1.Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear, fair, and inclusive process for first-time-in-college (“FTIC”) applicants who request any exceptions to minimum undergraduate admissions requirements for The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (“UNC Greensboro”), consistent with the University of North Carolina Board of Governors Policy (Section 700.1.1 of the UNC Policy Manual).
2.Scope
This policy applies to all FTIC applicants to UNC Greensboro, unless a UNC System policy exception applies.
3.Definitions
3.1Admission Appeals Committee:
Faculty-driven body convened by the Director of Admissions (as a non-voting member) to review, consider, and make recommendations on admissions appeals for FTIC applicants who are denied admission to UNC Greensboro. This committee consists of six or more faculty who are nominated by their Academic Deans.
3.2Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER):
Minimum admissions requirements for undergraduate admissions consideration at UNC Greensboro outlined in the “Freshmen” section of the University Catalog, which is available here: https://catalog.uncg.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/.
3.3MER Exception:
A limited number of annual Chancellor exceptions to MER, not to exceed one percent of the total number of FTIC applicants accepted as first-time undergraduates each year, or 75 students, whichever is greater.
3.4Minimum Course Requirements (MCR):
Minimum course requirements for undergraduate admissions consideration at UNC Greensboro outlined in the “Freshmen” section of the University Catalog, which is available here: https://catalog.uncg.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/.
3.5MCR Exception:
A waiver by the Admission Appeals Committee of some minimum course requirements for FTIC applicants who have superior academic records in high school, as measured by grades, rank in class, test scores, or the rigor of courses taken, or who demonstrate special talents.
3.6 Office of Accessibility Resources (OARS):
UNC Greensboro office that assesses appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services, including assistance animals for students with disabilities as defined and recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
4.Policy
4.1Evaluation of FTIC Applicants
UNC Greensboro evaluates FTIC applicants consistent with the guidelines established by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors Policy (Section 700.1.1 of the UNC Policy Manual). Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to either UNC Greensboro or to a particular program of study.
4.2Process for MER Exceptions
The Chancellor has delegated the authority to make MER Exceptions. These exceptions are reviewed by the Admission Appeals Committee, which recommends the admission or denial to the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management or their designee.
An MER Exception may be applied to either the SAT/ACT minimum requirement or the high school GPA minimum requirement. To be considered for an MER Exception, FTIC applicants must demonstrate extenuating circumstances that resulted in not meeting MERs and/or be deemed by the Admission Appeals Committee to have a reasonable chance for academic success at UNC Greensboro, given available support services.
4.3Process for MCR Exceptions
Further evaluation of FTIC applicants who have not completed the MCRs and would not otherwise be eligible for admission to UNC Greensboro is conducted by the Admission Appeals Committee.
To be considered for an MCR Exception, FTIC applicants must demonstrate extenuating circumstances that resulted in not meeting MCRs and/or be deemed by the Admission Appeals Committee to have a reasonable chance for academic success at UNC Greensboro, given available support services. As requested by an applicant, the Admission Appeals Committee, in consultation with OARS, will also evaluate for admission FTIC applicants with a documented Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504 Plan) who have not completed MCRs. OARS provides the Admissions Appeals Committee with insight regarding IEPs and 504 Plans when FTIC applicants request those be considered in a review.
FTIC applicants who have superior academic records in high school, as measured by grades, rank in class, test scores, or the rigor of courses taken, or who demonstrate special talents, may request a waiver of some MCRs from the Admission Appeals Committee. These applicants must have completed the eleventh grade and met virtually all of the MCRs as well as the requirements for high school graduation.
5.Compliance and Reporting
This policy is administered by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions under the oversight of the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. A report of the admission of FTIC applicants requiring MCR Exceptions and the Chancellor’s MER Exceptions will be made annually to the UNC Greensboro Board of Trustees, as well as submitted to the UNC System President.
6.Additional Information including Approval Authority, Supporting Documents, and Related Policies
6.1Approval Authority
Board of Trustees
6.2Supporting Documents
6.3Related Policies and Resources
UNC System Policy Manual: 700.1.1 Policy on Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Undergraduate Admission for the University of North Carolina System
UNC System Policy Manual: 700.1.1.1[R] Regulation on Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Undergraduate Admission for the University of North Carolina System
6.4Contacts for Additional Information and Reporting
Responsible Executive: Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management
Responsible Administrators:
Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management
Director of Undergraduate Admissions