Admissions and Registration

Requirements for Undergraduate Admission

Christian Brothers University admits students of any race, age, color, sex, religion, and national or ethnic origin.

Freshman Standing: The following qualifications are required of those seeking admission with regular freshman standing:

1. Graduation from an approved secondary school.
2. A scholastic average of at least “C” and rank in the upper 2/3 of the graduating class.
3. Satisfactory scores on the American College Testing Program (ACT) or on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination Board.

Homeschool Students: The following qualifications are required for homeschooled students seeking admission to CBU.

1. Graduation from secondary school.
2. A scholastic average of at least a “C”.
3. Satisfactory scores on the American College Testing Program (ACT) or the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination.
4. Course descriptions and listing of curriculum strongly preferred.

Transfer Students: Students who wish to transfer from other colleges will be considered if they are in good standing at the college of last attendance. Transfer students are defined as:
• having earned 23 or fewer hours of college work since high school graduation*, or
• having earned or is in progress with 24 or more semester hours at another institution.
 *Students who have earned 23 hours or fewer of college credits after high school graduation must also provide a final high school transcript along with ACT or SAT scores.

 (See transfer of credit from other institutions.)

International Students: International Students who intend to enter the University must have the equivalent of a high school education and have sufficient command of English to enable them to do the prescribed work. Proof of English proficiency may be shown by means of the TOEFL , IELTS, CAE or CPE exams. Minimum scores are TOEFL (520 for the paper version; 185 for the computer-based test; or 68 for the internet-based test); or IELTS (6.0); or CAE grade of C; or CPE grade of C. Students may use the SAT Critical Reading test prior to March 2016 with a score of at least 450, SAT Reading test after March 2016 with a score of 25, or the ACT English sub score of 21. Students graduating from a U.S. high school or students who have earned a 2.5 or greater in at least 30 semester hours of a U.S. regionally accredited college will also show proof of English proficiency

Adult Students: Students may seek admission to the traditional program or College of Adult Professional Studies. For admissions requirements for the College of Adult Professional Studies, refer to that section of the catalog.

Special Students (non-degree seeking): Qualified applicants who desire to take one or more courses but in general do not intend to earn a degree at Christian Brothers University may be accepted as Special students. Application for admission should be made to the Office of Admissions or the Dean of Adult Professional Studies. Special students may accumulate no more than 36 semester hours of credit at Christian Brothers University. Special students will not be able to have any transfer credit, including challenge exams, granted while classified as special students. Special and Transient students are not eligible for financial aid.

In exceptional circumstances, the Admissions Committee may invite a candidate who does not qualify for degree status to enter the University as a Special Student (non-degree seeking) for a limited period of time. In this time, the student must demonstrate adequate preparation and motivation to pursue the degree program of studies for which he/she has applied.

To seek a change of status to that of a degree-seeking student, a Special student must have completed at least 12 hours of credit at the University and be in good academic standing.

Qualified Special students who wish to pursue a degree must reapply to the Day or Professional Studies programs for a change of status after they have demonstrated their qualifications. Students who are enrolled at another institution and wish to take a course or courses for credit at Christian Brothers University should present official correspondence from that institution to the Office of Admissions or the Adult Professional Studies Office noting good standing and authorization to enroll in specific courses.

Dual Enrollment Students: Christian Brothers University participates in the Tennessee Dual Enrollment program. This program partially funds high school students’ study at eligible postsecondary institutions. Participating students receive college credit and can receive credit toward high school graduation. Students remain enrolled at their current high school and are also enrolled at CBU as a special part time student.

To be eligible to participate in Dual Enrollment you must:

1. Be a rising Junior or Senior.
2. Have satisfactory scores on the American College Testing Program (ACT) or the PLAN test if the ACT has not been taken.
3. Meet the minimum GPA standard.
4. Enroll in 100 and 200 level courses.
5. Maintain the minimum grade point requirement of 2.75 in the college coursework (which means the student must achieve a grade of A or B in the course(s) attempted). If the minimum grade point is not achieved, the student will no longer be able to participate in the dual enrollment program.

Admissions Committee: A limited number of entering freshman and transfer students who do not meet the minimum requirements for regular admission may be considered by the Admissions Committee for entrance into the University. If a student is accepted by the Admissions Committee, he/she will be admitted under one of the following conditions:

1. Accepted with a limitation on the number of hours and/or specific courses that may be attempted during the first semester or two evening terms or
2. Accepted as a regular student.

The decision of the Admissions Committee may be appealed to the Academic Vice President upon the initiation of the Director of Admissions or the Dean of Adult Professional Studies.

