Admission Policies and Procedures

URG and RGCC Office of Admissions, Florence Evans Hall, PO Box 500, Rio Grande, OH 45674 740-245-7208 or 800-282-7201 office; 740-245-7260 fax; email: admissions@rio.edu

Admission Policy

The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College Admissions Policy is to admit all who may benefit from a college-level education. Admission will be determined without regard to race, color, age, marital status, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic status, political affiliation, religion, gender, or disability.

Applicants for admission are required to submit a completed application for admission alongside a high school transcript or GED. Applicants interested in applying for admission to Education, Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Respiratory Therapy, or the Honors program must also submit (ACT/SAT) scores. Prior to enrollment, students who have not taken the ACT must have taken placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics. The placement test may be taken in the Testing Center by appointment.

The following academic areas practice selective admission policies and procedures. In addition to the general institutional requirements previously stipulated, the applicant is directed to the Chair or Dean of each program for specific details.

The programs with selective admission requirements and/ or procedures are:

• Education
• Honors
• Nursing
• Social Work
• Radiologic Technology
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Respiratory Therapy

Ohio residents seeking first-time admission to college and lower-division transfer students with Ohio residency will be granted dual acceptance to the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College.

All out-of-state applicants and upper-division transfer students will be granted an acceptance to the University of Rio Grande.

Upper-division or lower-division status of transfer students will be determined upon evaluation of transfer credits submitted on an official transcript.

Applications for admission to Rio Grande should be mailed to the following address:

Office of Admissions
University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College
PO Box 500
Rio Grande, OH 45674-0500

Further information can be obtained by contacting Rio Grande at 740-245-5353 or 1-800-282-7201 ext. 7208 (Toll Free in OH, WV, KY, & PA), by e-mail (admissions@rio.edu), or by fax (740-245-7260). An online application for admission is available at www.rio.edu/admissions/apply/.

ADA Policy

If a student wishes to be identified as having a physical, mental, or learning disability that may or may not require reasonable accommodation(s), he/she must register with the Office of Accessibility. Once registered with the Office of Accessibility, registered students should identify themselves to their instructors and provide a written statement from the Office of Accessibility that indicates the appropriate accommodations. The process of a student self-proclaiming the need for accommodation should occur as early in the semester as possible. The Office of Accessibility may be reached at: 740-245-7366 and is located in Davis Library, Office 06, Ground Floor University of Rio Grande.

Mental Health Statement

Students may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduced ability to participate in daily activities. Services are available to assist you with addressing these as well as any additional concerns. Contact the Office of Student Affairs (740-245-7350) to learn more about available confidential mental health services.

FERPA Policy

The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College are committed to fully respecting and protecting the rights of students under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. FERPA is the federal law that governs the release of and access to student education records.

Student rights under FERPA include the following:

• The right to inspect and review educational records within 45 days after the university receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Registrar a written request at records@rio.edu that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
• The right to request an amendment of educational records if the student believes something is inaccurate or misleading. A student who wishes to ask the university to amend a record should email the Registrar at records@rio.edu, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested, the university will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
• The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in education records except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent (see exceptions to consent below).
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Student Privacy Policy Office

U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
1-800-872-5327

The University of Rio Grande does not release student record information without the expressed, written consent of the student, however there are some exceptions:

• Directory Information
  Directory Information may be released by the university without the student’s prior consent. Directory Information includes a student’s name, home address, e-mail address, home telephone number, college of enrollment, major, campus attended, status (including current enrollment, dates of attendance, full-time/part-time, withdrawn), honors received, degrees and/or certificates awarded, and participation in officially recognized activities and athletic organizations. The weight and height of student athletes also qualifies as directory information and may be released by the university.
• Legitimate Educational Interest
  School officials may access student records without prior consent if they are deemed to have legitimate educational interests. A school official is deemed to have legitimate educational interests if they need access to the student’s educational record in order to fulfill his or her official responsibilities. Examples of school officials: university faculty and staff, agents of the institution, students employed by the institution or those who serve on official institutional committees, and representatives of agencies under contract with the university.
• Compliance with Judicial Order or Lawfully Issued Subpoena
  Non-directory information from educational records can be released to comply with a judicial order or subpoena, provided the institution makes a reasonable effort to notify the student of the order or subpoena.
• Appropriate Officials in Cases of Health and Safety Emergencies
  Non-directory information may be released to appropriate officials if it is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

Confidentiality Status

A student has the right to restrict the release of their directory information. If this restriction is in place, the university is prohibited from releasing this information to anyone including the student. Anyone inquiring about a student with this restriction on their record will be told that there is no record of that student. A student can also lift this restriction at any time. To request or end confidentiality status please contact the Office of the Registrar by email at records@rio.edu.

NOTE: Confidentiality status does not restrict the access of school officials.

Authorizing Release of Non-Directory Information

A student can authorize a third-party (i.e. parent or legal guardian) to access his or her information (see link to Student Information Release Authorization form below). NOTE: The University of Rio Grande does not release grades or GPA over the phone or via email.

Student Information Release Authorization Form: https://issuu.com/uriogrande/docs/student_information_release_authorization

This is also available in the Office of the Registrar in Florence Evans Hall. Completed forms can be emailed to records@rio.edu, faxed to 740-245-7445, or dropped off at the Registrar’s Office or any of our three centers (Jackson, McArthur, and Meigs).

