Undergraduate Admissions

Submitting the Application

The State University of New York at Fredonia accepts both the SUNY application and the Common Application. We encourage you to apply online at http://home.fredonia.edu/apply. The fee for applying is $50, but students can submit a fee waiver based on financial need through their school counselor. As a transfer student from a SUNY community college who is graduating with an associate degree, you can have the application fee waived by talking to your advising office on your campus. 

Your application will be reviewed individually by our Admissions Committee, a complete application for first year students consists of a high school transcript, admissions essay, resume, at least 1 letter of recommendation, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT for domestic students). Transfer students will need to submit their college transcript and proof of high school graduation, we encourage an essay and resume but is not required. Students can send in all supporting materials directly to the Office of Admissions, Fenner House, 178 Central Avenue, Fredonia, N.Y. 14063. 

While there is no stated application deadline, we recommend that you submit your request for admission as soon as possible, as there are a limited number of openings in some academic programs. Consider November 1 for the spring semester and March 1 for the fall semester as recommended deadlines. 

Campus Visit

A campus visit is extremely important. It is your opportunity to learn more about the university from those directly involved in the educational process at Fredonia.

You are invited to visit the campus to discuss your application with an admissions counselor, meet with a faculty member in your chosen field of study, and tour the facilities. We offer small group information sessions and campus tours weekdays while classes are in session. There are a number of special visitation programs throughout the academic year, including holiday open house programs on Columbus Day, Veterans Day and Presidents Day. Saturday visits are available to meet the needs of prospective students who are unable to visit the campus when classes are in session. You may visit during the summer as well. Request information about specific dates and times for arranging an appointment by writing the Office of Admissions, calling (716) 673-3251, dialing toll-free at (800) 252-1212, accessing our website at http://home.fredonia.edu/admissions/visit or email admissions@fredonia.edu.

We schedule an open house for accepted students during the spring semester. At this program, members of the university faculty, administration, and student body discuss our curricular options, financial aid, social and cultural activities, the residence halls, and student support services.

The campus is situated in the village of Fredonia at Exit 59 of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), 40 miles from Buffalo, N.Y. The Southern Tier Expressway (Rt. 17/86) provides an alternate route to the campus. Use the Greater Buffalo International Airport if you are traveling by air. Several buses operate daily between Buffalo and Fredonia. Amtrak provides rail service to the area. Check with your local travel agent to determine the best connections for you.

Decision Process

We offer you the opportunity to declare your major program of study when you enroll at Fredonia. Approximately three-quarters of all new freshmen select a specific academic major, although the decision to choose your program of study is optional. You must select a major by the end of your sophomore year. Since some programs are highly specialized and require careful academic planning, you may wish to discuss declaring your major with an admissions counselor. Transfer students who have accumulated 45 credit hours must declare a specific major. You will be notified by mail of an official decision after the Office of Admissions receives all required credentials. All acceptances are conditional upon receipt of a high school or college transcript indicating successful completion of courses in progress, submission of your medical history, and evidence of appropriate immunization. You must submit an advance deposit to reserve your place in the entering class.

Advance deposits secure a place in the class and room in a residence hall for a specific semester and are not transferable to another semester. Requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Director of Admissions prior to May 1 (for fall enrollment) and November 1 (for spring enrollment), or 30 days after acceptance, whichever is later.

Early Decision: The Early Decision option provides you with an opportunity to identify Fredonia as your university of choice. This admissions program permits you to tell us of your interest in pursuing your studies here. Universities participating in an early decision program anticipate that those candidates who are accepted through Early Decision will submit an admission deposit and withdraw all other university applications. Early Decision allows you to finalize your university plans early in your senior year of high school. To be eligible the Admissions Office must receive your application and all supporting credentials by November 1. By December 1 the Admissions Office notify all early decision applicants and begin to review all other requests for admission.

Freshman Admission: The Admissions Committee considers a variety of criteria when reviewing applications, evaluating quality of academic preparation including depth and breadth of course work, academic achievement, and the results of your SAT or ACT. Our university is committed to a liberal arts education for all undergraduates, and preference is given to those applicants who present strong academic programs in English, social studies, mathematics, science and foreign languages. We ask that you send us the results of your SAT or ACT for review. Admission to college is a matter of meeting the competition among applicants, and a comprehensive, challenging university preparatory program combined with good achievement will help ensure that your application is competitive. The Admissions Committee also reviews supporting credentials including special talents, activities, essay, individual accomplishments, and recommendations. Appropriate faculty evaluates the results of a required audition if you seek admission into our music or B.F.A. theatre programs. As an applicant to our Department of Visual Arts and New Media you must present a portfolio for review.

