Admission
Applications for undergraduate admission are available online or in hard-copy format and may be accessed by visiting the Admissions web page or by contacting the Office of Admissions at the following:
Phone:
(205) 665-6030
Toll-free:
1-800-292-4349
Address:
Office of Admissions
Palmer Hall, Station 6030
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL 35115-6000
e-mail:
admissions@montevallo.edu
Web address:
www.montevallo.edu/admissions
Application process
Freshman applications should be submitted after completion of the junior year in high school. Transfer students should apply as soon as an interest in Montevallo is developed. A $25 non-refundable fee must be submitted with the application. In addition, applicants must make arrangements for the appropriate credentials (test scores, transcripts, and other relevant information) to be forwarded to the Office of Admissions. Early admission ensures preferred housing assignments and consideration for most University scholarships.
Montevallo welcomes applications from those whose experience, interests, and academic preparation indicate chances for success in the University curriculum. The Office of Admissions reviews all undergraduate applications using a rolling decision format, with students receiving notice of the decision soon after the file is complete.
Freshman admission
A high school graduate seeking to enter the University as a freshman should provide the following records:
1. High school transcript
An applicant for freshman admission must present a school transcript indicating a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade-point average and successful completion of a minimum of 16 academic or college-preparatory credits from 9th through 12th grades. The 16 academic units are as follows:
Subject, units required
English, four units
mathematics, two units from among the following: algebra I, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, advanced mathematics, math analysis, calculus
science, two units from among the following: physical science, biology, chemistry, geology, physics
social studies, four units from among the following: geography, history, psychology, sociology, government, economics
electives, four or more units from foreign languages or any subjects listed above, which exceed minimum requirements
Applicants who have earned a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) should have an official copy of their score report sent in lieu of a high school transcript.
2. Test-score report
Consideration for unconditional admission to the University is given to those students earning a minimum ACT composite score of 18 or a minimum SAT composite Critical Reading and Mathematics score of 860. The writing component on either examination is not required for admission. Students seeking admission should register for either test, preferably in the spring or early summer prior to the senior year of high school, and request that scores be mailed to the University. High school guidance offices usually have test registration packets available. For more information, contact one or both testing services:For the ACT:
ACT East Region Office
3355 Lenox Road NE
Suite 320
Atlanta, GA 30326-1332
Phone: (404) 231-1952
www.act.orgFor the SAT:
College Board
Southern Regional Office
3700 Crestwood Parkway
Suite 700
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: (866) 392-4088
www.collegeboard.com3. Medical report
Prior to enrollment, entering students must submit the Student’s Medical History form, which is mailed with the application packet. Thereafter, students are expected to notify the University of any change in health status that represents a potential risk to others. Students who may need disability-related accommodations may contact the Office for Services for Students with Disabilities.
Early enrollment for freshmen
Exceedingly able and mature students may apply for admission and enroll in University courses in lieu of completing their senior year of high school. Minimum requirements include:
Students submitting an application under this provision should register for either the ACT or the SAT in the spring of the junior year and should contact the director of admissions before completion of the junior year.
Advanced placement for freshmen
The University grants credit and/or advanced standing based on the Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), subjects completed under the Advanced Placement Program (AP) of the College Entrance Examination Board, and subjects completed through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Admissions.
International students
The University welcomes qualified freshmen or transfer students from other countries. The following credentials are needed in order that the University may conduct a review for admission:
Although federal immigration laws do not permit part-time employment for international students except in special instances, prospective students who meet the requirements listed above are encouraged to contact the University for information regarding financial aid options.
Transfer students
Students who seek to transfer to the University after attending another accredited college or university must satisfy all requirements for transfer admission, as follows:
Two-year colleges in Alabama
The University maintains a parallel transfer agreement with two-year colleges in Alabama that hold regional liberal-arts transfer accreditation. A student who earns an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree at a qualified institution will be admitted to Montevallo and credited with a maximum of 64 semester hours (or 96 quarter hours) of study. This agreement does not guarantee admission to a particular degree program.
Students transferring from accredited Alabama two-year colleges may complete the University of Montevallo general education requirements by completing courses outlined in an Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee (AGSC) Transfer Guide. The University transfer website (www.montevallo.edu/admissions/stars) assists transfer students with course selection by listing the most-appropriate sequence of courses for each major. For further information regarding transfer guides, contact the Office of Admissions.
Special-category admission
Conditional admission
Applicants for freshman admission not eligible as stated previously may qualify for admission on a conditional basis during the Summer Session. Students who qualify for this option will be notified after submitting the required application credentials.
