Admissions Information

Policy of Nondiscrimination

Neumann University admits and offers financial aid to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, religion, national/ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or military status in the administration of its admissions and financial aid programs.

General Information

Neumann University is committed to serving all qualified students who choose to pursue an education as described in the University’s Mission Statement. At Neumann University, admission of all students is coordinated through the University’s Office of Admissions.

Freshman/First-Year Students: Admission Criteria and Policies

Applicants who are still in high school or who have graduated within the last three years should meet the following minimum requirements to be considered eligible for admission as freshmen:

• Proof of graduation from an accredited high school or receipt of an equivalency diploma (i.e., GED).
• Test results from the SAT or the ACT.
• Satisfactory completion of 16 units of high school course work distributed as follows:

Students intending to pursue a major in Athletic Training, Biology, the Clinical Laboratory Science track in the Biology major or Nursing should have at least one year of high school biology and chemistry; high school physics is also highly recommended.

Freshman/First-Year Students who intend to apply for admission to either the Nursing or Athletic Training major are required to:

• Have a minimum SAT (Verbal and Math) score of 850.
• Have earned a high school grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.
• Pursued a high school program of study which includes, at a minimum:
  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of Social Studies
  • 2 years of Mathematics (including 1 year of Algebra)
  • 3 years of Science (including 1 year of Biology with a laboratory component, and 1 year of Chemistry with a laboratory component).

Freshman/First-Year Students who intend to be candidates for admission to the Pre-Pharmacy Early-Entry Program that is part of Neumann University’s Pre-Pharmacy Articulation Agreement with Duquesne University are required to:

• Have an SAT total of 1050 or higher (out of a 1600 Math and Critical Reading total); or have ACT composite total of 23 or higher.
• Earn a GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
• Achieve a class rank in the top 25% of the graduating high school class.
• Demonstrate a strong background in University preparatory courses, especially mathematics.
• Demonstrate evidence of leadership potential, community service, and co-curricular activities.
• Provide one letter of recommendation from either a high school teacher or guidance counselor.
• Complete and sign a Release Statement that is required as part of the application process.

For additional information about the University’s Pre-Pharmacy Articulation Agreement with Duquesne University, please refer to the Special Programs   section of this catalog.

In addition, Neumann has developed articulation agreements with the New York School of Chiropractic Medicine and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Details regarding these agreements can also be found in the Special Programs   section of the catalog.

Application Procedure

1. Submit the completed Application for Undergraduate Admissions, along with a nonrefundable $35 application fee. For applicants who apply online at www.neumann.edu, the application fee is waived.
2. Arrange for an official high school transcript to be sent to the Office of Admissions or for official GED results to be sent directly from the Department of Education to the Office of Admissions. A transcript of first semester senior year grades should be sent as soon as they are available; final transcripts should be sent by August 15th.
3. Arrange for the result of the SAT or the ACT to be sent to the Office of Admissions. Achievement tests are not required. Neumann identification numbers are: SAT-2628; ACT-3649.
4. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
5. A personal interview and tour of the campus, scheduled through the Office of Admissions, are highly recommended. To arrange for an interview and tour, either call 610-558-5616 or e-mail the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

Adult Students: Admission Criteria and Policies

Neumann University has been a pioneer in meeting the unique needs of adult students and has provided innovative programs for adults since 1974. Most colleges were not prepared to accommodate the needs of the adult learner who had either never attended college after high school or who had interrupted a college education for personal, family, or business reasons. Time and experience have strengthened Neumann’s sensitivity for and commitment to the needs of the non-traditional student. From the first inquiry to the Office of Admissions through the completion of a degree program, the adult learner at Neumann is guided by personalized academic advisement and educated by an expert faculty who recognize the often conflicting demands which are encountered by the adult learner. Applicants may elect to begin or continue their education in either the day or evening programs. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements may be eligible for admission.

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Provide proof of graduation from an accredited high school or receipt of an equivalency diploma (i.e., GED).
• Meet any additional admission requirements as specified by the program for which the application is being made.

