Undergraduate Admissions

Pembroke is committed to the recruitment of a diverse, achievement-oriented, and socially responsible student body that will enrich the intellectual, cultural, and social community of the University and the community at large. UNC Pembroke welcomes applications from persons who have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent and whose academic preparation and aptitude predict success in higher education. No single consideration dictates admission decisions; instead, numerous factors and their relationships to one another enter in such decisions. All applicants demonstrating that they can profit from and succeed in undergraduate studies qualify for admission to the University.

Any student who supplies false or misleading information or conceals pertinent facts in order to secure admission to UNC Pembroke may be denied admission or, if admitted, may be immediately dismissed from the University. Such a student may be ineligible to receive any credit from the University.

Qualified applicants are admitted in the following categories:

1. New Freshmen
2. Transfer Students
3. Re-Enrolling Students
4. Special Readmission Students
5. International Students
6. Special Students
   1. Enrichment (Non-degree)
   2. Teacher Licensure/Renewal
   3. Second Degree
   4. Transient
   5. Joint Enrolled

Students may enter at the beginning of any semester or summer term. The application priority deadlines for undergraduate admissions are as follows: the fall semester is May 1; the spring semester is December 1; summer terms I and II are May 1. Applications are processed on a rolling basis; however, students who apply early will receive priority in scholarships, financial aid, and housing.

Requests for general information, brochures, and application forms should be addressed to the Office of Admissions. Completed application forms and all supporting documents such as test scores, official high school transcripts and/or college and university transcripts, and a non-refundable $55.00 application fee, should be forwarded to the Office of Admissions, PO Box 1510, Pembroke, NC 28372. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application online by going to the apply now link at http://www.uncp.edu. The office may be reached by phone at 910-521-6262. Students may contact the Office of Admissions through email at admissions@uncp.edu or visit the UNCP home page at www.uncp.edu. The fax number for the Office of Admissions is (910) 521- 6497.

North Carolina immunization law requires all students enrolling in more than four hours to submit a copy of their immunization records to their respective institutions. All documents must be completed online via the Student Health Patient Portal

at: uncp.medicatconnect.com

New Freshmen

1. Submit a non-refundable $55 application fee with the application - this can be paid online at time of application.
2. Submit high school transcripts. These can be sent electronically to admissions@uncp.edu or sent via mail to: Office of Undergraduate Admissions, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, 1 University Drive, Pembroke, NC 28372.
3. We recommend that you complete a writing sample (graded paper, short answer, and submit with application for admission.)
4. We recommend that you submit recommendation(s) from a school counselor or core academic teacher. These should be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at UNCP.
5. The submission of test scores (SAT and/or ACT) is optional. (SAT code for SAT is #5534 and the ACT code is #3138). The phone number for the College Board is 866-756-7346. The phone number for ACT is 319-337-1270.
6. PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
   1. If enrolled in dual enrollment course work, an official community college transcript of that college work must be submitted in order for a credit evaluation to occur.
   2. Students enrolled in an Early College Program must also submit community college transcripts.
   3. For credit consideration, official records for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or College Level Examination Program scores should be provided to Undergraduate Admissions. With appropriate scores and official documentation, credit, in many cases, can be awarded.
   4. While an Admission determination may be made utilizing unofficial transcripts, final official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) must be submitted before matriculation. Admission decisions are contingent upon successful completion of all requirements and the receipt of official documentation.  If not submitted a hold is placed on the student record which can prevent enrollment and registration.

Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) at the 16 University of North Carolina Campuses

Purpose. The University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors has, since 1988, established minimum requirements for undergraduate admission to any constituent institution. These requirements serve to provide a common set of minimum standards to be considered for admission as an undergraduate student. Exceptions and special considerations to these minimum eligibility requirements are provided in Sections 700.1.1.1[R], 700.1.1.2[R], 700.7.1, and 700.7.1[R] of the UNC Policy Manual. Any constituent institution may set admissions requirements that exceed the minimums established in this policy upon the approval of their board of trustees.

II. High School Diploma.

All students should hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.

III. Minimum Course Requirements.

The following courses must be completed at the high school level, although those courses may be completed at an earlier time (e.g., middle school).

A. English: four course units emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature.

B. Mathematics: four course units in any of the following combinations: 1. Algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II; or 2. Algebra I, algebra II, and two units beyond algebra II; or 3. Common core math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond common core math III; or 4. Integrated math I, II, III, and one unit beyond integrated math III; or 5. NC Math 1, 2, 3, and one unit beyond NC Math 3 identified as meeting the 4th level mathematics requirement for admission to UNC System institutions. Students applying to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts must only complete three mathematics courses in order to be eligible for admission.

