Undergraduate Catalog 2020-2021 | International Student Admission Requirements

Contact Information

In its learning community, Our Lady of the Lake University deliberately seeks heterogeneity and offers equal educational opportunity to all students regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Its curriculum of alternatives permits a wide variety of times, places and learning modes to make its programs accessible not only to young men and women right out of secondary school, but also to many types of nontraditional students. For all these groups and for many others, the University offers unique opportunities for personalized education.

The purpose of the University’s admission requirements and procedures, therefore, is to identify and assess the student’s potential for success in his or her educational goals at Our Lady of the Lake University.

Applications for admission to programs may be:

1. requested from:
   OLLU Office of Admissions
   411 S.W. 24th Street, Suite 416
   San Antonio, Texas 78207-4689
   210-431-3961
   1-800-436-OLLU
2. submitted online at www.ollusa.edu/admissions

The completed application form should be returned to the Admissions Office. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year as soon as all credentials have been received. All credentials should be received by the following dates to be considered for admission:

Freshmen
Fall Deadline

• Financial Aid Priority Action - September 1
• Early Action - November 1
• Regular Decision - May 1
• Late Decision - August 1

Spring Deadline - December 1

Transfers

• Fall - August 14
• Spring - December 14
• Summer - April 14

International

• Fall - June 15
• Spring - October 15
• Summer - March 15

Applications for programs in San Antonio, Rio Grande Valley (La Feria) and Houston (The Woodlands) should be requested from the respective locations or the OLLU website at https://myapp.ollusa.edu/apply.

Addresses for individual program locations are:

San Antonio:

Our Lady of the Lake University
411 S.W. 24th Street
San Antonio, Texas 78207-4689
Phone: 210-431-3961
Fax: 210-431-4036
Email: admissions@ollusa.edu

Houston:

Our Lady of the Lake University
600 N. Sam Houston Parkway West (Beltway8) 
Houston, Texas 77067
Phone: 936-273-7628
Fax: 936-273-7629
Email: houston@ollusa.edu

La Feria (Rio Grande Valley):

Our Lady of the Lake University
1650 S. Main St./P.O. Box 420, La Feria, Texas 78559
Phone: 956-277-0146
Fax: 956-277-0438
Email: rgv@ollusa.edu

Admission Categories

Admission to Our Lady of the Lake University will be granted in one of the following categories:

Regular Admission

Applicants fulfilling all admission requirements will be granted regular admission. This category of admission is full and unconditional. It must be clearly understood that admission into the University does not constitute admission to a degree program.

Admission Requirements

For admission as an undergraduate student, a candidate must give evidence of academic preparation sufficient to permit entry into regular college-level work, as well as evidence of academic aptitude sufficient to predict success in that work.

Academic preparation may be indicated by any one of the following:

1. Graduation from an accredited high school with 16 units of credit, which include:

• 4 units in English
• 3 units in mathematics (algebra I and II, geometry)
• 2 units in a laboratory natural science
• 3 units in social science
• 2 additional units in English, mathematics, social science or natural science

2. Successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) tests
3. Successful completion of 12 semester hours or the equivalent of college-level work with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 transferred from another regionally accredited college or university

Academic aptitude may be indicated by any one of the following:

1. A satisfactory combination of Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores and high school grade point average: satisfactory is defined as a minimum composite (math/verbal of 800 on the SAT or 17 on the ACT)
2. General Education Development (GED) certificate with a minimum of 45 on each of the five tests and a satisfactory score on the SAT or ACT
3. Twelve or more hours or the equivalent of transferable credit and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better on college-level work

Credentials for Admission

All credentials submitted for admission purposes become the property of Our Lady of the Lake University and cannot be returned.

Application Requirements: Freshman

Student who has never attended college or recipient of dual credit before graduating high school.

1. Official high school transcript (may be submitted as early as the end of the junior year, but complete transcript with date of graduation must be submitted prior to enrolling) or official GED scores
2. Scores on the SAT or ACT *
3. Official college transcripts of dual credit earned while in high school (if applicable)

Application Requirements: Non-traditional Freshmen

Student who has graduated high school, GED recipient, or has less than 12 transferable hours

1. Official high school transcript. Complete transcript with date of graduation must be submitted prior to enrolling or official GED certificate with scores. Student must meet minimum score of 45 in each of the five sections.
2. Scores on the SAT or ACT. Students who tested during high school will be asked to submit SAT and/or ACT test scores. If requirements were not met, they will have an opportunity to take the ACT residual.
3. For GED recipients or students who did not test in high school, the Accuplacer test will be required.
4. Official College transcript of dual credit earned while in high school (if applicable)

Application Requirements: Transfer

Student who previously attended another college or university beyond high school; seeking degree from OLLU and has a minimum of 12 transferrable hours.

