UIS
Graduate and Undergraduate Catalog
Academic
Year 2004 - 2005
Information for Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Education
Statement of Purpose
A student with a bachelor’s degree should be able to comprehend
written and spoken communications – from simple narrative
to scholarly exposition, novels, and poetry – and should
be able to use and apply abstractions, principles, ideas, or theories
to concrete situations. Content as well as form is important to
a baccalaureate education. The student should have broad familiarity
with the social sciences, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and
English. In addition, the University of Illinois at Springfield
mandates a special understanding of public affairs in the broadest
and most humanistic sense.
The student receiving a bachelor’s degree will:
-
Be able to recognize significant terminology, facts, theories,
issues, findings, abstractions, universals, principles,
and generalizations within a discipline;
as well as have a familiarity with ways of organizing, studying, judging,
and criticizing relevant knowledge in a chosen field, including
methods of inquiry,
patterns of organization, and standards of judgment.
-
Be able to use the relevant knowledge within a discipline
through reading, interpreting, and evaluating the appropriate
literature; analyzing data; understanding
implications; and formulating and defending conclusions.
-
Demonstrate a mastery of appropriate skills within a chosen
discipline and an ability to apply such knowledge and skills,
and demonstrate an ability to
apply abstractions in concrete situations.
Undergraduate Admission
Undergraduate admission to the University of Illinois at Springfield
includes a limited number of highly qualified first-year students
(the Capital Scholars
Program) and to transfer students who have earned 30 or more transferable
semester hours at community colleges or other regionally accredited institutions
of
higher learning. In addition, the campus offers alternative admissions, a
senior learners
program, and special admission for students not seeking a degree. Each of
these admission options is discussed in detail below, along with other important
admission requirements. Write to the Office of Admissions and Records, University
of Illinois
at Springfield, One University Plaza, MS SAB 20, Springfield, IL 62703-5407,
to request an application form, or apply online at
www.uis.edu. The toll
free
number is (888) 977-4847.
Please note: Admission to UIS does not constitute entry into
a particular degree program. Some programs have special entrance
requirements; others
have limited
enrollments. Contact individual programs for specific information.
Capital Scholars Program
The Capital Scholars Program is a challenging intellectual experience.
Current high school seniors, or high school graduates with 12 or fewer
hours of college
credit, who have demonstrated high academic achievement and a potential
for creativity and leadership may apply to the Capital Scholars program.
(Credit
earned in advanced
placement courses does not count toward the 12-hour limit.) Applicants
are expected to have excellent written and oral communication skills. Illinois
or U.S. residency
is not a requirement for admission.
To be considered for admission, applicants must have completed
15 units (one unit = one year’s study in the subject) of high school work from among
the following categories:
-
four units of English emphasizing written and oral communications
and literature
-
three units of social studies emphasizing history and government
-
three units of mathematics including introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, or fundamentals
of computer
programming (four
units recommended)
-
three units of laboratory science (four units recommended)
-
two units of a foreign language (four units recommended)
Admission to the Capital Scholars Program is competitive and
selective and is based on an overall evaluation of high school
course work/grades,
class
rank,
grade-point average, SAT or ACT scores, personal statement, and letters
of recommendation from two teachers or others acquainted with the
student’s academic work,
and creative and leadership potential. A personal or telephone interview with
a member of the admissions committee (made up of faculty and administrators)
may also be a component of the admission process.
Specific information on the Capital Scholars Program is available
at www.uis.edu/capitalscholars, or contact the program directly
at cap@uis.edu or (217) 206-7246.
Undergraduate Transfer Admission
Undergraduate students other than Capital Scholars may be admitted
to UIS as transfer students if they have earned 30 or more transferable
(remedial
or
developmental courses are not accepted) semester hours with a cumulative
grade-point average
of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale from a regionally accredited
institution, and completed three semester hours of college-level
English composition
with a minimum
grade of C. Those who have earned an associate of arts or associate
of
science degree from a regionally accredited Illinois community
college or other regionally
accredited institution may be admitted to UIS as a junior if they
have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00
scale
and have
completed three
semester hours of college level English composition with a grade
of C.
Advanced standing as a senior may be granted to those who transfer
with 30 semester hours of upper-division credit beyond the 60 hours
required
for
junior status.
