ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

The following policies are specific to enrollment for the residential campus of OCC. For admissions information and policies for OCC’s online degree, please see the Online Learning section.

18 - ENROLLMENT PLANNING 18 - CAMPUS VISIT 19 - REQUIREMENTS FOR A STUDENT TO BE FULLY

ACCEPTED FOR ENROLLMENT 20 - FRESHMAN STUDENTS 21 - TRANSFER STUDENTS 23 - INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 24- HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SEEKING DUAL

ENROLLMENT 25- NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS 26 - READMISSION OF RETURNING STUDENTS 27 - THOSE HAVING CRIMINAL CHARGES OR

PRISON RECORD 27 - TRANSFER OF CREDIT 28 - ACADEMIC HONESTY IN ADMISSION

Ozark Christian College is dedicated to training men and women for Christian service. The mission of the Admissions Department at Ozark Christian College is to actively recruit a national and diverse group of prospective students through accurate and effective communication to enroll students who are ready to train for Christian service. The Admissions Department at OCC works to provide prospective students with information and counsel on how OCC can prepare them for lifelong Christian service. To do this effectively, the following information will serve as a guide for admissions policies, procedures, and recruitment programs.

Ozark Christian College reserves the right to change admissions policies as needed. The Admissions Department may require certain students to submit supplemental material to make an informed decision about admission. This information will be communicated with the student by admissions staff members.

ENROLLMENT PLANNING

When you decide to join the Ozark Christian College family, you may have questions regarding admission qualifications, procedures, requirements, and financial considerations. We hope the material in the following pages will help answer your questions. All admissions policies and forms are also available at occ.edu. If you need more information or if you have questions, feel free to contact the Admissions Department at 417.680.5678 or admissions@occ.edu.

CAMPUS VISIT

Many prospective students have found it helpful to visit campus (preferably on a class day) before making their decision to attend OCC. Please let the Admissions Department know when you would like to visit, and our campus visit team will do their best to design your visit with your interests in mind. Please make your campus visit arrangements by contacting the Admissions Department at 417.680.5678 or admissions@occ.edu.

We also offer Tuesday Tour visit days that take place on select class days throughout each semester. If you come on a Tuesday Tour, you will attend class, attend chapel, go on a campus tour, eat lunch with our president, and receive a scholarship to OCC when you apply. You can find available Tuesday Tour dates and registration information at occ.edu/tuesdaytour.

OVERVIEW OF REQUIREMENTS FOR A STUDENT TO BE FULLY ACCEPTED FOR ENROLLMENT

Students who wish to enroll at Ozark Christian College will need to complete all admission requirements based on their particular entry status to be considered for acceptance. Please see the corresponding section below to see the requirements for each of the follow entry status types: • First-time (freshmen) students: students who are entering college for the first time following the completion of high school • Transfer students: students who have attended a college or university following the completion of high school • International students: students who are not U.S. citizens • Dual enrollment high school students: students currently enrolled in high school seeking college credit • Non-degree seeking students: students who desire to take courses for audit or credit (less than 4 hours), but do not plan to enroll in a degree program Additional admissions information is provided for students who were homeschooled, have disabilities, or have criminal charges/a prison record. If a student desires to enroll as an online-only student, please see the online admissions requirements in the corresponding section of this catalog.

OCC admissions personnel do everything possible to assist prospective students in completing their files and moving them to full acceptance status. When all necessary application materials have been received and approved by the Admissions Department, students will be notified of their acceptance through their application status portal, by mail, by email, and by an OCC admissions employee. A student is not accepted to Ozark Christian College until they receive such notification directly from the Admissions Department.

Ozark Christian College admits students (who meet admission requirements) of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the college. Ozark Christian College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, or national and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletics or other school-administered programs.

Only students who have been fully accepted, paid the enrollment deposit, and made an initial payment can attend classes and/or live in the residence halls.

No student will be permitted to enroll in any course for credit one week after the beginning of the course.

ADMISSION OF FIRST-TIME STUDENTS

First-time (freshmen) students are defined as students who are enrolling in college for the first time following graduation from high school. (These students may transfer in college credit or AP/CLEP credits earned while in high school.)

