfer, may apply for admission fall, winter, and spring terms and summer session. The international freshman application deadline for fall term is March 15. The international transfer student application deadline for fall term is May 15. Applications received after the deadlines are considered on a space-available basis.

A GPA of 2.50 is required for undergraduates who want to transfer from another university or college.

English Proficiency. Students whose native language is not English must supply results of a standardized language proficiency test. A minimum score from one of the following tests is required:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)—500 (paper-based test), 61 (Internet-based test)

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—6.0

All international students must take an English language placement test after arriving at the university. Placement test results determine whether students are required to take additional language training in the Academic English for International Students (AEIS) program. Students placed in AEIS courses also may enroll in regular academic courses. Students with one of the following scores are exempt from taking the comprehensive placement test:

• 575 or better on the paper-based TOEFL

• 88 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL

• 7.0 on the IELTS

More information about the American English Institute and AEIS courses may be found in the Academic Resources section of this catalog and on the institute’s website.

Application Procedure

International applicants must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:

1. A completed international application for admission and a nonrefundable $50 application fee

2. Official transcripts of all schoolwork taken beyond the eighth year of school (e.g., the equivalent of the American secondary school grades nine, ten, eleven, and twelve, and for any college or university work). An official transcript is an original or a certified copy

3. An official test score report from one of the English proficiency tests described above

4. An account statement issued by a bank (certificate of balance) that indicates an amount covering one year’s expenses

To obtain graduate application forms, applicants should write directly to the departments or schools in which they plan to study or visit the department’s website. See Graduate Admission in this section of the catalog.

Specialized Admission Assistance

Assistance is available from the following offices:

• Office of Academic Advising, 364 Oregon Hall; call (541) 346-3211

• Office of Admissions, 240 Oregon Hall;
call (541) 346-3201

• Office of Multicultural Academic Success, 164 Oregon Hall; call (541) 346-3479

See also Undergraduate Studies in the Academic Resources section of this catalog.

Graduate Admission

Students planning to earn graduate degrees at the university must be admitted to the Graduate School and the departments in which they plan to study. General admission requirements for the Graduate School are described in that section of this catalog. Each school and department in the university determines its specific requirements and application deadlines for graduate admission. For this reason, inquiries concerning graduate admission should be sent directly to the department or school of interest.

Postbaccalaureate Admission

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and want to earn a second undergraduate degree, or to take additional work without entering a formal degree or certification program, may be admitted with postbaccalaureate nongraduate status. These students pay appropriate undergraduate fees. Applications and information are available from the Office of Admissions.

Notice to Nonresidents of the State of Oregon

Oregon Board of Higher Education Administrative Rules

These are the residency rules of the Board of Higher Education currently in effect.

580-010-0029

Definitions

For the purpose of OAR 580-010-0030 through 580-010-0045, the following words and phrases mean:

(1) “Domicile” is a person’s true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation. It is the place where a person intends to remain and to which the person expects to return when the person leaves without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere. In order to establish a domicile in Oregon, a person must maintain a predominant physical presence in Oregon for 12 consecutive months after moving to the state.

(2) A “financially independent person” is a person who, at the time of application for residency status:

(a) declares himself or herself to be financially independent;

(b) has not been claimed as a dependent during the immediately preceding tax year, and will not be claimed as a dependent during the current tax year, on the federal or state income tax returns of any other person; and

(c) has not received in the immediately preceding calendar year, and will not receive during the current calendar year, one-half or more of his or her support, in cash or in kind, from another person or persons, except for support received from his or her spouse.

(3) A “financially dependent person” is a person who, at the time of application for residency status:

(a) declares himself or herself to be financially dependent; and

(b) has been claimed as a dependent on the federal and state income tax returns of another person during the immediately preceding tax year.

580-010-0030

Determination of Residence

(1) For purposes of admission and instruction fee assessment, OUS institutions shall classify a student as an Oregon resident or nonresident. In determining resident or nonresident classification, the primary issue is a person’s intent in coming to Oregon. Intent is inferred from a person’s conduct and history as they relate to the requirements of these residency rules. If a person is in Oregon primarily for the purpose of obtaining an education, that person will be considered a nonresident. It is possible for an individual to qualify as a resident of Oregon for purposes of voting or obtaining an Oregon driver’s license and not meet the residency requirements established by these rules.

