Admissions

Introduction

All prospective students wishing to attend an undergraduate program at Rivier University should submit their application online at www.rivier.edu.

First-Year, Transfer, and Non-Traditional Status

For the purpose of day and all nursing program admissions, the following students are considered first-year applicants: high school students and adults who have not completed any college/university or post-secondary school course work. Transfer students are high school graduates or GED recipients who also have completed one or more courses at an accredited college/university or professional school such as a school of practical nursing. Non-traditional students are students 23 years or older who may be considered first-year applicants or adults who have not completed any college or post-secondary school course work.

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

I. First-Year Student Day and Nursing Admission

1. Rolling Admission

The University employs a rolling admission system. Through this method, qualified students are notified of acceptance from the date their application is complete. Although there is no specified application deadline, the University recommends that students submit applications by August 1 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester. Qualified students are admitted to the University, however, as long as space is available.

2. Deferred Admission

Deferred admission may be granted to accepted students who wish to postpone entrance for up to one year. Students should notify the Admissions Office in writing of their intention to defer and state the semester they intend to enroll. Students who enroll at another institution during the deferral period must submit official transcripts of their academic work and follow the transfer credit evaluation procedure.

3. General Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission must have completed a minimum of 16 units in an accredited high school. College Preparatory curriculum or higher is required for all units. The following units are normally required:

The remaining four units may be made up from additional courses in the disciplines listed above and offered in an accredited high school curriculum. Two years of a foreign language are strongly recommended. Consideration will be given to candidates who may not have taken a foreign language provided they meet all other admissions requirements. Such admitted students will be required to complete the University’s General Education modern language requirement. Applicants to Nursing must complete specific science and mathematics courses prior to admission.

Exceptions to the above, which may include students with equivalent diplomas such as the GED, are reviewed on an individual basis.

4. Global Scholars Program

Applicants for admission to all undergraduate day programs who have distinguished themselves in high school will be invited to apply to the Global Scholars Program. Successful candidates will participate in a program combining interdisciplinary academic inquiry, leadership development, and cultural/service immersion.

5. Personal Appointments  and Campus Visits

Rivier University highly encourages and recommends personal appointments with an admission counselor and campus tours for students seeking to learn first-hand about the University. Personal appointments and/or tour appointments can be arranged by contacting the Admissions Office at 603-897-8507 or by going to the university website at www.rivier.edu. Tours may be scheduled Monday through Friday at 10:00 A.M. or 2:00 P.M. and on selected Saturdays during the academic year.

6. First-Year Application Process:

a. General Guidelines

Application for admission is completed when the Admissions Office has received the following credentials:

• Application for Admission: Rivier’s application or the Common Application;
• Essay: Application essay-topics are listed on the application form or the writing sample on the Common Application will be sufficient as an essay;
• An official high school transcript: The transcript should include first quarter or first semester senior year grades and, if available, rank in class. Applicants who have earned a GED should submit an official copy of the test results;
• Standardized Test Scores: SAT or ACT is required of nursing applicants, and optional for non-nursing majors. The Rivier University SAT code number is 3728 and the ACT code is 2520;
  • Applicants who are 23 years of age or older are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores but may be asked to take an alternative assessment examination at the request of the Admissions Committee;
• Recommendation(s): One letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, teacher, or advisor concerning academic ability and character. Adults who are returning to school after an extended length of time should obtain a letter of recommendation from an employer or professional in the community;
• Interview: A personal interview and campus tour are both highly recommended, although not required.

First-time students who submit a deposit must request that their high school send a final official transcript with the date of graduation to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as soon as possible.

Home-schooled students only-must submit the following:

• A high school equivalent transcript issued by the agency, school or persons overseeing the curriculum including an official date of graduation or GED;
• Two letters of recommendation from, for example, a minister, neighbor, employer, or professional in the community;
• An academic portfolio consisting of graded work. Specific requirements include an English essay, science project/
  lab/report, and a social sciences research or analytical paper.

