Iowa Administrative Code: Board of Regents

Admission Rules Common to the Three State Universities

681--1.1(262) Admission of undergraduate students directly from high school

Applicants must submit a formal application for admission, together with the appropriate application fee as approved by the state board of regents pursuant to Iowa Code subsection 262.9(18) and detailed in rule 681-1.7(262), and have their secondary school provide a transcript of their academic record, including credits and grades, rank in class, and certification of graduation. Applicants must also submit scores from the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or the equivalent, as determined by each university. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of foreign students whose first language is not English. Applicants may be required to submit additional information or data to support their applications.

1.1(1) Graduates of approved Iowa high schools who have the subject matter background as recommended by each university and who rank in the upper one-half of their graduating class will be admitted. Applicants who are not in the upper one-half of their graduating class may, after a review of their academic and test records, and at the discretion of the admissions officers:

a. Be admitted unconditionally,

b. Be admitted conditionally,

c. Be required to enroll for a tryout period during a preceding summer session, or

d. Be denied admission.

1.1(2) Graduates of accredited high schools in other states may be held to higher academic standards, but must meet at least the same requirements as graduates of Iowa high schools. The options for conditional admission or summer tryout enrollment may not necessarily be offered to these students.

1.1(3) Applicants who are graduates of nonapproved high schools will be considered for admission in a manner similar to applicants from approved high schools, but additional emphasis will be given to scores obtained on standardized examinations.

1.1(4) Applicants who are not high school graduates, but whose classes have graduated, may be considered for admission. They will be required to submit all academic data to the extent that it exists and achieve scores on standardized examinations which will demonstrate that they are adequately prepared for academic study.

Students with superior academic records may be admitted, on an individual basis, for part-time university study while enrolled in high school or during the summers prior to high school graduation.

In rare situations, exceptional students may be admitted as full-time students to a regent university before completing high school. Early admission to a regent university is provided to serve persons whose academic achievement and personal and intellectual maturity clearly suggest readiness for collegiate level study. Each university will specify requirements and conditions for early admission.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 262.9(3).

681--1.2(262) Admission of undergraduate students by transfer from other colleges

Students desiring admission to the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, or the University of Northern Iowa must meet the requirements in this rule and also any special requirements for the curriculum, school, or college of their choice.

Applicants must submit a formal application for admission, together with the appropriate application fee as approved by the state board of regents pursuant to Iowa Code subsection 262.9(18) and detailed in rule 681-1.7(262), and request that each college they have attended send an official transcript of record to the admissions office. High school academic records and standardized test results may also be required. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of foreign students whose first language is not English.

1.2(1) Transfer applicants with a minimum of 24 semester hours of graded credit from regionally accredited colleges or universities, who have achieved for all college work previously attempted the grade point required by each university for specific programs, will be admitted. Higher academic standards may be required of students who are not residents of Iowa.

Applicants who have not maintained the grade point required by each university for specific programs or who are under academic suspension from the last college attended may, after a review of their academic and test records, and at the discretion of the admissions officers:

a. Be admitted unconditionally,

b. Be admitted conditionally,

c. Be required to enroll for a tryout period during a preceding summer session, or

d. Be denied admission.

1.2(2) Admission of students with fewer than 24 semester hours of college credit will be based on high school academic and standardized test records in addition to review of the college record.

1.2(3) Transfer applicants under disciplinary suspension will not be considered for admission until information concerning the reason for the suspension has been received from the college assigning the suspension. Applicants granted admission under these circumstances will be admitted on probation.

1.2(4) Transfer applicants from colleges and universities not regionally accredited will be considered for admission on an individual basis taking into account all available academic information.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 262.9(3).

681--1.3(262) Transfer credit practices

1.3(1) Students from regionally accredited colleges and universities

Of the course work earned at a two-year college, students may apply up to one-half but no more than 65 hours of the credits required for a bachelor's degree toward that degree at a regent university. This policy became effective September 29, 1993.

1.3(2) Students from colleges and universities which have candidate status

Credit earned at the junior and senior classification from an accredited two-year college which has received approval by a regional accrediting association for change to a four-year college may be accepted by a regent university.