(2) An Oregon resident is a financially independent person who, prior to the term for which Oregon resident classification is requested, has both:

(a) established and maintained a domicile in Oregon as provided under OAR 580-010-0029(1) for 12 consecutive months; and

(b) during that period, has been primarily engaged in activities other than those of being a college student.

(3) A student may be considered primarily engaged in educational activities regardless of the number of hours for which the student is enrolled. However, a student who is enrolled for more than 8 hours in any semester or quarter during the 12-month period referred to in section (2) of this rule shall be presumed to be in Oregon for primarily educational purposes. Such period of enrollment shall not be counted toward the establishment of a bona fide domicile of 12 consecutive months in this state unless the student proves, in fact, establishment of a bona fide domicile in this state primarily for purposes other than educational.

(4) An Oregon resident is also a financially dependent person who is claimed as a dependent by another person who has both:

(a) established and maintained an Oregon domicile as provided under OAR 580-010-0029(1) for 12 consecutive months; and

(b) during that period, has been primarily engaged in activities other than those of being a college student.

(5) A financially dependent person who is claimed as a dependent by another person who has not established and maintained an Oregon domicile shall be presumed to be a non-resident. This presumption may be overcome by evidence of the student’s long-standing presence in Oregon and demonstration of other factors under OAR 580-010-0031.

(6) The criteria for determining Oregon resident classification shall also be used to determine whether a person who has moved from Oregon has established a non-Oregon residence.

(7) If institution records show that the residence of a student or the person upon whom the student is dependent is outside of Oregon, the student shall continue to be classified as a nonresident until entitlement to resident classification is shown. The burden of showing that the residence classification should be changed is on the student requesting the change.

(8) Notwithstanding section (4) of this rule, a student who is financially dependent on a non-Oregon resident may nonetheless be considered an Oregon resident if the student resides in Oregon for at least 12 consecutive months with a parent or legal guardian who has both:

(a) established and maintained an Oregon domicile under OAR 580-010-0029(1) for 12 consecutive months; and

(b) during that period, has been primarily engaged in activities other than those of being a college student.

Residency Consideration Factors 580-010-0031

(1) The following factors, although not necessarily conclusive or exclusive, have probative value in support of a claim for Oregon resident classification:

(a) Reside in Oregon for 12 consecutive months prior to the beginning of the term for which resident classification is sought and during that period be primarily engaged in activities other than those of a college student;

(b) Reliance upon Oregon resources for financial support;

(c) Domicile in Oregon of persons legally responsible for the student;

(d) Acceptance of an offer of permanent employment in Oregon; and

(e) Ownership by the person of his or her living quarters in Oregon.

(2) The following factors, standing alone, do not constitute sufficient evidence to effect classification as an Oregon resident:

(a) Voting or registration to vote;

(b) Employment in any position normally filled by a student;

(c) The lease of living quarters;

(d) Admission to a licensed practicing profession in Oregon;

(e) Automobile registration;

(f) Public records, for example, birth and marriage records, Oregon driver’s license;

(g) Continuous presence in Oregon during periods when not enrolled in school;

(h) Ownership of property in Oregon or the payment of Oregon income or other Oregon taxes; or

(i) Domicile in Oregon of the student’s spouse.

(3) Reliance upon non-Oregon resources for financial support is an inference of residency in another state.

Evidence of Financial Dependency 580-010-0033

(1) In determining whether a student is financially dependent, a student must provide:

(a) Evidence of established domicile as provided under OAR 580-010-0029(1) of the person claiming the student as a dependent; and

(b) The identification of the student as a dependent on the federal and state income tax returns of the person claiming the student as a dependent. Additional documentation to substantiate dependency during the current calendar year may be required at a later time if deemed necessary by the institution.