Policy on High School Students Attending Rivier Classes:

High school juniors and seniors may be considered for eligibility to take courses, on a space available basis, at Rivier University during Fall/Spring semesters, upon submission of the following to the Associate Vice President for Learning Effectiveness:

• An official transcript of all high school work completed to the present; in the case of a home-schooled student, submit a high school equivalent transcript issued by the agency, school or persons overseeing the curriculum;
• A letter of recommendation from a high school counselor; in the case of a home-schooled student, submit a letter from an employer or a professional in the community.

These materials will be reviewed for evidence of ability. In some cases, an interview on campus may be required. Those accepted into courses at Rivier are responsible for all regular tuition and fees. Matriculation, i.e., acceptance into a degree program, is open only to those who have graduated from high school; in the case of a home-schooled student, an official date of graduation or a GED.

b. Advanced Placement: First Year Students

Incoming first-year students who have obtained a score of three or higher on the Advanced Placement Test of the College Entrance Examination Board may be awarded credit and advanced placement. Students must have official AP test scores sent directly to the University for evaluation and consideration.

c. Institutional Agreements:

Students may submit Project Running Start, Academy of Finance and Academy of Education courses that have been approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.

d. Nursing Majors

Applicants for admission to the Associate of Science in Nursing or Traditional Baccalaureate Program are required to take the TEAS V (Test of Essential Academic Skills) if they have not previously taken the SAT or ACT within a six-year period.

TEAS V examination scores will be valid for consideration for admission to the nursing program for a period of two years from the test date. The examination may be repeated, one time only.

A satisfactory score on this examination along with evidence of high school algebra, geometry, biology or anatomy & physiology and chemistry, with a minimum grade of C+ in each course, are necessary for admission.

II. Transfer Admission

1. Transfer Application Process:
a. General Guidelines

Application for admission is completed when the Admissions Office has received the following credentials:

• Application for Admission;
• Application essay-topics are listed on the application form;
• An official high school transcript or official GED results. The high school transcript/ GED is waived for applicants who have earned an associate’s degree;
• An official college/university or professional school transcript from each institution where credit was earned. Students enrolled in a college/university at the time of application should submit a listing of the courses in progress as well as others they may plan to take prior to enrollment at Rivier. All records of previous academic work become the property of Rivier University and are not reissued or re-copied for distribution;
• If possible, catalog URLs with course descriptions or course syllabi from each college/university or professional school attended;
• Applicants who are 23 years of age or older are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores but may be asked to take an alternative aptitude examination at the request of the Admissions Committee.
• Letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, employer, or professional in the community.
• Personal interview and campus tour are both recommended, although not required.

Rivier University has developed a number of articulation agreements with colleges and universities. These agreements ensure acceptance if the student meets the acceptable standard, “C”(2.0) or better, towards his or her Bachelor’s Degree. Individual departments may have different criteria; specific information is available through the Admissions Office and in the University catalog. Any student with fewer than 30 credits will be considered for acceptance based upon his or her high school transcript and/or those college/university credits completed. Students with more than 30 college/university credits will be considered for admission based upon college/university coursework only. However, documentation that the student is a high school graduate, or has a GED, will be required.

b. Nursing Majors Day & Professional Studies (online or evening) Programs

Applicants who are not LPNs or RNs and who wish to major in Nursing must provide evidence of satisfactory completion (77 percent or higher) of high school or college level chemistry and algebra. Applicants to the traditional BS degree must also provide evidence of geometry, and college level Anatomy and Physiology I and II with a grade of B- or higher. Adult students who have not taken the SAT or ACT within a six-year period are required to take the TEAS V (Test of Essential Academic Skills).

c. Criminal Justice

Minimum GPA of 2.5 (C+) or higher for courses that meet the course major requirements.

d. Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses: Associate of Science Degree Program (Professional Studies evening Only)

All licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are eligible to apply for advanced placement in the A.S. nursing program. Applicants may be granted advanced placement contingent upon proof of LPN licensure, a review of their LPN curriculum, acceptable performance on the TEAS V (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and the successful completion or equivalent challenge examination of the courses listed below:

• Anatomy and Physiology I & II
• Nursing 101 Nursing Fundamentals
• Nursing 102 Care of the Adult I

Applicants must submit an application, official transcripts, statement of purpose and letter of reference, and consult with the Nursing Academic Advisor prior to registering for Challenge Examinations.