1.3(3) Students from colleges and universities not regionally accredited

In determining the acceptability of transfer credit from private colleges in Iowa which do not have regional accreditation, the regent committee on educational relations, upon request from the institutions, evaluates the nature and standards of the academic program, faculty, student records, library, and laboratories.

In determining the acceptability of transfer credit from colleges in states other than Iowa which are not regionally accredited, acceptance practices indicated in the current issue of Transfer Credit Practices of Selected Educational Institutions will be used as a guide. For institutions not listed in the publication, guidance is requested from the designated reporting institution of the appropriate state.

1.3(4) Students from foreign colleges and universities

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 262.9(3).

Residence

681--1.4(262) Classification of residents and nonresidents for admission, tuition, and fee purposes

1.4(1) General

b. In determining resident or nonresident classification, the issue is essentially one of why the person is in the state of Iowa. If the person is in the state primarily for educational purposes, that person will be considered a nonresident. For example, it may be possible that an individual could qualify as a resident of Iowa for such purposes as voting, or holding an Iowa driver's license, and not meet the residency requirements as established by the Board of Regents for admission, tuition, and fee purposes.

c. The registrar, or designated person, is authorized to require written documents, affidavits, verifications, or other evidence deemed necessary to determine why a student is in Iowa. The burden of establishing that a student is in Iowa for other than educational purposes is upon the student.

A student may be required to file any or all of the following:

(1) A statement from the student describing employment and expected sources of support;
(2) A statement from the student's employer;
(3) A statement from the student's parents verifying nonsupport and the fact that the student was not listed as a dependent on tax returns for the past year and will not be so listed in future years;
(4) Supporting statements from persons who might be familiar with the family situation;
(5) Iowa state income tax return.

d. Change of classification from nonresident to resident will not be made retroactive beyond the term in which application for resident classification is made.

e. A student who gives incorrect or misleading information to evade payment of nonresident fees shall be subject to serious disciplinary action and must also pay the nonresident fees for each term previously attended.

f. Review Committee. These regulations shall be administered by the registrar or someone designated by the registrar. The decision of the registrar or designated person may be appealed to a university review committee. The finding of the review committee may be appealed to the state board of regents.

1.4(2) Guidelines

a. A financially dependent student whose parents move from Iowa after the student is enrolled remains a resident provided the student maintains continuous enrollment. A financially dependent student whose parents move from Iowa during the senior year of high school will be considered a resident provided the student has not established domicile in another state.

b. In deciding why a person is in the state of Iowa, the person's domicile will be considered. A person who comes to Iowa from another state and enrolls in any institution of postsecondary education for a full program or substantially a full program shall be presumed to have come to Iowa primarily for educational reasons rather than to establish a domicile in Iowa.

c. A student who was a former resident of Iowa may continue to be considered a resident provided absence from the state was for a period of less than 12 months and provided domicile is reestablished. If the absence from the state is for a period exceeding 12 months, a student may be considered a resident if evidence can be presented showing that the student has long-term ties to Iowa and reestablishes an Iowa domicile.

A person or the dependent of a person whose domicile is permanently established in Iowa, who has been classified as a resident for admission, tuition, and fee purposes, may continue to be classified as a resident so long as domicile is maintained, even though circumstances may require extended absence of the person from the state. It is required that a person who claims Iowa domicile while living in another state or country will provide proof of the continual Iowa domicile as evidence that the person:

(1) Has not acquired a domicile in another state,
(2) Has maintained a continuous voting record in Iowa, and
(3) Has filed regular Iowa resident income tax returns during absence from the state.

d. A student who moves to Iowa may be eligible for resident classification at the next registration following 12 consecutive months in the state provided the student is not enrolled as more than a half-time student (6 credits for an undergraduate or professional student, 5 credits for a graduate student) in any academic year term, is not enrolled for more than 4 credits in a summer term for any classification, and provides sufficient evidence of the establishment of an Iowa domicile.

e. A student who has been a continuous student and whose parents move to Iowa may become a resident at the beginning of the next term provided the student is dependent upon the parents for a majority of financial assistance.