Application Procedure for Adult Students (CAPS Division; Behavioral Science, Liberal Studies, Organizational Leadership, Professional Studies, and Public Safety Administration)

1. Submit the completed Adult/Evening Application online at www.neumann.edu.
2. Arrange to have an official high school transcript to be sent to the Office of Admissions or for official GED results to be sent directly from the Department of Education to the Office of Admissions (if no previous college degree has been earned)
3. Submit official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions. For applicants who hold foreign transcripts, please use the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) www.naces.org. Must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
4. For applicants toward the B.S. in Professional Studies program, successful completion of English Composition I & II must be demonstrated through official transcripts at a regionally accredited institution. Must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
5. For applicants toward the B.S. in Public Safety and Administration (including the tracks of Fire/EMS Leadership or Criminal Justice Leadership), proof of 60 transfer credits either through a regionally accredited institution, or transfer credits through a police/fire/EMS training academy, or a combination of 60 transfer credits through a regionally accredited institution and police/fire/EMS training academy credits. Must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA.

Application Process for Evening Students (Accounting, Business, Nursing)

1. Submit the completed Adult/Evening Application online at www.neumann.edu.
2. Arrange to have an official high school transcript to be sent to the Office of Admissions or for official GED results to be sent directly from the Department of Education to the Office of Admissions if no college degree has been earned.
3. Submit all official transcripts from all institutions attended. For applicants who hold foreign transcripts, please use the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) www.naces.org.  Arrange to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if from a non-English speaking country. Neumann requires a minimum score of 70-75* on the TOEFL exam. Neumann also accepts a minimum score of 109 from the ESL Language Centers Exam. For additional information about these examinations, please contact the Educational Testing Services at www.ets.org.
4. For applicants who hold an RN or LPN, submit a copy of current license.
5. SATs are not required.

Transfer Students: Admission Criteria and Policies

Neumann University welcomes applications from students who have attended or are currently attending either a two- or four-year regionally accredited, degree-granting institution of higher learning. To apply for transfer admission on either a full- or part-time basis, students must:

1. Submit a completed Application for Undergraduate Admissions, along with a nonrefundable $35 application fee. For applicants who apply online at www.neumann.edu, the application fee is waived.
2. Arrange for an official high school transcript to be sent to the Office of Admissions or for official GED results to be sent directly from the Department of Education to the Office of Admissions. Transfer students who have already earned an Associate’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution are not required to have an official high school transcript or equivalency diploma (i.e., GED) forwarded to the Office of Admissions.
3. Arrange for an official transcript to be sent from each college and university attended directly to the Office of Admissions. Students wishing to have their scores from the Advanced Placement Examination Program (AP), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or the ACT evaluated for possible acceptance as transfer credit should arrange to have an official copy of the score reports(s) sent to the Office of Admissions as well. Students who have successfully completed course work which has been evaluated for academic credit recommendation by the American Council on Education for either corporate educational courses or for the Department of Defense (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support: DANTES) are encouraged to submit official documentation of such course work for transfer credit evaluation.
   
   Transfer applicants to the Nursing Program who have earned the equivalent of 2 or more nursing courses with grades less than a “C” in nursing course work in another nursing program, or have less than a 2.50 GPA in the required sciences the first time that they have enrolled (Anatomy & Lab, Physiology & Lab, Microbiology & Lab, and Chemistry), or a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.50 in all college-level courses are not eligible for admission to the prelicensure program.

4. Arrange for an official Financial Aid Transcript to be sent directly to the Office of Financial Aid from each college and/or university attended.
5. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
6. College-level course work completed at duly recognized higher education institutions outside of the United States may also be presented for possible transfer credit acceptance. Applicants who wish to have these completed credits considered for transfer acceptance by Neumann University must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by an international evaluation service recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A complete list of NACES member evaluators is available at: http://www.naces.org/members.htm. The evaluation service must provide Neumann University with a course-to-course assessment which identifies United States college-level course equivalencies. All costs for these evaluations are to be paid by the student. Neumann University agrees to accept these evaluated credit recommendations and to apply those credits to the student’s academic program, as applicable. The sole exception to this evaluation process would be for those foreign institutions with which Neumann University has previously established articulation agreements. For additional information, please contact either the appropriate Division Dean or the Admissions Office. 
7. A personal interview and tour of the campus, scheduled through the Office of Admissions, are highly recommended. To arrange for an interview and tour, call 610-558-5616 or e-mail the Office of Admissions at www.neumann.edu.