Only transfer credit hours with a grade of C or better are acceptable
for advanced standing. Students entering as seniors must complete
a minimum of 30 semester
hours at UIS and must complete all program and campus degree requirements
to graduate.
General Education Requirements for Transfer Students
To ensure
educational breadth, accredited U.S. institutions generally require
completion
of courses in several
disciplines or areas -- usually English, mathematics, natural science,
social science, and humanities. This constitutes the institution’s general education
requirements.
Students are encouraged to complete required general education
course work before admission to the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Transfer students may
satisfy this requirement in two ways:
* Complete the requirements of the Illinois Articulation Initiative
Core Curriculum. (See below.)
* Have completed the requirements for an associate of arts or
associate of science degree from a regionally accredited institution
of higher
learning at some time
before summer 1998. Graduates of Illinois community colleges holding
these degrees are considered to have met all general education
requirements at
the transferring
institutions. Direct requests for exceptions to the Office of Admissions
and Records.
Students who decide to transfer to UIS before completing general
education requirements will be subject to UIS’ general education requirements. (See the full description
below). In any event, for all students except Capital Scholars, the minimum general
education requirement for admission to UIS is the completion of three semester
hours of English composition with a grade of C or better. Remedial or developmental
courses are not applicable to admission requirements.
The general education requirement at UIS consists of 39 semester
hours, distributed as follows.
Oral and Written Communication (two courses, one of which is
a composition course with a grade of C or better)
Humanities and Fine Arts (two courses)
Social and Behavioral Science (two courses)
Mathematics (one course)
Physical and Life Science (two courses, one of which is a course
with a laboratory)
General Education Electives (additional electives may be taken
in any general education area to complete the 39 hour requirement)
Alternative Admission
Alternative admission at the junior level is available for students
who have a minimum of 12-15 years of life/work learning experience
(beyond
high school)
that may be considered in lieu of traditional classroom learning
acquired during the first and second years of college. The admissions
committee
provides individual
assessments of an applicant’s eligibility based on 1) a written narrative;
2) three letters of recommendation; and 3) demonstration of competency in the
areas of general education plus 12 elective hours of general education. These
12 hours can be earned by either completing required courses or by receiving
an appropriate score on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Official
transcripts from all colleges or universities where credit was attempted or earned
are required and students will be expected to participate in undergraduate assessment
activities. Contact a UIS admissions counselor for additional information.
Admission for International Student seeking Bachelor’s
Degrees
UIS admits international transfer students whose academic preparation
is equivalent to at least 30 semester hours of U.S. college-level
credit and
whose educational
and personal goals indicate they will be successful in completing
the UIS curriculum.
For undergraduate admission, an international student must have
completed the equivalent of 30 semester hours of college or university
course
work with an
average of C or above. If previous course work did not include
general education requirements, they may have to be taken as part
of the
requirements for the
degree from UIS. If so, these courses may extend the credit hours
required for the bachelor’s
degree. Individual degree programs may also have additional requirements for
admission of international students. Refer to the relevant program for information.
Students who are not U.S. citizens must have a tuberculin skin
test done at the Campus Health Service before registering. Those
who test
positive
must
also have
a chest x-ray. Students who have been treated for tuberculosis
disease or infection must provide medical records, which must be
accompanied
by a certified
English
translation. There are no exemptions from this requirement.
International students seeking admission to the University of
Illinois at Springfield are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Non-degree Admission
Undergraduate non-degree seeking students are not required to file
all documents necessary for admission to a degree program, but
will be asked
for clarification
of their educational intent before exceeding 16 semester hours.
Non-degree students are subject to the same probation and suspension
policies
as degree-seeking students.
Students who later choose to become degree candidates will be
required to meet all admission requirements of their program. With
the degree
program’s
approval, up to 16 semester hours taken as an undergraduate non-degree student
may count toward the degree. Non-degree students typically are not eligible for
financial assistance.
Online Student Admission
Students who choose to pursue some or all of their studies online
are held to the same admission standards and must meet the same
requirements as
those who
attend class on campus. Call the Office of Admissions and Records
at
(217) 206-4847, or visit the UIS website at
www.uis.edu for more
information. A list of online
course offerings is available at the web site and also in any current
course
schedule.
Senior Learner Admission
The senior learners program is open to those who are at least 62
by the relevant registration day. There are two options.
For non-degree credit, senior learners can audit courses of special
interest and enjoy campus library privileges for $10 per term,
plus parking fees.