f. A person who is moved into the state as the result of military or civil orders from the government for other than educational purposes, or the dependent of such a person, is entitled to resident status. However, if the arrival of the person under orders is subsequent to the beginning of the term in which the student is first enrolled, nonresident fees will be charged in all cases until the beginning of the next term in which the student is enrolled. Legislation, effective July 1, 1977, requires that military personnel who claim residency in Iowa (home of record) will be required to file Iowa resident income tax returns.

g. A person who has been certified as a refugee or granted asylum by the appropriate agency of the United States who enrolls as a student at a university governed by the Iowa state board of regents may be accorded immediate resident status for admission, tuition, and fee purposes where the person:

(1) Comes directly to the state of Iowa from a refugee facility or port of debarkation; or
(2) Comes to the state of Iowa within a reasonable time and has not established domicile in another state.

Any refugee or individual granted asylum not meeting these standards will be presumed to be a nonresident for admission, tuition, and fee purposes and thus subject to the usual method of proof of establishment of Iowa residency.

h. An alien who has immigrant status establishes Iowa residency in the same manner as a United States citizen.

i. At the regent institutions, American Indians who have origins in any of the original people of North America and who maintain a cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition with one or more of the tribes or nations connected historically with the present state of Iowa, including the Iowa, Kickapoo, Menominee, Miami, Missouri, Ojibwa (Chippewa), Omaha, Otoe, Ottawa (Odawa), Potawatomi, Sac and Fox (Sauk, Meskwaki), Sioux, and Winnebago (Ho Chunk), will be assessed Iowa resident tuition and fees.

1.4(3) Facts

(1) Reside in Iowa for 12 consecutive months, and be primarily engaged in activities other than those of a full-time student, immediately prior to the beginning of the term for which resident classification is sought.
(2) Reliance upon Iowa resources for financial support.
(3) Domicile in Iowa of persons legally responsible for the student.
(4) Former domicile in the state and maintenance of significant connections therein while absent.
(5) Acceptance of an offer of permanent employment in Iowa.
(6) Other facts indicating the student's domicile will be considered by the universities in classifying the student.

b. The following circumstances, standing alone, do not constitute sufficient evidence of domicile to effect classification of a student as a resident under these regulations:

(1) Voting or registration for voting.
(2) Employment in any position normally filled by a student.
(3) The lease of living quarters.
(4) Admission to a licensed practicing profession in Iowa.
(5) Automobile registration.
(6) Public records, for example, birth and marriage records, Iowa driver's license.
(7) Continuous presence in Iowa during periods when not enrolled in school.
(8) Ownership of property in Iowa, or the payment of Iowa taxes.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 262.9(3).

681--1.5(262) Registration and transcripts--general

A state board of regents institution may withhold official transcripts of the academic record of a person until any delinquent accounts owed by the person to an institution or any affiliated organization for which an institution acts as fiscal agent have been paid.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 262.9.

Supplemental Specific Rules to The University of Iowa

681--1.6(262) College-bound program

1.6(1) Definitions.

"Commission" means the college aid commission.

"Financial need" means the difference between the student's financial resources, including resources available from the student's parents and the student, as determined by a completed parents' financial statement and including any non-campus-administered federal or state grants and scholarships, and the student's estimated expenses while attending the institution. A student shall accept all available federal and state grants and scholarships before being considered eligible for grants under the Iowa minority academic grants for economic success program. Financial need shall be reconsidered on at least an annual basis.

"Full-time student" means an individual who is enrolled at an accredited private institution or board of regents university for at least 12 semester hours or the trimester or quarter equivalent.

"Minority person" means an individual who is black, Hispanic, Asian, or a Pacific Islander, American Indian, or an Alaskan Native American.

"Part-time student" means an individual who is enrolled at an accredited private institution or board of regents university in a course of study including at least three semester hours or the trimester or quarter equivalent of three semester hours.

"Program" means the Iowa minority academic grants for economic success program established in this division.

1.6(2) Policy on college-bound program.

b. The universities will develop programs for elementary, middle and secondary school students and their families in the following areas:

(1) Encouragement to consider attending a postsecondary institution;
(2) Enrichment and academic preparation;
(3) Information about how to apply for admission.

c. College-bound program vouchers will be awarded to students on the basis of the participation of the student and the student's family in the college-bound program. One voucher will be awarded for participation in each college-bound program sponsored by a university.