Fredonia in 4

Graduation rates of our entering freshmen are among the highest in the nation. To ensure that our success continues, we have implemented Fredonia in 4, a program for first-time freshmen which stipulates that the university pledges to adhere to a commonly understood agreement to provide the necessary courses and academic advising which will guarantee that you finish your degree program in four years (with the exception of Music Therapy which will require a clinical internship of at least an additional six months).

SUNY Transfer Applicants

SUNY is committed to helping SUNY students complete their baccalaureate goals. Students are guaranteed a minimum of 60 credits which is junior standing for earning an AA or AS degree and transfer to a parallel program at a SUNY four-year campus. SUNY students can also feel confident that courses they took to complete their general education requirements (SUNY-GER) at their current school will apply towards the general education requirements at any SUNY school. In addition to your official SUNY college transcript, we will receive a General Education Transcript Addendum (GETA). The GETA lists the SUNY General Education Courses that you completed at your previous SUNY institution. We will award SUNY General Education credit as indicated on your GETA. SUNY Transfer Paths were developed to help students select appropriate lower division courses to apply towards major requirements at any SUNY institution. Additional information on SUNY’s commitment to seamless transfer can be located on the SUNY Transfer Mobility website: http://www.suny.edu/attend/get-started/transfer-students/.

Transfer Admission

Fredonia considers all requests for admission from transfer students in good standing at both two-and four-year colleges and universities, including SUNY and non-SUNY institutions. The admission review process focuses upon an evaluation of academic achievement, program of study, and the major program of study that you request. There are special audition requirements for music and B.F.A. theatre programs, as well as portfolio requirements for the Department of Visual Arts and New Media.

Admission to most of our certification programs in teacher education requires at least a 3.0 grade point average to be eligible for consideration. Admission to the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program requires a 3.0. The Communication Department requires a 2.75 for admission. The Mathematics Education program requires an overall grade point average of 2.5 with at least a C+ grade in any mathematics courses at the level of calculus or above.

We require an official transcript from each college you previously attended, and a high school transcript and SAT or ACT results if you have completed less than 30 credit hours when you apply. If you have been out of high school for more than two years, SAT or ACT scores are not required. All transfers students must submit an official final high school transcript for verification purposes, unless they graduate with an AA or an AS degree.

Special Admissions Programs

Full Opportunity Program

The Full Opportunity Program is a Fredonia-based program for students who fall slightly shy of our traditional admissions criteria. In selecting students for the program, Admissions looks holistically at each applicant to determine his or her potential for success. Admissions decisions are based on a student’s ability to be academically successful in a rigorous college setting.

FOP is a vibrant support program designed to assist students in navigating their way through the college experience. Flexible, individualized and compassionate support from professional staff and peer mentors provides guidance for students as they develop a strong foundation for success.

Because we are committed to your success, the Full Opportunity Program offers a wide range of programs and services to help you have the most fulfilling experience during your time at Fredonia. Students will have the opportunity to take advantage of:

• Individual tutoring
• Academic advising
• Guided study sessions
• Enroll in ENGL 100 (Craft of Writing) first semester
• FOP Mentoring for Success Program.

For more information about the Full Opportunity Program support services, interested persons should refer to the Full Opportunity Program www.fredonia.edu/fop.

Educational Development Program

Applicants who demonstrate potential for completing a degree program, meet financial and academic guidelines, and have historically experienced educational and economic disadvantages, may seek admission through the Educational Opportunity Program (called the Educational Development Program at Fredonia). To be eligible for consideration you must be a New York State resident and have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent.

To be considered “financially eligible,” you must meet the economic criteria established by the New York State Education Department. Check the current SUNY Application Guidebook for the updated economic criteria listed under Educational Opportunity Programs in the booklet.

You are required to submit appropriate financial aid applications and verification of family income to supplement your request for admission as an EDP student. We may request additional information from you, as needed. A SUNY EOP Information form mailed to you from the APC must be filed as part of the application process.

You do not need to prove that you meet the economic guidelines if you can show that:

• Your family receives payment through the New York State County Department of Social Services;
• You live with foster parents who do not provide support for college, and your natural parents provide no financial support to you, or;
• You are a ward of the state or county.

