Admissions

Welcome

Welcome to Baker College. We are pleased that you have chosen us to help you pursue your academic and career goals. We look forward to working with you throughout your program and helping you succeed. The purpose of this Handbook is to make your college journey easier by providing essential information to guide you as a student.

Mission Statement

The mission of Baker College is to provide an inclusive, innovative and transformative educational experience which allows students to positively impact their lives and the world around them. Core Values - Integrity, Caring, Inclusiveness, Innovation and Social Responsibility. Vision Statement - Creating better futures, one student at a time.

Admissions

Baker College seeks to enroll students whose objectives can be served by its programs. The College is committed to providing accessible higher education. The College admits individuals who have demonstrated the initiative and academic ability necessary to be successful at the college level. Baker College follows a strict nondiscrimination policy in the admission of students.

New Student Records

UNDERGRADUATE

1. A completed and signed application form;
2. An official final high school transcript or GED along with Baker College approved assessment verification (i.e., high school transcript, ACT, SAT, FASTRACK, etc.);
3. Successful completion of the FASTRACK program or verification of the completion of developmental education requirements for a student who has graduated from high school with a grade point average (GPA) below 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
4. An Educational Development Plan (EDP), if requested by the College;
5. An official transcript for a transfer student from all previous colleges or universities attended; and
6. Documentation indicating successful completion of the Baker College Welcome Experience.

GRADUATE

Each student must have on file, as a permanent part of his/her Baker College record, the following items:

1. A completed and signed application form;
2. An official transcript of credits from his/her regionally accredited, baccalaureate institution showing degree awarded and the date of graduation. A transfer student must also provide an official transcript of grades from his/her previous graduate institutions;
3. A copy of a current resume at time of application; and
4. An admission’s essay.

About the Process of Becoming a Student

Undergraduate Admissions Procedures/Requirements

Admission Policy Statement

Baker College is committed to providing accessible higher education, which means the following:

1. All students are accepted who have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate, along with minimum assessment verification from one or more of the following: high school transcripts, ACT scores, SAT scores, FASTRACK or completed college credit in math or English from another institution. High school certificates of completion are not equivalent to a high school diploma.
2. Baker College admits students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or other protected characteristics.
3. Baker College provides students with support systems to allow them opportunities for access. Disability services is one of many programs provided through the academic advising department to support those with disabilities. Students must provide the College with supporting documentation in order to participate in disability services.
4. Baker College does not require either the ACT or SAT test as a condition of admission; however, the scores are used as one of the criteria to determine minimum assessment verification and scholarship eligibility. If a student chooses to take either or both tests, we encourage him/her to request the test results be sent to the Baker College Enrollment Center. NOTE: ACT and SAT test scores are valid for two years after the date of graduation.
5. Students whose native language is not English are strongly encouraged to demonstrate competency in the English language by submitting official documentation such as a minimum score of 64 on Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) or an IELTS score of 6.0 or greater.
6. Baker College reserves the right to deny admission to any potential student who may be deemed disruptive to the educational environment of the College.
7. Any student found to have falsified information on an admissions document or to have given false information to the Enrollment Center will be denied admission to the College or expelled if already in attendance.

How to Apply for Undergraduate Program Admission

1. Enrollment applications are available on and submitted electronically through the Baker College website: baker.edu then click Apply Online. Baker College works closely with high school counselors by supplying them with information about the College, as well as important enrollment and scholarship deadlines. It is highly recommended that students take advantage of their high school counselors’ expertise and assistance in completing the application, financial aid and scholarship opportunities if they are still a high school student.
2. Prospective students must fill out the enrollment application and submit the application along with the $30 application fee through the Baker College website. Prospective students will be contacted by an enrollment professional as soon as the application is received and the processing of the information is initiated.
3. The prospective student should submit a copy of his or her final official high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores or GED to the Baker College Enrollment Center.
4. The prospective student should send all supporting documents, including transcripts, to the Baker College Enrollment Center, PO Box 77000, Owosso, MI 48867.
5. Students are encouraged to complete the New Student Welcome Experience online prior to registering for courses.

Special Health Science, Nursing and Social Science Program Admission Requirements

Special admission and advancement requirements for individual health science, nursing and social science programs are available through our enrollment professionals. A signed health science, nursing or social science waiver form or acknowledgment of the program handbook must be on file for a student to begin taking courses.