Challenge Examination scores will be valid for consideration for admission to the nursing program for a period of four years from the test date. A fee is charged for each Challenge Examination. Challenge Examinations may be repeated only once, following a three-month waiting period or with permission of the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Education. Applicants who do not achieve the required scores on Challenge Examinations on their second attempt will be required to take the appropriate courses at Rivier University and will be considered for admission as transfer students.

Once accepted to the program, all advanced placement students take NSG 200 Nursing Transition, and must demonstrate competency in four specific non-nursing courses prior to beginning the clinical nursing sequence. Students submit official CLEP examination scores (meeting Rivier University’s minimum passing grades) and/or complete the course(s) to fulfill these requirements:

• General Psychology
• Introductory Sociology
• English Composition
• English Literature
• Lifespan Development

e. Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN-BS)

Registered nurses who are graduates of the Rivier University A.S. in Nursing program need only submit a one-page application, a nursing RN-BS waiver form, and proof of current RN licensure if applying within three years of graduation. Applicants who have graduated from other ACEN-accredited associate degree programs are granted admission without further evaluation of academic potential, but must submit an application, application fee, all college/university and professional school transcripts, and proof of current RN licensure. High school transcripts and SAT/ACT test results are not required. Graduates of Diploma Programs are required to submit high school transcripts.

2. Transfer Credit

a. Transfer Credit Evaluation

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions or Office of Professional Studies Admissions may provide a preliminary evaluation of transfer credits at the time of application. Students seeking transfer should be aware that transfer credit acceptance and assignment of a year of graduation or other status is subject to final review by the student’s academic advisor and/or faculty advisor when the student is formally accepted for matriculation at the University.

If a student with transfer credit changes major or minor after enrolling at the University, their transfer credits and previous transcripts will be reevaluated by the appropriate academic advisor to determine if any adjustment is necessary.

b. Transfer Credit Policy

Consideration for award of transfer credit will be conducted according to all of the following policies:

• Only courses completed at a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (Regional accrediting bodies are:
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)(www.msche.org)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)(cihe.neasc.org)
  • North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)(www.nwccu.org)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges (www.sacscoc.org)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC-WASC)(www.accjc.org)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASC-SCUC)(www.wascsenior.org)

Transfer credit from colleges and universities located outside of the US must come from a regionally accredited equivalent college or university as determined by a Rivier University approved agency unless earned through an approved study abroad program at a regionally accredited college or university.

See “V. International Admissions” for details for approved agencies.