C. Science: three course units, including at least: 1. One life science unit (e.g., biology, ecology, zoology); and 2. One non-life science unit (e.g., astronomy, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, physical science, physics); and 3. One laboratory science unit.

D. Social Studies: two course units, including one unit in U.S. history. [For students applying for first-time (freshman) admission to constituent institutions through the 2024 spring semester:] An applicant who does not have the unit in U.S. history may be admitted on the condition that at least three semester hours in that subject be passed by the end of the sophomore (second) year.

E. Two course units of a language other than English. [For students applying for first-time (freshman) admission to constituent institutions after the 2024 spring semester:]

F. Two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science. (Note: these courses should be selected in alignment with a student’s academic and career objectives. Completion of two sequential world language courses is recommended.)

G. Applicants who require special consideration: Constituent institutions shall develop a policy for evaluating applications from students who have not completed all minimum course requirements and shall at least include provisions addressing students with a documented Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. The institutional policy shall be approved by the board of trustees in accordance with regulations promulgated by the president.

IV. Recommended Courses.

While the minimum course requirements serve as the cornerstone of the UNC System admissions policy, students are encouraged to pursue a challenging and rigorous high school curriculum aligned with their academic and career objectives. Completion of the minimum course requirements does not guarantee admission to any individual UNC System institution. As such, students should consult with their high school counselor regarding additional courses recommended by individual UNC System institutions. Additionally, students should:

A. Consider taking the most rigorous courses available at their high school that they can successfully complete.

B. Ensure to complete an academically challenging course load in their senior year, even if they have completed the minimum course requirements.

V. High School Grade Point Average and Standardized Test Scores.

Students must meet either the minimum high school grade point average (GPA) or standardized test score in order to be considered for admission. All applicants for admission, except those exempted by current UNC policy or regulation, must submit a standardized test score, even if they satisfy the minimum eligibility requirement through the high school GPA.

A. High School GPA: A minimum weighted GPA of 2.5; or

B. Standardized Test Scores: A composite ACT score of 19, or combined SAT (mathematics and evidence-based reading and writing) of 1010.

VI. Graduates of Cooperative Innovative High Schools (Early College). Each UNC constituent institution must offer to any student who graduated from a cooperative innovative high school program with an associate degree and who applies for admission to a constituent institution the option of being considered for admission as a first-time (freshman) or as a transfer student.

VII. Graduates of North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Each UNC constituent institution must offer first-time (freshman) admission to any applicant attending the residential program at NCSSM. Such offer of admission shall be contingent upon the applicant.

Exception Procedures for Normal Admissions Requests:

The Chancellor, with the recommendation of the Director of Admissions and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment, may allow a Special Talent Waiver or Special Consideration to a student who does not meet UNC minimum requirements but has otherwise demonstrated promise for academic success, as measured by grades, class rank, SAT or ACT scores (optional), when compared with other students admitted to the University.

Transfer Students

• • Students must submit a completed application for admission.
  • Students seeking to transfer from other collegiate institutions must furnish an official transcript from each institution attended. The transcripts must indicate a cumulative “C” (2.0) average on all work attempted prior to admission to UNC Pembroke. Courses satisfactorily completed at institutions recognized by accepted institutional accreditors are evaluated in terms of courses offered and academic programs available at UNCP. Accepted institutional accreditors include but are not limited to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Other US Department of Education recognized national accreditors such as the American Council on Education, which are not listed above may also be considered accepted institutional accreditors.

   

  • An official high school transcript is required if the student is under 21 and has not completed 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited institution.
  • A nonrefundable $55.00 application fee is required.
  • The student must attain at least a grade of “C” (2.0) in a course in order for that course to be allowed for transfer credit. Grades from transferred courses will not count toward the student’s cumulative quality point average at UNC Pembroke, except for honors designation upon graduation.

   

  Special Note:

  • While an Admission determination may be made utilizing unofficial transcripts, final official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) must be submitted before matriculation. Admission decisions are contingent upon successful completion of all requirements and the receipt of official documentation.  If not submitted, a hold is placed on the student record which will prevent enrollment and registration. Transfer credit cannot be granted from an unofficial transcript. 