1. Official transcript from each college/university attended    
2. Official high school transcript with date of graduation required if student does not posses an associate degree or has less than 24 transferable semester hours
3. Accuplacer test is required if student has not received college level Math credit

International Student Admission

New international applicants, including those who wish to transfer from other schools in the U.S., must first apply to the program, be accepted and be issued a form I-20 by a designated school official. International students admitted for a degree program will automatically be considered for a scholarship. No special application is required.

The international student adviser, located in the Admissions Office, who functions as their advocate, serves as the University representative, information source and communications facilitator for all international students.

Applications for admission and requests for information may be requested from the Office of Admissions by calling 210-431-3961 or 1-800-436-6558, or going online to www.ollusa.edu/Admissions. The completed application form and non-refundable application fee of $50 should be returned to the Undergraduate Admission Office.

Currently, Our Lady of the Lake University does sponsor the J-1 Exchange Program and is SEVIS compliant to issue the form I-20 for F-1 Visa students.

Acceptance letters or 1-20s are not guaranteed after the application deadline dates.

A student who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States is considered an international student. International students usually need an F1 or J1 visa to study in the United States.

Application Requirements: International

1. Official transcripts from all international schools attended. The Ministry of Education must recognize all schools.

• Official course-by-course credential evaluation report from an OLLU recommended credential evaluation service. Evaluation must indicate a minimum educational preparation equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.
• Official course descriptions in English are required for any student that has attended university. Our Lady of the Lake University cannot evaluate transfer credit eligibility without the course description.

Credential Evaluation Services:

The following agencies are recommended by OLLU. Other agencies approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) may be used but additional documentation may be required.

1. Official transcript from high school and colleges attended
2. SUBMIT OFFICIAL PROOF OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: (speak with international office regarding waiver)

• Internet Based TOEFL score requirements: undergraduate 71
• Paper Based TOEFL score requirements: undergraduate 525
• IETLS score requirements: undergraduate 6.0

Any out-of-country applicants whose native language is not English, applying to the teacher education program must also submit a passing score of 26 or higher on the oral communication skills of the TOEL-IBT as listed in TAC 230.11 per state guidelines. Demonstration of oral communication skills is required for admittance provided the applicant does not hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university where English was the primary language of instruction.

Official scores must be submitted directly to Our Lady of the Lake University from the testing service. ETS institution code: 6550

For more information on test dates, locations and cost, please visit the following websites: TOEFL (http://www.ets.org/toefl/) or IELTS (http://www.ielts.org/)

6. SAT/ACT scores:

International applicants are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores for admission. However, we recommend applicants submit SAT/ACT test results to determine eligibility for international scholarship.

6. SUBMIT IMMIGRATION AND FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
   • Copy of your passport and any visa you hold.
     • Students currently in the U.S. on an F or J visa must also submit a photocopy of current I-20 or DS-2019.
   • The Affidavit of Support must be filled out by the account holder for the financial documentation. Financial documents must be dated within six month of the date of application. The applicant will be held personally responsible for all expenses incurred while in school at OLLU, even if the applicant is sponsored by another person or agency. The applicant will be required to prove financial ability to the United States Consulate in order to be approved for a visa. As mandated by law, Our Lady of the Lake University has no federal or state funds which are available for foreign students.

Readmission

Students who have not attended OLLU in more than a year must apply for readmission by submitting an application for admission. Any student whose program is interrupted by an absence of one year or more will incur the obligation of meeting changed requirements as printed in the current catalog. It must be clearly understood that admission into the University does not constitute  admission to a degree program.

Application Requirement: Readmission

1. Transcript from all schools attended since last attending OLLU**
2. A personal statement must be submitted this includes:

• Explanation of previous academic performance
• Plans for improving academic performance, corrective actions
• Any other documentation which will support request for readmission

Former Students on Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal:

Traditional students must remain out of school two terms (not including summer) before submitting request for readmission.

Note: Readmission is not available after three periods of Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal.

