3. Undergraduate Admission & Costs

1. Admission

Applicants for admission to the university are required to meet the academic requirements outlined in this catalog or other applicable publications of the university. The Office of Admission Services, located in the Wimberly Student Services Building, provides complete admissions counseling for entering students. Professionally trained personnel assist prospective students in assembling all admission credentials so transition into a college environment can be made as smooth and problem-free as possible. Initial inquiries to the university may be made through http://beacardinal.lamar.edu, by calling 409.880.8888 or by writing to Lamar University, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas 77710.

1. Requirements for Students Entering from High Schools

All applicants are required to have graduated from high school and to have submitted official SAT or ACT entrance examination scores. Minimum score requirements are specified below. Applicants who have attended another college or university cannot disregard that enrollment and seek admission only on the basis of their high school records.

The admissions requirements are:

Unconditional Admission

1. Granted to students who meet the following prerequisites:

1. Attainment of a high school diploma with successful completion of the recommended or advanced high school program from an accredited high school AND
   1. Successful completion of 14 high school units in college preparatory courses including:
      1. 4 units in college preparatory English courses.
      2. 3 units of college preparatory mathematics courses (Algebra I, II, Geometry, or higher level mathematics courses).
      3. 2 units of laboratory science courses (any 2 units from Physical Science, Biology I, II, Chemistry I, II, Physics I, II, or Geology).
      4. 2-1/2 units of social science courses (U.S. History, 1 unit, and U.S. Government, 1/2 unit, and World History Studies, 1 unit, or World Geography Studies, 1 unit).
      5. 2-1/2 units of approved college preparatory course electives. 2 units of foreign language are recommended.
2. In addition, all applicants must submit official SAT or ACT scores. Students must achieve a minimum composite score on the SAT or ACT as follows:

For Admission to or after Fall 2011

Class Rank	SAT (Math/Critical Reasoning)	ACT
Top 10%	No minimum required	No minimum required
Top 11% to 25%	850	18
2nd Quarter	930	20
3rd Quarter	1090	24
4th Quarter	Case-by-case evaluation	Case-by-case evaluation
Unranked, Home School	Case-by-case evaluation	Case-by-case evaluation

The Director of Admissions may admit recipients of bona fide scholarships designated by the president.

Individual Approval Admission

1. Applicants who fail to meet the requirements for Unconditional Admission may be considered on an Individual Approval basis. The Individual Approval review process considers the applicant’s academic records and a brief written statement from the applicant addressing any academic shortcomings and anticipated steps to overcome them. Letters of recommendation and other documents supporting personal or academic goals should also be submitted. Correspondence should be addressed to:

Admissions Appeals Committee

P.O. Box 10009 Lamar University Beaumont, TX 77710

A limited number of applicants may be admitted under this provision.

2. Students admitted as "Individual Approvals" are subject to the following provisions:

1. Mandatory advisement
2. Maximum enrollment in 6 credit hours in a summer semester and 14 hours in a fall or spring semester (except that such students may, with the approval of the academic advisor, additionally enroll in a one-credit-hour activity course).
3. Successful completion of at least 9 credit hours of collegiate (i.e., non-developmental) courses including ENGL 1301 or MATH 1314 (or a higher numbered math course) with a GPA of 2.0 or higher within 12 months of their first registration at Lamar University.

3. Students who do not satisfactorily complete the provisions of Individual Approval admission will be suspended from readmission to Lamar University for one long semester. Reinstatement from suspension is in accordance with the Academic Probation and Suspension policy as detailed in the Section 5, General Academic

Policies section of this catalog.

Exceptions

1. Any applicant over 25 years of age will be granted admission with proof of high school graduation and presentation of official SAT or ACT scores.
2. A non-high school graduate who is at least 18 years of age may apply for admission under Individual Approval provisions. Such applicants must 1) demonstrate the aptitude and seriousness of purpose to successfully pursue a college course of study, and 2) furnish evidence of preparation substantially equivalent to that required of other applicants. Evidence must include a GED, SAT or ACT scores, and transcripts of previous academic work.
3. Graduates of home schools or non-accredited high schools must submit transcripts of high school work and SAT or ACT scores. Applicants will be reviewed in accordance with transcript course requirements as listed in Admissions Requirement I. A. 2.and must satisfy minimum SAT or ACT minimum score requirements. Applicants who fail to meet the requirements of unconditional admission may be considered on an Individual Approval basis.

2. Entrance Examination Requirement

Applicants may submit either SAT or ACT scores in fulfillment of the entrance examination requirement. Both tests are given several times each year at test centers throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. Lamar University is an official test site for both the SAT and the ACT. It is recommended that summer and fall applicants take one of the tests early in the senior year and, if possible, no later than February. Location of test centers, test dates, fees, test application forms, sample question booklets and similar information may be obtained without charge from high school counselors or from the Lamar University Testing Services Office located in room 102 Galloway Business Building. Testing information is available on line at http://dept.lamar.edu/careerandtestingcenter. Other SAT or ACT inquiries may be directed to the College Entrance Examination Board or American College Testing via their respective websites.

Prospective students should do all of the following:

1. Submit an electronic application for admission at http://www.applytexas.org.
2. Take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (October, November or December dates preferred) or the American College Test (October or December dates preferred) and designate Lamar University to receive score reports.
3. Submit an official copy of the student’s current high school transcript to Lamar University.
4. Have final high school transcripts sent to the Lamar University Admissions Office immediately after graduation. An official transcript certifying date of high school graduation is required.

3. When to Apply

It is recommended that new and former students complete an application for admission and submit all required documents by the following priority dates.

Fall semester: March 1
Spring semester: December 1
Summer I semester: May 1
Summer II semester: June 1

Applications received after these dates will be considered as time allows.

4. Acceptance Notices

Acceptance notices are issued shortly after the required admission credentials are received. Registration information and general instructions are included. Questions about acceptance may be directed to the Office of Admissions 409.880.8888 or http://beacardinal.lamar.edu. Lamar University has no enrollment quota.

5. On-Campus Living Requirement for Freshman

The Board of Regents has established a freshman residency policy that states: "All undergraduate, full-time students (those enrolled in 12 or more semester credit hours) with fewer than 24 earned semester credit hours are required to reside in a University-operated residence hall." Exemptions may be granted for those who 1) reside with a parent, guardian, or other adult relative; 2) are 21 years of age by the first class day; 3) enroll only in evening classes; 4) are married or have dependent children; 5) have a medical exemption signed by a doctor; or 6) have earned 24 or more credit hours.” Official documentation verifying exemptions to this policy may be required by the university Housing Office. Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Cardinal Village Housing Office.

6. Residency Status

A student's state of residency is determined prior to first enrollment in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Texas State Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Detailed information on residency is available at the State website http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/" or by contacting the Lamar University Admissions Office.

7. New Student Orientation

New student orientation is held during the summer months and is designed to acquaint the new student with campus facilities and services and to give the individual student an opportunity to confer with university department advisors about an academic program.

Registration for the Fall semester may be completed at this time and tuition and fees may be paid. Advance reservations for the summer orientation sessions are required. Details of the program, including dates, cost and registration, are available on the Lamar University web site and are provided to new students after acceptance to the university.

8. Academic Advising

Academic advisement is mandatory for the following students: 1) freshmen (29 or fewer earned semester credit hours), 2) new transfer students, 3) TSI-restricted/Individual Approval students, 4) General Studies majors, 5) students on academic probation or returning from academic suspension, and 6) students changing majors.

Students who have not declared a major field of study are advised in the Center for General Studies, (Suite 107, Communication Building, 409.880.7570). Such students will be assisted with course selection and the completion of core curriculum requirements. In addition, students will be offered the opportunity to explore various majors and careers through advising, guest speakers, faculty representatives, and related activities.