   

  Transfer applicants who are under the age of 21 must meet the minimum course requirements outlined in the previous section (See Minimum Course Requirements-MCR). Students under the age of 21 are also required to meet freshman high school GPA or SAT/ACT requirements for admission (please contact the Office of Admissions for appropriate GPA and/or SAT/ACT requirements). If a student is only deficient in one area (either GPA or SAT/ACT), they may complete 12 transferable semester hours of general education from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 2.5. If a student is deficient in both areas (GPA or SAT/ACT and MCR) they must complete 24 transferable semester hours from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 2.0.

  • Applicants 21 years old or older may be admitted as non-traditional freshmen or transfer students without meeting MCR.
  • Applicants 21 years old or older applying as a transfer student, must meet a minimum 2.0 cumulative college GPA for all college courses as calculated by the UNC Pembroke Undergraduate Admissions Office.
• All transfer students entering UNC Pembroke must attend a transfer orientation session to acquaint the student with the academic, co-curricular, and social life of the University and to gather information to assist in the student’s academic advancement.  Registration for courses occurs during or after New Student Orientation.

Because of differing admission requirements, transfer applicants who are candidates for teacher licensure degrees should refer to the admission requirements stipulated for the Teacher Education Program.

The classification of transfer students (freshman, sophomore, junior or senior) is determined by the number of transfer credit hours accepted by UNC Pembroke. A minimum of 25 percent of semester hours applied toward a bachelor’s degree must be earned through regular enrollment in UNC Pembroke courses, and students must satisfy all UNC Pembroke degree requirements for their chosen major.

UNC Pembroke is an active participant in the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA), which governs the transfer of credits between N.C. community colleges and public universities in North Carolina. UNC Pembroke accepts all credit under the guidelines of the agreement for courses in which a grade of C or better is earned. A link to full details on the CAA may be found at https://www.uncp.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/transfer-students/transferring-credits.

Re-Enrolling Students

Students who have interrupted their course of study for at least consecutive two semesters must apply for readmission through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions ($35 readmission fee). Students who are seeking readmission to UNC Pembroke after completing additional work at another regionally accredited institution must reapply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Transcripts of any academic work completed in the interim at any other regionally accredited institution must be provided prior to approval for readmission, along with an application, and $35 application fee.

Special Readmission Policy

Any former UNCP student who was academically dismissed, suspended, or placed on academic probation at the end of his/her final semester and has not attended UNCP for a period of two (2) academic years may apply for readmission under the Special Readmission Policy. All students admitted under this policy return on probationary status and must follow the policies and procedures outlined under “Academic Probation” in the Academic Policies section of the UNCP catalog and on the website of the Registrar. In order to qualify for the Special Readmission Policy, students must earn a 2.0 or higher in their first 12 hours after being readmitted. Students may apply for readmission under this policy one time. Once approved, the decision will not be reversed.

Upon meeting the requirements for this policy, the student’s GPA will be computed excluding all previous grades below C (2.0). All grades will remain on the student’s transcript, but only those previous courses in which a grade of C or better was earned will count toward graduation. All course work, however, will count toward attempted hours, and all grades, including those from the student’s previous GPA, will be calculated for honors purposes.

Students admitted under the Special Readmission Policy may not make use of the grade replacement policy and must continue to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00. Failure to maintain this minimum GPA will result in a two-semester suspension.

Departments with more rigorous GPA standards than the general University requirement of 2.0 have the right to deny admission to a program. Any student readmitted under this policy must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours at UNCP after readmission in order to qualify for graduation.

Students must apply for the Special Readmission Policy through the Registrar’s Office.

International Students

Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must provide evidence of proficiency in the English language with their applications for admission to UNC Pembroke. Scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test are required. For students born in non-English- speaking nations but educated in senior high schools in the United States, scores on the SAT or ACT can substitute for scores on the TOEFL or IELTS. Each student must submit official verification of financial resources sufficient to cover educational expenses. Certified translations by a licensed or professional translator must accompany academic documents not written in English. For transfer students, the Admissions Office requires that all international college transcripts be evaluated by a NACES approved and accredited transcript evaluation agency.

The courses will need to be translated into the U.S. equivalencies. The international undergraduate admissions application and other information relevant to prospective international students may be accessed at https://www.uncp.edu/departments/global- engagement. It is preferred that all admission documents be sent to the Admissions Office six months prior to date of entry. All documents relevant to the immigration certification request must be received by the Office of Global Engagement and evaluated before a DS-2019 and I-20 can be issued.  Documents generated through SEVIS and the department of Homeland Security are issued and maintained by the Designated School Official in the Office of Global Engagement.

