Effective Date: December 16, 2024
Issuing Authority: Provost
Policy Contact: Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, 478-301-2070
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define requirements for Mercer University academic program admission standards.
Scope
This policy applies to all Mercer University academic programs with admissions standards that exceed those of the institution.
Exclusions
None
Definitions
As used in this policy, the following term(s) have the meaning specified below:
Academic program: A set of courses leading to a credential, including degrees with a defined major and stand-alone certificates.
Academic program admissions standards: Qualifications required of a student to gain entry to an academic program that exceed achievements necessary to gain entry to the University.
Policy Statement
Academic program admissions standards must be:
- Published, specific, clearly communicated, reasonable, consistently and fairly implemented, and reviewed periodically
- Consistent with Mercer University’s mission and principles of religious and intellectual freedom
- Consistent with Mercer University’s standard of excellence
- Consistent with applicable accrediting body requirements for accrediting programs
- Set at appropriate levels to identify students qualified to complete the program successfully, as validated by student success measures
If admissions standards vary with academic program format (e.g., face-to-face, online, hybrid, location), the differences must be defined, justifiable, published, and clearly communicated.
Communications and publications of academic program admissions standards must be aligned with University-approved requirements, consistent, and reviewed regularly.
Evaluation of applicants must be consistent, fair, thorough, aligned with published standards, made through defined processes, and completed in a timely manner and according to published timelines.
Additional Resources
Mercer University Catalogs: https://registrar.mercer.edu/