Students are encouraged to apply for admission early. Official transcripts are required and must be forwarded to the Missouri State University-West Plains Office of Admissions directly from the institution granting credit to be considered as official. (This includes GED transcripts.) Transcript request forms are available in the Office of Admissions. The application deadline is the last day of regular registration prior to the beginning of the semester. Applications are available through the Office of Admissions, many Missouri high schools, and at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/Admissions/Application.htm where prospective students will find links to apply online and to print an application that may be mailed. To apply for admission, new students must return a completed application for admission and a $15 application fee to the Missouri State University-West Plains Office of Admissions, 128 Garfield Avenue, West Plains, MO 65775. Applications and additional information are available at the following Internet address: www.wp.missouristate.edu/Admissions.
Freshmen
If you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent you are eligible for admission. New freshmen must provide an official high school transcript from a high school accredited by the education agency of the state in which it is located (e.g., Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) or by a regional accrediting association (e.g., the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). The transcript should include graduation date, class rank, and ACT scores, if available. High school transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. High school seniors will be given tentative admission based on a sixth or seventh semester transcript. A final transcript must be requested after high school graduation.
Persons earning a GED should request that an official copy of their GED scores be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the state department of education in the capital city of the state in which they tested.
While the ACT test is not used by Missouri State University-West Plains for admissions, it is used to determine placement of students in some classes. Therefore, students should submit ACT scores or they may arrange to take the ACT on the West Plains Campus. Freshmen who do not have English composition credits will also need to sit for a University-administered writing test prior to registration for classes.
STAR Orientation
After first-time freshmen have been admitted to the University and have completed ACT testing and an in-house writing sample, they attend STudent Advising and Registration (STAR) Orientation. STAR is designed to provide students with an introduction to the University and its services, policies, and procedures, and to assist students in registering for the first semester. Students with less than 10 transferable credits in addition to any dual credit courses must attend orientation. Information about STAR Orientation will be mailed to students following their admission to the University. During STAR, students will meet with a faculty advisor, schedule classes, receive a photo ID, be assigned a network ID, receive a parking permit, have the opportunity to purchase textbooks at the Drago College Store, and, if desired, take a tour of the campus. Students have a better selection of classes the earlier they attend an orientation.
High School Through Alternative Means
Missouri State University-West Plains seeks and welcomes applications from all qualified students, including students who have chosen to complete high school course work through alternative means. The two most common alternative means are: 1) completing a home school curriculum that is the equivalent of a high school diploma; and 2) earning a high school diploma from a school that has not received accreditation from the state or a regional accrediting association (non- accredited high schools). Students who are 17 years of age or older and have completed high school by one of these means may apply as degree-seeking students by meeting one of the following requirements:
- Supply ACT scores less than five years old with a composite score of 18 or higher; or
- Pass the GED test and supply an official GED transcript.
Alternatively, these persons also may apply as non-degree seeking students. (See Non-Degree Seeking Students.)
Transfer Students
Transfer students with below a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) on previous college work that is acceptable in transfer will need approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee prior to registration for classes. Students who are enrolled in their first semester of college at another institution are offered tentative admission on the basis of their high school records and a list of courses in which the student is currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution. Official transcripts from all previous institutions must be on file before a student’s admission is considered complete. (Registration for subsequent semesters is blocked and students’ Missouri State University-West Plains transcripts will not be released until official copies of all transcripts have been received.) Students with fewer than 24 transferable hours also must have an official high school transcript on file or meet non- accredited high school graduate guidelines. It is the University’s policy to award credit for courses taken through institutions accredited by a regional accrediting agency. Courses taken through non-accredited institutions are not accepted in transfer unless approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee. Detailed information is available in the Policy Regarding Transfer of Credits to Missouri State University-West Plains. A copy of this policy is available from the Office of Admissions and the Office of Academic Affairs. A course-by-course evaluation of transfer credit is sent to students after they have been admitted. Questions regarding these evaluations should be directed to the Office of Admissions.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
There are several admission categories for students who meet minimum age requirements and who wish to take courses but do not wish to pursue a degree.
Non-degree Post Baccalaureate: Students who have a bachelor’s degree and who wish to enroll in up to a full-time course load with no restrictions on total hours may apply under this classification. Proof of bachelor’s degree is required.
Completion Program: Students who have completed an associate of arts degree and wish to take Missouri State University-West Plains courses in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree through Missouri State University are eligible to apply under this classification. A Missouri State University-Springfield Application for Admission (available in the Missouri State University Academic Outreach Office) must be completed. Official transcripts are required from each previous college or university. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to be admitted under this classification. Students in this classification are eligible to apply for financial aid but must contact the Office of Financial Aid at (417) 255-7243 for procedures. Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding requirements for admission into Missouri State University- Springfield degree programs. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must contact the Missouri State University Academic Outreach Office at (417) 255-7931 for additional requirements.
Non-degree: Students 18 years of age and older or a high school graduate may apply under this classification. Transcripts are not required. Enrollment while in this category is limited to eight credit hours per semester up to a total of 24 hours. Students are not eligible to apply for financial aid while in this classification. Non-degree students must meet the prerequisite if a class has one.
High School Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment
The Missouri State University-West Plains high school dual credit and dual enrollment programs provide students with an opportunity to supplement their high school curriculum and receive college credit. Dual credit courses earn high school and college credit. Students who take dual credit courses generally do so at their high school with instructors who meet required qualifications for teaching college-level courses and who have been approved by the University to teach those courses. Students who take dual enrollment courses earn college credit and take those courses either on one of the Missouri State University-West Plains campuses or online from University instructors. To be eligible for either of these, students must meet the following criteria:
Students in an Accredited High School:
- have completed their sophomore year of high school or are freshmen or sophomores with an ACT composite score at or above the 90th percentile;and
- have at least a 3.00 grade point average on a 4.00 scale; and
- have been recommended for admission by the high school counselor, principal, or superintendent of their school; and
- have permission from their parents or guardians.