Special Students

Auditing

All persons, whether regularly enrolled in the University or seeking to take a course for enrichment, who desire to audit a course must complete an enrichment application using the online application portal, and secure the permission of the instructor and the Enrollment Office. Audits may not be added to a student’s schedule after the last day to add a class. The fee charged for auditing a course will be the same as if the course were taken for credit. Students who are regularly enrolled at the University must file a copy of the permission letter from the Enrollment Office with the instructor at the beginning of the course. Audited classes are listed on the permanent record and are designated by the letters “AU.” Class participation by and requirements of auditors are at the discretion of the instructor. An application fee is not required.

Graduate Admissions

Inquiries concerning graduate admissions should be directed to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Admissions requirements are stated in the The Graduate School section of this catalog.

Degree Completion Program for Military Personnel

International Baccalaureate Course Equivalencies

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke awards college-level credit for acceptable completion of the following International Baccalaureate courses.

College Level Examination Program

UNC Pembroke participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and accepts CLEP examinations which measure mastery of college-level, introductory course content in a variety of subject areas. Students meeting the credit-granting score on CLEP Examinations may earn up to 30 semester hours of college level credit. Transfer students may earn credit through prior CLEP exams provided the following criteria are met: 1) their scores must meet UNCP’s credit-granting standards, 2) their scores must be sent to the UNCP Admissions Office, and 3) their exams must be among those listed below. CLEP credit will not be granted for previously failed courses.

CLEP Examinations may be taken prior to or during the student’s enrollment with the following exception: no CLEP examination credit will be accepted during the final 25 percent of a student’s course work. Successful completion of each Examination earns three to twelve semester hours of credit and may exempt the student from certain General Education (as defined below) or major requirements. In some cases, only general elective credit will be awarded.

Incoming freshmen may also obtain this information from their high school counselors.

Advanced Placement

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke participates in the Advanced Placement program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Credit may be earned in various subject matter areas. UNC Pembroke especially welcomes applicants with preparation in Advanced Placement courses. It awards University credit for such preparation according to the following table. For general information about Advanced Placement programs call 609-771-7300.

*Laboratory notebooks from AP courses will be examined to determine amount of credit.

Part-time Students

A part-time student is a student who is regularly admitted to UNC Pembroke and is registered for fewer than 12 semester hours of course work in a Fall or Spring Semester.

Students in a part-time status taking seven or more semester hours are charged all fees; activity and tuition charge is based on the number of semester hours taken. Part-time students taking four to six semester hours will pay a reduced student activity fee.

Esther G. Maynor Honors College

The Esther G. Maynor Honors College is designed to recognize outstanding students and to promote the scholarly growth of the students selected for the program by providing interdisciplinary around a learning community of honors students and include selected general education courses, small interdisciplinary seminars, cultural and service programs, and shared residential facilities with other honors students. The Esther G. Maynor Honors College offers an intellectually stimulating social environment, greater curricular flexibility, more personal contact and scholarly discussion with students and faculty from the various disciplines, and closer interaction with individual faculty members in the College. Each Esther G. Maynor Honors College student prepares a senior project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. For program description, see Special Programs.

Program participants are selected on the basis of class rank, high school grades, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores or American College Testing (ACT) scores (test scores optional), and extra-curricular and community achievements. Esther G. Maynor Honors College students are appointed by the Dean of the Esther G. Maynor Honors College upon the recommendation of the University Honors Council.

Brave Start

The Brave Start program is designed to admit a limited number of students who meet the minimum requirements, but not all, of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s regular admission standards. Students are selected on the basis of high school academic record, scholastic standing in the high school graduating class, and SAT or ACT scores (optional). The application for admission should be filed as early as possible.

Students enter Brave Start based on recommendations from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and students enroll in courses designed to develop academic skills which will be necessary for their success at UNC Pembroke. In the Fall and Spring Semesters, the student is allowed to register for 15-17 hours of academic courses. In addition, students meet regularly with the Brave Start advisors for academic counseling as well as participate in special programs throughout the academic year. Students who meet the University’s academic eligibility requirements and have successfully completed the Brave Start program (made a “C” or higher in ENG 0104, UNV 1000, ENG 1050, and ENG 1060) then continue at the University as other regularly admitted students.