• A course for which a student has received at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 grade scale is eligible for transfer. Grades of P (pass) will only be accepted if there is documentation that the P is equivalent to a C or better. Students transferring into a nursing program must have earned a minimum of a B- in nursing-related science courses, such as Anatomy and physiology I and II, Microbiology and a B- in any Nursing course for which they wish to receive credit.
• Credits earned 10 or more years ago may not be awarded transfer credit unless the student’s current knowledge of the field of study or other factors warrant it. If credits were earned more than ten years ago, proficiency may have to be demonstrated. Exceptions: Nursing courses to be used toward the associate degree in Nursing (AS) should be no older than five years.
• No more than 45 credits may be transferred into an associate degree and no more than 90 into a bachelor’s degree program. The transfer applicant must earn a minimum of 30 credits from Rivier University before a bachelor’s degree will be conferred, and 15 credits before an associate degree will be conferred.
• Transfer students with associate degrees are not necessarily granted junior standing, unless they are accepted through the TAP program (see #3).
• A course from a two-year college transfers to Rivier University as lower-level only unless equivalency to a Rivier upper-level course can be demonstrated.  Students will have to supply course syllabi, sample texts, and other documents for evaluation by the appropriate division dean.
• Credits accepted in transfer may be allocated to General Education requirements or electives. The faculty of each discipline will determine through course substitution which of the transferred courses will fulfill major or minor requirements. A course catalog, course description, or course syllabus may be needed to assess the course appropriately.
• Except in extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances, once transfer credits have been approved and a transfer student’s program has been finalized, the student is expected to take all courses at Rivier University.
• Courses accepted for transfer credit will be listed on the student’s transcript with a designation of “TR”, the number of semester hours awarded, the title of the course, and the name of the institution where the course was taken. Grades received for transfer courses will not appear on the Rivier University transcript, and the grades and related quality points are not calculated in the semester or cumulative grade point averages. However, the transfer credits awarded do contribute toward students’ totals of cumulative earned and attempted hours.
• Students who wish to transfer credits into a teacher certification or nursing program may have additional restrictions on the acceptability of transfer credits. (See the specific department section for the major transfer policy).
• Non-credit CEU courses, adult-enrichment or refresher courses, correspondence courses and home study courses are not recognized for transfer credit. Rivier University does not grant transfer credit for the following work completed at or assessed by other colleges: college-based credit by exam or challenge, portfolio assessment, independent study, field work, or cooperative education experience.
• Credit for CLEP, AP, and DSST examinations are assessed consistent with relevant College University policy. Credit for armed services experience or employer training programs is assessed by the registrar based on American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines. Original documentation related to such course work must be presented. Up to 15 credit hours earned through approved DSST Defense Subject Standardized Tests may be accepted.
• Credits earned at institutions that are non-accredited or are candidates for accreditation generally will not be accepted in transfer. However, students may petition to have these credits accepted. If possible, the student must provide a copy of the textbook(s), the course syllabus, and any other material as requested.
• The University reserves the right to make the final decision on all transfer credits.

3. Transfer Articulation Program (TAP)

In collaboration with a number of accredited two-year institutions, Rivier University offers articulation agreements to students who have completed the requirements of the associate degree in specific programs. Interested students should consult with their transfer counselor to see if such an agreement exists or is in process with their institution. Academic advising is offered to students wishing to transfer to Rivier University with an associate degree.

Application/Admission (TAP): For transfer through TAP, the general procedure for transfer admission is as follows: applicants submit transcript(s) and recommendation letters to the Office of Admissions.

Applicants who qualify for transfer through the guidelines of the Transfer Articulation Program and submit the required application materials are automatically accepted for admission and receive junior class standing.

Transfer Credit Evaluations: An academic advisor in the School of Undergraduate Studies will provide a detailed transfer-credit-evaluation after all application materials have been submitted. When transferring through the Transfer Articulation Program, the entire associate degree is accepted. A writing sample administered at Rivier University may be required and may determine placement of some English Composition courses submitted for transfer. Courses not included in the contractual agreement but that nevertheless meet requirements for the associate degree program will be accepted on an individual basis. Examples might include courses taken outside the program listed in the transfer agreement, CLEP, or other advanced placement scores accepted by the participating institutions. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the remaining requirements of the major and the core. Generally, most students transferring through TAP are able to complete their baccalaureate degree requirements in two more years of full-time study. Length of time to degree completion for education majors varies.

Inquiries from students or their transfer counselors are welcome prior to application

Department Requirements:

Education Majors:
The New Hampshire Department of Education requires all prospective teachers to pass Praxis Test of Core Academic Skills. Rivier University requires transfer students to demonstrate successful completion of Praxis Test of Core Academic Skills as a condition of admission.

III. Assessment of Prior (Non-College) Learning

Students whose independently acquired knowledge and/or skills are equivalent to those normally gained in an undergraduate college/university program may attempt to earn Rivier University credits through assessment of prior (non-college) learning. There are two options available: credits by examination and/or credits by portfolio assessment.