(1) Each university will maintain records concerning those students who participate in the college-bound program, according to its established policies and procedures. The records will include information on those students who have received college-bound program vouchers which are described in Iowa Code section 262.92(2). The University of Iowa will maintain a central record on all students who have received college-bound program vouchers on behalf of all regent institutions and will make appropriate information available to the college aid commission.
(2) College-bound program vouchers may be used by students enrolled at a regent institution or at a private college or university in Iowa.
(3) A student holding vouchers and enrolling at a regent institution will receive priority in the award of funds under the Iowa minority academic grants for economic success (IMAGES) program. Awards under the IMAGES program are made on the basis of financial need. A student may be eligible for an additional award from the institution in which the student is enrolled.
(4) A student holding vouchers and enrolling at a private college or university in Iowa will receive priority in the award of funds under the Iowa minority academic grants for economic success program as provided by the rules of the college aid commission.
(5) The presidents, or their designees, will administer and coordinate the college-bound program at the universities. As part of the coordination, they will establish liaison with the appropriate state and local agencies, serve as the university contact and promote collaborative efforts among the regent universities and other appropriate agencies and institutions. Annual reports to the board of regents shall be prepared by each regent university. The reports shall contain relevant information as to the accomplishments of the program in the past year and a plan of action with goals and objectives for the forthcoming year. Reports shall be submitted to the board of regents on October 1 of each year.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 262.92.

681--1.7(262) Application fees

University of Iowa

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 262.9(3).

681--2.1(262) Formal application for admission

681--2.3(262) College of Business Administration

2.3(1) Application for admission

Applicants are urged to apply as early as possible, since this will give the admissions committee more time to devote to each application. Closing dates for receiving applications will be announced well in advance of the opening date of any session.

2.3(2) Requirements for admission

a. Completed specific course work as prescribed by the faculty of the college.

b. Attained satisfactory scores on the university's required admission examinations.

c. Maintained a satisfactory grade-point average on all courses undertaken, and on all courses undertaken at the University of Iowa, and on all courses undertaken in business and economics.

Applications from students who have minor deficiencies in meeting grade-point requirements specified above will be reviewed by the admissions committee of the college, and upon favorable recommendation of the committee, such students may be granted conditional or probationary admissions.

Fulfillment of the minimal requirements listed above, however, does not assure admission to the college of business administration. From those applicants who meet the minimum requirements, the admissions committee will select the applicants who, in their judgment, appear to be best qualified.

681--2.4(262) College of Dentistry

2.4(1) Application for admission

Applicants are urged to apply as early as possible, since this will give the admissions committee more time to devote to each application. Closing dates for receiving applications will be announced well in advance of the opening date of any session.

Applicants for admission to dentistry are encouraged to complete a program leading to a baccalaureate degree before entering dentistry. Applicants should consider a combined program of liberal arts and dentistry which would qualify them for a baccalaureate degree upon the completion of the freshman year in dentistry. Preference will be given to students who have the baccalaureate degree or who have completed the requirements for the degree in a combined program.

Fulfillment of the specific requirements for admission listed does not ensure admission to the college of dentistry. From the applicants meeting the minimum requirements, the admissions committee will select the applicants who in their judgment appear to be best qualified for the study and practice of dentistry.

Each applicant must place on file in the office of the director of admissions the completed application form and an official transcript from each college attended.

The college work outlined below will suffice to meet the minimal academic requirements for admission to the college of dentistry.

The college curriculum must include at least three academic years of accredited work comprising not less than 96 semester hours and including specific required science courses as prescribed by the faculty of the college. Electives should be chosen so as to give the applicant a well-rounded educational background.

In order to meet minimum scholarship requirements, the applicant should attain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5. Since the quality of course work in predental science is basic to success in dentistry, special consideration to such college work is given by the admissions committee. The grade-point average is based upon the University of Iowa's marking system in which a grade of "A" is equivalent to four points. Other marking systems will be evaluated by the office of admissions and the committee on admissions of the college of dentistry.

Applicants who have completed the requirements for admission to dentistry five or more years prior to seeking admission to this college of dentistry will be considered by the admissions committee only under exceptional conditions.