Students admitted on a conditional basis are eligible for enrollment during the Fall Semester upon attainment of a Term or Session GPA of 2.0 or better.
High school admission
College preparatory students who have completed the junior year (11th grade) in high school and have attained a cumulative 3.0 or better GPA may, with permission from the appropriate school official, enroll for one credit course (a maximum of 4 semester hours) during the Summer Session following the junior year, or the Fall Semester and/or Spring Semester of the senior year (12th grade). Students planning continued enrollment as freshmen after graduation must submit an application, school transcript, ACT or SAT score report, and meet unconditional admission requirements.
Temporary admission
Temporary student admission is a non-degree category. Students who have graduated from high school two or more years prior to the intended date of enrollment may register for courses on either a credit or an audit (space available) basis.
Transient admission
A student in good standing at an accredited college or university may be admitted on a transient (visiting) basis. To be considered, an application must be submitted with a letter of good academic standing from the current or previous college or university. Transient admission may be approved for either a semester or a Summer Session.
Readmission to the University
Students who have been absent one semester or more must apply for readmission, and those who have not been in attendance for four or more years must meet the requirements of the University Bulletin in effect at the time of readmission.
Academic Clemency
After at least a five-calendar-year (60 months) enrollment lapse from higher education, applicants for undergraduate admission or readmission may petition the University to disregard a maximum of three entire consecutive semesters (or four entire consecutive quarters) of college-level study previously attempted at Montevallo and/or at other colleges or universities. Any combination of consecutive summer terms, including the May Term, are considered together as one semester. Other interim terms are considered together as one semester with the long term immediately following.
Financial information
Cashier’s Office
Palmer Hall, Station 6065
Phone: (205) 665-6065
Classifications
Full-time or part-time
A semester schedule of 12 credit hours or more is full-time. A semester schedule of 11 credit hours or fewer is part-time.
Alabama residency
For the purpose of determining undergraduate tuition, applicants are classified as in-state (Alabama) and out-of-state (non-Alabama) students. Residency for a student age 18 and younger is considered the same as that of the supporting parent(s) or legal guardian. A student age 19 and older may be considered for in-state classification by providing reasonable and expected confirmation of having established residence in Alabama for one year (12 months) preceding the request for reclassification.
Information regarding student classification for payment of undergraduate tuition is available at the Office of Admissions in Palmer Hall.
Other fees (continued)
Advanced-credit examination
For courses in which advanced credit is not available through CLEP or AP, a student may petition to be tested and may earn full credit if a test is administered and a satisfactory score is achieved. There is an examination fee of $20 per course examination. Refer to the “Advanced placement for freshmen” section of this page for more information on advanced credit.
Application for admission
A one-time fee of $25 must be attached or enclosed with the application for admission. The check or money order is to be made out to the University of Montevallo, payable in U.S. funds. If the application is completed on the web, the fee can be paid on-line using a credit/debit card. Fee is waived for former University of Montevallo students applying for readmission.
Audit payment
The audit fee is $25 per credit hour. Audit fees are waived for persons 65 years of age and older. Audit registration is in the Records Office, on or after the first day of class, even when the fee is waived.
Continuing Education
Charges for non-credit Continuing Education courses are not considered as tuition. Contact the Office of Continuing Education in Ramsay Conference Center for current information on payment.
Foreign checks fee
A $15 fee will be charged for processing checks drawn on foreign banks.
Housing fees
Both undergraduate and graduate students in residence halls pay an amount that includes telephone, utilities, a 24-hour movie channel, and basic cable television. Fees for private rooms are additional. Private-room reservations cannot be guaranteed until 5 p.m. on the first day of classes. The private-room fee will be refunded, or a credit will be given, if the resident does not receive a private room.
When it is necessary for a student enrolled in an internship or other similar experience to live away from campus, adjustments are made in charges for room and board.
Students who withdraw from housing prior to the first day of class will receive a total refund of the housing portion of any preregistration payment received for the term.
ID cards
Any student who enrolls at Montevallo is required to have a student identification card. Students are provided with information as to the time and place to be photographed for original and replacement cards. The original identification card is provided at no cost. Replacements for lost or damaged cards cost $10 each. If a student is not enrolled in classes, the ID card will cease to function.
Returned checks
If a check received by the University fails to clear the bank, the person who presented the check to the University will be charged $35. If the returned check is related to a student, the student’s account will reflect all charges and fees. Thereafter, should an individual have checks that fail to clear the bank, the University reserves the right to not accept personal checks and may require cash payments.