1. Credits by Examination:

Testing programs recognized by Rivier University include the following: The College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Military and Professional Training programs (DSST, CCRS), and formally-approved discipline examinations.

a. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Enrolling students may submit official test report scores of the CLEP for evaluation. Rivier University will accept scores at or above the 50th percentile that meet the recommendation of the American Council on Education, and that also meet Rivier curriculum program requirements. CLEP exams must be taken and scores received before the final semester of attendance. Rivier University will accept a maximum of 30 College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits towards completion of an undergraduate degree program. Three credits are generally awarded for each exam taken. Additional credits require specific authorization from the Director of Academic Advising. For further information concerning CLEP, please contact the Office of Academic Advising, or write directly to the College-Level Examination Program, Box 1821, Princeton, NH 08540.

b. Military and Professional Training (DSST and CCRS)

Credit recommendation made by the American Council on Education for DSST(Defense Subject Standardized Tests) and  National CCRS (College Credit Recommendation Service) are considered and accepted where appropriate to the program chosen by the student.

c. Challenge Examinations

Academic disciplines may offer opportunities for students to demonstrate competence through approved standardized examinations or faculty-designed assessment instruments. Such examinations must by approved by the Dean of the Division. See Academic Information for details.

2. Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio Assessment

It is possible to seek credit for learning derived from work and life experience through documentation of acquired knowledge and/or skills. A one-credit portfolio class is required, as well as an appointment with the director of the Credit for Prior Learning program and the division dean prior to enrolling into CPL399 Credit for Prior Learning or going through the portfolio development and assessment process or independently developing a portfolio.

The portfolio is assessed by Rivier University faculty and professionals credentialed in the fields in which the student is seeking credit. This team reviews the completed portfolio and recommends the number of credits to be awarded in the assessed areas.

Further information about these opportunities may be obtained from the Associate Vice President for Learning Effectiveness. Fees are charged on a per credit basis.

IV. Assessment and Placement Tests

1. Writing Assessment and Placement

For traditional day students Rivier University offers two first-year writing courses: ENG 102 Introduction to Writing, and ENG 115 First-Year Seminar: Writing. Placement in either of these writing courses is based on an analysis of the high school grade point average.  Should results indicate that a student would benefit from taking ENG 102: Introduction to Writing, as a prerequisite for ENG 115, ENG 102 will be accepted as an elective toward graduation.

For Professional online or evening  Rivier requires enrollment in ENG 120: College Composition in Context I. Placement in this writing course is based on a writing sample.  (the statement of purpose in the admissions process is used as the sample). Students needing further preparation of ENG 120 will be advised accordingly.

All students may appeal placement decisions by meeting with the Director of the Writing Program.

The following policy applies to transfer students:

• transfer students who have not taken a writing course equivalent to ENG 115 or 120 must submit the writing sample;
• transfer students who have received a grade C or better in a writing course equivalent to ENG 115 or ENG 120 will be awarded transfer credit for the course, if this credit was earned within a period of no more than five years prior to matriculation at Rivier;
• transfer students who have credits in writing-of any grade-that are older than five years prior to matriculation are required to submit the writing sample.

2. Mathematics Skills Assessment and Placement

All First Year Students are individually evaluated by the Rivier Math Department regarding math course placement. Math Department faculty review the student’s high school transcript(s) and SAT Math scores to determine the appropriate math course placement for the student’s major degree program.

Transfer students who have not taken prior college-level math courses will also be evaluated by the Math Department for appropriate math course placement.

V. International Admissions

International students from around the world are encouraged to apply. International students who wish F-1 student status must complete the necessary requirements under federal law. Those requirements can be found in the catalog or on-line under International Admission/Application Process. All international students in the day, evening, or graduate programs, must be admitted to Rivier University as full-time students and maintain that status for the duration of their study at Rivier University.

The Director of International Student Services serves as the International Student Advisor in the Office of Global Engagement. She provides all assistance to international students. The advisor assists the students from the admissions inquiry until the international students obtain their F-1 visa abroad or with their change of non-immigrant to F1 status in the United States of America. The International  Student advisor advises international students with matters such as immigration regulation issues pertaining to F1 status, pre-arrival assistance, housing, social security numbers, personal issues, driver’s licenses, cultural adjustment, employment, filing income tax, and traveling outside the United States as well as reentry. For assistance, please contact the International Student Advising Office at 603-897-8782, or visit http://www.rivier.edu/international/default.aspx for more information.