To be considered “educationally eligible” means you do not meet the usual Fredonia admissions standards. However, you must demonstrate academic potential, proper motivation, and a strong desire for a college education. You apply for our EDP program by checking “yes” when answering the EOP question on the SUNY application. Transfer applicants receive consideration if they have previously been enrolled in a similar EOP/HEOP/College Discovery/SEEK program.

If you attended a college that does not have a EOP-type program, then we attempt to determine whether you would have been deemed eligible for EOP at the time of your acceptance to the other college.

For more information about the Educational Development Program support services, interested persons should refer to the Educational Development Program.

Joint Admission

Fredonia has implemented joint admission agreements with several two-year colleges, both public and private. Joint admission program students request admission to Fredonia by applying to the admissions office at the two-year college and completing requirements for the associate degree.

You must meet all requirements as stated in our University Catalog and the joint admission agreements in order to continue with your studies at Fredonia. You may obtain information from our transfer counselor in the Office of Admissions at Fredonia or the two-year college.

1. Time-Shortened Degree Program. Students enrolling at Fredonia may select from a variety of individually determined and contracted time-shortened degree options. Because some academic programs at the university are incompatible with the time-shortened degree, counseling from an academic or admissions counselor is advisable.

The following options are available:

1. Early Admission. Accelerated high school juniors who wish to enroll as university freshmen without a high school diploma, may apply for early admission. We expect applicants to have completed four units of study in college preparatory mathematics and sciences and a sequence in foreign languages with above-average academic achievement and SAT or ACT scores. Your high school counselor must submit a recommendation in support of your request for early admission. Since Fredonia does not award you a high school diploma you must make arrangements to receive high school credit for your college course work in lieu of the courses you would have taken in your senior year.
2. 3-1-3 Program. Local area high school juniors interested in beginning college during the senior year of high school may wish to explore this opportunity. 3-1-3 stands for three years of high school, one year cooperatively taught by an area high school and Fredonia, and three years at the university. As a 3-1-3 applicant you must present above-average test results on the PSAT, SAT or ACT, and a B high school average.

A counselor recommendation is required. Submit the SUNY application available in your high school guidance office and select curriculum code 0199. A conference with you and your high school counselor will develop your joint college and high school class schedule. For more information, interested persons should see 3-1-3 Program.

Transfer Credit from Other Institutions

After a student has been admitted to Fredonia, the Office of the Registrar evaluates transcripts from other colleges and/or universities. Faculty are consulted in establishing course equivalencies. Credit will be awarded for parallel liberal arts courses, taken at regionally accredited institutions, in which a passing grade was earned. However, academic departments may have minimum grade requirements and courses may need to be repeated. Students should consult the academic program section in the college catalog for minimum grade requirements. Official transcripts are required for evaluation. College credit that is over 10 years old will be reviewed by the academic department and may not apply to current degree requirements. The student is responsible for requesting course descriptions from the original institution if deemed necessary.

Students may transfer up to 75 hours of college credit from their previous college(s). Your academic department chairperson or designee determines the distribution of specific courses in fulfillment of departmental requirements in your chosen field of study and provides information about which courses you will need to complete degree requirements in a timely manner.

Your grade point average does not transfer; only credit hours are awarded. Your Fredonia transcript will only display the transfer college name and the total number of credits accepted by Fredonia. You must fulfill all university and departmental requirements for the baccalaureate degree, including a residency requirement of 45 semester hours of credit at Fredonia. Additional requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree are located in the All Programs section in the catalog.

Visit our Transfer Student Services web page http://home.fredonia.edu/transferstudentservices to view our transfer credit equivalency database and a list of current articulation agreements. As a prospective transfer student, we encourage you to visit the university to discuss transfer credit and graduation requirements with a departmental academic advisor or our admissions transfer counselor.

Transfer Credit Appeal Process

The appeal process can be used when a student wishes to contest the way his or her transfer course was evaluated (that is, whether the course was equated to a specific Fredonia course or applied to a particular degree requirement). The appeal must be made during the student’s first semester of enrollment at Fredonia.

The appeal process is initiated in the Registrar’s Office where a counselor will explain the process and determine if a formal appeal needs to be made. Students wishing to pursue the appeal process must complete the transfer credit appeal form and submit it to the appropriate department for review. Instructions regarding this process and the appeal form are available on our transfer student services web page: http://www.fredonia.edu/registrar/transferstudentservices/.