Graduate Program Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Center for Graduate Studies must hold undergraduate degrees from regionally accredited educational institutions as recognized by the American Council on Education in order to be eligible for admission. Applicants with undergraduate degrees from educational institutions nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools may be admitted to the College on conditional status if all other graduate requirements for admission are fulfilled.

How to Apply for Graduate Programs

1. Prospective graduate students should complete their applications for graduate admission through the Baker College website (baker.edu/apply).
2. Prospective graduate students should provide official transcripts, indicating a 2.5 or better GPA, from all colleges or universities attended. If a GPA is below 2.5, the student should include an explanation as part of the required essay.
3. Prospective students should write and submit a 500 to 1,000-word essay on future career objectives in the chosen graduate field. The essay requirements can be found in the “Baker College Graduate Application” and below.

Graduate Program Enrollment Criteria

Admission to all graduate programs as a degree candidate is granted to qualified applicants as either full or conditional status. Conditional status is an enrollment status applicable to students who may be deficient in one of the requirements or standards for matriculation such as undergraduate GPA, professional experience or another credential required by the program. For applicants admitted on conditional status, the Center for Graduate Studies will specify the conditions for admissions. If the conditions are not met, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students are admitted on a rolling admission basis as acceptance decisions are rendered by the Admission Committee.

All candidates applying for matriculation into any graduate program, at the Center for Graduate Studies, must submit the following enrollment documents:

• A completed Graduate College Application form.
• A non-refundable $35.00 application fee.
• A typed essay (500-1000 words) regarding the following
  1. How have your academic work, professional work and/or life experiences prepared you for graduate school?
  2. What are your personal, professional and/or career goals five and ten years after you earn your Center for Graduate Studies degree? How will earning this degree help you achieve these goals?
  3. What do you view as your greatest strengths and greatest challenges as you begin the graduate journey? How will you utilize your strengths to overcome these challenges?
• Official college transcripts indicating an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or better (4.0 scale) from a regionally-accredited college or university. Official college transcripts are provided from the institution granting the degree or from an approved third-party vendor directly to the Center for Graduate Studies.
• GMAT or GRE scores may be submitted if the candidate wants the scores considered in the admissions decision.
• A current resume indicating all professional work experience.

In addition to the enrollment documents, candidates applying for matriculation into specific graduate programs must submit the following materials:

MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

The Master of Occupational Therapy curriculum meets the current standards mandated by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The MOT program is fully accredited by ACOTE, located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929; (301) 652-6611; www.acoteonline.org.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

• Applicants must hold an unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States (US), District of Columbia or US territories; or an unencumbered license as a RN in Canada.
• Applicants must include a photocopy of an active US or Canadian RN license or a printed page from the licensing state’s nursing website or Canadian equivalent verifying licensure status and expiration date.
• Hold an earned BSN or BS with a major in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).

DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

• Official transcripts indicating an MBA degree or related master degree from a U.S. school accredited by one of the regional accrediting associations or from a non-U.S. Institution with comparable accreditation. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) must evaluate a degree awarded from a non-U.S. institution as equivalent to a master degree awarded by a U.S. institution.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale in master coursework is required. A current resume indicating a minimum of five years of professional experience in business, management or administration with advancement.

International Student Special Requirements

International students attending on campus (except commuting Canadians) must fulfill student visa requirements and make an advanced tuition deposit. (See “Tuition Deposit - International Students ” under Financial Services) International students are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination and earn a minimum score of 64 on the TOEFL iBT Test for admission to the College. This requirement may be waived if the official language of the country of education is English and the student achieved a minimum SAT score of 450 on Evidence Based Reading/Writing or an IELTS score of 6.0 or greater. For more information about the TOEFL, please visit the ETS website at: https://www.ets.org/toefl. Commuting Canadian students are required to complete only an I-20.

Applicants who would like to transfer credits from an institution outside of the U.S., including Canada, must have their transcripts/degrees evaluated by an organization affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (naces.org). The results of the evaluation must be sent from the evaluation companies directly to the Baker Enrollment Center. Official evaluations must include U.S. degree equivalencies (for degrees transferred), course grades and overall grade point averages (GPA).

International Students - Running Start

International students for any dual enrollment program must fulfill student visa requirements and make an advanced tuition deposit (see “Tuition Deposit - International Students ” on our website under Student Services, Financial Aid then Tuition and Fees). International Running Start students are required to take the TOEFL examination and earn a minimum score of 61 on the TOEFL iBT Test or achieve an IELTS score of 5.5 or greater. A personal interview may also be required.