Room deposit
A $100 room deposit must be submitted at the time of application for on-campus housing. The deposit, less any debts or costs for damages to the room, will be refunded in accordance with the following stipulations.
At the conclusion of the final semester or summer term in the residence hall, the student must complete a room-deposit refund request and submit it to a hall staff member upon checkout. Students may cancel a room reservation and receive a full refund, provided that the cancellation is submitted in writing, by July 15 for Fall Semester, December 1 for Spring Semester, or May 5 for Summer Session, to the Office of Housing and Residence Life (West Main Hall, Station 6235). Students who cancel their reservations in writing after these dates and before the opening date for the residence halls receive a 50 percent refund. Students who cancel a room reservation or withdraw from the University after the opening date for the residence halls forfeit the deposit. Any exception requires approval by the Director of Housing and Residence Life.
A student who is denied admission to the University shall be eligible to receive a full refund of the room deposit. Room deposits not claimed within one year after a student leaves the residence halls shall revert to the University.
Vehicle registration
All students, staff, and faculty who operate a motor vehicle on the University campus must register each year, secure a permit, and display it as directed. Registration of a vehicle costs $25 each year. Failure to comply with guidelines may result in penalty to the vehicle operator.
Payment of tuition and fees
Payment of tuition, fees, and other charges is due in advance of the first day of classes. Payment for preregistration is due as announced during the preregistration period. Refer to the University Calendar in this Bulletin.
The University accepts cash, personal checks, and most credit cards (VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover®, American Express®) for payments. Payment can also be made by accessing the student account on the web.
Partial payment plan
During Fall and Spring Semesters, students residing in University housing have the option of paying for room and board in installments. An initial payment, for tuition and fees and a portion of room and board, is required by either the prepayment date for preregistered students or on registration day. The balance can be paid in three installments on September 10, October 10, and November 10 for Fall Semester and on February 10, March 10, and April 10 for Spring Semester. The final payment for each semester is due before a student can preregister for subsequent terms.
The partial payment plan includes a $40 processing fee. There is an additional $10 charge if a student does not submit a payment on or before its deadline date. When the payment date is on a weekend or holiday, the date is extended to the following business day.
Preregistration
During each enrollment period, students may preregister for subsequent study if the current term is paid in full. Payment must be received on or before the announced preregistration deadline dates in order to complete registration and confirm the course schedule. Students who do not prepay will be charged a $50 late payment fee. If payment is not received by the end of the first week of class, the student’s schedule will be dropped. Students withdrawing prior to the first day of class will receive a total refund of any preregistration payment made for the term.
Adjustments
Course drops
A student who drops a course will be reimbursed at 100 percent through the last day on which classes may be added. No adjustment will be made for a class dropped after the last day on which classes may be added. No adjustment will be made when a class is changed from credit to audit.
Official withdrawal
A student who officially withdraws from enrollment at the University will have a tuition adjustment as follows:
Students receiving Title IV aid are strongly urged to contact the Office of Student Financial Services prior to making a decision to withdraw. The student may be obligated to repay some portion of the aid to the Department of Education, as well as some portion of their student account, and may become ineligible for further Title IV assistance.
Refunds for drop or official withdrawal
The University and federal financial aid funds receive prorated shares of the refund, according to the Federal Refund and Repayment Policy. If a credit balance remains after the financial aid programs have been repaid, this amount is refunded to the student at the campus address (for dropped courses) or at the permanent address (for official withdrawal).
Check-cashing policy
Students may cash personal checks for as much as $50 once per day at the Cashier’s Office, except during the last two weeks of each semester. Two-party checks, other than checks received from parents and guardians, are not accepted.
Financial aid
Maria D. Parker, Director of Student Financial Services
Palmer Hall, Station 6050
Phone: (205) 665-6050
Fax: (205) 665-6047
e-mail: finaid@montevallo.edu
Web address: www.montevallo.edu
Students and prospective students are encouraged to visit the University’s website to obtain comprehensive information concerning application procedures, priority dates, available Federal Financial Aid programs, and a list of scholarships.
To apply for financial aid, a student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to file electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If the paper version is needed, contact the Office of Student Financial Services.
In order to be considered for federal student aid, students must be unconditionally admitted into a degree-seeking program.
Academic standards
A student receiving financial assistance must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of a degree or certificate. The following standards will prevail in determining satisfactory progress.