Students who are TSI-restricted and/or under the provisions of Individual Approval admission, with or without a declared major, are advised in the Center for College Readiness (College Readiness Building, 409.880.8954). Extensive advisement opportunities are also available through the Offices of Student Advising and Retention Services (STARS). Detailed information is available at http://dept.lamar.edu/stars.

9. Credit by Examination

Lamar University students may qualify for college credit and/or advanced standing through optional testing programs. Students may qualify for credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program .Scores must be official and will only be accepted from CLEP, AP or IB sources.

Except for satisfying the course work in residence and the state-mandated American History and American Government requirements, credit earned by examination is equivalent to credit earned by taking the course and may be used to satisfy bachelor´s degree requirements as defined in the catalog under "Degree Requirements." CLEP/AP test and score requirements are subject to change without notice.

1. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Lamar University awards credit on the basis of most of the Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Programs. The essay sections of the English Composition and literature examinations are required and the final determination for the awarding of equivalent English credit is based solely upon the strength of the written essays. Credit will not be awarded by examination to students who have prior credit for the same course or its equivalent. Grades will not be assigned, nor will hours be used in the computation of grade point averages.

CLEP CREDIT-GRANTING STANDARDS

 

Composition and Literature

Examination	Credit-granting Score	Credit Granted	Equiv. course
American Literature	50	3 hours	ENGL 2326
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature	50	3 hours	ENGL 1302
Freshman College Composition	50	3 hours	ENGL 1301
English Literature	50	3 hours	ENGL 2310, 2320, or 2322 *Students will select the course for which they wish to receive credit

*Note: To receive CLEP credit for composition or literature classes, students must achieve the established credit-granting score of 50 (or higher), AND complete the optional essays. All examinees will have six months to complete the essay portion once they have passed the multiple choice section. If examinee has not completed the essay portion within this time period, examinee will have to retake the multiple choice section of the test. Essays are graded by the Lamar University CLEP Committee. The final determination for awarding of equivalent credit is based solely upon the strength of the written essays. The Lamar University CLEP Committee will score the essays within two to four weeks and send results to the Career and Testing Center. Examinee will receive score results within three to five weeks from time of exam completion.

Business

Examination	Credit-GrantingScore	Credit Granted	Equiv. course
Financial Accounting	55	6 hours	ACCT 2301/2302
Business Law, Intro	50	3 hours	BULW 3310
Info. Systems & Computer Applications	50	3 hours	see Note below
Prin. of Management	50	3 hours	MGMT 3310
Prin of Marketing	50	3 hours	MKTG 3310

*Note: A student, after passing the Information Systems and Computer Applications CLEP Exam, must demonstrate proficiency on a program or package usage test in the Computer Science department before they may receive credit in the following 3-hour course: COSC 1371. The Computer Science department will score the exam within 48 hours and send the results to the Career and Testing Center. Examinee will receive score results within 7 business days of completing the exam.

History and Social Sciences

Examination	Credit-Granting Score	Credit Granted	Equiv. course
Am. Government	50	3 hours	POLS 2302
Ed. Psych	50	3 hours	PEDG 3320
Intro to US History I (to 1877)	50	3 hours	HIST 1301
Intro to US History II (1866 to present)	50	3 hours	HIST 1302
Human Growth & Development	50	3 hours	PSYC 2308
Prin. of Macroeconomics	50	3 hours	ECON 2302
Prin. of Microeconomics	50	3 hours	ECON 2301
Intro to Psychology	50	3 hours	PSYC 2301
Intro to Sociology	50	3 hours	SOCI 1301
W. Civilization I (to 1648)	50	3 hours	HIST 3321
W. Civilization II (1648 to present)	50	3 hours	HIST 3322

Science and Mathematics

Examination	Credit-GrantingScore	Credit Granted	Equiv. Course
College Algebra	50	3 hours	MTH 1314
Biology*	50	6 hours	Genl. Biology
Calculus, Geometry	50	3 hours	MTH 2413
Chemistry*	50	6 hours	Genl. Chemistry
Pre-Calculus	50	3 hours	MTH 2312

*Note: will not fulfill core lab science requirement

Foreign Language

Examination	Credit-GrantingScore	Credit Granted	Equiv. Course
French Level 1	50	6 hours	FREN 1311, 1312
French Level II	59	12 hours	FREN 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312
German Level I	50	6 hours	GERM 1311, 1312
German Level II	60	12 hours	GERM 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312
Spanish Level 1	50	6 hours	SPAN 1311, 1312
Spanish Level II	63	12 hours	SPAN 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312

2. Advanced Placement Examinations

Applicants who wish to receive credit for college-level work completed in high school may do so by submitting scores from the College Entrance Examination Board´s Advanced Placement Examinations. Examinations are given each May by high schools. Arrangements are made through high school counselors. Subject matter areas and the basis for granting credits are listed as follows:

Subject Area	Required Score	Credit Granted
Art	3 or above	ARTS 1316 or ARTS 1311
Biology	3 or above	BIOL 1406 1407
Calculus AB test	3 or above	MATH 1325 or MATH 2413
Calculus BC test	3 or above	MATH 2312, 2413 and 2414
Chemistry	3 or above	CHEM 1411
Computer Science A test	4 or 5	COSC 1336
Computer Science AB test	4 or 5	COSC 1336, 1337
Economics (micro)	3 or above	ECON 2302
Economics (macro)	3 or above	ECON 2301
English Language Comp.	4 or 5	ENGL 1301-1302
English Language Comp	3	ENGL 1301
English Lit Comp	3 or above	ENGL 1302
Foreign Language	3	FL 1311
Foreign Language	4	FL 1311, 1312
Foreign Language	5	FL 1311, 1312, and 2311
Government/Compar	3 or above	3 hour elective (non advanced)
Government/PolSci	3 or above	POLS 2302
History/American	3 or above	HIST 1301-1302
Music	3 or above	MUTY 1311
Psychology (Gen)	3 or above	PSYC 2301
Physics B	3 or above	PHYS 1401-1402
Physics C (Mechanics)	3 or above	PHYS 2425
Physics C (E & M)	3 or above	PHYS 2426
Statistics	3 or above	MATH 1342

3. Advanced Standing Examinations

Advanced standing examinations are intended only for those students who have had the equivalent, in formal or informal training, of the work being presented in the course in question. Credit may be granted to those who pass departmental advanced standing examinations with a grade of "B" or better. Normally, departmental examinations will be given only if CLEP subject examinations are not available. To secure permission for such examinations, a student must obtain the written permission of the dean of the college and the department chair responsible for the course. A fee must be paid to the Cashier´s Office. Forms are available in the office of the department chair. Advanced standing examinations will not be approved for skill courses. A student having received a grade (passing or failing) in a course may not take an advanced standing examination in that course.

4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

Lamar University recognizes the IB Diploma Program. Students who receive an IB diploma and receive scores of "4" or above on Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) examinations will be awarded a minimum of 24 semester credit hours (See table). Students who have not received an IB diploma may be granted credit on an individual course-by-course basis as determined by participating academic departments. A copy of the official IB transcript must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to receive transfer credit. All applicable Texas statutes and Lamar University policies must be complied with and are still in effect for course transferability.