Senior learners are also responsible for all course-related fees,
including online
fees. This option does not offer academic credit and does not require
graded tests
or papers. To register, contact the Office of Admissions and Records.
For degree credit, a tuition waiver program is available for
persons 65 or older with incomes of less than $12,000 per year.
Students
must meet
regular
class
expectations to earn academic credit, though they pay only UIS
fees; tuition is waived. This program must be arranged through
the financial
assistance
office.
Community College Articulation and Transfer
Loss of credit that may occur when students transfer from lower-division
schools to UIS can extend the time needed to complete the baccalaureate
degree. By
participation in the Illinois Articulation Initiative and development
of two-plus-two agreements
and other articulation agreements with community colleges and lower-division
schools, UIS has made considerable efforts to ensure that students
have the best chance of transferring all their credit hours.
Illinois Articulation Initiative
The Illinois Articulation Initiative is a statewide agreement designed
to allow students to transfer general education credit, as well
as credit earned
in
select majors, between participating institutions. UIS has participated
in IAI since
the summer of 1998.
The IAI General Education Core Curriculum is a package of lower-division
general education courses that can transfer from one participating
school to another
to fulfill the lower-division general education requirements. The
core curriculum package consists of at least 12 to 13 courses (37
to 41
semester credits)
in five fields or categories. Completion of the entire IAI General
Education Core
Curriculum satisfies lower-division general education requirement
for a bachelor’s
degree at UIS. (See above for General Education requirements at UIS.)
UIS also participates in certain of IAI’s Baccalaureate Majors Recommendations,
which means that students may be able to transfer courses in the major between
participating institutions without loss of credit. Contact an academic adviser
for additional information or go to www.iTransfer.org.
Joint Admission Program
The Joint Admission program is limited to students who are pursuing
the associate of arts and science degree, in compliance with the
Illinois Articulation Agreement and is not intended to replace
the normal articulation
agreements
already existing
between UIS and community colleges. Instead, it focuses on advising
and
socializing
students to ease the transition between the two-year and four-year
college. Students who choose to enter into a Joint Admission program
with UIS
are entitled to receive
academic advising each semester from UIS, invitations to social
and cultural activities, financial assistance newsletters, and
an advanced
registration
date.
UIS currently has joint admission agreements with many Illinois
community colleges and partnership agreements for UIS online programs
with
community colleges
across the United States.
Two-Plus-Two
Students in most programs at UIS can earn a baccalaureate degree
in two years beyond the A.A. or A.S. degree with no loss of credit
earned
in
an associate
degree program. About one-third of UIS’ bachelor’s degree programs
have no specific course requirements for entry. The remaining degree programs,
however, do have certain prerequisites in place. Two-plus-two transfer guides
for all Illinois community colleges are available in UIS’ Office of Admissions
and Records to help students plan their courses of study.
Many UIS undergraduate programs have also entered into articulation
agreements with academic programs at community colleges, making
it easier for students
to plan an entire four-year course of study while still enrolled
at the lower-division.
Financial Assistance for Undergraduate Students
The UIS Office of Financial Assistance coordinates federal, state,
institutional, and private financial aid programs for all students.
Assistance is available
in the form of grants, tuition waivers, assistantships, scholarships,
loans, part-time employment, and veterans benefits. For detailed
information, see
the “Financial
Aid” section of this catalog.
Programs specifically available for undergraduate students include
the Minority Leadership in Public Service Program, administered
through the
Office of
Multicultural Student Affairs. See the "Financial Assistance"
section of this catalog for more information.
Bachelor’s Degree General Information
Undergraduate Degree Programs and Areas of Study
UIS awards the following baccalaureate degrees:
Accountancy (B.A.)
Biology (B.S.)
Business Administration (B.B.A.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Clinical Laboratory Science (B.S.)
Communication (B.A.)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Economics (B.A.)
English (B.A.)
History (B.A.)
Legal Studies (B.A.)
Liberal Studies (B.A.)
Management (B.A.)
Mathematical Sciences (B.A.)
Political Studies (B.A.)
Psychology (B.A.)
Social Work (B.S.W.)
Sociology/Anthropology (B.A.)
Visual Arts (B.A.)
Note: You may pursue certification as an elementary or secondary
teacher by enrolling in one of UIS’ teacher education minors, which is taken in combination
with an appropriate academic major.