Eligibility for Title IV student financial assistance (such as federal loans and grants or Alabama Student Grants) is evaluated as part of the initial application process and again at the end of the academic year. In this evaluation process, all grades of W (Withdrawn), I (Incomplete), and IP (In Progress), and all courses dropped after the drop/add period will be counted as hours attempted and not passed. Determination of eligibility will be based on a historical evaluation of all hours attempted at the University of Montevallo, as well as the student’s grade point average. All hours accepted for transfer credit by the University will be considered as part of the time frame.
To continue to receive financial aid, in most cases, the following minimum standards must be met:
Credit hours completed, minimum GPA
30, 1.50
60, 1.70
90, 1.90
130, 2.0
Several scholarships require a higher minimum GPA than those required for satisfactory progress.
Students who are suspended from the University for academic reasons are not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress. Students must average passing 67 percent of all hours attempted at Montevallo. Students cannot receive aid after they have attempted 195 hours of academic work.
Entering students (freshmen and transfer students) are considered to be maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Appeals procedure
A student who does not meet the requirements for satisfactory academic progress may choose to appeal to the Office of Student Financial Services for an exception on the grounds that mitigating circumstances contributed to his or her failure to meet standards. Such appeals must be in writing and should contain documentation as appropriate to support the claim of mitigating circumstances. Decisions made by the Office of Student Financial Services relative to appeals will be in writing and will note any conditions placed upon the student for continued eligibility.
Notice to students receiving federal financial aid
Students who are receiving any form of federal financial aid who officially or unofficially withdraw from the University of Montevallo should be aware that they may be required to repay some or all of the federal funds received.
The U.S. Department of Education has determined that a student earns a percentage of the federal financial aid awarded based on the percentage of the term that he or she attended classes. For example, if a student withdraws from the University or otherwise ceases to attend classes at the 25-percent point of the term, he or she has earned only 25 percent of his or her financial aid and must repay the 75 percent that was unearned. A student who received $2,000 of federal financial aid for the term would be entitled to $500 and would have to repay the remaining $1,500. Students who attend beyond the 60-percent point of the term are considered to have earned 100 percent of their federal financial aid.
In addition, withdrawing from the University affects the Satisfactory Academic Progress standard and may affect the future receipt of federal financial aid.
Prior to withdrawing or otherwise ceasing to attend classes, students should contact the Office of Student Financial Services to determine the potential impact of their withdrawal. To officially withdraw, students must contact the Records Office.
Taxes
Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are considered taxable income if the amount exceeds the cost of tuition, fees, books, and course-related supplies and equipment. The student is responsible for retaining award letters and other documentation for tax-reporting purposes.
Part-time employment
Montevallo provides financial assistance to students through programs funded by federal or University dollars. Of these, the Federal Work-Study program (FWS) and the University Jobship Program offer part-time employment to students. During a semester, a student may work up to an average of 20 hours a week. Earnings must be applied first to cover any outstanding debt to the University.
Limited opportunities exist for students to meet expenses by working part-time in the library, administrative and departmental offices, and the physical-plant department. Students are encouraged to contact the Counseling and Career Center regarding job openings.
Scholarships
The following list describes scholarship programs likely to be of interest to students enrolling for the first time. Additional scholarships are listed on the University’s website at www.montevallo.edu/finaid/Scholarships.shtm.
Montevallo Ambassador Program Scholarships
Twenty awards are given annually to the most-outstanding students from within the entering freshman class. Awards cover the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, a $1,000 per year book stipend, and an international study opportunity. Minimum requirements include an ACT composite score of 30 or higher (or equivalent SAT score) and a minimum secondary school grade-point average of 3.5. Applicants should submit a resumé. A selected group of applicants will be chosen for interviews.
Alumni Honors Scholarships
$7,000 per year. Available to entering freshmen who rank in the top 10 percent of their secondary-school class and who score exceptionally high (usually 29 or above) on the ACT. Two scholarships are awarded. Renewable for four consecutive years of study with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better.
Presidential Honors Scholarships
$6,500 per year. Ten scholarships are offered to entering freshmen who attain a composite score of 30 or above on the ACT or 1320 or above on the SAT. Recipients are required to have on-campus residence. Renewable for four consecutive years with a cumulative GPA of 3.25.
Freshman Honors Scholarships
$5,500 per year. Ten scholarships are offered to entering freshmen who have an ACT composite score of 29 or above. Renewable for four consecutive years of study with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better.
Freshman Leadership Scholarships
$4,500 per year. Forty scholarships are offered to entering freshmen with an ACT composite score of 27 or above, combined with leadership qualities and scholastic achievement. Renewable for four consecutive years of study with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better.