Admissions Procedures

Freshmen:

The applicant should send the following items to the Office of Admissions:

1. Completed application form.
2. Official high school transcript with sixth semester grades; then final official high school transcript with graduation date, or acceptable GED
3. Official ACT or SAT score report prior to enrollment.
4. Student Essay or Personal Statement may be requested after initial review.
5. Letter of Recommendation may be requested after initial review.
6. Any additional items and information requested by Admissions.

Transfer Students:

The applicant should send the following items to the Office of Admissions:

1. Completed application form.
2. Complete official transcripts* from all colleges attended.
3. *Incoming students transferring less than 24 hours of college credit must submit the final official high school transcript with graduate date or acceptable GED scores and official ACT or SAT score.
4. Any additional items and information requested by Admissions.

Returnee/Transfer Returnees:

The applicant should send the following items to the Office of Admissions:

1. Completed application form.
2. Complete official transcripts* from all colleges attended since last attendance at CBU.
3. Student Essay or Personal Statement may be requested after initial review.
4. Letter of Recommendation may be requested after initial review.
5. Any additional items and information requested by Admissions.

International Students:

The applicant should send the following items to the Office of Admissions:

1. Completed application form and $100 application fee.
2. Official transcripts* of all work done at the secondary level or above. Transcripts from non-American universities must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
3. Proof of English proficiency.
4. Official ACT or SAT score report prior to enrollment (freshmen only).
5. Any additional items and information requested by Admissions.

A declaration of finance and supporting bank statements are required before CBU can issue an I-20.

Deans and Department Chairs establish equivalency between transfer courses and courses taught at Christian Brothers University. Credit for both traditional and non-traditional college level work is evaluated for acceptance by the Dean of Academic Services. Only courses with a grade of “C” or better will be accepted for transfer credit. (See Page 31).

Special Students / Transient Students (no financial aid available):

The applicant should send the following to the Office of Admissions:

1. Completed application form.
2. College Graduate or Previous College Student—official transcript(s)* from previous institution(s).
3. New Freshman—proof of high school graduation or concurrent enrollment or acceptable GED.
4. Student in a Special Course/Program—official high school transcript or complete official transcripts of other institutions attended; acceptance by the director of that program.
5. Non-matriculated Students—proof of high school graduation or GED, as requested. If student completed college work, the most recent transcript showing good standing and appropriate prerequisites.
6. Any additional items and information requested by Admissions.

Mature Students seeking admission to the traditional program:

The applicant should send the following to the Office of Admissions (Day or Evening):

1. Complete official transcripts* from all colleges attended; official high school transcript.
2. Personal letter of request for admission, including relevant details for consideration.
3. Completed Health Form.
4. Any additional items and information requested by Admissions.

RN to BSN Students:

1. An active/unrestricted multistate license as a Registered Nurse (RN) allowing practice in the state of TN or successful completion of the NCLEX before the start of the semester. Prospective students may apply in the last semester of the Associate degree program.
2. A minimum of 2.0 grade point average.
3. Official transcripts* of all previous academic credits from each of the schools, colleges or universities previously attended.
4. A completed Application Form.
5. Proof of immunizations from vaccine preventable diseases, including proof of current TB surveillance and influenza.
6. Current certification in the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) course as evidenced by submission of a copy of the student's BLS provider card.
7. Any other requirements as set by the Director, the Dean and the Academic Vice President.

It is strongly recommended the student have a personal computer and high-speed Internet access.

Official transcripts must be received by mail directly from a previous institution to CBU. CBU will also accept electronic transcripts via approved vendors. Faxed copies, hand delivered, or "Issued to Student" transcripts will not be accepted as official documents.

Traditional BSN Admissions Requirements:

1. Be admitted to CBU as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
2. Minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.5
3. ACT 22 or higher or SAT 1020 or higher or TEAS Score 65th Percentile or higher
4. Prerequisite Courses must be completed at the time of enrollment.  Students with incomplete prerequisites at the time of application should list these courses in their Letter of Interest, including anticipated dates of completion:
5. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all prerequisite and general education courses.
6. Minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA is required for prerequisite science courses.
   • Two (2) of the three (3) prerequisite science courses must be completed (not in-progress) at the time of application; all three (3) must be complete prior to enrollment in program.
   • One (1) science prerequisite course may be repeated only once. If repeated, an average earned grade of the initial and repeated course will be used in the science GPA calculation
   • Applicants are required to complete prerequisite science courses within eight (8) years of admission.
7. A maximum of only two (2) general education courses outstanding (6 hours) at the time of enrollment.
8. Students who are transferring from another Nursing program must submit a letter of good standing from the Dean/Director of the previous Nursing program.
9. Applicants dismissed from another Nursing program within the last 5 years are not eligible to apply.  No Nursing credits will be transferable from a program in which the student was dismissed.
10. Letter of Interest. A 1-2 page letter of interest should include a discussion of the applicant's interest in nursing and a personal reflection on enrollment in the Nursing program.  A list of all incomplete prerequisites with anticipated completion dates should be included in this letter.
11. Physical, gross and fine motor, auditory, visual, and tactile abilities sufficient to provide nursing care as outlined in the CBU Nursing Program Handbook Health and Vaccination Policy.
12. Proof of vaccinations, satisfactory TB screening, and annual influenza vaccination as outlined in the CBU Nursing Program Handbook Health and Vaccination Policy.
13. Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR Certification) prior to and maintained throughout enrollment
14. Acceptance to the Nursing program is conditioned upon the successful completion of a criminal background check (CBC) and drug screening.
15. Admission to the Nursing program is a competitive process.  Admissions is based on the number of applications and seats available.  Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program.