International Students: Admission Criteria and Policies

Neumann University considers for admission qualified international students. The following procedure must be followed:

1. Submit the Application for Undergraduate Admissions, along with a nonrefundable $35 application fee. For applicants who apply online at www.neumann.edu, the application fee is waived.

2. College-level course work completed at duly recognized higher education institutions outside of the United States may also be presented for possible transfer credit acceptance. Applicants who wish to have these completed credits considered for transfer acceptance by Neumann University must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by an international evaluation service recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A complete list of NACES member evaluators is available at: http://www.naces.org/members.htm. The evaluation service must provide Neumann University with a course-to-course assessment which identifies United States college-level course equivalencies. All costs for these evaluations are to be paid by the student. Neumann University agrees to accept these evaluated credit recommendations and to apply those credits to the student’s academic program, as applicable. The sole exception to this evaluation process would be for those foreign institutions with which Neumann University has previously established articulation agreements. For additional information, please contact either the appropriate Division Dean or the Admissions Office.

3. Nurses educated outside of the United States, seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing from Neumann University, are advised to contact the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS-International) for appropriate credential evaluation, cerfitication, and/or verification as prescibed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.  Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA  19104-2651 - (215) 222-8454

4. Arrange to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if from a non-English speaking country. Neumann requires a minimum score of 70-75* on the TOEFL exam. Neumann also accepts a minimum score of 109 from the ESL Language Centers Exam. For additional information about these examinations, please contact the Educational Testing Services at www.ets.org.

      * For the Nursing Program - Students from a non-English speaking country or for whom English is a second language results of the Internet-based Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Cambridge Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) must be submitted. For admission, the Nursing Program requires an Internet-based TOEFL with a minimum overall score of 84 and a minimum score of 26 on the verbal subtest; the MELAB requires a minimum overall score of 81 with a speaking score of 3. 

    5. Complete the Affidavit of Support. (Financial aid is not available to international students.)

    6. Submit proof of medical insurance. The University also offers an optional insurance plan which is specifically designed for international students.

    7. The University issues the I-20 form after all credentials are on file and the student has been accepted. The deadline for completing this application is two (2) months prior to the start of classes.

Dual Admission Agreements and Special Pre-Professional Programs

Neumann University has established Dual Admission Agreements with Cecil College [Maryland], Delaware County Community College, Harcum College, and The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades.

Neumann University has also established several pre-professional programs for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy, chiropractic medicine, or podiatric medicine. The University has established a unique cooperative program with Duquesne University leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Freshman/First-Year Students who intend to be candidates for admission to the Pre-Pharmacy Early-Entry Program that is part of Neumann University’s Pre-Pharmacy Articulation Agreement with Duquesne University are required to:

• Have an SAT total of 1050 or higher (out of a 1600 Math and Critical Reading total); or have ACT composite total of 23 or higher.
• Earn a GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
• Achieve a class rank in the top 25% of the graduating high school class.
• Demonstrate a strong background in University preparatory courses, especially mathematics.
• Demonstrate evidence of leadership potential, community service, and co-curricular activities.
• Provide one letter of recommendation from either a high school teacher or guidance counselor.
• Complete and sign a Release Statement that is required as part of the application process.

For additional information about the University’s Pre-Pharmacy Articulation Agreement with Duquesne University, please refer to the Special Programs   section of this catalog.

In addition, Neumann has developed articulation agreements with the New York School of Chiropractic Medicine and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Details regarding these agreements can also be found in the Special Programs   section of the catalog.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at 610-558-5616.

All Applicants: Acceptance Notification and Follow-Up Procedure

The Office of Admissions reviews applications on a rolling basis. Applicants usually receive a decision within two weeks after all of the required materials have been submitted.