International Baccalaureate Program

Examination	Credit-GrantingScore	Credit Granted	Equiv.Course
GROUP 1-Language
English	HL	6 hours	ENGL 1301, 1302
	SL	3 hours	ENGL 1301
Extended Essay	A or B	3 hours	ENGL 1302
GROUP 2-Second Language
Spanish	HL	12 hours	SPAN 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312
	SL	6 hours	SPAN 1311, 1312
French	HL	12 hours	FREN 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312
	SL	6 hours	FREN 1311, 1312
German	HL	12 hours	GERM 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312
	SL	6 hours	GERM 1311, 1312
GROUP 3-Individuals and Societies
History Europe	HL or SL	3 hours	HIST 3322
History Americas	HL	6 hours	HIST 1301, 1302
	SL	3 hours	HIST 1301
Economics	HL	6 hours	ECON 2301, 2302
	SL	3 hours	ECON 2301
Psychology	HL or SL	3 hours	PSYC 2301
Anthropology	HL or SL	3 hours	ANTH 2351
GROUP 4-Experimental Science
Chemistry	HL	8 hours	CHEM 1411, 1412
	SL	4 hours	CHEM 1411
Biology	HL	8 hours	BIOL 1406, 1407
	SL	4 hours	BIOL 1406
Physics	HL	8 hours	PHYS 1401, 1402
	SL	4 hours	PHYS 1401
GROUP 5-Math and Computer Science
Mathematics	HL	4 hours	MATH 2413
Math Studies	SL	3 hours	MATH 1325
Further Math	SL	3 hours	MATH 1316
Computer Science	HL	6 hours	COSC 1336, 1337
	SL	3 hours	COSC 1336
GROUP 6-Arts
Visual Arts A	HL or SL	3 hours	THEA 1310
Visual Arts B	HL or SL	3 hours	Fine Arts 1301
Music	HL or SL	3 hours	MUSI 1306

10. Admission Requirements for College Transfers

Students who have attended another regionally accredited college or university will be considered for admission to Lamar University under the requirements listed below. Former students of Lamar University who attend another university, other than during a summer term, will also have to meet the following transfer admission requirements:

1. Submit an electronic application for admission at http://www.applytexas.org.
2. Have an official copy of all college and/or university transcripts on file by application deadline.
3. Be eligible to re-enter all colleges and/or universities previously attended.
4. Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all work attempted.
5. Students who transfer fewer than 18 hours must also submit and meet the entrance credentials and requirements of a first-time-in-college student.
6. Applicants not fully meeting all transfer requirements may be reviewed and considered for admission on an Individual Approval basis.

11. How to Apply for Transfer Admission

The following procedure should be followed in making application for transfer admission. All credentials should be sent to the Office of Admissions, Lamar University, Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas 77710.

1. Submit an electronic application for admission at http://www.applytexas.org.
2. Submit official transcripts from each college previously attended. This requirement applies regardless of the length of time in attendance and regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired. Students will not be allowed to register until all college transcripts are on file in the Admissions Office.
3. Students transferring fewer than 18 semester credit hours must submit a high school transcript, take the SAT or ACT and/or have an official record of these scores sent to the Office of Admissions.

12. Application Fee

A one-time, non-refundable undergraduate application fee of $25.00 is charged to all new undergraduate, first-time-in-college applicants and transfer students. Returning and readmitted students will not be assessed this fee. Concurrently enrolled high school students will not be assessed this fee but will be subject to it upon application as a first-time-in-college student after high school graduation.

Application fee waivers will be granted based upon receipt of The College Board or ACT college application fee waiver requests.

13. When to Apply

Application should be made a minimum of two or three months in advance of the proposed enrollment date. The application is available on-line at http://www.applytexas.org. Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Students who are currently enrolled at another institution must also submit a supplemental transcript upon completion of the semester in progress at the time of their application to Lamar University.

14. Transfer Credit Evaluation

Credit earned at other regionally accredited institutions will be considered for credit at Lamar University under the following policies:

1. All courses, whether passed, failed or repeated, are used in calculating a transfer grade point average. The transfer grade point average is used solely to determine admission status and is not incorporated into the Lamar University grade point average. NOTE: Transfer work will not be used in determining honors graduation status.
2. "D" grades are transferable, but some Lamar University departments may refuse to count them toward a degree.
3. Transfers from community/junior colleges are limited to 66 semester hours or the number of hours required by the university during the freshman and sophomore years in the degree plan in which the student plans to enroll. No lower-division (1000 or 2000 level) college credits will be considered for transfer as upper-division (3000 or 4000) credits.
4. Acceptance to the university does not constitute acceptance to a particular degree program.
5. Transfer students will be informed of the amount of credit that will transfer no later than the end of the first academic term in which they are enrolled.

American Council on Education (ACE) Credit

Lamar University accepts all transfer credits meeting ACE guidelines. Students enrolled in programs that grant ACE credit must submit official ACE transcripts. Non-equivalent credit is granted by the university; however, equivalent credit may be granted by a department chair for use in a specific degree plan.

Transfer of Military Credit

Credit may be granted for military experience. Credit will be evaluated based upon the evaluation recommendations outlined in the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services manual. Students must submit one of the following documents: Form DD214 or Form DD256.

15. Academic Fresh Start

Applicants seeking transfer admission or readmission and who have academic credits or grades that were earned ten or more years prior to the semester in which enrollment is sought, may elect to seek entry under the terms of academic fresh start. Under this policy the applicant may petition Lamar University not to consider in the admission process and in the calculation of GPA, course credits or grades earned ten years or prior. Applicants seeking entry under this section will not receive any credit for courses taken ten or more years prior to enrollment. Applicants applying under Academic Fresh Start are subject to all standard admission and testing criteria applicable to persons seeking admission.

16. Resolution of Transfer Disputes for Lower-division Courses

The following procedures shall be followed in the resolution of credit transfer disputes involving lower-division courses:

1. If Lamar University does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, the university shall give written notice to the student and to the sending institution that transfer of the course credit is denied. The university shall also provide written notice of the reasons for denying credit for a particular course or set of courses at the request of the sending institution.
2. A student who receives notice as specified in item (1) of this section may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either the sending or the receiving institution.
3. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules and guidelines.
4. If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of denial, the institution that denies the course credit for transfer shall notify the Texas Commissioner of Higher Education of its denial and the reasons for the denial.

The Commissioner of Higher Education or the Commissioner´s designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions.

17. Readmission for Former Students

Former Lamar students who have not registered or been in attendance for more than one calendar year must file for readmission .Students returning after an absence of less than one calendar year may continue after updating their addresses and telephone numbers with the Office of Records. Students who left on suspension must receive written clearance from the Dean of their academic college to be eligible for readmission.

Former students who have attended another college are required to submit official transcripts of all work done subsequent to the last date of attendance at Lamar University, and to meet the academic requirements for other transfer students outlined in this bulletin. The regular application for admission must be submitted.

18. Summer Transients (Summer Only)

Summer transient students are undergraduate students who attend another college or university in the Spring semester and enter Lamar University for the summer only with the intent of returning to the primary institution upon completion of summer enrollment.

Students who attend another college in the spring semester who wish to do summer work only at Lamar University may be admitted as transient students. A summer transient student must submit a regular application online athttp://www.applytexas.org. Official academic transcripts of previous college work are also required to determine academic prerequisite fulfillment.

Transient students must comply with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) (http://dept.lamar.edu/DevelopmentalStudies/TSIhome.html), which requires all students to demonstrate their readiness for college-level courses prior to enrollment. If official academic transcripts do not indicate TSI status, students must provide scores on a TSI-approved placement test (ACCUPLACER, THEA, ASSET or COMPASS), or evidence of exemption.

Transient students who later apply for regular admission to Lamar University must meet all entrance requirements for transfer students.

19. International Students

International students are entitled to all student services and programs for which they are eligible according to law and University policy. The university reserves the right to establish policies for selected groups of students if the policies are in the student´s and the university´s best interest.

International applicants will be carefully screened for academic excellence, English proficiency, adequate health and financial self-sufficiency.

Internationals are encouraged and expected to participate in student activities and organizational programs so as to experience more fully the culture of Southeast Texas. The university provides an atmosphere conducive to acceptance of internationals and affords them every opportunity to succeed.

The university adheres to entrance and exit standards for its non-native English speakers that take into account the minimum language skills necessary for success in academic work as well as the minimum standards that a diploma from the university represents.

In order for the international students to achieve their educational objectives, certain academic services are essential; the university provides facilities and staff commensurate with those needs. The Lamar Language Institute (LLI) provides noncredit instruction in English for students working to improve their English abilities, see section 3.2. The university recognizes that English language proficiency, and not citizenship or immigration status alone, is a key criterion in determining and meeting the needs of students for whom English is a second language.

