Longwood Graduate Catalog 2007-2008

Graduate Catalog

Graduate Admissions

To apply to all degree and licensure programs except the Liberal Studies/Special Education Five-Year Program (see the procedures for this program below), complete the following steps:

1. Request an application packet from the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies (434.395.2707)OR visit the Longwood University Graduate Studies web site at: www.longwood.edu/grad/ and print a copy of the application OR apply online.

2. Complete the application form and the In-State Tuition Application.

3. Write a personal essay of 500 words or more in which you discuss your reasons for seeking graduate education. Include your career goals and how the graduate program for which you are applying would help to meet those goals; prior work/life experiences which relate to your interest in, and aptitude for, the graduate program for which you are applying; and your perception of your intellectual capability to complete successfully your graduate program.

4. An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) OR a minimum mean score on 2 out of 3 parts (verbal, quantitative, analytical writing) of the General GRE test OR a GPA of 3.5 on 6 hours of Longwood graduate courses that are part of the degree program to which the applicant is applying taken as a non-degree registrant within the last 12 months is required. An applicant must be a graduate of a four-year regionally accredited college or university.

Applicants to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

Applicants to the Business Administration must have an admission score of 1100 or greater, with a minimum GMAT score of 470. The Admission scores is based on the following formula: GMAT + GPA (200) > 1100.

5. Request that official transcripts of ALL previous undergraduate and graduate (even if recorded on subsequent transcripts) work be sent directly to you in a sealed envelope. Do not break the seal. (Longwood transcripts need not be submitted since they will be obtained in house.)

6. Two recommendations related to your competence and effectiveness in your professional work are required. These recommendations should come from employers, professional contacts, or faculty members. Section 1 of each recommendation form is to be completed by the applicant. Provide the recommendation form and a self-addressed, stamped (if it must be mailed) envelope to each person preparing a recommendation. Instruct each to enclose the completed recommendation in the envelope. The envelope should then be sealed, signed across the seal and returned to you. Do not break the seal.

7. Applicants must submit a copy of their valid teaching license if applying to one of the Education degree or graduate licensure programs that require a teaching license as a prerequisite.

8. Applicants must submit a copy of passing scores on Praxis I, or an equivalent SAT score, if applying to any of the five initial licensure programs.

9. Applicants to the English/Creative Writing program must submit a writing sample of not less than ten (10) and not more than twenty (20) pages in the genre of their choice. (10 pages of poetry OR 15 pages of prose/fiction or non-fiction OR 20 pages of drama)

10. Applicants to the Education/Curriculum & Instruction Specialist in Music program must submit a 15-30 minute video (VHS or DVD) of their teaching or rehearsal.

11. Applicants to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program must submit scores from the General Test of the GRE.

12. Applicants to the Business Administration program must submit scores from the GMAT.

13. Once you have compiled ALL of the above, mail the complete application to the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies, Longwood University, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909. A complete application consists of the application form, the essay, a minimum of two recommendations, a copy of your teaching license if applicable, a copy of Praxis I or equivalent SAT scores if applicable, a copy of GRE scores if applicable, a copy of GMAT scores if applicable, writing sample if applicable, a video/DVD if applicable, and official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. (Application packets obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies contain a large, return envelope with a checklist of the above items. Optional items that may be included with the application are a personal vitae or résumé, a writing sample, and additional recommendations.)

14. Mail the $40.00 non-refundable application fee (payable to Longwood University) to the Office of Cashiering, Longwood University, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909 and include a note indicating the fee is for application to graduate studies. (Application packets obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies contain an Application Fee Receipt and a postage paid, return envelope.)

Applications are reviewed once monthly beginning around the middle of the month in all programs except Communication Sciences & Disorders* and Education/Curriculum & Instruction Specialist in Music**. However, for optimum consideration for all programs but the two exceptions, completed applications should be submitted by the deadlines listed below. Failure to meet the published deadlines could lead to difficulties with admission to the requested term, financial aid and/or course selection.

Semester applicant wishes to begin Graduate Program:	Completed application packets due to Office of Graduate Studies:	Applicants notified of admission status no later than:	$50 deposit due in Cashiering for students accepting their offer of admission:	Deadline for requesting a refund of the deposit:
Fall Semester	May 1	June 30	June 30	July 31
Spring Semester	October 1	November 15	November 15	December 15
Summer Sessions	February 1	March 31	March 31	April 30

When all application materials have been received and the file is complete, it is forwarded by the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies to the appropriate program admissions committee for review. Each program’s admissions committee reviews applications once monthly beginning around the middle of the month. Once the committee has rendered a decision, the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies sends prompt, written notification to the applicant.

* Applications to the Communication Sciences and Disorders program are due annually by February 1st for consideration for admission to the subsequent fall semester. Applicants are notified of a decision no later than March 15th and must accept the offer-of-admission by submitting a deposit by April 15th. Deposits are refundable provided a written withdrawal/refund request is submitted to the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies prior to June 30th.