Academic Recognition Scholarships
$3,500 per year. Fifty scholarships are offered to entering freshmen with an ACT composite score of 25 or 26 (or equivalent SAT score). Renewable for four consecutive years of study with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better.
Community College Dean’s Scholarships
$3,000 per year. Available to qualified transfer students with sophomore status at an Alabama two-year college. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better. Recipients are required to have on-campus residence. Twenty scholarships available. Renewable for two consecutive years with a cumulative University of Montevallo GPA of 3.25 or better.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships
$1,000 per year. Fifteen scholarships are available to junior- and community-college transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa. The award may be combined with another transfer scholarship. Recipients are required to have on-campus residence.
Community College President’s Scholarships
$3,000 per year. Available to qualified transfer students with sophomore status at an Alabama two-year college. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better. Twenty-four scholarships available. Renewable for two consecutive years with a cumulative University of Montevallo GPA of 3.25 or better.
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
$4,000 per year. Ten scholarships available to outstanding minority students, especially students at predominantly black high schools. Renewable for four consecutive years with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Minority Academic Recognition Scholarship
$9,000 per year. Available to three minority students with an ACT composite score of 27 or above. Renewable for four consecutive years with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarships
$3,000 per year. For valedictorians and salutatorians from secondary schools in Alabama. Forty awards available. Renewable for four consecutive years with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better.
Kathryn Purdy and Marjorie Purdy Scholarships
$2,400 per year. Three awards available to finalists and semi-finalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Renewable for four consecutive years with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better.
Loans
Contact the Office of Student Financial Services at the University of Montevallo for further information on any of the following loans.
Perkins Loan
The University participates in the Federal Perkins Loan Program. These loans are repaid beginning nine months after the borrower ceases to pursue at least half-time study at an institution of higher education. The loan may be canceled if the borrower teaches in a school approved by the federal government.
Federal Student Loans
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available.
Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Parents of dependent students may apply for a PLUS loan to cover the cost of education, less any aid received by the student. Certification of the PLUS loan is done by Student Financial Services.
Other student-loan funds
Students may be eligible to borrow from funds maintained by organizations and agencies other than the federal government. For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Services.
Grants
Federal Pell Grants
The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 authorized this grant program to provide aid for post-secondary education. Awards are based on the ability of the student’s family to contribute to his or her education, based on information about the family’s income and assets. Apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants
Awards for FSEOG are based on the same criteria as Pell grants. The FSEOG can be included with other college assistance programs.
Information on other grant programs is available on the UM website.
Academic Competitiveness Grants
Students who have completed a rigorous high school curriculum and who are eligible for a Pell Grant may be eligible for this grant. Entering students are encouraged to have their high school transcripts sent to Admissions as early as possible. Students may “self identify” when filing the FAFSA.
National Smart Grants
This federal grant is provided for students who are eligible for Pell Grants and who are in the third or fourth year of study with a 3.0 grade-point average in the federally designated majors (specifically defined in the areas of math, science, and foreign language). Eligible students will be notified by the Office of Student Financial Services.
Veterans Affairs Education Benefits
Catherine Cannady, Coordinator of Veterans Affairs
Palmer Hall, Station 6040
telephone: (205) 665-6035
fax: (205) 665-6042
e-mail: cannadyc@montevallo.edu
VA website: www.gibill.va.gov
The Coordinator of Veterans Affairs serves as a liaison for veterans and their dependents, assisting in obtaining benefits from the federal department of Veterans Affairs. Students must be admitted and registered at the University before certification can be completed. This service is located in the Records Office on the second floor of Palmer Hall.
Types of VA Educational Benefits
Chapter 30—Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty (MGIB)
The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for all degrees at the University of Montevallo. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty.
Chapter 31—Vocational Rehabilitation
A veteran may be eligible for Chapter 31 benefits if he or she incurred or aggravated a service-connected disability and is in need of vocational rehabilitation because the disability creates an employment handicap. Veterans should contact their county Veterans Affairs Office to obtain detailed information.
Chapter 35—Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Students desiring additional information should contact their county Veterans Affairs Office.
Alabama G.I. and Dependents Education Benefit Act
This program provides tuition benefits and free textbooks for disabled veterans and their families. Interested students should contact their county Veterans Affairs Office or the Student Financial Services Office at the University.
Chapter 1606—Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
This program provides benefits for members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard who have enlisted, reenlisted, or extended their enlistment. Students should contact their respective reserve units for eligibility information.