International Student Admission

Application forms, test scores, financial statements and complete educational records must be on file by the dates indicated: June 1 for Fall Semester; November 1 for Spring Semester; and March 15 for the Summer Semester. Special application forms and details on the procedure to follow in making application for admission to Lamar University may be secured by writing to the Office of Admissions.

Applicants accepted by Lamar University are required to attend an orientation program for international students new to the Lamar campus. Dates for the program will be indicated upon acceptance and noted on the I-20, date of arrival. Failure to attend the program will delay registration for one semester. The program is designed to facilitate a smooth adjustment to the Lamar campus.

Applicants who attended foreign secondary schools, colleges or universities must furnish certified translations of their academic records. These records must show the ability to do above-average work in an academic program. Freshman admission will be based on the completion of 12 years of schooling, a requirement that the student be at least 18 years of age and eligible for admission to a recognized university in the student´s own country. Marks or grades must be well above average. Advanced standing credit will be granted for post-secondary work completed at a recognized college or university if marks are above average. A complete record of secondary school training and university training must be submitted. Complete and official translations must be furnished along with certified true copies of the original records. Records must show all subjects taken and grades or marks earned in each, both from the school and tests given by the Ministry of Education. The grading system should be clearly shown on each record. UN-CERTIFIED PHOTOGRAPHIC COPIES OR OTHER DUPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Translations must be certified true and correct.

English Proficiency Exam(s): International students whose first language is not English must take an English proficiency exam (TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS) and request that scores be sent to Lamar University. Only official copies of score reports from appropriate testing agencies will be accepted; test results must be less than two years old. English proficiency is not required of international students who receive an accredited degree from universities within the United States or from a country in which the official language is English.

Minimum scores for English proficiency for undergraduate students are as follows:

Test	TOEFL	PTE	IELTS
Totals	61	44	5.0
Writing Component	20	53	5.5

Students who meet the minimum Test Score but do not meet the minimum Writing Component are required to complete the Writeplacer Exam and will be placed in courses accordingly.

Students who fail the Writing Component are required to take and pass Academic English (LLIA 1301) in addition to their regular course load. Students whose English proficiency does not allow them to be accepted to Lamar University may apply for admission through the Bridge Program. Detailed information about this program is available at the International Student Services Office. This program allows students to take six hours of academic studies while taking six hours of English instruction with LLI. Students remain in the Bridge Program until they have successfully completed their required LLI courses and passed the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS.

Applicants applying as freshmen (first-year students) should submit acceptable scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). SAT scores may be waived for students who have completed a post-secondary academic degree with above average grades and/or have acquired 18 or more hours of transferrable college credit. Information on the SAT may be obtained by writing to the College Entrance Examination Board, Box 595, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, U.S.A. Scores must be received directly from the testing service. Photocopies or student copies of test scores will not be accepted.

All foreign students who have not successfully completed a minimum of three college hours prior to Fall, 1989, must complete the State-mandated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Test. Registration forms for testing are available in the Lamar University Testing Center, see section 4.2.1.

International students who plan to transfer to Lamar University from another college or university in the United States must have completed at least two regular semesters with at least 30 semester hours of transferable work. An average of "C" (2.0) on all work attempted is required. English proficiency must be demonstrated by submitting the scores mentioned earlier in this section. Applicants may be required to submit recommendations from teachers or foreign student advisors. The usual transfer admissions standards apply except that additional tests may be required if unconditional eligibility is not established. Students should be aware that certain academic programs may require higher academic proficiency for admission to their program.

International students must present proof of sufficient financial resources to meet the cost of attending Lamar University. International students are required to have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the United States. International students who plan to drive an automobile in the State of Texas must have liability insurance.

Conditional Admissions Policy for International Students

International undergraduate applicants whose high school GPA is not less than 2.50 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) will be considered for conditional admission. Once the conditionally admitted applicant meets the required minimum English proficiency score and required academic standardized test score he or she will be admitted to the university.

20. Early Admission Programs

Lamar University offers many opportunities for qualified students who wish to attend college while still in high school. The credit earned can be applied to degree programs at Lamar or transferred to other colleges and universities in accordance with the transfer policies of the degree granting institution. In some instances, students may simultaneously receive credit for both high school and college courses.

Dual Credit – A course taken for dual credit earns the student college credit while also satisfying high school graduation requirements. Assignment of dual high school credit is the responsibility of the high school and the student. Students seeking dual credit for earned college hours must contact their high school for specific high school requirements.

Early College Credit – This is a program in which students earn college credit only.

Early Entry Programs:

Early College Entry – Allows high school students to take university courses on the Lamar campus in a traditional classroom setting.Distance Education -Allows accelerated high school students to earn both high school and college credit while attending daytime classes on the high school campus. Two-way interactive video links a University faculty member with a class on the University campus to classrooms in regional high schools. Based on the high school´s need and student interest, Lamar University can also provide a faculty member for on-site instruction.Lamar Early Access Program (LEAP) -The Lamar University Early Access Program is a cooperative venture between Lamar and participating high schools allowing high school juniors and seniors to take university courses taught by their high school teachers on the high school campus. The high school teacher must hold a master´s degree in the teaching discipline or a master´s degree with 18 graduate hours in the teaching discipline. To establish LEAP, the high school principal should contact the Center for Distance Education.On-Line Dual Credit -On-line dual credit courses are offered in various formats through Lamar Online. All dual credit students (no matter what format) must meet all university requirements for early admission. Students taking dual credit through the Texas Virtual School Network must apply and be approved through that agency. Students should contact their high school counselor to initiate TSVSN application.Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) (Dual Credit) -The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) an early college entrance residential honors program created by the Texas Legislature that allows academically qualified high school aged students in the state to earn university credits towards a college degree. Students are considered full time university students. Students live on campus and enroll in a full-time university curriculum. Graduates of TALH are awarded a diploma from the Academy. The typical TALH graduate will earn 60 hours of college credit after two years of study. Required for admission are academic transcripts from the 8th grade to date, a minimum SAT composite score (550 on the critical reading and 500 on the math portions), an autobiographical essay and at least two recommendations from teachers/administrators familiar with the student´s abilities and character. The successful candidate will have a superior academic record and SAT score and supporting application materials evidencing the personal integrity, sense of responsibility and level of maturity requisite for success in the program. Tuition and fees are fully subsidized 15 credit hours. Applicants are strongly urged to submit their application for the fall semester by March 31. Additional information is available by contacting the program director at 409.839.2995<.

Admissions Standards:

Applicants for early admissions programs must meet the following two criteria:

1. Admission to Lamar University

a.Complete an application for admission to Lamar University

b.Secure any required high school counselor or principal signatures

c.Submit official high school transcript

d.Submit SAT, PSAT or ACT scores

AND

2. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Compliance Students must meet one of the following:

a. Be exempt from THEA. Test scores that exempt a student from THEA are SAT Composite Score—1070 (with minimum 500 Verbal and 500 Math) ACT Composite Score—23 (with minimum 19 Verbal and 19 Math) TAKS— 2200 Math; 2200 English; Writing 3 or higher

OR

Meet Lamar University standards on an appropriate TSI placement test as described at https://www.lamar.edu/tsi/TexasSuccessInitiative.pdf.

Prior to being enrolled, achieve THEA scores listed below: The selection of courses is determined on the basis of the student´s high school background, the recommendation of the high school counselor, and assessment of the Lamar University academic advisor. These classes generate college credit. Any use of these credits toward high school graduation is at the discretion of the high school and must be approved by the high school prior to enrollment at Lamar.

