from each high school, college, or university attended and certificates of degrees or diplomas received. Credentials written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a notarized or certified translation. List on the application the exact university degree(s) received. If detailed transcripts are not available, certifi- cates must be accompanied by official statements showing the class or quality of the degrees and marks received on degree examinations, as well as the maximum number of marks obtainable. Submit copies of credentials only if a university administrative officer, a government official, or a notary public has validated them.
All costs for a credential evaluation service are the responsibility of the applicant. The evaluation should include (1) confirmation of receipt of a degree that is equivalent to a four-year degree in the United States, (2) the approximate transla- tion of Grade Point Average (GPA) to a 4.0 system, and (3) verification of the authenticity of the international documents.
Official results of the American College Test (ACT), minimum composite score of 16, or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), minimum score of 760, must be mailed to Delta State University prior to admission.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. TOEFL is not required for appli- cants who have studied and received a degree from a university in the United States. Submit an official copy of your TOEFL score to the Admissions Office. A minimum score of 525 on the paper-based test or a 196 on the computer-based test is required. For score reporting purposes, Delta State University’s institutional code is 1163.
Financial Documents Required. International students must submit bank state- ments showing that sufficient financial resources are available to cover the costs of the first year of study which are about $12,500 US. Bank statements must be current; documents older than six months are not acceptable.
Health Requirements. Submit documented proof of required immunizations and documentation signed by a physician stating that the student is free and clear of tuberculosis.
Issuance of Nonimmigrant Student Visa Documents. Once a student has been approved for admission to Delta State University and has submitted acceptable proof of funding, the International Students Office (ISO) will review each case and issue the proper immigration document (Form I-20). The student takes the immigration document and a copy of the financial statement to the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country to apply for the appropriate visa. Students who are already in the United States must contact ISO for instructions on transfer procedures of their immigration status, and/or changes of status if necessary. International students outside of the United States. Students who are outside of the United States will be mailed Form I-20 (for F-1 visa). Generally, students who finance their studies through personal or family funds should enter the United States on an F-1 visa. To obtain a visa, students must contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to find out about application requirements, procedures, hours, fees, and processing times. Students should be prepared to show the fol- lowing documents: I-20, passport, letter of admission or invitation to Delta State, proof of financial support, and strong evidence of intent to return to their home country after completion of studies. Please note that it is the student’s responsibil- ity to be aware of the terms and conditions concerning his or her admission and authorized stay in the United States.
International students with F-1 or J-1 status transferring to Delta State from another school in the United States. Students who wish to transfer to Delta State from another school in the United States must have maintained their immigration status to be eligible for a transfer. They must submit proof of financial support for their program of study along with copies of their current Form I-20 or IAP-66, passport, visa, and I-94 card.
When a student has been approved for admission to Delta State University and has shown adequate proof of funding, the Form I-20 (for F-1 visa holders) will be mailed to the student with instructions for completing an immigration transfer. A transfer of F-1 status from one school to another may be accomplished by provid- ing evidence that the student was “in status” the previous semester. ISO has a School Transfer Form that may be used for this purpose. Transfer students should contact ISO for the form, which must be completed and signed by their current school.
International visitors in the United States on a visa other than F-1 or J-1. International visitors already in the United States with an immigration status other than F-1 or J-1 must contact ISO to determine whether a change of status is nec- essary and possible. Those who have entered on the visa waiver program must return to their home country in order to obtain a student visa before they can start their studies at Delta State University.
International Student Orientation. All new international students (including transfers) are encouraged to attend an international orientation. International student orientation is held at the beginning of each semester. The orientation covers immigration issues, employment opportunities and regulations, health insurance, academic policies, and cultural adjustment to life in the United States. Contact the ISO for dates and times.
For Additional Information International Students Office Delta State University Kethley 108
Cleveland, MS 38733, U.S.A.
(662) 846-4867 or FAX (662) 846-4015
www.deltast.edu; E-mail: [email protected]
ADMISSION OF NON-DEGREE STUDENTS.Students over 21 years of age who do not meet minimum admission requirements may register as a non-degree stu- dent. They may register for a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours for one semester. Full admission status may be achieved by meeting the regular admis- sions standards (including ACT) or by completing a minimum of twelve (12) se- mester hours with a “C” average.
TRANSFER CREDIT.A community college graduate who transfers to Delta State University and who has pursued a sound academic program in the community college should be able to meet the additional requirements to graduate from Delta State University in two academic years. Each department chair, with the approval of an appropriate college or school dean, is authorized to make any rea- sonable substitutions in course requirements in order not to prolong the residence of community transfers. Any community college transfer who seems to suffer an undue loss of credit is invited to confer with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. It is understood that any student graduating from Delta State University must have an overall grade of “C” on all academic hours required toward the de- gree. A student enrolled in a community college for the first two years who plans to enter Delta State University upon graduation should follow the general require- ments outlined in the Delta State University catalog for the degree sought. The last half of the total hours applied toward graduation must be earned at a senior college. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the college or school dean.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION.A maximum of 30 semester hours of undergraduate credit may be earned from the following sources: The Advanced Placement Test, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the American College Testing Program, and correspondence courses.
CREDIT FOR MILITARY SERVICE.A student with military service may submit the appropriate military documents and receive credit for military service schools and activities. Recommendations of the American Council on Education are used in determining credit.
CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS.The following schedule is used in classifying students:
Freshmen ...0-29 semester hours Sophomores ...30-59 semester hours Juniors ...60-89 semester hours Seniors ...90 and over semester hours Part-time Undergraduate ...fewer than 12 semester hours Part-time Graduate...fewer than 9 semester hours