Special Admission

Applicants not seeking to enroll in a degree program (such as those seeking noncredit courses or those seeking credit courses for personal enrichment or for transfer to another institution) will granted special admission. It must be clearly understood that special admission does not constitute admission to a degree program; if admission to a degree program is later granted, there is no guarantee that credit earned as a special admission student will be applicable toward the degree unless special permission is given by the dean of the college/school in which the student is seeking a degree.

Application Requirements: Special Applicants

1. Must submit an official transcript verifying the highest conferred degree and an overall grade point average of at least 2.0.
2. A letter of intent that describes the reasons for enrolling in this specific course.

Application Requirements: Transient

Transient students are those students who are using Our Lady of the Lake University credit to meet requirements for their home institution

• A letter of intent that describes the reason for enrolling in the specific course.
• An official copy of the most recent transcript

Application Requirements: Auditor

A student who audits a class without the benefit of a grade or credit for the course

1. Submit application as an undergraduate/special interest student
2. Submit an official transcript of highest conferred degree or last college/university attended
3. Provide personal statement specifying why requesting to take specific course

*Note tuition rate is the same for an auditor as for any other applicant.

Application Requirements: Non-degree Seeking

Student who does not plan to earn a degree but seeks to receive college credit

1. If student has never attended college/university a high school transcript or GED is required
2. If student previously attended OLLU: no additional credentials required
3. If student attended another college or university; never attended OLLU: official transcript from each college/university attended is required

Post baccalaureate second bachelor’s degree

A student who has a bachelor’s degree and wishes to apply for further study at the undergraduate level to pursue a second bachelor’s degree.

• Official transcript from all regionally accredited colleges and universities where degrees were conferred (not required if degree received from OLLU)

Note:

1. If seeking teacher certification, official transcripts must be submitted from ALL colleges/universities attended. Any out-of-country applicants whose native language is not English, applying to the teacher education program must also submit a passing score of 26 or higher on the oral communication skills of the TOEL-IBT as listed in TAC 230.11 per state guidelines.  Demonstration of oral communication skills is required for admittance provided the applicant does not hold a  bachelor’s degree or higher from a university where English was the primary language of instruction.

Post baccalaureate-Leveling Communication and Learning Disorders

A student who has bachelor’s degree and wishes to apply for further study at the undergraduate level to pursue a second bachelor’s degree.

Application Requirements: Leveling Communication and Learning Disorders

1. Apply for admission as post-baccalaureate student
2. Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities where degrees were conferred (not required if degree received from OLLU)
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their first degree
4. Complete one course in biology, mathematics (algebra) and physical science (physics, chemistry, physical science, earth science or astronomy) and have six semesters hours in social or behavioral science)
5. Provide a one-page, typed vita highlighting training and experiences that have influenced applicant’s interest in speech-language pathology.

Entry Skill Requirements

All entering undergraduate freshman and transfer students are required to validate mastery of college entry skills in reading, composition and mathematics. Skill levels for freshmen are based on SAT or ACT verbal and mathematics scores and high school English and mathematics grade point average; for transfer students, college English and mathematics are reviewed. Depending upon the level of competence demonstrated, students may be required to take OLLU assessments which would determine if the student would take QUEST Intensive courses or register for non-intensive-credit bearing freshman-level courses.

Writing

Competence in writing can be demonstrated through one of the following: 1) ACT/SAT verbal scores in conjunction with high school English grade point average and 2) a minimum of three semester hours of college-level English with a “C” or above, or 3) satisfactory score on the Accuplacer. Students found to be below college-entry level (on such criteria as unity, coherence, organization and development of ideas, and mechanical correctness) will be required to take credit-bearing ENGL 1313 - Composition I .

Reading

OLLU accepts four measures as evidence of satisfactory level of reading competence: 1) ACT/SAT verbal scores in conjunction with high school English grade point average, 2) a grade of “C” or better on a college-level reading course, 3) satisfactory score on the Accuplacer, and 4) a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in three semester hours of college-level English. Students who do not present evidence of satisfactory performance on one of the above measures are required to register for credit-bearing ENGL 1313 - Composition I .

Mathematics

Placement in mathematics is determined by one of the following: 1) ACT/SAT math scores in conjunction with high school mathematics courses and grade point average, 2) pre-assessment and 3) prerequisites for specific courses. Students not ready for a regular college mathematics course may be placed in credit-bearing MATH 1301  INT or MATH 1304  INT, depending on their needs.