International Applicants - Center for Graduate Studies

International applicants must possess both written and oral competence in the English language. English proficiency is determined by the following criteria:

• International students at the graduate level are required to take the TOEFL examination and earn a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT Test or a score of 7.0 or greater on the IELTS for admission to the graduate school.

Applicants who completed their undergraduate degrees at institutions outside the U.S. must have their transcripts/degrees evaluated by companies in the United States such as Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or any organization recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The results of the evaluations must be sent from the evaluation companies directly to the Center for Graduate Studies. Official evaluations must include U.S. degree equivalencies, course grades and overall GPAs. Applicants wishing to study in the U.S. must fulfill student visa requirements and make advanced tuition deposits. (See Tuition Deposit - International Students  on our website under Student Services, Financial Aid then Tuition and Fees.)

Nontraditional Credit

Baker College offers many nontraditional credit options for students with varied academic and professional backgrounds. It is Baker College policy to award credit to those with the appropriate experience. Types of nontraditional credit currently offered by the College are described below.

Prior Learning Credit

Baker College offers students several opportunities to receive credit for prior learning, reducing the cost and time required to complete their degree. A student may apply nontraditional credit to meet the program requirements, including articulation credit, examination credit (CLEP, DANTES, DSST, experiential credit, ACE approved credit, national/state approved licenses, registration/certification and waiver test credit).

Guidelines for Prior Learning Credit

ASSOCIATE DEGREES AND UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATES

A student may apply prior learning credit to meet the requirements for an associate degree or undergraduate certificate. Fifteen of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time with Baker College for associate degree programs and one-half of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time at Baker College for undergraduate certificates. A minimum of 12 semester hours must be completed in actual class time through Baker College courses in the major discipline of study at the 200 or 2000 level.

BACHELOR DEGREES

A student may apply prior learning credit to meet the requirements for a bachelor degree. Thirty of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time at Baker College. A minimum of 15 semester hours must be completed in actual class time through Baker College courses in the major discipline of study at the 300 and 400 levels or 3000 and 4000 levels. Different requirements may exist for the accelerated programs.

Articulation Credits

Baker College offers an articulation program for student work in State of Michigan approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Students who participate in the Baker College articulation program have an opportunity to receive college credits while also completing the CTE program requirements. A list of requirements and eligible courses may be found by visiting www.baker.edu/runningstart and clicking on “Articulation.” College credit for articulated courses is limited to 9 semester hours toward a certificate program; 18 semester hours toward an associate degree program; and 36 semester hours toward a bachelor degree program. Prospective students who wish to apply for articulated credits must do so within 12 months of high school graduation and should contact their Baker College Enrollment Advisor or email runningstart@baker.edu for assistance.

Credits by Examination

Baker College offers students the opportunity to earn credits by successfully completing approved external examinations. These national credit-by-examination programs allow students to demonstrate their academic proficiency in various general education and specific subject areas.

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP)
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)/DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) (DANTES)

Experiential Learning Portfolio

Experiential credit is available for students who have proven skills gained through employment, volunteer, community service, professional organizations, training and/or military experiences that directly correlate to the skills taught through traditional Baker College.

Students interested in earning experiential credit will complete a self-paced module designed to help students determine which courses will maximize their experiences and will lead to the preparation of portfolios that document their experiential learning. 

Students will submit a portfolio that documents applicable experiences. The portfolio is evaluated by content experts to assess if the portfolio of prior learning meets the student learning outcomes of the course. If the final portfolio evaluation determines that the documentation does not meet the student learning outcomes, the student will have one additional opportunity to revise the submission and earn credit for the course.

If a student registers for and begins a course, the student is not eligible for experiential credit for that course. A student may not use the experiential credit process after failing a particular course.

ACE Approved Credit

Baker College accepts ACE approved credit for prior work and educational experiences. This includes training courses through an employer, a standardized exam and other credit recommendations appearing in the American Council on Education (ACE) National Guide.  

Licenses and Certificates

Baker College awards credit for certain professional licenses and certificates. The Central Registrar’s Office maintains information about this form of prior learning credit.

Waiver Tests

Waiver test credit may be earned for skills already developed. This credit is awarded based on an examination developed by Baker College in the subject area. Any former, current or prospective student may take any waiver test. Passing the test for a course does not automatically result in the student waiving all the prerequisites to the course. All waiver tests must be taken by the student prior to the beginning of the course. Once a student begins a course, he/she is not eligible to take a waiver test. The waiver test for a course may be taken only once. 