Minors
UIS offers 25 minors that allow students to study outside
major degree programs. Approved minors currently are:
Accountancy
African-American Studies
Anthropology
Biology
Business (general)
Chemistry
Communication
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Economics
English
Environmental Studies
History
International Studies
Labor Relations
Management Information Systems
Mathematical Sciences
Philosophy
Political Studies
Psychology
Sociology
Teacher Education – Elementary
Teacher Education – Secondary
Visual Arts
Women’s Studies
Other Academic Opportunities
Thematic Activities explore current issues and problems through
multidisciplinary courses, research, conferences, experiential
learning opportunities,
and community outreach. UIS currently offers a thematic option
in astronomy/physics.
Modern Languages offer elementary and intermediate courses in
French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish
that emphasize
understanding
and speaking skills. Courses are taught by native speakers and,
as a rule, are limited to six students per section to ensure individual
attention.
Students must obtain permission to register for a course section
from the
modern languages
office at (217) 206-6512. Online assessment tests may be required
to determine placement at the most appropriate level.
University Courses are a variety of courses, for example Library
Research (UNI 401), that provide knowledge and skills in academic
areas that
are not established
components of the curriculum. UNI courses, with descriptions, are
published in the course schedule each semester. Credit earned in
UNI courses
may not count
toward degree requirements.
Undergraduate Assessment Requirement
All incoming undergraduate students are required to participate
in an entry- and exit-level assessment process during their first
and
last
semesters
of attendance.
Capital Scholars participate in assessment designed by the Capital
Scholars Program.
Baccalaureate Skills Assessment The assessment process for transfer
students is designed to ease the transition to baccalaureate education
and to
evaluate a student’s learning while at UIS. Incoming undergraduates and exiting
seniors will be assessed on their skills in reading, writing, quantitative reasoning,
critical thinking, and UIS requirements. Entry assessment is intended to help
transfer students and their advisers plan a program that will achieve individual
academic goals. Students are encouraged to begin the assessment process before
the first semester at UIS; however, testing is required by the midpoint of the
first semester. Students not in compliance will not be allowed to enroll for
the next semester and will be charged a $25 late fee.
Exit Assessment provides students and the institution with a
measurement of academic growth as a result of course work taken
at UIS. Students
must take
the exit assessment
test before the midpoint of their last semester.
Assessment in the Major Academic programs also assess their students’ ability
to meet program objectives. As these objectives will differ, so will the means
of assessment. Students are required to participate in program assessment.
General Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
To earn a bachelor’s degree from UIS, you must fulfill the following requirements:
-
Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 48 hours earned
at the upper-division level.
-
Earn a minimum of 30 semester hours credit in residence
at UIS.
-
Satisfy general education requirements through
completion of the Capital Scholars curriculum, completion
of the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education requirements,
or completion
of UIS minimum general
education requirements. (See above.)
-
Earn at least 12 semester hours from among public affairs
colloquia, liberal studies colloquia, and applied study term
at UIS.
-
Complete an entrance assessment before the midpoint of your
first semester and an exit assessment before the midpoint
of your last
semester.
-
Be certified as having adequate communication skills by
the program that confers your bachelor’s degree.
-
Complete course work with a cumulative UIS grade-point average
of at least 2.00.
-
Fulfill all requirements in a major.
-
Complete a graduation contract.
-
Pay a graduation fee ($25 -- subject to change).
Credit Hour and Upper-Division Course Requirements
To be awarded a bachelor’s degree from UIS, students must earn a minimum
120 credit hours, including hours approved for transfer from other institutions.
Forty-eight (48) hours must be at the upper-division level. Courses numbered
300 to 499 are considered upper-division undergraduate courses.
Campus Residency Requirement (minimum UIS hours)
Students who transfer with upper-division credit must earn a minimum
of 30 semester hours at UIS to receive a bachelor’s degree from UIS. Twelve of those hours
must satisfy campus requirements in public affairs colloquia, liberal studies
colloquia, and applied study. Students must also fulfill all specific requirements
of their chosen degree program.
Catalog Requirements
Students may choose to meet the academic program requirements of
the catalog in force at the time of their admission to the campus
as a
degree candidate
or of any catalog in force during a subsequent period, not to exceed
seven years
for bachelor’s candidates. Students who are unable to complete graduation
requirements within seven years, may, at the discretion of the academic program,
be held responsible for requirements of the catalog in force during their graduation
year.