Course Number	Course Title	Official THEA Score Required
Communication 1315	Public Speaking I	230 Reading and 220/5 Writing
Economics 2302	Principles of Economics II	230 Reading and 220/5 Writing
English 1301	Composition I	230 Reading and 220/5 Writing
English 1302	Composition II	230 Reading and 220/5 Writing
English 2320	British Literature	230 Reading and 220/5 Writing
English 2326	American Literature	230 Reading and 220/5 Writing
English 2331	World Literature	230 Reading and 220/5 Writing
History 1301	US History I	230 Reading
History 1302	US History II	230 Reading
Math 1314	College Algebra	260 Math
Math 2413	Calculus I	260 Math
Political Science 2301	American Government I	230 Reading

21. Required Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Testing

Texas law (the Texas Success Initiative --TSI) mandates that all Texas public institutions of higher education shall assess the academic skills of each entering undergraduate student to determine the student´s readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework. To identify and provide diagnostic information about the reading, mathematics and writing skills of each student, the Lamar University Testing Center administers the THEA, the Quick-THEA, and the ACCUPLACER tests for this purpose. These tests are widely available elsewhere in the state, and students may test at any convenient testing center. For more information, contact the Lamar University Testing Center at 409.880.8878 or at careerandtestingcenter@lamar.edu.

ALL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ADMITTED TO LAMAR UNIVERSITY MUST TAKE AN APPROVED TSI TEST, AND SCORES FROM THE TEST MUST BE RECEIVED BY LU BEFORE STUDENTS CAN BE ADVISED AND REGISTERED FOR COURSE WORK.

Exemptions/Exceptions: Students shall be exempt from TSI requirements under the following conditions:

1. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards:

A. ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt for those corresponding sections;

B. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): a combined verbal and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the verbal test and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt for those corresponding sections; or

1. For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the eleventh grade exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the math section and/or a minimum scale score of 2200 on the English Language Arts section with a writing subsection score of at least 3, shall be exempt from the assessment required under this title for those corresponding sections.
2. A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Texas public institution of higher education.
3. A student who transfers to a Texas public institution from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework of at least six (6) equivalent credit hours (3 algebra, 3 designated reading/writing intensive courses) with a grade of "C" or better.
4. A student who has previously attended any Texas public institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution as indicated on the student´s official transcript from the sending institution.
5. A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college.
6. A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
7. A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.

Lamar University may exempt a non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking student.

Minimum Passing Standards

Scores required by Lamar University on various TSI placement tests for entry into regular courses may be found at https://www.lamar.edu/tsi/TexasSuccessInitiative.pdf.

22. Advisement and Plan for Academic Success

For each student who is not exempted from Texas Success Initiative (TSI) compliance or who fails to meet the minimum passing standards on a TSI-approved test, Lamar University's Center for College Readiness personnel will:

1. Establish a program to advise the student regarding developmental education necessary to ensure readiness to perform freshman-level academic coursework.
   1. Determine a plan, working with the student, for academic success, which shall include college readiness education and may include provisions for enrollment in appropriate non-developmental coursework. Each plan for academic success shall:
      1. Be designed on an individual basis to provide the best opportunity for each student to succeed in performing freshman-level academic coursework.
      2. Provide to the student a description of the appropriate college readiness education considered necessary to ensure the student is prepared to perform freshman-level academic coursework.
      3. Provide to the student an appropriate measure for determining readiness to perform freshman-level academic coursework.

For more information about the Texas Success Initiative, approved placement testing, or college readiness at Lamar University, please contact the Center for College Readiness at 409.880.8954.

2. Student Financial Aid and Awards

Lamar University is committed to helping students attain their educational goals and expand their opportunities. Financial aid is monetary assistance to help with costs associated with attendance at Lamar University. Financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment is available to qualified students. Information regarding programs, policies, rules, regulations, and eligibility criteria can be obtained from the Student Financial Aid Office, P.O. Box 10042, Beaumont, Texas 77710, 409.880.8450 or http://dept.lamar.edu/financialaid, or from the Office of Recruitment and Scholarships, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas 77710, 409.880.1714.

The Lamar University Office of Student Financial Aid only processes Grants, Stafford Loans, Work Study, and Exemptions/Waivers. Even though scholarships are counted in your financial aid package, any questions concerning scholarships should be directed to the Scholarship Office.

Financial aid is not awarded until you have been admitted into a degree seeking program and all required documents have been received by the Lamar University Financial Aid Office.

When to Apply

Financial Aid applications (FAFSA) and related documents should be completed by March 31 to meet the priority deadline for the following academic year. Notification of awards will be mailed or emailed in late spring and early summer. The university will continue to award student aid as long as funds are available. The most desirable types of aid are normally expended early, therefore, students should make every effort to meet the March 31 deadline.

How to Apply

STEP 1

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by applying online at http://www.fafsa.gov. Using the most recent income tax information, you need to complete a new FAFSA the first year and a renewal FAFSA in subsequent years. You and one of your biological parents can speed up the process by obtaining a PIN to be able to sign the application. A PIN can be obtained at http://www.pin.ed.gov. Make sure that Lamar University receives the information by listing Lamar University when you complete the FAFSA. Our school code is 003581. You will receive an acknowledgement from the U.S. Dept of Education upon receipt.

STEP 2

Once your electronic information is received by Lamar University, the Financial Aid Office will request additional documentation before you are awarded. Once you have been admitted to Lamar University, you can log into your student account online and view what documents the Financial Aid Office is requesting. Many times we will request a signed copy of your tax return and your parents' tax return from the tax year requested on the FAFSA, a copy of all corresponding W-2's, a verification worksheet (available on LU's Financial Aid website), and documentation of additional untaxed income such as child support may be needed.

STEP 3

Once we have received all of the requested paperwork, reviewed it, and verified it; you will be awarded grants (if available and applicable) and loans for which you are eligible. During this process we will also re-evaluate your academic progress. If you are not meeting Lamar University's Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards, then your aid will be put on hold. You will have an opportunity to appeal, if you are not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards, by submitting an appeal letter to the Financial Aid Office. Make sure that all necessary documentation is submitted and you fully explain why academic standards were not met.

STEP 4

Once financial aid has been awarded you will need to accept the grants and loans online and follow the additional instructions for student loans to ensure the funds arrive as soon as possible. Students who accept loans will need to complete an additional step by completing Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note at www.studentloans.gov. Students must completely follow all instructions to receive all of their financial aid.

Parents wishing to request a PLUS loan will complete the PLUS application and PLUS Master Promissory Note at www.studentloans.gov by logging in with parent information. Once we receive a request for the PLUS loan and all required documentation is complete, the parent and student will have to complete a Plus Loan Worksheet telling us whether the refund, if any as a result of the PLUS loan, should be given to the parent or the student.

Graduate students requesting a Graduate PLUS loan must complete the PLUS application and PLUS Master Promissory Note at http://www.studentloans.gov. A Graduate PLUS Loan Worksheet must also be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Federal Perkins Loan Awards must be accepted in person in the Financial Aid Office.

STEP 5

Provided you have registered during the priority registration time frame and all your processing is complete, money will be disbursed to your account up to three days before classes begin. Any residual money (refund) will be disbursed to you through the Cardinal One Card. Note: Prior to Lamar University releasing your funds, we will check the number of class hours in which you are enrolled, satisfactory academic progress, default status, and if you have completed the entrance counseling requirement.

Short-term Loans

Lamar University may provide a short-term loan (payment arrangement) for students in need. Short-term loans for 30 to 60 days are designed to cover emergency situations and must be repaid within the semester in which the loan is made. Those interested in a short-term loan should contact the Cashier's Office at 409.880.8390.

Employment

Employment opportunities under the Federal College Work-Study Program and other employment programs of the university are available to Lamar students as part of the financial assistance program. The university, local businesses and industries provide a number of part-time jobs that enable students to earn part or all of their expenses while attending the university. Students will need to contact the Career and Testing Center at 409.880.8878 for more information on job opportunities.

TO CHECK THE PROGRESS OF YOUR STUDENT LOANS/GRANTS ONLINE

1. Go to Self Service Banner and Log In.
2. Look under the "Financial Aid" tab. Under this title you will see various links that provide a large amount of information concerning your financial aid account.