Preference will be given to applicants who are residents of Iowa, but consideration will also be given to outstanding nonresidents.

Personal interviews will be required of applicants for admission to the college of dentistry. Applicants will be notified when they should appear for the required interviews with members of the admissions committee.

All applicants must complete the dental aptitude tests sponsored by the council on dental education of the American Dental Association. Tests are given three times annually. The University of Iowa is a testing center.

To facilitate early selection, applicants for admission to the college of dentistry are urged to complete the aptitude test no later than October to enable the admissions committee to begin its selection in December.

Accepted applicants are required to make the required deposit within two weeks after notification of favorable action on their applications. This deposit is not refundable but is credited toward the first fee payment. The applicant who fails to make the deposit within the time specified forfeits a place in the entering class.

Applicants accepted for admission are required to submit a satisfactory physical examination report to the university student health service within two weeks following notification of acceptance.

All applicants must also complete, through student health service, an X-ray film of the chest and a successful vaccination against smallpox prior to registration.

2.4(2) Advanced standing

681--2.5(262) College of Engineering

Closing dates for receiving applications will be announced well in advance of the opening date of any session.

2.5(1) Admission of freshman students

Each applicant must have attained satisfactory scores on the university's required admission examinations, maintained a satisfactory cumulative grade-point average, achieved satisfactory rank in graduating class, and successfully completed all prerequisite courses. The university with the approval of the state board of regents shall establish and periodically review specific minimum requirements for admission to the college of engineering. Among the items to be so determined are test score, grade-point average, class rank and prerequisite courses. These specific determinations will be published in the university catalog.

From applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements, the director of admissions may after a review of the applicant's record: (a) Admit unconditionally, (b) admit on probation, (c) require enrollment for a tryout period during a preceding summer session, or (d) deny admission.

2.5(2) Admission of undergraduate students by transfer

a. Maintained satisfactory progress in mathematics.

b. Attained satisfactory scores on the university's required admission examinations.

c. Maintained a satisfactory cumulative grade-point average on all college work undertaken.

From applicants who do not meet recommended requirements, the director of admissions will review individual records and may offer probationary admission.

681--2.6(262) Graduate College

A student who is within four semester hours of having satisfied all the requirements for the bachelor's degree at the University of Iowa may be given a tentative admission to the graduate college.

681--2.7(262) College of Law

2.7(1) Application for admission

To be considered for admission, an applicant should have attained a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.3 on all college work undertaken. The grade-point average is based upon the University of Iowa's marking system in which a grade of "A" is equivalent to four points. Other marking systems will be evaluated by the office of admissions.

Applicants for admission must present a baccalaureate degree from an approved college or university prior to commencing work in the college of law.

Each applicant for admission must take the Law School Admission Test administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, and have the score forwarded to the college of law. The test is given several times per year and may be taken at numerous locations in the United States and throughout the world. Applicants are urged to take the test in the fall or winter preceding the fall semester for which they are making application. Except upon a showing acceptable to it, the admissions committee will not consider applications from students who fail to take the test prior to the June 1 preceding the fall semester in which they wish to enter.

Fulfillment of the specific requirements for admission listed above does not ensure admission to the college of law. From the applicants meeting the minimum requirements, the admissions committee of the college of law will select those applicants who, in their judgment, appear to be best qualified for the study and practice of law. The law admissions committee may require personal interviews of applicants.

2.7(2) Admission with advanced standing

681--2.8(262) College of Medicine

2.8(1) Application for admission

Applicants are urged to apply as early as possible, since this will give the admissions committee more time to devote to each application. Closing dates for receiving applications will be announced well in advance of the opening date of any session.

Fulfillment of the specific requirements for admission listed below does not ensure admission to the college of medicine. From the applicants meeting the specific requirements, the admissions committee of the college of medicine will select those applicants who in their judgment appear to be best qualified for the study and practice of medicine.

Prior to entrance an applicant must:

a. Have received the baccalaureate degree; or

b. Have completed three years of a combined baccalaureate-medicine curriculum which qualifies the applicant to receive the baccalaureate degree on completion of the first year in medicine; or

c. Have completed three years of a baccalaureate program which includes the general graduation requirements of the college of liberal arts of the University of Iowa for the combined baccalaureate degree.