UIS Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 hours
in the areas of liberal studies colloquia, public affairs colloquia,
and/or
applied
study. Since
one intent of this requirement is to ensure that students receive
a broad, well-rounded education, students must take at least four
hours
of course
work in at least
two areas. Academic programs may determine which areas are appropriate
for their students. Students in programs that do not specify should
work with
their adviser
to decide how to distribute the 12 hours.
Liberal Studies Colloquia (LSC) are multidisciplinary courses
that engage important issues using points of view and value systems
that extend beyond
the usual
cultural and disciplinary boundaries and contexts. Each LSC emphasizes
the enhancement
of writing skills; none have prerequisites. Students are encouraged
to select LSCs with focuses outside their major program.
Public Affairs Colloquia (PAC) are designed to increase awareness
of contemporary public issues and to provide a wider understanding
through
a multidisciplinary
approach to these issues. There are no prerequisites for any PAC.
Students are encouraged to select PACs with focuses outside their
major program.
Applied Study and Experiential Learning Term (AST) stresses practical
experience, professional development, and self-directed learning
by providing an academically
sponsored learning experience (internship) that is an opportunity
to learn from the community. Many internships are paid; others
are voluntary.
Only
degree-seeking UIS students can participate.
Internships are available at local businesses, nonprofit organizations,
health service organizations, state agencies and legislative offices,
and educational
institutions. Some programs have their own experiential component
integrated into the curriculum. The variety of curricular options
are described
more fully in the AST section of the catalog
The AST faculty will assist you in securing a placement. Consultations
should be scheduled at least one semester in advance.
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning enables qualified students to receive
academic credit for college-level learning acquired outside the
classroom
and is particularly valuable to those with an extensive background
in a
profession, in workshops
or seminars, in community service and volunteer work, in relevant
travel or
hobbies, and/or in independent research. Interested students should
contact the CPL office
as early as possible or visit www.uis.edu/cpl/.
Double Major
To earn a bachelor’s degree in two major areas of study, all requirements
for each major must be completed. Courses from one program may be used as electives
in the other if prior approval is obtained. All UIS requirements for the bachelor’s
degree must be met.
Lower-division Courses Used for Degree Credit
Community college transfer students may include an additional 12
semester hours of lower-division credit toward a bachelor’s degree if their adviser, a
program representative, and the appropriate dean approve. A grade of C or better
must have been earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses
Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in 500-level courses
for credit toward the bachelor’s degree must get the approval of their faculty advisers and
have the course instructors submit an electronic With Permission of Instructor
(WPI). The student will be evaluated at the graduate level. Credits earned by
undergraduates permitted to enroll in graduate courses can be counted toward
the upper-division requirement.
Undergraduate/Graduate Concurrent Enrollment
An undergraduate student within 16 hours of completing all bachelor’s degree
requirements may enroll in undergraduate and graduate courses concurrently. Undergraduate
students taking courses for graduate credit will be evaluated at the graduate
level. Students must complete a student petition form and have it signed by the
instructor of the graduate course, the graduate adviser, program administrator,
and dean. Graduate courses will be so designated when the bachelor’s degree
is granted, but this does not imply admission to the graduate program in which
the course was taken.
Undergraduate Honors
Academic honors are bestowed as a means of recognizing and encouraging
superior academic achievement among baccalaureate candidates. Only
grades obtained
at UIS will be considered. The grade-point average will be calculated
on all graded,
undergraduate credit received at UIS. At least 30 hours of graded
credit must be accumulated at UIS to be considered for honors.
-
Final grade-point average of 3.75-3.86 will receive a
cum
laude designation.
-
Final grade-point average of 3.87-3.94 will receive a
magna
cum laude designation.
-
Final grade-point average of 3.95-4.00 will receive a
summa
cum laude designation.
Honor recipients will be recognized at commencement based on
work completed at the end of the semester immediately preceding
graduation.
Honor
statements will
appear on the diploma and transcript based on the final GPA.
Dean’s List
UIS recognizes superior academic achievement of undergraduate
students at the end of each fall and spring semester. Students placed on the
dean’s list must have a semester grade-point average of 3.75 or higher
and be enrolled in at least eight graded semester hours with no incompletes for
the semester.
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