TO DOWNLOAD STUDENT FINANCIAL AID FORMS

1. Go to the Financial Aid Website at http://dept.lamar.edu/financialaid
2. Click on "Forms"

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• The priority date for submitting all documents required for financial aid awards is March 31.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress must be maintained in order to continue to receive financial aid. Lamar University will not automatically award or process any loans for individuals who have defaulted on their student loans. Students submitting documentation that the defaulted loan has been repaid or satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made may be considered for grants and work study. The letter (from the respective guaranty agency) must also state that the student is now eligible for further financial aid.

Scholarships

Students wishing to be considered for scholarships should request and complete the Lamar University Academic Scholarship Application found online at http://beacardinal.lamar.edu/scholarships. Academic transcripts must be submitted with the application. Beginning freshman applicants should arrange to have SAT or ACT test scores on file with the Lamar University Admissions Office. Scholarship funds are limited and recipients normally must have a grade point average in excess of 3.50 to be considered. Students are encouraged to contact their major department in order to secure application information for scholarships, which may be offered directly through the department. Scholarship applications should be completed by February 1 to meet the priority deadline for the following year. Completed applications should be forwarded to the Scholarship Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas 77710 (215 Wimberly Building.)

Minimum Qualifications

Scholarship awards to entering freshmen are determined by applicants' high school academic records, scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing Program (ACT), leadership and high school class rank. Scholarship awards for upper-class students are determined by their cumulative grade point average as well as displayed leadership abilities.

Those applying for need-based grants, loans or work-study employment must have their eligibility established by the FAFSA. In order to be eligible for federal educational assistance, the student must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
2. Possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school; Note: Students who graduate from home schools or unaccredited high schools must submit passing ACT or GED scores.
3. Be admitted to Lamar University; and
4. In the case of continuing students, meet reasonable academic progress standards.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)—Students receiving aid must maintain a 2.00 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Students must also complete 75% of the hours they attempt and earn their first degree within 150% of the published hours required to earn the degree. Students who feel that extenuating circumstances prevented them from achieving the academic progress standard may address a written appeal to the Director of Financial Aid.

Policy Regarding Competitive Scholarships

Competitive scholarships are awarded under the authority of the Lamar University Scholarship Committee, or other University committees specifically authorized by the Lamar University administration to commit scholarship funds. Students applying for academic scholarships administered through the university should complete the Lamar University Scholarship Application. Students seeking scholarships related to specific skills or areas of study should contact the university department in the specific area of interest.

Selection Factors

Scholarships offered through the Lamar University Scholarship Committee are awarded on a competitive basis. The application process is open to all potential and current students. Scholarships may be awarded to graduating high school seniors, transfer students, or currently enrolled Lamar University students. Factors indicating academic achievement used in determining recipients of competitive scholarships include: 1) class ranking and/or grade point averages; 2) standardized test scores such as SAT, ACT, or GRE; 3) previous high school and/or college academic transcripts; 4) academic awards, honors, or achievements; and 5) academic major. Displayed leadership abilities and participation in extracurricular activities are used as secondary factors.

Competitive scholarships are also awarded by university programs for students showing demonstrated abilities and prior successful participation in such areas as music, writing, art, dance, or athletics. Factors in the awarding of competitive skill-based scholarships include evaluation by faculty and/or staff in each specific area. Evaluations may be based on, but are not limited to, video, film, audio-tape, auditions, student-created works, or personal observations of student performance by university faculty or staff.

McMaster Honors Program scholarships of up to $10,000 each are available for students in the university's Honors program. Students may contact the director of the program at 409.212.9724 or see http://dept.lamar.edu/honors for details.

Waiver of Non-Resident Fees

Students receiving competitive academic scholarships of $1,000 or more may be exempt from the payment of nonresident tuition rates. To be eligible for this waiver the scholarship must meet all institutional requirements of competitive awards and comply with all rules governing tuition rates and waivers as established by the State of Texas.

Valedictorians

Valedictorians from accredited high schools of Texas are entitled to an exemption from payment of tuition and laboratory fees for the two regular semesters immediately following graduation. Other fees are not exempt. Upon registration, valedictorians should submit the "Highest Ranking Graduate Certificate" to the Student Financial Aid Office so that the appropriate fee adjustment can be made.

Students with Physical Handicaps (Vocational Rehabilitation)

The Texas Rehabilitation Commission offers assistance for tuition and non-refundable fees to students who have certain disabling conditions, provided their vocational objectives have been approved by a TRC counselor. Examples of such conditions are orthopedic deformities, emotional disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, etc. Other services also are available to assist the handicapped student to become employable. Application for such service should be made at the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Beaumont District Office, 5550 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77701, 409.898.3988.

Hazlewood Exemption

The purpose of Hazlewood Exemption is to provide an education benefit to Texas veterans who received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge and to eligible dependent children and spouses of Texas veterans.

Eligibility is for Veterans who were at the time of entry into the US Armed Forces Texas residents, designated Texas as Home of Record or entered the service in Texas, served at least 181 days of active military duty, and have no federal benefits dedicated to the semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits (such as Ch 33 Post 9/11 or Ch 31 Voc Rehab). These veterans must be current Texas residents, and not in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas, and enrolled in classes for which the college receives tax support.

Qualifying Veterans may transfer their unused Hazlewood benefits to their biological child, step child, adopted child or dependent in the current or previous tax year. The child must be a Texas resident and 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester.

The Children and/or Spouse of qualifying Texas Veterans (who were members of the US Armed Forces, Texas National Guard or Texas Air National Guard) are entitled to Hazlewood if the parent or spouse died as a result of service-related injuries or illness, is missing in action or became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of service-related injury or illness. The children and/or spouse must be current Texas residents.

A child or step child of a member of the Armed Forces who is deployed to active duty in a combat zone outside the United States is entitled to exemption from the payment of tuition (fees not included.) The child must be a Texas resident or entitled to pay the resident tuition rate.

Further information and applications may be found at http://www.collegeforalltexans.com or through the Lamar University Veteran's Affairs Office at 409.880.8998 or http://dept.lamar.edu/records.

Release of Records

All records (applications and need analysis documents) submitted by a third party become the property of Lamar University and cannot be released to another institution or the student. Prior to processing, items submitted by the student may be returned upon the student's written request. Parental income tax information may be returned upon written request of the parent. A minimum of five days may be required to complete the return of the requested items. Once the application has been processed, all items must be maintained for audit purposes and cannot be released.

Tuition Rebates for Certain Undergraduates

Certain students entering higher education for the first time in fall 1997 or later may be eligible for a $1,000 tuition rebate granted at the time of graduation. Specific details of this program are available from the Offices of Academic Services or the Registrar, 409.880.8368 or http://dept.lamar.edu/records. To be eligible to apply for this rebate, students must meet all of the following conditions:

1. Enroll in higher education for the first time in the fall of 1997 or later.
2. Work toward a first baccalaureate degree.
3. Attempt all courses at a Texas state institution and have been entitled to pay resident tuition rates at all times of enrollment.
4. Attempt no more than three hours in excess of the minimum number of semester credit hours to complete the degree under the Lamar University General Catalog from which they graduated. Hours attempted include transfer credits, course credit earned by examination, courses dropped after the official census date, for-credit college readiness courses, optional internship and cooperative education courses, and repeated courses.
5. Apply to the Office of the Registrar during the semester in which the student applies for graduation.

Refunds

For those students withdrawing from the university and who are receiving or have received financial assistance (grants, loans, scholarships), all or a portion of the refund will be returned to the appropriate financial aid source. Recipients in attendance at Lamar University for the first time and who withdraw prior to the 60% point in the semester will have refunds calculated according to the Pro-Rata Refund Schedule listed below. All other applicable refunds will be calculated according to the Refund Policy as outlined in the Fees and Expenses section of this catalog.