Students Completing High School by Alternative Means (Home School or Non-accredited High School):
- be at least 16 years of age; and
- have an official transcript from the high school or correspondence program vendor or documents from the parent required by Missouri State Statute 167.031 including courses/credits completed and date of completion with an overall GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher; or
- have demonstrated their ability to benefit by achieving an ACT composite score of 18 or higher; and
- have parental or guardian permission.
If a student believes extenuating circumstances exist, the above eligibility requirements may be appealed to the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee for consideration.
Unless otherwise approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee, the following course load limitations will apply:
- Dual Credit Course Load will be limited to two classes each semester.
- Dual Enrollment Course Load will be limited to six credit hours in the summer session and two courses each semester in fall and spring.
Because the University believes in the value of a high school education or its equivalent and the importance of student preparation and readiness, neither dual credit nor dual enrollment students are allowed to take developmental courses since such skills are best learned in the high school setting. High school dual credit and dual enrollment students cannot apply for directed study courses. High school dual credit and dual enrollment students must maintain GPA criteria as outlined in the Scholastic Action section of this catalog.
Returning Students
All former students of Missouri State University-West Plains who have not been enrolled for one full semester or more (not including the summer session) must apply for readmission or reinstatement. The deadlines and procedures to be followed depend upon the student’s status, as follows:
- Reinstatement: All students who are under academic suspension from Missouri State University-West Plains are encouraged to apply for reinstatement at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. (See the Academic Calendar for deadlines.)
- Readmission: Students in good standing must apply for readmission and register by the last day of regular registration to avoid a late registration fee.
Returning students who have been enrolled in other colleges or universities since leaving Missouri State University-West Plains must have final, official transcripts sent from those institutions.
International Students
Interested international students should contact the Office of Admissions to request application materials. The deadlines for submitting applications are May 1 for the fall semester, October 1 for the spring semester, and March 15 for the summer session. The University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.
It is the policy of Missouri State University-West Plains that all international students with an F-1 status are required to enroll in the Comprehensive Student Injury and Sickness Plan designed for students of Missouri State University-West Plains. They will be billed by the University for the applicable rate upon registration for classes each semester. As recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Missouri Department of Health, Missouri State University-West Plains requires that all students from countries where Tuberculosis (TB) is endemic be tested for TB. Students may obtain a TB screening upon arrival in West Plains or at another medical facility in the United States.
International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. The English language requirement for admission will be met when the applicant has submitted proof of one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the internet- based test; Level 109 at an ELS-Intensive English Program or completion of Level 4 at Missouri State University English Language Institute (ELI) program. Students who do not demonstrate proficiency as indicated may be evaluated individually if extenuating circumstances exist. Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended must be on file with the Office of Admissions. Applications and requests for information may be submitted by facsimile transmission (FAX) at (417) 255-7959.
Testing
While the ACT test is not used by Missouri State University-West Plains for admissions, it is used to determine placement of students in some classes. If a student is enrolling in courses that do not require placement, the student may request a waiver from the Academic Affairs Office. The student will need to complete the ACT before registration and placement the following semester. ACT scores must be fewer than five years old. If ACT scores are not listed on a student’s high school transcript, the student should request that the testing company send them to the Office of Admissions. Students may call ACT at (319) 337-1313 for more information on having scores sent. Students are encouraged to take the ACT at a national test site. Most high school counselors have information concerning national ACT test dates and locations. Missouri State University-West Plains offers a residual ACT, but students should be aware that these residual test results are typically for use only by Missouri State University. Students may contact the Missouri State University-West Plains Student Advisement and Academic Support Center (SAAS) at (417) 255-7222 for more information. Non-degree students only need to fulfill testing requirements when enrolling in courses which have testing prerequisites.
Freshmen and transfer students who do not have English composition credits will need to sit for a University-administered writing test prior to registration for classes. Appeals relating to secondary credentials and ACT testing requirements should be addressed to the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee. Appeals relating to placement should be addressed to the Student Advisement and Academic Support Center (SAAS).
Some degree programs have specific test requirements. Student should refer to the appropriate degree program information in this catalog for more information.
Senior Citizen Fee Waiver Program
Missouri State University-West Plains offers a fee waiver program to any Missouri resident at least 60 years of age who wishes to take academic courses offered by the University. Participants in this program must take tuition-free courses on a non-credit basis and must satisfy all course prerequisites of Missouri State University-West Plains. Intersession courses and courses offered through the Center for Continuing Education and Outreach are not eligible for this waiver program. Participants must be fully admitted to the University as non-degree seeking students and must follow the regulations for non-degree seeking students elsewhere in this catalog.
Seniors participating in this program must declare their intent to enroll in the program at the point of admission in order to have all required student fees waived. Seniors may register through the fee waiver program only on the last day of regular registration for the term in which the senior citizen wishes to take classes. Seniors who wish to register for courses which begin after the first day of the semester, may register for those classes on the last day of regular registration, but it is understood, however, that registration can only be done on a “seats available” basis and that if a degree-seeking student needs a seat in a course occupied by a senior citizen, the degree-seeking student will be given that seat.
Notice to All Students
The University reserves the right to deny admission or readmission or to restrict enrollment of individuals who are determined to represent a threat to Missouri State University-West Plains students, faculty, staff, or property. This determination will be made by the Dean of Student Services or his/her designee. Appeals to such a decision may be directed to the Chancellor for the West Plains Campus.