Each applicant must place on file in the office of the director of admissions the completed application form and an official transcript from each college attended.

The college work as outlined below will suffice to meet the minimal academic requirements for admission to the college of medicine.

Applicants who have completed the baccalaureate degree and required courses five or more years prior to seeking admission to this college of medicine will be considered by the admissions committee only under exceptional conditions.

The college curriculum must include at least three years (equivalent to 96 semester hours) including specific required science courses as prescribed by the faculty of the college.

Students planning to study medicine should bear in mind that other college work is required in addition to prerequisite sciences because it offers an opportunity to secure a well-rounded education, which is of special importance to those entering the medical profession. In the selection of applicants, preference will be given to those who give evidence of having obtained such a broad education.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must have attained a grade-point average of at least 2.5 for all college work undertaken. As the quality of work in premedical science is very basic to success in medicine, special attention will be given by the admissions committee to grades in science. The grade-point average is based upon the University of Iowa's marking system in which a grade of "A" is equivalent to four points. Other marking systems will be evaluated by the office of admissions and the committee on admissions of the college of medicine.

Preference will be given to applicants with high scholastic standing who are residents of Iowa, and consideration will also be given to outstanding nonresidents. Applicants for admission are required to take the medical college admissions test which is administered for the Association of American Medical Colleges. Applicants are requested to complete this test in May or October of the year preceding that for which they are applying for admission. Students may make arrangements to apply for this examination through the university examination service, the University of Iowa.

Personal interviews will be required. Applicants will be contacted for the appointment for required interviews.

Applicants accepted for admission are required to submit a satisfactory physical examination report to the university student health service within two weeks following notification of acceptance.

All applicants must also complete, through student health service, an X-ray film of the chest and successful vaccination against smallpox prior to registration.

2.8(2) Admission to advanced standing

Only applicants of high scholastic standing will be considered.

They must present certificates showing that they have satisfactorily completed courses equivalent to those already pursued by the class they wish to enter.

The committee on admission to advanced standing will decide in each case whether examinations in the various subjects will be required.

Applications will be considered only upon receipt of a statement from the dean or registrar of the college from which the applicant comes, showing the actual amount of time the student has spent in the study of medicine, the courses taken, and the grades received, together with a statement of the work preparatory to entering upon the course in medicine.

No advanced standing will be granted to students from other than approved medical schools. Students may be granted subject credit upon recommendation of the head of the department concerned, for work taken in other than medical schools.

2.8(3) Unclassified students

681--2.9(262) College of Nursing

1. Completed specific course work as prescribed by the faculty of the college. The director of admissions will provide a list of the course work required.

2. Completed the American College Tests.

3. Performed satisfactorily on all courses undertaken.

Applications from students who have minor deficiencies in meeting grade-point requirements specified above will be reviewed by the admissions committee of the college, and, upon favorable recommendation of the committee, such students may be granted conditional or probationary admissions.

Fulfillment of the minimum requirements listed above, however, does not assure admission to the college of nursing. From those applicants who meet the minimum requirements, the admissions committee will select the applicants who, in their judgment, appear to be best qualified.

681--2.10(262) College of Pharmacy

2.10(1) General basis for admission

2.10(2) College work

Communication skills. Applicants must have demonstrated satisfactory achievement in communication skills according to the requirements of the college of liberal arts at the state University of Iowa. Applicants from other institutions may meet this requirement by presenting six semester hours of credit in English composition and rhetoric and two semester hours of credit in speech or an eight-semester-hour year course in communication skills.

Inorganic chemistry and qualitative analysis, eight semester hours.

College mathematics, eight semester hours.

Physics or zoology, eight semester hours.

Students from other institutions may substitute a comparable eight-semester-hour course in biology in lieu of zoology.

Military or air science (if available), zero to two semester hours.

Students who present minor deficiencies in meeting the above requirements may be admitted to the college of pharmacy upon the recommendation of the dean of admissions and the college of pharmacy.

2.10(3) Scholarship and application deadline

2.10(4) Required tests

2.10(5) Current requirements

681--2.11(262) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

681--2.12(262) College of Education