Admissions requirements are subject to change without notice. The application procedure is outlined as follows:

1. Complete the “on-campus” application on occ.edu. • Applicants must submit contact information for both an academic and spiritual reference. The references cannot be related to the applicant. • Applicants must submit a brief application essay. • Applicants must sign the Student Covenant. 2. Submission of a high school transcript (public, private, or homeschool). • Students should meet their respective state’s high school graduation requirements. For example, Missouri high school students are typically required to complete 24 total units to graduate: 4 units of English, 3 units each in Math, Science and Social Studies, 1 unit each in Fine Arts, Practical Arts and Physical Education, a half-unit course in Personal Finance, a half-unit course in Health Education, and 7 units of electives. • Students can request a transcript by asking high school officials to forward their transcript to Ozark Christian College (electronically or by mail). • A high school student may be accepted for admission with a transcript of grades through the entirety of their junior year of high school. Our office will begin accepting students at the beginning of their senior year of high school. • An official final high school transcript with the date of graduation must be submitted before students can attend class. We recommend that students send their final official high school transcript to OCC immediately after graduation from high school. The transcript must be mailed or sent electronically directly from the high school to be considered official. (A copy of a GED certificate may be accepted in lieu of an official final high school transcript.)

ADMISSION OF HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS

Homeschool students must meet the same requirements for admission for firsttime students. Documentation of credits taken and grades received through high school must be provided. This can come from their State Department of Education or homeschool organization showing satisfactory completion. It can also be an original of the student’s transcript of grades signed by the parent(s) of that student, or a GED certificate. In addition, the homeschooled student is required to complete a “homeschool self-certification form” before they can be reviewed for acceptance. This can be found at my.occ.edu or by contacting the Admissions Department.

ACADEMIC TUTORING FOR FIRST-TIME STUDENTS

Student files will be evaluated for admission on an individual basis. Some students may be accepted for admission, but with limitations to help them adapt to college academics. A first-time freshman student meeting the following criteria will be admitted on Academic Tutoring:

• Cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 2.5 or below

The Admissions Department reserves the right to put a student on academic tutoring even if they do not meet the above criteria.

A student on Academic Tutoring will be limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours during their first semester enrolled at Ozark and required to attend tutoring sessions and a series of academic skills workshops with the Academic Resource Commons.

ADMISSION OF TRANSFER STUDENTS

Students who have completed academic credits at another college or university after graduating from high school will be required to complete the following for admission:

1. Complete the “on-campus” application on occ.edu. • Applicants must submit contact information for both an academic and spiritual reference. The references cannot be related to the applicant. • Applicants must submit a brief application essay. • Applicants must sign the Student Covenant.

2. Submission of academic transcripts from all previously attended colleges/ universities. Prospective transfer students must request that official transcripts from all previously attended institutions be sent directly to Ozark Christian College. Acknowledging attendance at each institution is mandatory, regardless of the student’s wishes to transfer credit. Failure to disclose attendance at an institution on the application may disqualify a student’s admissions application, and the Admissions Department reserves the right to deny admission to a prospective student if they do not disclose all previously attended institutions. • The Registrar’s Office will evaluate transcripts for transfer of academic credit. Students may also petition for additional courses to be accepted following the college Transfer of Credit policy. • Courses must have a grade of at least 2.000 to be accepted for transfer credit.

• Transcripts must be mailed directly to OCC or sent electronically by the college(s) and/or university(ies) previously attended (including any dual credit courses), and they must be official, authentic, signed, and affixed with the school seal. • Students whose transcripts have not been received as requested will not be accepted for enrollment.

ACADEMIC WARNING FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS Transfer students with a cumulative grade point average of 1.67 or below at the last college attended will be accepted on academic warning if they are admitted to OCC. They will also be limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours during their first semester at Ozark and required to attend tutoring sessions and a series of academic skills workshops with the Academic Resource Commons.

ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students interested in attending Ozark Christian College should visit occ.edu to apply and complete an online form or download printable forms. Once all the necessary items have been received (including the international student deposit) and the student is accepted for enrollment, OCC will immediately send the completed I-20 form and a letter of acceptance so that the student can apply to the American Consulate or Embassy for an F-l student visa. Helpful information on preparing for an Embassy visit is listed at occ.edu/admissions and find the “International Students” tab.