All accepted candidates are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their remaining high school/college experience. Acceptances are contingent upon the successful completion of secondary school, the receipt of an equivalency diploma (i.e., GED), as well as any other stipulated criteria referred to in this section of the catalog.

When notification of acceptance has been received, the applicant is requested to submit the items listed below to the Office of Admissions:

1. A tuition deposit of $200 for full-time students, or $100 for part-time students, which will be credited to the first semester’s tuition. Neumann subscribes to the Candidates’ Reply Date Agreement and does not require candidates to give notice before May 1st of their decision to attend the University. Deposits are nonrefundable after that date.
2. For Residential Students (Traditional, Transfer, & International Students): Submit a nonrefundable deposit of $300 to ensure residential accommodations.

NOTE: A full-time residential student must submit a total of $500 to cover his/her tuition deposit (Item #1) and the on campus resident deposit of $300 (Item #2). The deposits are not additional charges but are credited toward total tuition and room fees.

3. Submit the Health Record Form to the Health Services Office.
4. If graduating from high school, please arrange to have an official FINAL high school transcript forwarded no later than August 15th.

Students should note that acceptance to the University is not equivalent to acceptance to an intended academic major/program. Application to the major is usually made during the first semester of the sophomore year or at the completion of 30 credits, at which time specific criteria for the major must be met and approval of the appropriate Division Dean must be secured. Once accepted into a major/program, the student is bound to the major requirements of the catalog at the time of acceptance into the major/program.

Other Admission Options

Au Pair Students

Au pair students with a valid J-1 visa are permitted to audit a course[s] at the rate of $360.00 per 3-credit class plus a technology fee of $60.  Au pairs are required to register for at least 6 credits of university-level course work during their one-year stay in the United States. For additional information about either eligibility or registration, please call the Office of International Studies Education at 610-358-4547.

High School Dual Enrollment Program

High school students with outstanding academic records may enroll in courses on a part-time basis at Neumann University and receive college credit. Arrangements for this type of advanced study are made with the consent and approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs as well as the student’s guidance counselor and/or principal. For additional eligibility, registration, or tuition information, please contact the Dean of the Division of Arts & Sciences at 610-558-5508.

Home School Scholars Program

Home-schooled students who have completed their sophomore year as of September 1st are permitted to register for up to two 3-credit courses per semester. A letter from the principal Home School provider, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved course plan, is required from each student prior to being considered for this program. Acceptance into the Home School Scholars Program is determined by the Admissions Office. For additional eligibility, registration, or tuition information, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Honors Program

The Honors Program at Neumann University provides academically accomplished students with the opportunity to explore imaginative and innovative perspectives on learning which expand their knowledge and interests as they strive for greater academic excellence. Moreover, acceptance into the program is recognition of prior perseverance and dedication as well as an opportunity to utilize skills and abilities for service to others. For additional information, please refer to Special Programs   section of this catalog.

Second Degree Candidates

For those students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from Neumann University or from another regionally accredited, degree-granting institution, and who seek a second baccalaureate degree at Neumann, the previously earned degree is recognized in toto. In accordance with the University’s Mission Statement and Vision Statement, all second degree candidates are expected to demonstrate a previous or current study of religion and philosophy.  Second degree nursing candidates are required to complete college or university courses in theology (3 credits) and ethics (3 credits).

In addition to the University’s Undergraduate Degree Requirements, students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree at Neumann must complete:

• All major and allied requirements not previously satisfied through prior study.
• A minimum of 30 credits at Neumann University, thus satisfying the University’s Residency Requirement.
• 50% of the major/program at the University.

Admission or readmission policies and procedures as stated elsewhere in this catalog should be followed. Second degree candidates are not eligible to receive graduation honors. All students are required to follow the policies/requirements of the edition of the Neumann University catalog for the academic year in which they are accepted into a specific major/program.