Transfer Credit

All courses completed with a grade of C or higher that are normally considered part of an associate of arts/science or bachelor degree program will transfer to Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU). Transfer work that does not apply toward degree requirements, are considered elective credits. Acceptance of advanced level transfer work in certain programs (communication disorders, social work and programs in undergraduate teacher education) must be reviewed by the department to determine OLLU equivalence. Acceptance of transfer work does not reduce institutional requirements (e.g. residency, advanced hours, etc.) Refer to the Undergraduate Information section of this catalog for general degree requirements.

It is the student’s responsibility to provide official transcripts reflecting completion of course work to the Admissions Office. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities, regardless of whether credit is awarded or whether credits apply toward the current program, must be received by the Admissions Office by the beginning of the first term of enrollment. Students who fail to meet this admission requirement will not be permitted to enroll for future terms until all required transcripts are received.

Credit submitted for transfer to Our Lady of the Lake University must be recorded on an official transcript received by the Admission’s Office or Registrar’s Office from the institution where the credit was earned. Once submitted for admission or transfer consideration, the transcript becomes the property of Our Lady of the Lake University and cannot be released to the student. The transfer of course credit will be processed by the personnel in the Registrar’s Office. The courses have been previously (or will be) evaluated by faculty in each area to determine the transferability and equivalence of each course. Course content will be determined from the catalog description or the course syllabus issued by the transferring institution

The following policies will be used by the Registrar when evaluating transfer credits.

Credit from Regionally Accredited Institutions

1. A course that is normally considered part of the bachelor degree program may be accepted in transfer. Maximum transferable hours from community colleges (combination of all community colleges attended) is 72 semester hours.
2. Grades of “D” are not automatically transferred. After admission, courses with grades of “D” should be evaluated by the student and the adviser. A request to the Registrar’s Office may be made to transfer in courses with grades of “D” provided that these courses are not part of the student’s major, minor, freshman English and teacher certification courses AND that there are offsetting credits in transferable courses in which “A” and “B” grades were earned from the same institution. Once admitted, student and adviser will determine which “D” grades should be transferred and request that the Registrar’s Office update of the record.
3. A course that is equivalent to an OLLU course will be transferred as the equivalent course. Department chairs will be consulted when there is a question regarding the similarity of a transfer course to an OLLU course. All work completed at a two-year college will carry lower-division credit. In exceptional circumstances, a lower-level course may be substituted for an upper level course with the approval of the appropriate dean/department chair. A lower-level course substituted for an upper-level course will not count toward the advanced hour requirement for the degree.
4. Developmental course work and/or preparatory courses such as orientation, will not be accepted in transfer.
5. A course that is intended for use in a vocational, technical, or occupational program normally will not be accepted as transfer credit unless it is applied to the BAS degree program. BAS technical fields must be approved by the Department of program prior to the assigning of the BAS program to the student’s record. These courses will be used in the calculation of the transfer grade point and the overall grade point average. The vocational, technical or occupational program courses must be completed prior to matriculating at OLLU and the number of hours transferred toward the BAS degree is a minimum of 18 but not to exceed 30. If student decides to change their program from a BAS degree program, all technical transfer hours will be removed from their record.
6. Graduate level courses will not be transferred for undergraduate credit unless approved by the appropriate dean for use in the student’s undergraduate degree program.
7. Discipline courses offered in a professional program, such as communication disorders, social work, etc., will not be accepted as a degree credit until approved by the appropriate dean/department chair.
8. Credit for field experience, internship, or practicum may be transferred from a senior college or university if credit is approved by the appropriate dean/department chair. Since these typically are junior/senior level courses, credit from a two-year school will not be transferred.
9. Credit reflected on an incoming transcript for life-work experience from an evaluation of a portfolio, CLEP credit, DANTES creditor, AP credit or department exam will not be accepted in transfer.
10. Credit may be awarded for completion of education programs conducted by business and industry. After matriculation, credit may be determined on an individual basis. The evaluation will be based on the American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations.
11. After matriculating at OLLU, a student must obtain advanced permission to enroll at any other college or university with the intent of transferring course credits to OLLU for application toward degree requirements. Procedurally, if the course is offered at OLLU during the same semester, a request for enrollment for the same course at another institution will be denied.
12. Course work taken at St. Mary’s University, University of Incarnate Word and/or Oblate School of Theology through the Inter-Institutional Registration agreement while enrolled at OLLU will be treated as residence credit; however, work taken prior to matriculating at OLLU or not included in the Inter-Institutional Registration plan will be treated the same as other transfer work.