(2) A student who provides evidence that he or she is a financially dependent person under these rules shall not be required to establish a 12-month domicile prior to classification of resident status, provided such a student may not be classified as a resident while receiving financial assistance from another state or state agency for educational purposes.

580-010-0035

Residence Classification of Armed Forces Personnel

(1) For purposes of this rule, members of the armed forces means officers and enlisted personnel of:

(a) The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard of the United States;

(b) Reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard of the United States;

(c) The National Guard of the United States and the Oregon National Guard.

(2) Notwithstanding OAR 580-010-0030, active members of the armed forces and their spouses and dependent children shall be considered residents for purposes of the instructional fee if the members:

(a) Reside in this state while assigned to duty at any base, station, shore establishment, or other facility in this state;

(b) Reside in this state while serving as members of the crew of a ship that has an Oregon port of shore establishment as its home port or permanent station; or

(c) Reside in another state or a foreign country and file Oregon state income taxes no later than 12 months before leaving active duty.

(3) An Oregon resident entering the armed forces retains Oregon residence classification until it is voluntarily relinquished.

(4) An Oregon resident who has been in the armed forces and assigned on duty outside of Oregon, including a person who establishes residency under section (2)(c) of this rule, must, within a reasonable time, demonstrate an intent to retain classification as an Oregon resident. Such intent may be shown by returning to Oregon within six months after completing service in the armed forces.

(5) A person who continues to reside in Oregon after separation from the armed forces may count the time spent in the state while in the armed forces to support a claim for classification as an Oregon resident.

(6) The dependent child and spouse of a person who is a resident under section (2) of this rule shall be considered an Oregon resident. “Dependent child” includes any child of a member of the armed forces who:

(a) Is under 18 years of age and not married, otherwise emancipated or self-supporting; or

(b) Is under 23 years of age, unmarried, enrolled in a full-time course of study in an institution of higher learning, and dependent on the member for over one-half of his/her support.

580-010-0037

Residence Classification of Members of Oregon Tribes

(1) Students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes of Oregon or who are enrolled members of a Native American tribe which had traditional and customary tribal boundaries that included parts of the state of Oregon or which had ceded or reserved lands within the state of Oregon shall be assessed resident tuition regardless of their state of residence.

(2) For purposes of this rule, the federally recognized tribes of Oregon are:

(a) Burns Paiute Tribe;

(b) Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw;

(c) Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon;

(d) Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon;

(e) Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation;

(f) Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation;

(g) Coquille Indian Tribe;

(h) Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians;

(i) Klamath Tribes.

(3) For purposes of this rule, the Native American tribes which had traditional and customary tribal boundaries that included parts of the state of Oregon or which had ceded or reserved lands within the state of Oregon are:

(a) CALIFORNIA:

(A) Benton Paiute Tribe;

(B) Big Bend Rancheria;

(C) Big Lagoon Rancheria;

(D) Blue Lake Rancheria;

(E) Bridgeport Indian Colony;

(F) Cedarville Rancheria;

(G) Fort Bidwell Indian Tribe;

(H) Hoopa Valley Tribe;

(I) Karuk Tribe of California;

(J) Likely Rancheria;

(K) Lookout Rancheria;

(L) Lytton Rancheria;

(M) Melochundum Band of Tolowa Indians;

(N) Montgomery Creek Rancheria;

(O) Pit River Tribe;

(P) Quartz Valley Indian Community;

(Q) Redding Rancheria;

(R) Roaring Creek Rancheria;

(S) Smith River Rancheria;

(T) Susanville Rancheria;

(U) Tolowa-Tututni Tribe;

(V) Winnemucca Colony;

(W) XL Ranch;

(X) Yurok Tribe.

(b) IDAHO:

(A) Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho;

(B) Shoshoni-Bannock Tribes.

(c) NEVADA:

(A) Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute Tribes;

(B) Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe;

(C) Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe;

(D) Lovelock Paiute Tribe;

(E) Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe;

(F) Reno-Sparks Indian Colony;

(G) Summit Lake Paiute Tribe;

(H) Walker River Paiute Tribe;

(I) Winnemucca Indian Colony;

(J) Yerington Paiute Tribe.