Readmission Policy

Students who have withdrawn from Neumann University for personal reasons and whose period of non-attendance is longer than one year, may be considered candidates for readmission. To initiate this process, the student must download the Readmission Application Form which is located on the Admissions webpage at www.neumann.edu. The office, in turn, sends the student an Application for Readmission, which must be completed and returned to the Office of Admissions. For any student who has withdrawn from the University, this completed Application for Readmission must include the reason(s) why the student withdrew and wishes to return to the University. No readmission fee is assessed to the student.

In the case of academic and/or non-academic disciplinary dismissal from Neumann University, the decision to readmit rests with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Students who have been dismissed from Neumann University for either academic or nonacademic disciplinary reasons are not permitted to register for or attend any classes at Neumann University as a non-matriculated student or to apply for readmission to the University for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of their academic/disciplinary dismissal.

Students who have been dismissed from the prelicensure Nursing Program are only eligible for readmission after successful completion of either a diploma or associate degree nursing program, and are licensed as a professional nurse (RN).

Students who have been dismissed for academic reasons and are readmitted to Neumann University are placed on a one-semester probationary period, after which their academic performance will be evaluated. If, at the conclusion of the semester, the student fails to maintain a semester GPA of 2.00 and/or fulfill other conditions of readmission, dismissal from the University will be automatic and permanent. Readmission does not necessarily imply readmission to the student’s major/program. Any additional degree requirements for a specific major/program must be satisfied by the student as a condition of readmission.

If accepted for readmission to Neumann University, students must still reapply to their academic major/program. Students are bound by the policies/requirements of the edition of the Neumann University catalog for the academic year in which they are readmitted into a specific major/program.

Non-Matriculated Students

Non-matriculated students are students who are enrolled in academic courses but who have not applied to or been formally admitted to the University. This category includes both those students who may or may not intend to apply their earned credits toward an academic degree. Non-matriculated students who intend to pursue a degree at Neumann are strongly urged to apply for admission by the time 15 credits have been successfully completed.

After earning a maximum of 30 academic credits at Neumann University, non-matriculated students are required to formally apply to Neumann and declare their intent to pursue an academic degree. Students are advised that acceptance into a given academic major/program is not automatic and is contingent upon Division evaluation and approval of the Division Dean.

To register for course work on a non-matriculated basis, the student should contact the academic dean of the Division which sponsors the particular course. For information regarding the formal admissions process, interested students should call the Office of Admissions.

Transfer Credit Evaluation Criteria

Each student is given individual attention at Neumann University. Typically, acceptance of transfer credit is based upon an earned grade of “C” or better for each course which is eligible for transfer. Transcripts are evaluated by the Registrar, in consultation with the Division Deans, who determines the Neumann course equivalencies for transfer credits. A maximum number of 90 credits can be accepted from regionally accredited, degree-granting institutions. Transfer students, who have had 12 or more transfer credits accepted by Neumann University, are exempted from taking INT 101 The Neumann Experience , and must satisfy the credit assigned to this course through either other transfer credit or additional course work successfully completed at Neumann University. The applicability of credits awarded in transfer to a specific undergraduate academic degree program is dependent upon the major/program which is chosen. Transfer students must complete 30 of their last 45 credits at Neumann University. Additionally, 50% of the student’s academic major/program must be taken at Neumann.

The following criteria are utilized in the evaluation of transcripts which are presented to Neumann University by students seeking admission as transfer students.