Credit from Institutions not regionally accredited

Courses from an institution not regionally accredited will be evaluated on an individual basis, and credit may be granted in areas equivalent to those at Our Lady of the Lake University. Various methods of validation are available for determining this equivalence:

1. CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
2. Departmental examinations
3. Advanced courses completed at OLLU with “C” or above

Credit for Military Experience

Students who have been or are in the military may gain credit from this experience. A military educational transcript or a DD214 can be used to determine whether credit can be awarded. The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Serviced (ACE) is used to determine what experience might be eligible for credit and whether that credit will fit into the student’s program. Military Occupational Specialty experience is not eligible for credit. Four hours of kinesiology credit will be awarded for completion of basic training.

External Credit after Matriculating

Prior to attempting any external credit (CLEP, DANTES, portfolio, discipline exam), the student must obtain and complete the “Request for Credit Through Examination and/or Non-traditional Experience” form (available in the Registrar’s Office or on the Registrar’s webpage).

Processing for:

Credit through examination

1. Completed form is received in the Registrar’s Office
2. Form is reviewed and student and adviser are notified of status of request
3. Original form is forwarded to Assessment Center
4. Upon completion of the test, results are attached to the form and returned to the Registrar’s Office for final processing
5. CLEP, DANTES, discipline exam cannot be used to repeat a course recorded at OLLU

Credit through portfolio/life work experience

1. Form and documentation is submitted to the Assessment Center
2. Upon completion of the evaluation, if credit is awarded, the form is forwarded to the Student Business Office for billing
3. Once student has paid for the credit, the form is forwarded to the Registrar’s Office for final processing

Transfer credit after Matriculating

Students needing to take courses at another institution after matriculating at OLLU must have the courses approved prior to registering at the other institution. Student should obtain the “Request to Take Course(s) at Another College/University” form (available in the Registrar’s Office or on the Registrar’s webpage). Complete the form, obtain required signatures and return to the Registrar’s Office. The course(s) are reviewed and the student and adviser are notified of the results of the review.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Our Lady of the Lake University recognizes that non-collegiate experiences may often provide collegiate-level learning. It therefore provides appropriate opportunities for interested undergraduate applicants to have their prior learning experiences evaluated for credit according to methods approved by the University and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

Current OLLU students seeking PLA credit must apply through the academic adviser. Prospective students should contact the Admissions Office. In an initial advising session, applicants are briefed on requirements and procedures, and consulting interviews are arranged with appropriate faculty. Credit to be awarded is determined by utilizing one or more of the following means of assessment:

Military Record Evaluation *

The University grants credit, as approved by the various colleges and schools, for formal military service school courses as recommended by the American Council on Education. Credit is also given for acceptable scores on subject standardized tests of Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES). As a member of the Service members Opportunity College (SOC) network, the University recognizes the unique nature of the military lifestyle and has committed itself to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and experience. No charge is made for credit granted for military training and experience.

Certified Career Credit Evaluation *

The University will also award college credit for certain non-collegiate training programs which have been evaluated by the American Council on Education and the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction (NPONSI) which have also been validated and approved by the appropriate faculty, and those approved by a committee of University faculty and outside experts. These include licensure and certification programs such as insurance, data processing, secretarial and purchasing, as well as numerous other training programs in the military, business and industry. A $100 evaluation fee is charged.

Credit by Examination *

Satisfactory scores on standardized national examinations of the College Board, such as the Achievement Tests of the Admissions Testing Program, the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate Credit (IB), or on examinations developed by University departments may be accepted for appropriate course credit. Specific information concerning these tests, administration fees, minimum scores required, and potential credit available may be obtained from the Assessment Center or the Office of the Registrar. The tuition charge for credit by departmental examination is $250 per credit hour; there is no charge for credit earned through the College Board examination programs.

Portfolios *

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) advisers offer instructions to students on how to prepare documented portfolios on their prior learning assessment. To be acceptable for credit, portfolios must demonstrate not only that the educative experience occurred, but that the student did derive collegiate-level learning from it and integrated this learning with other collegiate knowledge and skills. Interviews, simulations and other assessments may be required as supplements to the portfolios. Completed portfolios are submitted to the Assessment Center for evaluation. Tuition for credit received through portfolios is charged at $250 per credit hour.

*All credit earned through any of the assessments listed above must be completed and hours posted to the student record prior to the semester in which the student will be completing degree requirements.