Students transferring from SUNY schools, who are not satisfied with Fredonia’s final decision, can appeal to the SUNY Provost. The appeal form and instructions are available at: http://system.suny.edu/academic-affairs/student-mobility/student-transfer-appeal-process/.

Advanced Standing Credit

Credit by Examination . The university welcomes the opportunity to allow you to complete graduation requirements at an accelerated rate by submitting the results of proficiency examinations for credit evaluation. The following website includes all credit by examination that are acceptable: http://www.fredonia.edu/admissions/advance_credit_list.asp#ap. Students may earn a maximum of 30 credits for course work earned through examination.

Advanced Placement . Submit the results of your Advanced Placement Examinations to the Office of Admissions. If you achieve a score of three, four, or five you will receive placement and/or credit in some programs. These examinations fulfill many requirements in the College Core Curriculum program (liberal arts core courses).

College-Level Examination Program . CLEP General Examinations substitute for some of the College Core Curriculum requirements. Subject Examinations substitute for specific course requirements. To determine which examinations are acceptable for credit, check with the Office of Admissions before scheduling one of the tests. We accept most, but not all, examinations for credit toward graduation. You must score at the fiftieth percentile in order to receive credit. Students who have earned more than 60 college credits may earn credit for CLEP Subject Exams but not General Exams.

College Course Work . A number of freshman applicants seek transfer credit for college courses successfully completed while enrolled in high school. Submit an official transcript from the college awarding credit indicating that you have successfully completed course work. While credit hours may be awarded toward graduation, your grades do not transfer to Fredonia as part of your Fredonia grade point average.

Military Service Experience . Credit for military service experience and education is evaluated on an individual basis according to the guidelines established by the American Council on Education. Forward official military (AARTS/SMART) transcripts and DD-214s to the Office of Admissions for evaluation.

International Baccalaureate Exams . College credit will be given for Higher Level (HL) exam scores of five or higher. In addition, some departments may offer university credit for an HL exam score of four. Students who have earned an IB Diploma may be awarded a maximum of 30 credits (including all course work completed through examination).

International

Fredonia welcomes applications from international students who enrich our learning environment with their pluralistic perspectives.

Early submission of applications is recommended and helps to ensure adequate time to acquire the F-1 student visa. International students should complete the on-line application (http://home.fredonia.edu/internationaladmissions) and then submit original transcripts (translated in English), proof of English language proficiency (IBT, TOEFL, IELTS), and financial statement with proof of income, via regular mail. International student applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Interested persons can obtain additional information by emailing Admissions at admissions@@fredonia.edu or by visiting http://home.fredonia.edu/internationaladmissions.

Readmission and Reinstatement

Students who have withdrawn from the university and wish to return may obtain an application for Readmission/Reinstatement from the Office of Enrollment and Student Services. Applications are reviewed by the appropriate academic dean, department chairperson, and the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services or designee.

Reinstatement

Students who return to the university after an absence of one calendar year or less, and who left the university in good academic standing (defined by a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and not on academic probation) are eligible to be reinstated. A student who has been reinstated will keep the major(s), minor(s), and/or concentration he or she had at the time of separation from the university. However, such students may be given a one-semester probationary status within the major program, if the major requires a higher level of academic achievement to be considered "in good standing."

Readmission

Students who have left the university either on probation or because of Academic Dismissal, or who have been absent from the university for more than one calendar year, will need to apply for readmission. The student's application for readmission will be reviewed by the appropriate dean and the department chairperson or program director of the major into which the student seeks readmission.

All students who are returning to the university after at least a one-semester absence will have an opportunity to apply for the Restart Option. Students may apply for this option after completion of at least 12 additional credit hours at Fredonia, with a minimum 2.0 GPA subsequent to their return. This option allows a new grade point average to be established from the time of readmission/reinstatement. The student’s academic record from the time of initial enrollment at Fredonia will be reflected on the transcript, but the student will receive credit only for those courses in which the student earned a grade of C- or above (including S grades). In addition, a student electing this option must complete at least 45 credit hours of graded work (excluding pass/fail) at Fredonia prior to graduation. Information on applying for the Restart Option may be obtained at Fredonia website through the Registrar’s Office web page.

It is the student’s responsibility to consider and possibly apply for the Restart Option after they have completed at least one additional semester at Fredonia. Students may also wish to discuss this option with their advisor.