** Applications to the Education/Curriculum and Instruction Specialist in Music are due by February 1st for consideration for admission to the subsequent summer semester cohort. Applicants are notified of a decision no later than March 15th and must accept the offer-of-admission by submitting a deposit by April 15th. Deposits are refundable provided a written withdrawal/refund request is submitted to the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies prior to April 30th.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES TO THE GRADUATE YEAR OF THE LIBERAL STUDIES/SPECIAL EDUCATION FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM

Complete the following steps:

1. Request an application packet from the Office of Extended and Graduate Studies (434.395.2707) or visit the Longwood University Graduate Studies web site at: www.longwood.edu/grad/ and print a copy of the application.

2. Complete the application form and In-State Tuition Application form.

4. Mail the completed application and essay to the Office of Extended and Graduate Studies, Longwood University, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909.

5. Mail the $40 non-refundable application fee (payable to Longwood University) to the Office of Cashiering, Longwood University, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909.

6. Letters of recommendation do not need to be submitted. The Special Education Admissions Committee, upon receipt of a list of the five-year candidates completing their undergraduate degree each semester, will circulate this list to all special education faculty for their recommendations in lieu of the current recommendation form.

7. Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work do not need to be submitted. The special education faculty to aid in making their admission decision will examine Longwood records that include any course work taken elsewhere, available on the Student Information System. An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required.

8. All the required documents should be submitted by the above deadlines for optimum consideration for admission to the requested term, financial aid and/or course selection. Students should complete this process during the final semester of their senior year, with their acceptance pending successful completion of their professional semester and bachelor’s degree.

When all application materials have been received from all five-year applicants completing their undergraduate degree in that semester, the files are forwarded by the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies to the Special Education Admissions Committee for review. This committee reviews all of the five-year program applicants as a group each semester after the published deadlines. Once the committee has rendered a decision, the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies will send prompt, written notification to the applicant.

DEPOSIT

A $50.00 tuition deposit is required of all degree and licensure seeking graduate students as an indication of commitment to attend Longwood University. New students will be invoiced for the deposit in the offer-of-admission letter from the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies. Deposits, made payable to Longwood University, are processed in the Office of Cashiering and are refundable provided a written withdrawal/refund request is submitted to the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies prior to the stated deadlines in the table above. The deposit becomes a credit on the new student’s account.

CANCELLATION OF ADMISSIONS OFFER

Longwood’s Honor Code prohibits lying, cheating, and stealing. Students who complete the Application for Graduate Admission pledge to abide by the Honor Code. Should a student falsify the information provided on the application, alter academic documents, plagiarize the essay or otherwise issue an untrue statement as part of the application process, the offer of admission will be revoked. The University also reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission:

- should a student’s academic performance fall below established minimums, or
- should a student not enroll in a course for the term admitted.

SPECIAL STUDENTS

1. No more than nine Longwood non-degree graduate hours may be counted towards a degree, certificate or licensure program. Students are expected to apply to a Longwood graduate program prior to enrolling in classes. At the latest, all application materials should be received before the completion of six hours.

2. A teacher who is primarily interested in licensure renewal but not credit toward a degree program may enroll as a continuing education special student. No application is necessary and registration takes place in the Office of Registration.*

3. A student who is interested in personal enrichment may enroll as a continuing education special student. No application is necessary and registration takes place in the Office of Registration.*

4. Graduate courses may be audited, with permission of the instructor and registration takes place in the Office of Registration.*

*Registration may be done in person, via fax (434.395.2252 OR via regular mail. Registration form available at www.longwood.edu/registrar.

SECOND MASTER’S DEGREE

A student who has earned a Master’s degree from an accredited institution may choose to complete a second Master’s degree. The applicant should complete all of the steps in the admission process and in addition, submit a completed Application for Graduate Degree that includes a $50.00 fee. The prospective applicant should contact the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies to arrange an appointment with the appropriate Program Coordinator for the completion of the Application for Graduate Degree. Once completed the $50.00 fee along with the $40.00 Application for Graduate Admission fee (both payable to Longwood University) should be submitted directly to the Office of Cashiering. The Application for Graduate Degree form is then filed in the Office of Registration at the same time the Application for Graduate Admission is submitted to the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies.
A maximum of six (6) credit hours from the first Master’s degree may be applied to the second Master’s degree, provided a grade of B or better was earned in the course(s), they are no more than five years old, and they are applicable to the new program.

SENIOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

A senior at Longwood University may take up to six (6) hours of graduate credit beyond the undergraduate degree requirements. Such credit may be earned only in 500-level courses and, if it meets course requirements for the degree, may be counted toward a Master’s degree. The senior must have a “B” average (3.0 GPA or higher) in the major and must receive permission from the department chair of their major and then the Dean of Graduate and Extended Studies. In any case where an undergraduate student is registered for a 500-level course that is to be applied to a graduate degree, the Dean of Graduate and Extended Studies must notify the Office of Registration of this designation.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The University welcomes applications from prospective international students. In addition to possessing the equivalent of an undergraduate degree and a 2.75 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale), the international student must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A minimum score of 550 (paper test) or a 213 (computer test) is required for admission.
      To allow time for credential evaluation and unexpected delays in international mail, international applicants should mail the Application for Graduate Admission along with all other materials at least six months before planning to enroll. The Office of Graduate and Extended Studies requires a credential evaluation for each official college transcript from an accredited evaluating agency. There are several companies that provide this service: World Education Services, Inc. (www.wes.org); Global Credential Evaluators ( ww.gcevaluators.com); Education Credential Evaluators, Inc. (www.ece.org) are a few examples, there are others. The credential evaluation may require a fee to be paid which is the student’s responsibility.
     Medical services in the United States are not nationalized. Costs for doctor's services and hospitals may be more expensive than in your home country. Longwood requires that you subscribe to a health insurance plan before arriving. That policy must provide similar coverage in the U.S.
      Every graduate student must have a health record on file. This record includes immunizations for Measles, German Measles, Rubella, Polio, Diphtheria, Mumps, Tetanus, and a Tuberculosis skin test (PPD) within the past year, which are required by Virginia law. Students may not be able to register for classes without complying with these immunizations. A chest x-ray may also be required for tuberculosis screening.
      For additional information regarding health insurance or immunization requirements contact: Student Health Services, Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia 23909, U.S.A. or e-mail: evanspe@longwood.edu.
      International applicants must certify sufficient financial resources in order to be issued a visa to attend Longwood. The student visa must be issued prior to enrollment. Please check with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for a complete set of regulations. A foreign national must provide an affidavit that shows that he/she has enough money to pay for the number of years required to complete the Master’s degree. The affidavit must be signed by the student and parent (if applicable) and be notarized by a bank official. Longwood does not provide financial aid for international students.
      The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service has authorized Longwood to issue visa documents appropriate for the F-1 non-immigration student status.
      Following application to a full-time degree-seeking program, the Admissions Office reviews the academic status, financial qualifications, and English language proficiency of the applicant to determine if all admissions requirements are met. If so, the applicant will receive a formal letter of acceptance. The student must then pay the deposit ($50.00) indicating their intent to enroll. A Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) is issued to the student who has shown intent to enroll. The Certificate of Eligibility must be presented to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate along with a passport, the Longwood acceptance letter, and other information requested by the embassy.
      Most students who enter the U.S. use an F-1 visa. The J-1 visa is appropriate for exchange students receiving a significant portion of their financial support from a government agency of their country, international foundation, or other educational sponsors. Students in the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 status must maintain a schedule of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters, and must report to the institution that issued the Certificate of Eligibility. Transfer from one college/university to another requires authorization from the new college/university. A prospective international student must have a current, valid, and legal non-immigration status before he/she can be offered final admission to Longwood. Do not plan to enter the U.S. on the tourist B-2 visa if you wish to pursue a full course of academic study. Transfer from the B-2 to the F-1 is very difficult, unless the B-2 is stamped "Prospective Student."
      All non-immigrant visas carry restrictions about employment and the length of stay in the U.S. Read the Certificate of Eligibility carefully. You must be willing and able to abide by regulations for your visa status. The Graduate Admissions Office is informed on INS policies; however, the student has ultimate responsibility to follow new policies and to maintain valid status.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, students with disabilities will not be discriminated against on the basis of their disability.
      Admission to the graduate program is based on the requirements outlined in the Catalog. Admissions decisions are made without regard to disability. All students are expected to present academic credentials at or above the minimum standards for admission as established by the Graduate Committee.
      Once a student has been admitted, requests for accommodations should be directed to Dr. Sally Scott, Director of Disability Support Services at 434-395-2391, TDD 711, or by fax at 434-395-2434. The Director will work with the student, based upon appropriate documentation, to provide and structure reasonable accommodations to meet the student’s needs.
      Longwood University recognizes both the wide variation in the needs of students with disabilities and the fact that as students progress through their programs, unanticipated needs may arise. Contact your academic advisor, the program coordinator, the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies or Disability Support Services as soon as possible if problems do arise.

HEALTH RECORDS

In accordance with 23-7.5 of the Code of Virginia, a full-time student (nine hours at the graduate level), enrolling for the first time in any public institution of higher education in this Commonwealth must have a health record and history on file in the Student Health Services office. Prior to pre-registration for the second semester, students must furnish documented evidence, provided by a licensed health professional or health facility, of diseases for which the student has been immunized, the numbers of doses given, the dates when administered, and any further immunizations indicated. These immunizations include diphtheria, tetanus, polio-myelitis, measles (rubeola), German measles (rubella), mumps, and meningitis according to the guidelines of the American College Health Association. Tuberculosis screening within the past year is also required. Any student who fails to furnish this information will not be eligible for registration for the second semester.

Campus Security

Two reports, by Virginia Commonwealth University and the FBI, ranked Longwood as one of the safest campuses in Virginia. An annually produced Campus Security Report is available at www.longwood.edu/police/. It contains campus crime statistics as well as university policies and procedures. A printed copy is available upon request.