1. The Application Process

Applicants who are citizens of countries other than the United States follow the general first-year or transfer admission process. In addition, they will submit the following:

Academic Records/Transcript Evaluation

Applicants must submit official academic records (transcripts or mark-sheets) of their high school transcripts/diploma and for each year of postsecondary education (college or university), as well as official copies of degrees awarded. All international school transcripts must be evaluated by an agency in good standing. The agency chosen should be asked to evaluate both the student’s transcript and degrees awarded. A course-by-course evaluation is encouraged, and is required for B.S. in Nursing applicants. The student is responsible for the agency fee. Official evaluations will be sent directly to Rivier Admissions from the evaluating agency.

Evidence of English Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is other than English must provide evidence of proficiency of the English language.

Accepted Tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) http://www.ets.org/toefl
International English Language Testing System of (IELTS) http://www.ielts.org
or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) http://pearsonpte.com
Official reports must be submitted. SAT or ACT test results may replace language proficiency tests.

Required Scores for TOEFL:

• A score of 79 Internet Based Test (IBT), 550 points on the Paper Based Test (PBT) or 213 on the Computer Based Test (CBT) or higher is required for unrestricted acceptance.
• A score of 61-78 (IBT), 500-549 (PBT) or 173-212 (CBT)) requires the recommendation of the divisional chairperson or director, and an interview.
• Below 61 (IBT): An applicant does not meet the English language requirements for acceptance if their score falls below 61 (IBT), 500 (PBT) or 173 (CBT).
• Applicants may reapply after reporting a TOEFL score of 61 (CBT), 500 (PBT), 173(CBT) or higher.

Required Scores for IELTS:

• Applicants must present scores of at least 5.5 for general acceptance and 6.0 for nursing acceptance on the IELTS.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their test score report is received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Proficiency Test Exceptions:

Providing a language proficiency test score may not be required if an applicant satisfies one or more of these conditions.

• The applicant’s first language is English.
• The applicant has already earned a college or university degree in the United States.
• The applicant has successfully completed at least two years of full-time academic study in a degree-granting program in the United States.

F-1Student Status

If requesting a SEVIS form I-20 for F-1visa status, an official bank statement reflecting a balance of $47,158.00 (US) for resident students and $45,990.00 for commuter students is required (2017-2018). This is usually the applicant, a parent, or an educational sponsor.  This documentation will be no more than one year old at the start of the first semester of enrollment.

• If the educational funds in the financial statement (s) are not held in the applicant’s (student’s) name, an Affidavit of Support statement from the sponsor (usually a parent) is required.  This document states the sponsor’s full intent to pay for all schooling and living expenses of the student.
• All required documentation must be submitted to the Admissions Office by July 1 for a fall semester start date, or by November 1 for a spring semester start date.

VI. Earning a Second Bachelor Degree (revised 9/24/18)

An individual who has been awarded a bachelor’s degree from Rivier or another college/university may earn a second degree at Rivier University. If the student is pursuing a second bachelor’s degree at Rivier, the student must apply for admission or readmission through the Office of Admissions, whether or not the first degree was awarded by Rivier University.

• A minimum of 30 credits beyond the requirements for the first degree must be earned at Rivier; all core curriculum and major requirements must be met. (The University policy regarding transfer credits applies to the second bachelor’s degree.)
• For the planning of the major program, the student must consult their academic and career advisor or success coach and must have the plan approved by the academic program director/department coordinator.
• The two degrees, as awarded by Rivier University, must be different, i.e., B.A. differs from B.S.
• The student must complete a Declaration of Major/Minor Form.

Distinctions between B.A. and B.S. degrees:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree offers students a broader education in their major by focusing on theoretical knowledge in liberal arts subjects such as humanities, literature, history, social sciences, communications, and a foreign language.
• The Bachelor of Science degree offers students a more specialized education in their major at a more in-depth level, most often through hands-on engagement or application, including laboratory work and practical experience or exercises. It is generally offered in technical and scientific fields like engineering, technology, mathematics, computer science, nursing, and biochemistry.