1. College-level course work completed at duly recognized higher education institutions outside of the United States may also be presented for possible transfer credit acceptance. Applicants who wish to have these completed credits considered for transfer acceptance by Neumann University must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by an international evaluation service recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A complete list of NACES member evaluators is available at: http://www.naces.org/members.htm. The evaluation service must provide Neumann University with a course-to-course assessment which identifies United States college-level course equivalencies. All costs for these evaluations are to be paid by the student. Neumann University agrees to accept these evaluated credit recommendations and to apply those credits to the student’s academic program, as applicable. The sole exception to this evaluation process would be for those foreign institutions with which Neumann University has previously established articulation agreements. For additional information, please contact either the appropriate Division Dean or the Registrar’s Office at 610-558-5524.
2. Credits which have been awarded for remedial or developmental course work, even if at the “C” level or above, are not accepted by Neumann University as transfer credit.
3. Grades of Pass (“P”) or Satisfactory (“S”) are not acceptable for transfer credit. Exceptions to the policy occur only when the originating institution officially documents that a grade of “P” or “S” is the equivalent of at least a grade of “C.” Academic credits which have been earned through challenge examinations taken at another institution(s) are not transferable.
4. When specialized courses or major courses are being considered for transfer credit, consultation with appropriately designated Neumann faculty member(s) may be necessary before a final transfer determination is made.
5. Neumann University participates in the Advanced Placement Examination Program (AP), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the ACT Assessment. These programs, which offer both general and specific subject area examinations, are administered by the College Entrance Examination Board and the American College Testing Service and correspond to course content that a student would most likely find during his/her first two years of study. Most of these examinations equate to one-semester courses, although some are equivalent to a full year (or two semesters) of learning. Additional information can be obtained by either contacting the Educational Testing Service, located in Princeton, New Jersey 08541, or the Office of the Registrar.
   
   Neumann University grants credit for those scores which are at or above the “C” level as set forth in equivalency tables which are prepared and published by these testing agencies. For most CLEP Examinations, a minimum score of “50” is required, although higher minimum scores are needed for College Level 2 foreign language examinations (“59” for French; “60” for German; and “63” for Spanish). Advanced Placement Examinations require a minimum grade of “3” in order for college-level credit to be awarded. The applicability of accepted credits toward general degree requirements and/or specific program requirements is determined by the Registrar, in consultation with the appropriate Division Dean. A maximum of 15 semester hours of either AP, ACT, CLEP, or DANTES credit may be applied toward the associate’s degree, and a maximum of 30 semester hours toward the bachelor’s degree, provided that the maximum number of transfer credits has not been exceeded.
    
6. The student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) does not transfer to Neumann University. The student’s GPA and any resultant Honors designation at the time of graduation are determined solely by the grades earned in completed course work at Neumann University.
7. For the most part, there is no time limit with regard to the acceptability of transfer credits to Neumann University. However, specific Divisions within the University may establish such limitations, if it is determined that content area in a specific degree program requires the acquisition of latest advancements within a given academic discipline. For more specific information, please consult the Undergraduate Program Descriptions   section of this catalog.
8. Credits for ROTC courses taken at either Widener University or St. Joseph’s University are accepted as elective credits in accordance with established cross-enrollment agreements.
9. Neumann University endorses the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA), and approved by the American Association of Community/Junior Colleges.

For further information about Neumann University’s transfer credit policy and those institutions with which the University has articulation agreements, contact the Office of the University Registrar.

Students with Disabilities

Neumann University, consistent with its Mission Statement, is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to all qualified students with disabilities. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Neumann University will provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations which allow equal access to its educational programs.

A student with disabilities is defined as anyone having one or more physical or mental impairments that limit major life activities. Some examples would be vision impairments, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, and orthopedic or mobility impairments.

Students are responsible for declaring their disabilities to the University in order to be eligible for accommodations or special services. A student declares his/her disability to Neumann University by providing the Disabilities Services Coordinator of the John C. Ford Academic Resource Center (ARC) with current documentation of the disability by a recognized authority. The declaration remains confidential unless the student provides the Coordinator with written permission to release this information.

Once the documentation of the disability is on record, Neumann University will provide reasonable accommodations to assist the student in fulfilling his/her academic pursuits. By law, the University is not responsible for making special accommodations for a student who has not declared and documented his/her disabilities. If a student wishes to appeal a decision regarding an academic matter, the student must follow the grievance procedure as stated in the Academic Information  section of this catalog.

Once the documentation of the disability has been filed, the student is also responsible for communicating his/her particular needs to the Disabilities Services Coordinator prior to the start of each semester. At this time, the student may fill out and sign a Disclosure and Notification Form, which gives ARC personnel permission to contact the appropriate faculty member(s) regarding the student’s particular needs. Students are also invited and encouraged to discuss their needs with their teachers, the Director of Counseling, and the Director of Health Services.