Early Admission Traditional BSN Requirements:

Highly qualified high school seniors can apply for early admission during their senior year of high school.

1. Minimum 3.5 high school GPA
2. Minimum ACT Composite 27 or SAT Composite 1280
3. Complete online Application by January 15th in Senior year of high school
4. Early admission guarantees a seat in the cohort starting 2 years from time of first admission to CBU, if following requirements are met:
   • 3.0 Overall College GPA
   • All prerequisites must be completed with a B or higher
   • No prerequisites can be repeated
   • No deferments for enrollment
   • Meet all other general admissions requirements
5. If requirements are not met, students can still apply for admissions via the general admission process. 
6. Early admission to the Nursing program is a competitive process.  Early admissions is based on the number of applications and seats available.  Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee early admission to the program.

Disciplinary Admissions:

1. No student shall be admitted to Christian Brothers University who is under the disciplinary sanction of suspension or expulsion from another institution. Once a student is again in good standing at the institution of previous enrollment, she/he may be admitted through the regular Christian Brothers University admission policy, providing the admission is approved by the Admissions Disciplinary Committee.
2. All applicants with prior felony charges must go through a background check. Admittance to the University must then be approved by the Admissions Disciplinary Committee.
3. All First Time Freshmen with high school suspensions of violent nature must be approved by the Admissions Disciplinary Committee prior to acceptance to the University.

Acceptance Procedure

Admission is selective, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The preferred application date is May 1 for the Fall semester and January 1 for the Spring semester. Students who apply after this date will be considered for admission on a space available basis. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis. When a student has filed a completed application (official high school transcript, official college transcripts when applicable, letters of recommendation when applicable, and official ACT or SAT scores) with the Office of Admissions, the Admissions Committee will act upon it. Students will be notified of the decision by the committee shortly thereafter. When accepted, students must submit a completed health form and are required to confirm a place within the entering class with a non-refundable deposit of $400.00 (includes $150 housing deposit) for those who plan to reside on campus or a non-refundable deposit of $250.00 for commuter students. Freshmen and others wishing to live on campus should also submit a housing agreement.

No acceptance will be considered final until the above fee and forms are returned, and final transcripts of work in progress at the time of application are received by the Admissions Office.

Applications for the Adult Professional Studies programs are accepted throughout the year. Applications are reviewed when they are complete, and students are notified of the decision by mail.

ACT Scores and Placement Information for First-Year Student Registration

Math

• MATH ACT 19 or lower: ALG 115/ALG 120
• MATH ACT 20, 21 or 22: MATH 103
• MATH ACT 23, 24 or 25: MATH 107/MATH 110 or MATH 105
• MATH ACT 26: MATH 117 or MATH 105
• MATH ACT 27 or higher: MATH 131

MATH ACT score of 19 or lower student must take Math Placement test at Orientation:

1. If score qualifies for MATH 103 or higher, student is allowed to also register for CHEM 101.
2. If score does NOT qualify for MATH 103, student will register for ALG 115/ALG 120 combo. Once these courses are passed, they can register for CHEM 101 and MATH 103 the next semester.

English

• ACT ENGLISH 19 or lower: ENG 100 (if ESL/International= ENG 101)
• ACT ENGLISH 20 or higher: ENG 111

ENGLISH ACT score of 19 or lower student and the English Placement test at Orientation:

1. International students who do not speak English as their first language are required to take the English placement test at Orientation.
2. Domestic students have the option to take the English Placement test at Orientation to see if they can place into ENG 111.

Biology

• COMPOSITE ACT 22 or higher and MATH ACT 22 or higher: BIOL 111/BIOL 111L
• MATH ACT 22 or higher: BIOL 107

Chemistry

• MATH ACT score of 19 or lower: start with ALG 115/120 before taking any Chemistry
• MATH ACT score of 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24: CHEM 101
• MATH ACT 25 or higher & COMPOSITE ACT 25 or higher: CHEM 113/CHEM 113L
• MATH ACT 27 or higher: CHEM 115/CHEM 115L

MATH ACT score of 24 or lower student and the Chemistry Placement test at Orientation:

Students have the option of taking the Chemistry Placement test at Orientation to try to place into CHEM 113/113L.