VII. Readmission

Any student who withdraws from the University in good academic standing may be eligible for re-admission to the University provided that all prior financial obligations to the University are met.  A student who has been away from the University for three calendar years or more or has not met the appropriate Leave of Absence (LOA) process must reapply to the university through the Office of Admissions.  An applicant for re-admission will be treated in the same manner as an applicant for initial admission.

1. Reapplication

A Rivier University student who withdraws and enrolls after a period of three years must reapply for admission through the appropriate undergraduate admissions office.

2. Additional Criteria

Students seeking reapplication and/or readmission are required to submit official transcripts for additional coursework attempted from each post-secondary institution which they have attended since the last semester in attendance at Rivier University. Major requirements and liberal arts and sciences requirements in effect at the time of readmission must be completed.
Only under special circumstances will a student be readmitted to the University after having been dismissed. In such cases, the student must petition in writing for reinstatement prior to applying for readmission. Such statements will be reviewed by the Associate Vice President for Learning Effectiveness, who makes the decision regarding readmission.

3. The Fresh Program (revised 9/24/18)

The “Fresh Start” program enables a student who, for whatever reason(s), failed to meet the academic standards of the University in a chosen discipline, to begin their undergraduate program of study anew.  This opportunity is available to the student after a hiatus of at least one full academic year.  The following conditions apply:

• If a student applies for and is readmitted to the University under the Fresh Start Program, all courses and grades will be retained on the permanent transcript.
• Previously earned credits and grades from coursework with a “C” or better will carry forward.  Courses with grades below a “C” will not count toward the student’s degree.
• If any courses with a “C-” or below are required in the student’s major, the student must retake these courses.
• A student may be admitted to the Fresh Start only one time, and must do so prior to the first semester of re-enrollment.
• This option can be taken only after appropriate advising by an academic & career advisor or a success coach and approval from the Associate Vice President for Learning Effectiveness.
• If a student receives financial aid, they must contact Student Financial Services to create an academic plan prior to re-enrollment.
• If, after being approved for the Fresh Start Program, a student is academically unsuccessful after their first term of readmission, the student will be academically dismissed from the University.

A minimum of 30 credit hours toward the bachelor’s degree must be earned at Rivier University.

Nursing majors must meet Nursing Program guidelines and should consult with the Nursing Department prior to applying to the Fresh Start Program.

Note: Fresh Start does not change suspension from financial aid.

VIII. Deposit Policy

The undergraduate Deposit Policy applies to day students only. To reserve a place in the entering class, students accepted for full-time day study must submit a tuition deposit. Those planning to reside on campus must submit a $400 deposit and commuter students submit a $300 deposit. Students must deposit by May 1st for the fall semester.  Early deposits  are refundable before May 1 providing a written request is submitted before that date All deposits are refundable before December 1 for the spring semester.

X. Non-Degree Students

Non-degree (non-matriculating) students are those pursuing course work, but who have not been accepted through an admission office and are not enrolled in a degree program. Students who have been registered and enrolled in a non-degree status must apply and be accepted through the appropriate office of admissions to become degree-seeking (matriculated) students.

Students may take up to four courses (12 credits) under a non-matriculated or unclassified status, after which time they must file an application for formal admission to a program. Non-matriculated students need permission of the Division Dean to register for any Nursing prefix course.

X. Professional Studies (Undergraduate Online and Evening) Program Admissions

First-year nursing applicants (day and professional studies) should follow the admissions process described in the section entitled First Year Students Day and Nursing Admission. Transfer nursing applicants (professional studies or day) should refer to the admissions process described in the section entitled Transfer Admissions.

Students may apply for admission at any time for degree programs. To be considered for admission, the applicant must submit the following:

• An admissions application form available online at www.rivier.edu/admissions
• Official transcripts of academic records from all colleges and universities previously attended.
• Official transcript from the high school which awarded the applicant a diploma. If the applicant earned a GED, the official GED must be submitted. The high school transcript or GED requirement is waived for applicants who have earned an associate’s degree. All records of previous academic work become the property of Rivier University and are not reissued or re-copied for distribution.

Those applicants who do not present records that indicate a reasonable likelihood for success may be counseled to complete up to 12 credits at Rivier before an admission decision is made.