Ozark Christian College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) demands the following rigid requirements for acceptance of foreign (non-immigrant) students in F-1 status: 1. Complete the free international student application at occ.edu/apply. 2. Complete the Declaration and Certification of Finances form. Before doing so, familiarize yourself with the cost of attendance and the financial sponsorship requirements. 3. Ozark Christian College has three merit-based scholarships that are awarded automatically upon acceptance (based on GPA). OCC also has the DeWelt International Scholarship, which is competitive. Learn more at occ.edu/international. 4. If English is not your first language, you must take and pass a certified English test. Ozark Christian College will accept the following tests: a. Duolingo English Test: Minimum acceptable score is 100. This test can be taken online, on-demand in under an hour for $49. Have your certified results sent to Ozark Christian College. b. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum acceptable score is 79 on the internet-based test. Testing and prices vary per country. Please have your score sent to Ozark Christian College. Our registration number is 6542. 5. Foreign transcripts will need to be submitted to a Credential Evaluation Company, prices range between $150-$180 for the Evaluation alone (translation and verification fees might apply). OCC currently works with SpanTran, go to occ.edu/admissions under the International Students tab to guarantee you will receive the discount and the right kind of evaluation we require. 6. Complete and sign the OCC Application for Form I-20 found on occ.edu/ admissions.

NEXT STEPS UPON ACCEPTANCE: 1. Submit a deposit of $1,500 (U.S.) to OCC. You must send in the deposit before being issued an I-20 from OCC. This will be applied to the educational expenses of your first semester. If your plans on attending Ozark Christian College change or you cannot obtain a visa, Ozark will refund the deposit (minus any refund/wire transfer fees) upon written request.

2. Read information on the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and Obtaining a Student Visa.

3. Complete the Medical and Immunization Form.

4. Review What to Bring to Campus and the International Student Checklist.

*All links and forms found on occ.edu/admissions under International Student Tab

Ozark offers several scholarships to international students. For more information, please refer to the Financial Info section (page 45)

*Applicants must understand that they are not permitted to obtain off-campus employment in the U.S. The college may not endorse attempts by applicants to do so except in extreme cases of unforeseen circumstances arising subsequent to entry. But, the USICE does permit them to be employed in available jobs on the college campus upon enrollment as full-time students. However, the college does not guarantee that jobs will be available.

ADMISSION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SEEKING DUAL ENROLLMENT

Current high school juniors and seniors may apply for a limited amount of college-level courses provided by OCC and simultaneously earn high school (dual) credit. Currently, Ozark Christian College only offers dual enrollment to students who can attend classes on campus. To enroll as a dual enrollment student, a student must meet the following admissions requirements:

1. Complete the “non-degree seeking” application. This application is available online at occ.edu.

• Applicants must sign the Student Covenant.

2. Submit the prospective student’s most recent high school transcript indicating a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• Book of Acts (4)

• Christ and the Bible (3)

• English Comp 1 (3)

• English Comp 2 (3)

• Essentials of Spiritual Formation (2)

• History of Ancient Israel 1 (3)

• History of Ancient Israel 2 (3)

• Lifetime Wellness (1)

• Any 1000 level class approved by the Academics Office

Due to government requirements, dual enrollment students are not eligible for federal financial aid, nor will they be considered for institutional scholarships.

ADMISSION OF NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS

A student who is taking classes for personal improvement, to get a degree from another institution, or taking a course for audit is considered “non-degree seeking.” Non-degree seeking students will be accepted when the following requirements are met:

1. Complete the “non-degree seeking” application. This application is available online at occ.edu.

2. Sign the Financial Agreement.

Non-degree seeking students are limited to 6 credit hours or less a semester (if they are taking classes for credit), up to a total of 30 credit hours. Once a student reaches 30 hours, they will need to have met the full acceptance requirement for admission to continue taking classes for credit. Students are allowed to audit as many credit hours as they would like if they are accepted as a non-degree seeking student. Due to government requirements, “non-degree seeking students” are not eligible for federal financial aid assistance, nor will they be considered for institutional scholarships until all admissions requirements have been met.

READMISSION OF RETURNING STUDENTS

Degree-seeking students who previously attended OCC but have not been enrolled at OCC for more than one semester are eligible to return by completing the “Readmittance Application” at occ.edu. If there are no holds on the student’s financial account that need to be resolved or issues with other departments on campus (Student Affairs, Academics, etc.), the student will be eligible to register for classes once registration opens. If there are issues that need to be resolved, the Admissions Department will make arrangements to help the student get them resolved.

NOTE: Official transcript(s) from any institution(s) attended during the student’s absence from OCC must be submitted, even if the student does not anticipate any transfer of credit. Official transcripts must be mailed or sent electronically directly to OCC by the records office of the issuing institution(s).