Pro-Rata Refund Schedule

Fall or Spring Semester

1. Prior to first class day, 100%
2. During the first week, 80%
3. During the second week, 70%
4. During the third week, 50%
5. During the fourth week, 25%
6. During the fifth week, 0%

Summer Session

1. Prior to first class day, 100%
2. During the first week, 80%
3. During the second week, 50%
4. During the third week, 0%

For dates relevant to refunds during accelerated online courses, see the Academic Partnerships Calendar.

In allocating the refund to specific programs, Lamar University will practice a "Fixed Priority Allocation." The listing below indicates the priority in which programs will be refunded. The full amount received under each program is returned in priority order until the refund amount is exhausted. The amount returned to a specific program cannot exceed the amount the student received from that program. Refunds due to the Department of Education (DOE) for Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans will be refunded directly to the DOE. The Director of Student Financial Aid may exercise professional judgment in exceptions to the distribution hierarchy policy.

Refund Priority

Federal Pell Grant

Federal SEOG

Federal Perkins Loan

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan

Federal PLUS Loan

Policy Regarding Referrals of Suspected Fraud or Criminal Misconduct

In the event that an applicant is suspected of participating in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with the application for Title IV, HEA program assistance, the information will be referred to the appropriate university, state, and/or federal authorities. These authorities may include, but are not limited to, the following: University Discipline Officer, University Police, Beaumont Police and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education.

3. Fees and Expenses

Lamar University reserves the right to change fees in keeping with acts of the Texas Legislation and rules and regulations of the Texas State University System. By registering for classes at the university, the student agrees to abide by all the policies of the university.

1. Payment of Fees

A student is not registered until all fees have been paid in full or the student has paid the equivalent of a down payment on the installment plan (if available). Payment may be made by check, Mastercard/Discover/AMEX (online only), money order, currency or financial aid (exemptions, loans, grants and scholarships). Checks and money orders should be made payable to Lamar University and will be accepted subject to final payment. The university will not accept counter checks, postdated checks, credit card checks or altered checks. Excess payments will be refunded through the students Cardinal One card at the discretion of the university. Students on a "cash only" basis will be restricted to paying by MasterCard/Discover/AMEX, money orders, currency or financial aid. Payments can be made:

1. At the Cashier's office during working hours (cash, checks or money orders only).
2. On the Internet at https://www.lamar.edu.
3. By drop box at Wimberly 114 for check (with student I.D.) in a sealed envelope. These payments will be considered part of the next business day's activity if paid after 5:00 p.m. No cash will be accepted.
4. Mailed to the Payment Center at P.O. Box 10183, Beaumont, TX 77710.

Students who are delinquent on obligations will be prohibited from registering for class until all obligations are paid in full. Also, holds are placed on academic records so that students cannot obtain transcripts until all obligations are paid in full.

Delinquent obligations to the university will be sent to a collection agency and reported to credit bureaus. All costs of collections are paid by the student, which is generally an additional 33.333 percent of the student's obligations to the university. Delinquent accounts must be paid at the collection agency. Payment cannot be accepted by Lamar University if the account has been forwarded to a collection agency.

Installment Payment Program

Students may enter into the installment program of the university upon verbal or written request in a Fall or Spring semester. Students who do not pay tuition and fees in full will be placed in the installment program if the student has paid at least the amount of the down payment (otherwise classes will be dropped). The installment program generally requires a 50 percent down payment with the next 25 percent due about 30 days after the semester starts and the final 25 percent due about 60 days after the semester starts. A non-refundable service charge of $20 is assessed for the installment program. A late fee of $15 will be assessed beginning the first day after an installment due date for each delinquent installment payment. Reductions of fees for students in the installment program from drops or withdrawals are calculated as a percentage of the total fees assessed, not as a percentage of any partial payments.

For information concerning installment payments for online courses in accelerated terms, contact the Student Financial Aid Office at 409.880.7011, or see http://degree.lamar.edu/financialAid.aspx.

2. Summary of Registration Expenses

Each student must plan a budget carefully. The following webpage is provided to determine the approximate cost of attendance.

https://www.lamar.edu/tuition-and-fees

* Tuition and fees vary from semester to semester and vary with the semester hours carried so the total may differ from this estimate.

Summaries of Fees

Following are "Summaries of Fees" in that can be used in estimating total tuition and fee charges. The total amount of these fees is typical of other state universities in Texas though specific fees will vary from university to university. Note that these do not include course fees, and it is assumed the student is enrolled only at Lamar University.

Lamar University May Mini/Summer/Fall 2011 Fees

https://www.lamar.edu/tuition-and-fees.

3. Tuition

Tuition has two components to it: the portion set by the State (conventional tuition) and the portion set by the Board of Regents regulated by State statutes (local tuition). By State statute, both of these items must be billed together and called "tuition." The State portion (conventional tuition) is based upon the number of hours for which the student registers and is determined by the student's classification as a Texas resident or a non-Texas resident. The Admissions Office determines legal residence for tuition purposes on the basis of statutes of the State of Texas. State tuition is remitted to the State by the university. The local tuition portion is assessed to support university debt service and other university functions that are not supported by state funding. Approximately 70 percent of this fee is used to finance debt service. Other items supported by this fee include the post office, print shop, supply center, cashiering, and other institutional support functions. The current rate is $120 per semester hour. Thus, the combined conventional and local tuition rate is $170 per semester hour. For an overview of total current costs of attendance, see Summary of Registration Expenses above.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is set by the Board of Regents and is assessed to support the Graduate Studies program. The current graduate tuition is $75 per hour.

Determining Residence Status

Texas law specifies that if there is any question as to the student's right to classification as a resident of Texas, it is the student's responsibility to (1) have his or her classification officially determined and (2) to register under the proper classification. Students are classified as resident, nonresident, or foreign for tuition purposes according to state statutes (Title 3, Texas Education Code) and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules and regulations interpreting these statutes. These statutes, rules and regulations are available from the Office of Admissions Services in the Wimberly Student Services Building. Questions should be directed to that office.

Tuition for Undergraduate Students with Excessive Credit Hours

In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 345 (1999), Section 61.0595 of the Education Code establishes that if a resident undergraduate student earns credit hours that exceed by at least 45 hours the number of credit hours required by a degree program, Lamar University will not receive state funding for those hours. The university will, therefore, charge the student the rate charged non-resident students. For example, a degree program requires 120 semester credit hours, but a resident undergraduate student enrolls in 166 credit hours. The student is charged resident rate for 120 plus 45 hours, totaling 165, but the student is charged the non-resident rate for any hours exceeding 165.

An undergraduate student who is not enrolled in a degree program is considered to be enrolled in a degree program requiring a minimum of 120 semester credit hours.

This law does not apply to a student enrolled in: 1) two or more baccalaureate degree programs at the same time, 2) a double major degree program that requires 130 or more semester credits for completion, or 3) a health professional baccalaureate degree program.

The following credits are not counted for purposes of determining whether the student has previously earned the number of semester credit hours specified above: 1) semester credit hours earned by the student before receiving a baccalaureate degree that has been previously awarded to the student, 2) semester credit hours earned by the student by examination or under any other procedure by which credit is earned without registering for a course for which tuition is charged, 3) credit for a remedial education course, a technical course, a work-force education course funded according to contact hours, or another course that does not count toward a degree program at the institution, or 4) semester credit hours earned by the student at a private institution or an out-of-state institution.

These provisions do not affect any students who initially enrolled as an undergraduate student in any institution of higher education before the fall 1999 semester. For additional information, contact the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Operations.

4. Fees

Course Fees

Some courses have additional fees associated with them. Students should always check with the department offering the class to see what additional fees will be assessed. Most course fees are also listed in the class schedule.

Student Service Fee

The student service fee supports student activities such as athletics, recreational sports, the university Press and other student services. The current rate is $23.75 per hour with a maximum of $250.

Setzer Student Center Fee

This fee supports the Setzer Student Center and its programs. The current rate is $30 per long semester and $15 per summer/mini session.