(d) OKLAHOMA: Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma.

(e) WASHINGTON:

(A) Chehalis Community Council;

(B) Colville Confederated Tribes;

(C) Quinault Indian Nation;

(D) Shoalwater Bay Tribe;

(E) Yakama Indian Nation.

(4) A student seeking to be assessed resident tuition under the provisions of this rule shall submit, following procedures prescribed by the OUS institution where the student seeks to enroll, a photocopy of tribal enrollment which documents tribal membership.

580-010-0040

Residence Classification of Non-Citizens

A person who is not a citizen of the United States may be considered an Oregon resident if the person qualifies as a resident under OAR 580-010-0030 and is one of the following:

(1) A lawful permanent resident. The date of approval of lawful permanent residency shall be the earliest date upon which the 12-month residency requirements under OAR 580-010-0030 may begin to accrue.

(2) An immigrant granted refugee or political asylum in the United States. The date of approval of political asylum or refugee status shall be the earliest date upon which the 12-month residency requirements under OAR 580-010-0030 may begin to accrue.

(3) A person holding one of the following non-immigrant visa classifications: A, E, G, H-1B, H-1C, the spouse or child of a person holding an H-1B or H-1C visa, I, K, L, NATO, O, R, S, T, TN, U, or V. The date of the issuance of a visa for one of these classifications shall be the earliest date upon which the 12-month residency requirements under OAR 580-010-0030 may begin to accrue. A person possessing a non-immigrant or temporary visa that is not identified under this rule shall not be considered an Oregon resident.

580-010-0041

Changes in Residence Classification

(1) If an Oregon resident student enrolls in an institution outside of Oregon and later seeks to re-enroll in an OUS institution, the residence classification of that student shall be re-examined and determined on the same basis as for any other person.

(2) A financially dependent student who is dependent on a person who establishes a permanent Oregon residence as defined in OAR 580-010-0030(2) during a term when the dependent student is enrolled at an OUS institution may register as a resident at the beginning of the next term.

(3) Once established, classification as a resident continues so long as the student remains in continuous academic year enrollment in the classifying institution.

(4) A person who seeks classification as a resident under these rules shall complete and submit a notarized Residence Information Affidavit. The affidavit and all required supportive documents and materials must be submitted by the last day to register for the term in which resident status is sought.

(5) No OUS institution is bound by any determination of residency except by duly authorized officials under procedures prescribed by these rules including timely submittal of the notarized affidavit.

580-010-0045

Review of Residence Classification Decisions by IRC

(1) An interinstitutional residency committee (IRC) is established consisting of the officers determining student residence classification at OUS institutions and a member of the Chancellor’s staff appointed by the Chancellor. The member of the Chancellor’s staff shall serve as chairperson. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. A majority of a quorum may make decisions.

(2) Residence cases of unusual complexity, especially where there may be conflict of rules, may be referred by an institution residence classification officer to the IRC for decision.

(3) Any person who is aggrieved by the institution residence classification may, within ten (10) days of the date of mailing or other service of classification decision, appeal the classification to the IRC. The appeal must be in writing and shall be filed with the institution. An aggrieved person may supply written statements to the IRC for consideration in reviewing the case and may also make an oral presentation to the IRC on a date to be scheduled by the IRC. The decision of the IRC shall be final unless appealed.

(4) A person dissatisfied with the IRC decision may, within ten days of the date of the mailing or other service of the IRC decision, appeal the IRC decision to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs or designee. An appeal to the vice chancellor shall be in writing only. The vice chancellor’s decision shall be final.

(5) A person granted a meritorious hardship exception to residency under this rule prior to July 1, 1990, shall not lose the exception solely because of the repeal of the exception authorization.

580-010-0047

Residents Under WICHE

A certification officer, designated by the Board, shall determine the residence classification of any person seeking certification as an Oregon resident, pursuant to the terms of the WICHE Compact. Any person dissatisfied with the decision of the certification officer may appeal to the IRC. The decision of the IRC shall be final unless further appeal is made to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs pursuant to OAR 580-010-0045(4).