International Students

International students are requested to submit the following:

1. An international student application
2. A transcript of secondary school credits verifying graduation
3. All post-secondary school official transcripts (if applicable). International applicants must also submit transcripts through a National Association of Credential Evaluations Services (NACES) approved agency or www.incredevals.org for a course-by-course evaluation
4. Copy of passport
5. An official statement from a sponsor or bank documenting financial support
6. Proof of medical/accident insurance that has a policy covering the United States
7. A completed college medical physical examination form and completed immunization requirements

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

Rio’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program supports students who are non-native speakers of English. The program is designed to provide additional support that enables those students with limited English proficiency to become competent in the comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition of the English language. As an integral part of academics, it strives to assist those with limited English proficiency to participate equitably in school.

College Readiness Program

Academic support for students is provided through the use of college readiness coursework. College readiness coursework is required for students who, through evaluation of their previous high school academic record or through placement testing, are not yet ready to be placed directly into college freshman-level English and mathematics courses. Designed to academically prepare and/or support students who have demonstrated the need for additional skills in order to successfully engage in college-level coursework, college readiness coursework must be taken within the first year, preferable within the first term.

Mission Statement

The College Readiness program at the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College is committed to helping students achieve their academic aspirations by providing them with the supports necessary to become successful learners.

Goal Statements

The College Readiness program serves students by:

• Providing a variety of learning opportunities and services to meet the diverse educational needs of URG/RGCC students.
• Implementing, evaluating, and improving new initial assessment and placement procedures.
• Advising students in developing an individualized plan to persist in college.
• Assisting students in developing academic skills so they may be successful in freshman-level academic coursework in a minimal amount of time.
• Inspiring students to love learning and actively engaging them in the learning process.
• Fostering self-confidence and motivation in students.
• Engaging students in the use of technology to enhance learning.
• Challenging students to become independent learners and critical thinkers.

Transfer Student

Students who have attended another college can be admitted by providing transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, high school transcript, and a completed application. Official transcripts are required for acceptance and awarding of credit from another institution. For a transcript to be considered official, it must be received directly by Rio through an electronic transcript service such as National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, or arrive to Rio in a sealed envelope from the sending institution. If approved English and/or mathematics courses have not been completed prior to enrollment to Rio Grande, transfer students must follow the placement procedures as previously described. Students holding an associate or bachelor degree are not required to submit a high school transcript.

Part-time Special Student

Applicants wishing to enroll in courses for special interest or personal enrichment may register for classes as a special student. After an accumulation of twelve (12) credit hours, the regular admission process is required. Students who desire to enroll in ENG 11103 - Composition I  or MTH 18803 - Algebra Pilot , must complete placement testing prior to enrollment. Special Students are not eligible to receive financial aid.

Transient Student Policy

Students in good standing, seeking a degree from Rio Grande who would like to take a course from another institution, may do so by completing the Transient Student Course Approval Form prior to registration at the other institution. Obtained in the Office of the Registrar, the Transient Student Course Approval Form must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and returned to the Office of the Registrar for filing.

Senior Citizen/Extended Education Student

Any student who is age 60 or older and a resident of the State of Ohio may attend Community College classes (100- 200 level only) free of tuition charges. The student is responsible for all other fees and costs.

Persons already having completed a bachelor or higher degree, who desire extended education, may enroll in either Community College classes (100-200 level) or University classes (300-400 level). Fees will be assessed according to the applicable tuition rate schedule.

Re-admission Student

Students wishing to re-enroll at Rio Grande after an absence of one or more academic terms (excluding summer sessions) will be required to complete an application for re-admission. This form is available upon request from the Admissions Office. Students applying for re-admission after academic suspension from Rio Grande must also submit a rationale to include evidence of the probability of academic success. Students seeking re-admission to the School of Nursing or any of the Allied Health Programs should contact the specific department for special re-admission provisions.

Probationary Admission Student

Students admitted to Rio Grande while on “Academic Probation” at another collegiate institution may be admitted on probation and are directed to the paragraph entitled “Academic Probation and Suspension” in the Catalog. Such students will also comply with the provisions of the policy on “Academic Load” in the Catalog.

Students under “Academic Suspension” from another collegiate institution applying for admission to Rio Grande for the academic term immediately following their suspension will not be granted admission. Admission may be granted upon application after the student has fulfilled a one-term suspension period (excluding summer sessions). Such students will be admitted on “Academic Probation” and are directed to the policy provisions regarding “Re-admission” specified in the previous paragraph.

College Credit Plus (CCP)

The College Credit Plus Program allows students to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from Rio Grande. The intent of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide range of options to college-ready students. Students are screened and admitted in the Fall Semester after completing placement tests and are eligible to participate through high school graduation, provided they continue to meet the academic standards of Rio Grande. Specific requirements for admission as a CCP student are available in the Admissions Office.

Honors Program

The Rio Grande Honors Program engages gifted students through a specialized curriculum, Honors seminars, and a capstone project that challenges all perceptions to achieve maximum potential. The Honors Program is open to incoming students who meet two of the following three criteria: upper 10% of high school graduating class, 3.5 high school GPA, and ACT composite score of 25. The Honors Program is open to current Rio students who have a 3.25 minimum GPA after completing at least eight credit hours. See also: Honors Program in the Academic Programs, Registrar, and Services section of the catalog.