Neumann University offers pre-college academic advisement, placement testing, and educational adjustments, such as: taping lectures, extended time on tests, alternative testing arrangements, reduced course load (which may require additional time at the University to complete specific degree requirements), and others on a case-by-case basis. The ARC provides peer and professional tutoring in a variety of subjects as well as study and test-taking skills. There is no charge for any of the above services provided to Neumann University students. For additional information, call 610-361-5471.

Placement Testing

The purpose of placement testing at Neumann University is to determine the need for developmental work in writing, reading, and/or mathematics. Upon acceptance to the University, each student is informed about the placement tests which may be required before registering for classes. This determination is based upon the student’s SAT scores, high school record, transfer credits, and the program requirements for each major/program.

• The Writing Placement Test consists of writing a well-developed essay on an assigned topic.
• The Reading Placement Test is a test in reading comprehension. The results of this test are used to determine the need for a course in improving the student’s reading and comprehension skills with college-level texts.
• The Mathematics Placement Test is a test of basic algebra. The results of this test are used to determine the need for a developmental algebra course.

For more information on these Placement Tests, please refer to the section on Developmental Education  .

Neumann University also offers an optional placement test in Intermediate Algebra and Functions. The purpose of this test is to provide interested students the opportunity to waive the MATH 103 College Algebra  , requirement. This course is a prerequisite for MATH 116 Quantitative Methods  , and MATH 225 Applied Calculus  .

Placement tests are ordinarily administered in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) during regularly scheduled testing times. If a student lives too far away from the University, special arrangements may be made, providing the student can identify a confidential testing location and a trained professional willing to administer the tests. There is no fee for placement testing.

Credits are not awarded for placement testing. If a course requirement is waived, the credit assigned to that particular course must be satisfied through additional course work. The results of placement tests are given to the student and his/her advisor to be used in planning the student’s program of study.

For additional information or an appointment, please contact the Academic Resource Center at 610-361-5249.

Modern Language Core Course Placement

Neumann University’s Modern Language Core requirement can be satisfied in one of the following ways.

Students who have successfully completed only one or two years of study in a foreign language at the high school level must enroll in a Modern Language 101-level course. Following the completion of that 101-level course with a grade of “C” or better, the student must enroll in and satisfactorily complete a Modern Language Core [102-level] course.*

• Students who have studied a modern language in their final two years of high school, and who have earned final course grades of B or higher in those modern language courses, must enroll in and satisfactorily complete a Modern Language course at the 102-level.**
• Students who have successfully completed three years of modern language study during their sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school, and who have earned final course grades of B or higher in those modern language courses, should enroll in and satisfactorily complete a 201-level Modern Language course.**
• Students who have had four years of high school modern language study, and who have earned final course grades of B or higher in each modern language course, should enroll in and satisfactorily complete either a 202-level Modern Language course or, with the permission of the Dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences, a Special Topics Modern Language course [at the 226-level or higher], if such a course is available.**
• Foreign students and heritage speakers may satisfy the University’s Modern Language Core Requirement by either studying a non-English language other than their own or registering for and successfully completing a Special Topics Course [at the 226-level or higher] in their own language, if such a course is available.

PACE Program

First introduced in 1980, the Program for Academic Competence and Enrichment (PACE) is an academic program for students who, according to their academic profiles and placement tests given at Neumann University, are in need of Transitional Education courses. This program provides the additional academic support that is needed to succeed in college: enrollment in the required transitional courses, individually designed class schedules, special academic advising, and referral to the John C. Ford Academic Resource Center (ARC) for tutoring. The Developmental Education courses provide the sound academic base in writing, reading, and/or mathematics which is needed to succeed in college-level courses. As a consequence of the need for Developmental courses, a student accepted into the PACE program may need more than eight (8) semesters of study to graduate.

In keeping with its Mission to educate a diverse population of students in a scholarly, supportive, and caring environment, Neumann University is proud, too, of the many graduates who began their journey in the PACE Program and have graduated to pursue their chosen career paths.