Transfer Credits

UNDERGRADUATE

Baker College welcomes transfer students into many degree programs at either the associate or bachelor level. Students with associate degrees will be given every consideration to transfer their full associate degrees (two years of credits) into one of Baker College’s programs. However, transfer students are responsible for the prerequisite knowledge necessary for subsequent courses. With our many bachelor and accelerated bachelor programs, students can enter bachelor degree programs with the same majors as their associate degree or begin different majors and have transfer credits apply to their programs. A transfer student could receive freshman, sophomore, junior or senior status, although more than one or two academic years may be necessary to complete all requirements of the degree. Courses with a grade of C (2.0) or higher will be eligible for transfer credit except for specific program standards. Refer to individual program requirements. Courses with a D- (0.7) grade will be considered if the D- grade falls in a course sequence in which the last grade in the sequence was a grade of a C or better.

Transfer students need to be aware that length of time since the course was taken may be a factor in transferability.

Credits will be accepted from regionally accredited institutions, degree-granting nationally accredited institutions and the United States Armed Forces.

For a previously earned undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, the general education course requirements for either the associate or the bachelor degree - depending on the transferred degree level - are considered satisfied. Specific program requirements and/or program accreditation standards may impose limitations or additional requirements.

To transfer a course, the course must equate in content and semester hours to a Baker College course. Credits for armed forces or workforce training must be equated to Baker College courses and documented by the American Council on Education (ACE). Transfer credits accepted must be at the college level.

Baker College adheres to the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ (MACRAO) official transcript policy. The MACRAO policy is one in which all Michigan colleges agree not to issue official transcripts directly to students. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the intended institutions either through the U.S. Postal Service or an approved electronic format.

To obtain transfer credits, official transcripts from previous colleges must be submitted to our campuses’ admissions offices. Transcripts will be considered official only when received directly from the institutions through the U.S. Postal Service or electronically from the institutions or third-party vendors. In some circumstances, students will be responsible for producing documentation, including, but not limited to, catalogs, course descriptions and syllabi.

All official transcripts are required prior to registration.

GRADUATE

The Center for Graduate Studies welcomes transfer students into our graduate programs. Baker College recognizes the expediency of understandable and universally accepted standards related to the transfer of academic credit. The following policies are in place for transfer credit:

• Baker College will accept no more than 12 semester hours of transfer credit into master’s programs.
• Only courses with a B (3.0) grade or higher will be eligible for transfer consideration.
• To successfully transfer a course, the course must equate to and be compatible with courses offered by the Center for Graduate Studies.
• Transfer of college credit will not be considered if the work was completed more than five years preceding matriculation.
• To obtain transfer credit, students are required to request that all previous colleges/universities attended forward official transcripts to the Baker College Center for Graduate Studies.
• Transcripts will be considered official only when received directly from the institution through the U.S. Postal Service or electronically from the institutions or third-party vendors. In some circumstances, students will be responsible for producing documentation including, but not limited to, catalogs, course descriptions and syllabi.
• Students wishing to receive transfer credit from foreign or international colleges or universities must submit official evaluations from U.S. evaluation companies recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluations must include the grades and U.S. course equivalencies to be considered for transfer credit.
• Students in a doctoral program must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours at the Center for Graduate Studies.

Baker College adheres to the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ (MACRAO) official transcript policy. The MACRAO policy is one in which all Michigan colleges agree not to issue official transcripts directly to students. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the intended institutions either through the U.S. Postal Service or an approved electronic format.

Transfer Credits Residency/Residency Policies

ASSOCIATE DEGREES AND UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATES

Fifteen of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time at Baker College for associate degree programs and one-half of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time at Baker College for undergraduate certificates. A minimum of 12 semester hours must be completed in actual class time through Baker College courses in the major discipline of study.

BACHELOR DEGREES

Thirty of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time at Baker College. A minimum of 15 semester hours must be completed in actual class time through Baker College courses in the major discipline of study at the 300 and 400 levels or 3000 and 4000 levels. Different requirements may exist for the accelerated programs.

Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Residence Halls

Residence hall accommodations are offered on the Cadillac, Muskegon, Owosso and Port Huron campuses. Baker College provides modern, convenient residence halls and apartments, with a variety of living options on each campus. Residence hall living environments support students’ academic efforts and help in the adjustment to college life.

Students interested in housing should become familiar with the Residence Hall Licensing Agreement and Residence Life Policy Book. Residence hall students must be enrolled in classes and be on program rotation.