Computer Science

• MATH ACT 23 or higher: CS 112/CS 112L

Declaring a Science Major

• MATH ACT 20 or higher: student can declare any science major
• MATH ACT 19 or lower: student must be an Unspecified Science major

Declaring the ABET Engineering Majors (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical)

• MATH ACT 23 or higher OR test into MATH 107/MATH 110 or MATH 117: student can declare any ABET ENGR major
• MATH ACT 22 or lower: student must be an Unspecified Engineering major

Additional Means of Transferring Credit

Students who have successfully passed one or more of the Advanced Placement Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board, TN Statewide Dual Credit, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the CEEB (including DSST-CLEP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) may ask for advanced standing and / or credit when they submit their applications for admission to Christian Brothers University. The maximum number of credit hours that can be granted through any combination of the above is 30. Only official scores reports sent directly from the issuing agency / institution to CBU are acceptable.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP): The Department Chair where the course resides will decide on the type of credit to be granted and the college course or courses to be granted, based on the AP score report. The actual decision to grant credit is based on such factors as the content of courses in the University’s curriculum and the applicability of the submitted area of advanced study to the prescribed or elective requirements of the program in which the student is enrolled.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB): Christian Brothers will evaluate higher level International Baccalaureate courses for college credit for students scoring between a 4 and 7. An official transcript from the IB school must be sent to CBU before credit can be evaluated.

TN STATEWIDE DUAL CREDIT: Students who pass their statewide dual credit challenge exam are eligible to receive college credit at CBU.

A student is responsible for providing his/her official statewide dual credit course/exam information in order for postsecondary credits to be awarded. That Department Chair presiding over the course will decide on the type of credit to be granted Below are the score requirements for Dual Credit:

DANTES SUBJECT STANDARDIZED TEST (DSST): Credit may be allowed for college courses satisfactorily completed through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (Dantes-Military CLEP), subject to the recommendation of the course Departmental Chair. Below are the available CLEP Exams and recommendations for credit by the CBU Department Chairs:

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP) OF THE COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD (CEEB): Christian Brothers University participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). Students who, by virtue of study or travel abroad, work experience, independent study, advanced work in high school, or study in non-accredited institutions, believe that they might already possess knowledge comparable to that expected in certain courses may receive credit and placement based on acceptable scores of selected Subject Examinations administered by CLEP. Acceptable CLEP scores on specified exams are determined by individual departments. A student may not receive CLEP credit for any course which was previously failed either at Christian Brothers University or elsewhere. Only official scores reports sent directly from the issuing agency / institution to CBU are acceptable. CLEP tests, the minimum scores and CBU course equivalencies are as follows:

Experiential Learning Assessment

Students may apply for and be granted college-level credit for knowledge and understanding related to the student’s degree program which was gained from work-site or other experiences. The student must work with their Department Chair who oversees the area in which credit is being sought to initiate the paperwork and to pay the assessment fee. The Department will complete the evaluation form detailing what, if any, credit should be awarded. Upon completion of the form, the student must make the appropriate payment with the Business Office for any credit being granted. Upon payment of appropriate fees and receiving the Experiential Learning Assessment paperwork, the Office of the Registrar will post the credit. There is no GPA associated with awarding this type of credit, and is not subject to the maximum of 30 allowable credits for non-traditional credit. The credit awarded will not be posted to the student’s transcript until the student has earned 12 hours of academic credit at Christian Brothers University.

Credit for Military Service and Schooling

All post-secondary education / training including military will be evaluated, and credit granted appropriately.

ACE Credit

The American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service connects workplace learning with colleges and universities by helping adults gain access to academic credit for formal courses and examinations taken outside the traditional classroom. Students completing ACE courses and/or training should submit an official ACE transcript to the Office of the Registrar for an evaluation of transfer credit.

• AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION (ACE) WORKFORCE TRAINING: Credit may be granted for completion of workforce training evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE).
• AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION (ACE) ARMED SERVICES/MILITARY: Credit may be granted for military experience evaluated by ACE, which is transcribed onto a Joint Services Transcript (JST) for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense.

Registration

During an announced advisement period, a student meets with his/her advisor to plan a schedule of courses for the upcoming semester. Students register themselves via Banner Web. The Business Office will bill the student at the beginning of each term or semester for the courses chosen. Registration is finalized or completed only after making payment or arrangements for payment in the Business Office.

Students must settle their accounts with the Business Office prior to the first day of classes. Students whose accounts are not settled by the deadline will be dropped from their classes, and they will be assessed a $250 late fee upon reregistration for classes. Original schedules will not be maintained, and the reregistration is subject to class availablility.

It is the student who is ultimately responsible for knowing and following the courses and graduation requirements published in the catalog.