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

OUR COMMITMENT Ozark Christian College is committed to full compliance with all laws regarding equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Students, the faculty, and the Academics Office all play a role in ensuring that reasonable and appropriate accommodations are provided in a timely and effective manner. The following is an outline of the process followed at OCC when a student requests services or accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

REQUESTING ACCOMMODATION • It is only through a student’s voluntary disclosure of disability and request for accommodation that OCC can support disability needs.

• Students with disabilities who wish to receive accommodations or services must disclose the disability and make a personal request to the OCC Academics Office. The student meets with a representative from the Academics Office, submits required disability documentation, and formally requests services, including accommodations, a minimum of eight (8) weeks before the start of a semester. Depending on the nature of the disability, more time may be necessary to satisfy the reasonable accommodation.

• A disclosure of disability or request for an accommodation made to a faculty or staff member other than the Academics Office will not be treated as a request for an accommodation.

• Any requests for changes regarding services or accommodation should be made prior to the start of a semester to allow time to review requests and documentation and make proper arrangements. Accommodation arrangements may be compromised if a request is not made in a timely manner.

For the complete Students with Disabilities policy, see occ.edu/disabilityservices.

ADMISSION OF THOSE HAVING CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST THEM OR HAVING A PRISON RECORD

All previous application requirements apply. In addition, those with criminal charges against them cannot be admitted until those charges are fully cleared. Those who have a prison record must have been released from prison (not out on bail) for at least one year to demonstrate recovery, during which time they must have been actively involved in their church directly under the oversight of the elders and the minister(s) of that church.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT

Prospective students will also be asked to submit transcripts for college credit earned in high school (dual credit), Advanced Placement (AP), and/or CLEP classes.

Credit for such classes can only be transferred in to OCC if:

1. Ozark receives official college transcript(s) from the institution(s) from which the college credit was earned; or

2. By requesting an AP and/or CLEP transcript from College Board (collegeboard.org).

The credits will be evaluated by the Registrar’s Office. Further details about earning college credit can also be found at occ.edu/ecc.

ACADEMIC HONESTY IN ADMISSION

Statement of Policy - Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to altering or misusing documents; impersonating, misrepresenting, or knowingly providing false information as to one’s identity; or providing false information regarding professional history or accomplishments.

Procedure - Staff, faculty, or students who believe that a student has not adhered to the Academic Honesty Policy will bring the matter to the attention of the Academics Office. In cases where the authenticity of documents submitted by a student is in question, an investigation will be conducted by the Executive Vice President of Academics, Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation, Registrar’s Office, and/or the Admissions Office. Should the documents submitted by a student be determined to be fraudulent (such as identification documents, a transcript, diploma, certification, references, etc.), the student will be notified via their official school email and written notice to the student’s last known address by the office that conducted the investigation of the violation and the proposed disciplinary action. If the student acknowledges responsibility, they will enter into an agreement regarding an appropriate sanction.

In response to violations of the Academic Honesty Policy, Ozark Christian College reserves the right to take any or all of the following actions as appropriate to the violation:

• Bar the student from enrolling in the college or registering for courses.

• Suspend or dismiss the student. If the student is dismissed, the college reserves the right to revoke all credits. If the student has withdrawn or graduated, any credits and/or degrees and certificates/ diplomas previously awarded may be revoked and the student will be asked to return the certificate or diploma.

• Suspend or terminate all college services previously available to the student.

• Retain all tuition and fees paid by the student.

• Withhold course grade(s) and/or examination score(s) and official Ozark Christian College transcripts.

• Permanently annotate a student’s record to reflect action(s) taken by the college in response to the student’s violation of the Academic Honesty Policy.

• Notify educational institutions, licensing or certification boards, employers, or others who have previously received a transcript or similar certification of any action taken by the college.

• Prohibit re-enrollment in Ozark Christian College except by appeal.

• Take other action as appropriate.

If a student does not acknowledge responsibility or disputes the accusation of academic dishonesty, the student and appropriate administrator will enter into the formal process described in the Student Conduct Process which may include a hearing before the Conduct Committee. Upon completion of the informal or formal process, students have the right to appeal the decision through the OCC Grievance Policy. The Academics and Registrar’s Office maintain records of all student violations of the Academic Honesty Policy.

Petition for Reinstatement - A student who has been denied services or has been dismissed because of a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy may petition for reinstatement no sooner than two years from the date of the final decision. The petition must be in writing, must present a rationale for reinstatement, and should be addressed to the Executive Vice President of Academics, Ozark Christian College, 1111 North Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801.