Handbook 2007-2008
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ADMISSION PROCESSES
Undergraduate admission
Non-traditional students “…who are 21 or older and have graduated from high school, or earned a GED score (of 50 or higher before January 2002, or 2,550 as of January 2002 or later), may be admitted to Kansas State University without meeting the state’s ACT score, high school rank, or high school GPA criteria. Non-traditional students are required to have a cumulative college GPA of 2.0.” (p.8, K-State Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2008).
Transfer admission
For information about transfer qualifications, transfer application, transcript evaluations, university general education requirements for transfer students, community college articulation, and military evaluation for credit, see pages 8-9 in the K-State Undergraduate Catalog.
Academic fresh start
This program enables a student returning to K-State for a Baccalaureate Degree after an absence of three (3) or more years to neutralize, in part, the grade impact of prior poor academic performance. Academic Fresh Start provides for the computation of an alternative GPA and for the use of that GPA in most academic situations. A student may apply only once and the process cannot be reversed. Make an appointment with the Dean of your college. If you would like a copy of this policy, contact the Non-Traditional Student Services office.
Graduate admission
Applications for admission to Graduate School can be obtained from the department to which a student is applying or from the Graduate School, 103 Fairchild Hall, 785-532-6191. The completed application and fees must be sent directly to the department to which you are seeking admission. After reviewing your application for advanced study, the academic department forwards a recommendation for admission to the Dean of the Graduate school for review and a decision.
K-State requires graduate students to adhere to university policies established through the Graduate Council as well as the individual department policies. Refer to the Graduate Handbook and contact your Departmental Office. Familiarize yourself with these policies and requirements early in your graduate career.
Graduate teaching and research assistantships
Individual departments and graduate programs administer graduate aid primarily in the form of teaching and research assistantships which are awarded on a competitive basis. Teaching assistants are appointed by most departments to offer instruction or instructional support in lower level undergraduate courses, to lead discussion groups in conjunction with large lecture courses, or to teach laboratory sections in scientific and technical disciplines. Teaching assistants must pass a test of spoken English if they are not native English speakers.
Research assistantships are generally funded through research grants or contracts awarded to the University or by funds provided by the Agricultural Experiment Station, or Engineering Experience Station. There is no test of spoken English required for a research assistantship.
Research assistants qualify for resident tuition rates if they enroll in a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester. Tuition is waived for graduate teaching assistants(GTA) on at least a 0.4 teaching assistantship.
Residency
The Kansas Legislature statutes determine the residential status for all Regents’ system schools. K-State guidelines for the determination for resident tuition are found on page 21 of the Undergraduate Catalog. If you have any questions about your resident status (that determines whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition) contact the Admissions Office (785-532-6250).
Advising for undergraduate students
Advisors are faculty and staff members who provide students with information regarding classes and academic requirements and make recommendations pertaining to course work and/or individual programs of study.
Each student is responsible for completing the requirements and meeting the standards of any course and program in which he/she is enrolled (K-State undergraduate catalog 2006-2008).
At the time of your first enrollment, your department assigns you an advisor. The advisors have different schedules and responsibilities. Check on your advisor's office hours, preference for appointments, e-mails, walk-in scheduling, etc. If you wish to discuss long-range plans or explore career options, see your advisor at times other than during enrollment, as that can be a very busy time for them.
Changing advisors
If you do not get along well with your advisor or find your schedules do not work, you may request a new advisor. Make an appointment with the department in which you are enrolled. Discuss your concerns and ideas and select another advisor.
Opportunities for additional credits
Explore your options
Any student who is enrolled at K-State is eligible to gain undergraduate credit by taking examinations (payment is generally required for these credits), or receiving credit for previous transfer work (if the transfer credits are accepted by your department).
Quiz-out
If you already have knowledge comparable to that gained by taking a registered K-State course you should try to "quiz-out" by contacting and requesting consent from the department that offers credit for the subject. Quiz-out tests are routinely given for several courses including Public Speaking and Expository Writing.
Credit by examination
The Office of Admissions provides the list of courses offered under the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES tests. These are part-day tests for which credit will be granted if you obtain the required score. Tests are given at the Academic Assistance Center (101 Holton Hall). There is a fee for each examination. Call 785-532-6492 or stop by 101 Holton Hall for information and to arrange for a testing appointment.
International language
The Department of Modern Languages offers an opportunity to gain credit hours for individuals who have had extensive experience in an international language. Talk to faculty within the Department of Modern Languages. A student may be able to take a special exam. Also, by enrolling and successfully completing a level III or IV course, it may be possible to gain credit hours for the lower level courses.
Military service
Service in the military may be equivalent to credit hours. Obtain a military evaluation form from the Office of Admissions, 119 Anderson Hall or Non-Traditional Student Services, 101 Holton Hall.
Transfer credits
College courses taken elsewhere, even years ago, may apply toward your degree program. Have an official transcript from each college attended sent directly to the Office of Admissions, 119 Anderson Hall, so they can analyze your transcript(s). The Admissions Office forwards your transcripts to the dean of your intended college so staff can evaluate your credits and apply them to your chosen degree.