Residence Hall Coordinators and/or student Resident Assistants create and promote opportunities for students to develop interpersonal relationships, leadership and decision-making skills and an awareness of individual responsibilities and rights. At Baker College, the residence halls are more than just places for sleeping and eating. Residence hall life supports the College’s academic process and is an integral part of the living-learning experience.

All rooms in the residence halls are partially furnished. They provide access to kitchen appliances so students may buy and prepare their own meals. Lobbies/study areas offer television, recreational games, conversation areas and food vending machines. Laundry facilities are available in all residence halls.

Student Activities

Baker College recognizes that student activities are an important part of college life. A variety of extracurricular activities for students is provided during each school year. Activities include athletic, recreational and entertainment opportunities for students to gain new friends, develop leadership skills and make college life more meaningful. Each campus has program-related clubs and organizations that permit students to expand their experiences beyond the classroom. Community-sponsored events are also promoted. The Residence Life Staff or Student Affairs Office on each campus will have information on available activities. Students are encouraged to use leisure time productively and to participate in diverse activities.

Veterans’ Benefits

Veterans’ Benefits are available to eligible students upon acceptance to Baker College. Such students must complete the necessary paperwork as part of the admissions process. Prospective students should contact the Admissions Office as soon as possible. The Admissions Advisor will help students initiate the benefit paperwork. Once the initial paperwork is submitted, students will work with the Military Education Group (vet2vet@baker.edu) for additional benefit needs.

Baker College is approved to train eligible veterans and their dependents under Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606 and certain other types of veterans’ benefits. If you are a veteran or dependent and would like more information regarding VA benefits, go to www.gibill.va.gov.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can pay benefits directly to the students or to Baker College. The chapter of benefits for which the student qualifies determines the payment method. The student is responsible for any balances owed to Baker College from such payments.

Veterans and their dependents may also apply for other financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete a financial aid application, go to fafsa.gov.

Students receiving veterans’ benefits must continuously be in good academic standing. (See the Academic Standing  section in this Handbook.) Students failing to remain in good academic standing will be placed on academic probation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be notified if a student fails to be removed from probation at the end of two consecutive semesters. They will also be notified if a student is suspended or dismissed.

The Veterans Benefit Administration determines enrollment status according to the dates of the classes, not the total number of credits taken each semester. Baker College is required to notify the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs when a student ceases to enroll at Baker College.

Admission Policy for Applicants with Felony Convictions

At the time of application to Baker College, applicants must declare whether they have been charged with or convicted of a felony or felonies. 

Students will be required to submit a personal statement to the College regarding their backgrounds. After this personal statement is received, the College will provide the students with background check access codes. The student will be responsible for all costs associated with the background checks. The College will review the background checks and circumstances of all potential students with felony convictions. The College will then determine whether to admit the applicants as a Baker College student.

The following include, but are not limited to, considerations made when reviewing an applicant’s felony conviction(s) and related circumstances, especially connected to students’ and employees’ potential safety.

1. Baker College considers all circumstances applicable to potential students, including any felony convictions.
2. Baker College considers specific program requirements, accrediting body requirements, licensing requirements and issues related to the fact that minors are attending College.
3. If a potential student has been convicted of a felony, Baker College considers the specifics of the conviction. The specifics include the following:
   1. The number of offenses/convictions,
   2. The type of the original charge(s),
   3. The crime(s) for which the potential student was convicted,
   4. The length of time since the date(s) of conviction(s),
   5. The length of time served,
   6. If the potential student was incarcerated, the length of time from the release date and
   7. Any other relevant information requested by the College.
4. If the applicant is on parole, he/she may be asked to provide the name and contact information of his/her parole officer. The College may obtain the conditions of parole and also determine whether admittance is possible within the conditions of parole.
5. If necessary and/or requested by the College, the applicant will provide any releases or waivers necessary to obtain information that the College deems relevant.
6. Baker College considers any documented success of rehabilitation.
7. A personal interview may be required. After review of the available information, Baker College determines whether to deny admission, admit the potential student or admit the potential student with conditions.

Any student arrested for a criminal offense (on or off campus) may, at the discretion of the College, be immediately suspended. The suspension will be in effect pending disposition of the charges. The student may re-apply to the College once these pending charges have reached a resolution.

Semester Kickoff

The Semester Kickoff is conducted for all new students prior to the start of each semester to provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and to allow the students to become familiar with campus facilities and resources. This assists students in becoming familiar with campus life and forming relationships and connections with fellow students, program advisors and other members of the Baker College community.