Health Center Fee

The Health Center Fee supports the student Health Center and is $36 per long semester and $18 per summer/mini session.

Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center Fee

This fee supports the recreational sports center. The current rate is $72.60 per long semester and $36 per summer session.

Technology Service Fee

This fee supports institutional technology services across campus. The current rate is $30 per hour.

Library Use Fee

This fee is used to support the library. As every course (including online and remote courses) is given the mandate to use the library, all students are charged this fee. The current rate is $16 per hour.

Distance Learning Fee

A charge up to $50 per semester credit hour of instruction will be charged to students enrolled in courses offered by means of distance learning.

Late Registration Fee

A charge of $10 is made for late registration or for paying after the start of the semester (not including the second or third payments under the installment plan).

Reinstatement Fee

A student seeking reinstatement to the university after withdrawing from the university without paying the full amount of tuition and fees due, or after having been denied credit for work done for failure to pay an installment payment or late payment fee, shall pay a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to past due installment payments and late payment fees.

Private Lessons in Voice and Instrumental Music

Applied music courses (per semester hour) $50.00 Maximum $150 per course.

Parking Fee

Charges for parking on campus are made at registration. Automobile registration fees are as follows: Fall semester, $32; Spring semester, $22; Summer, $12. Only one registration is required during an academic year, and a student's parking fee is honored until the end of Summer Session II.

Property Deposit

Each student will be required to pay a one-time $10 property deposit. Any unused portion of the $10 will be refunded upon written request to the Cashiers' Office after the student graduates or withdraws from the university. If a student attends the university for more than four years, this fee will be charged again.

Health and Accident Insurance

Health and accident insurance coverage is available for purchase at registration for students carrying nine or more semester hours. This or similar insurance is required of all international students. Additional information may be obtained from the Student Affairs Office.

Special Fees

Fees will be set by the university for courses in which special plans and/or field trips must be prepared and specialists secured as instructors. Students who feel they may be exempt from some fees should contact the Student Financial Aid Office. For example:

Exemption 1: Scholarships to High School Honor Graduates

The highest ranking student in the graduating class of a fully accredited Texas

high school will be entitled to a tuition and laboratory fee waiver valued at

approximately $3,600. Details may be obtained from the Student Aid Office.

Exemption 2: Hazlewood

Persons who were citizens of Texas at the time of entry into the Armed Forces

and who are no longer eligible for federal educational benefits, are exempt from tuition, laboratory fees, Setzer Student Center fees, general use fee and computer use fee. This applies to those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War or Desert Storm and were honorably discharged. This exemption also applies to those veterans who entered service after Jan. 1, 1977, and did not contribute under the VEAP program. To obtain this exemption, necessary papers must be presented prior to registration and approval obtained from the Office of Veterans' Affairs. The above exemption also extends to children of members of the Armed Forces who were killed in action or died while in the service in World War II, the Korean Conflict or Vietnam War. Students need to provide a copy of their separation papers (DD214) and a letter from the Veteran's Administration stating that the student has no remaining eligibility. Students who expect to attend under some veterans' benefit plan should contact the Office of Veterans' Affairs 90 to 120 days prior to registration. The Office of Veterans' Affairs advises veterans on program and training opportunities, academic assistance and counseling. Veterans interested in information in these areas should visit this office in the Wimberly Student Services Building.

5. Policy on Waiving Fees

Off-Campus Classes

Students taking online or remote classes will not be required to pay Setzer Center, Health Center or property deposit fees. All other fees are required by either Board of Regents or State statute and cannot be waived. Such courses have an additional $25 per hour fee to compensate for the additional expenses of these classes (rent of facilities, transportation of personnel and materials, additional record keeping, etc.).

Multi-Campus Students

Students taking classes on more than one Lamar campus (Lamar-Beaumont, Lamar-Orange, Lamar-Port Arthur, Lamar-Institute of Technology) may be entitled to a reduction of fees. The basis for the reduction would be so as not to exceed fee maximums for specific fees. The Cashiers' Office should be contacted for information regarding multi-campus adjustments or to ensure an adjustment is made. Adjustments will not be made until after the last day a refund for withdrawing from the university can be obtained.

Refund of Tuition and/or Fees

Students requesting a refund of tuition and/or fees resulting from dropped courses or from withdrawing from the university should direct questions to the Cashiers' Office . Withdrawal refunds are calculated as a percentage of total fees assessed, not as a percentage of partial payments on installments. Refunds for dropped classes are generally processed at the end of the second week past the 12th semester day of regular semesters and after the 4th semester day during summer sessions. Refunds for withdrawals are generally processed at the end of the second week following the 12th semester day for regular semesters and two weeks after the 6th semester day for summer sessions.

Students taking online courses in accelerated 5 or 8 week terms may view the calendar of dates critical for refunds.

Dropped Courses

In order to receive a 100% reduction of tuition and fees for dropped courses, a student must drop according to the schedule below, and remain enrolled in some hours with the university. Questions should be directed to the Cashier's Office.

Fall or Spring Semester

1. Through the twelfth semester day, 100 percent.
2. After the twelfth semester day, no refund.

Summer Session

1. Through the fourth semester day, 100 percent.
2. After the fourth semester day, no refund.

Withdrawal from the university

Tuition and fees may be reduced when a student withdraws. Depending on the amount of reduction and what the student has paid, the student may receive a refund or may still owe money to the university. Any student who officially withdraws from the university will receive a reduction on tuition and fees according to the following schedule.

Fall or Spring Semester

1. Prior to the first semester day, 100 percent less a $15 matriculation fee.
2. During the first through fifth semester days, 80 percent.
3. During the sixth through tenth semester days, 70 percent.
4. During the eleventh through fifteenth semester days, 50 percent.
5. During the sixteenth through twentieth semester days, 25 percent.
6. After the twentieth semester day, none.

Summer Session

1. Prior to the first semester day, 100 percent less a $15 matriculation fee.
2. During the first, second or third semester day, 80 percent.
3. During the fourth, fifth or sixth semester day, 50 percent.
4. Seventh semester day and after, none.

The $10 Property Deposit is refundable upon written request by the student to the Cashiers' Office.

Withdrawing from the university does not relieve the student of any financial obligations under the Installment Payment Program or for any student loans as these are the student's legal financial commitments.

Insufficient Funds Checks

Checks written to the university and returned unpaid for any reason will result in a $25 charge plus applicable fees for a delinquent account (e.g. $10 late registration fee, $15 late installment payment fee, etc.). Students with a returned check will be on "cash only" status for the duration of their enrollment at Lamar, subject to appeal. Students on a "cash only" basis are prohibited from paying with a personal check (all other payment methods are acceptable).

Matriculation Fee

A matriculation fee of $15 will be incurred by students who withdraw prior to the first day of class. This $15 fee will be deducted from refunds.

Miscellaneous Fees

• Transcript Fee $5.00
• Advanced Standing Examination (per course) $25.00
• Photo Identification $5.00
• Parking Tickets $20-200.00
• Special Handling Fee $20.00
• Lost Cardinal One Card $25.00
• Microfilming of abstract and binding of first three copies of thesis $75.00
• Microfilming of abstract and binding of first three copies of field study or dissertation $85.00
• Thesis, field study, or dissertation binding (each copy after the first three) $10.00 + tax
• Diploma fees (with tax) $ 24.45 + tax
• Cap, gown and hood (disposable) – Master's (plus tax) $ 65.96
• Cap, gown and hood (rental) – Doctor's (plus tax) $ 81.96
• Copyrighting $45.00
• Transcript Fee $5.00
• Photo Identification $ 5.00

Other departments may charge fees for programs or services available to students. Questions regarding these charges should be directed to the corresponding departments.

Fines and Breakage Loss

Library fines, charges for breakage or loss of equipment or other charges must be paid before a transcript of credit or a permit to re-enter the university will be issued. The university reserves the right to make a special assessment against any student guilty of inexcusable breakage, loss of instructional equipment or other university property.