In accordance with its stated mission as an urban research university committed to excellence in undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, as well as in the preparation of a diverse student population for successful careers and meaningful participation in a global society, [1] the University of Memphis encourages all who feel they can benefit from the educational opportunities offered by the institution to file an application for admission.
Undergraduate admission standards are proposed through the academic structure of the university and approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) prior to their implementation. [2]
As a result of an on-going study to determine levels of academic preparation that predict success, [3] new freshman requirements were submitted to TBR and approved for applicants to the Fall 2003 semester. [4]
As published in the Undergraduate Bulletin, [5] these requirements, for individuals under 21 years of age, include submission of official high school transcripts, indicating graduation and completion of required high school courses, and an entrance examination score from the American College Testing Program (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
Applicants who submit the required curriculum and either a final high school grade point average (HSGPA) of 3.0 or greater or an ACT composite score of 26 (or SAT equivalent) or greater will be admitted. Using the Admission Index (AI) calculation (AI = 30 × HSGPA + ACT), those applicants with a calculated AI of 95 or greater also will be admitted. Applicants with an AI between 80 and 94 will be considered by an Admissions Committee, which includes members from the Office of Admissions and the Office of Academic Status and Retention. Undergraduate students who do not meet admission standards may appeal denials through the committee. An evaluation of GPAs earned by new freshman during the Fall 2003 semester suggests that the AI is effective in predicting performance during college. [6]
Persons holding an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree who have completed undergraduate or graduate study of sufficient quality and scope to successfully pursue graduate study may apply to the Graduate School. Applicants are required to meet admissions criteria established by the Graduate School as well as any additional standards set by the individual program and published in the Graduate Bulletin. [7] Policies related to graduate studies, including admissions criteria, are made by the University Council for Graduate Studies and Research, [8] subject to approval by the university president and TBR. [2] This council includes faculty members from each of the various graduate colleges and one graduate student. [9]
Graduate applications are reviewed by each program. Once a decision has been reached, each department forwards the information to graduate admissions, which notifies the student. Applicants are selected on a competitive basis and, therefore, admission is not granted to all applicants who meet only the minimum requirements. Departments or students who wish to appeal an admission decision may do so in writing to the assistant vice provost for graduate studies.
The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law is interested in the development of a student body that represents a wide variety of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds and experiences. Admission to the School of Law is on a selective basis. The selection process includes LSAT, GPA, and other factors as described in the Law School Admission Policy. [10] A full review is made of all qualified applicants to ensure that admission is based on the merits of each applicant. The regulations and policies of the School of Law are set out in detail on the Law School web site. [11]
In keeping with the university’s mission regarding access, diversity, and enrichment, transfer students, international students, and non-degree students may enroll according to applicable undergraduate [5] and graduate [7] bulletin policies.
3.4.1
