Admission & Fees

Guilford accepts applicants whose qualities of intellectual capability, personality, and social awareness potentially enable them to benefit from both the academic program and campus life. Further, the college seeks students whose backgrounds and talents will enrich the experience of the college community and whose concerns promise constructive leadership and service in the society in which they live.

The college builds a community of individuals whose diverse geographic and ethnic origins and varying races, religions, ideologies, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds will enrich and enhance the educational experience at Guilford.

NOTE: For admission and fee information specific to CCE students, please see chapter VIII.

Admission Procedures

Criteria for Selection
The Admission Committee reviews each application individually, with consideration given to all aspects of an applicant's record, keeping in mind the admission objectives set out above.

Academic Record
The Admission Committee examines an applicant's past scholastic achievement, as demonstrated by course selection, grades, class rank and other presented materials.

There is no specific number or pattern of units required for entrance to Guilford. The college is primarily interested in the quality of a student's overall academic performance. However, to be better prepared for academic success in Guilford's liberal arts curriculum, a student should include among the 16 high school units at least 12 academic units (four units in English, three in mathematics, three or four in natural sciences, and two to six in a foreign language). In the evaluation of applications, the admission office will recalculate the high school grade-point average using core high school courses (English, mathematics, natural and social sciences and foreign languages). This grade-point average will be utilized for evaluation.

In addition to their course work in high school, prospective students are urged to read widely outside of class to broaden their general background and acquaintance with contemporary issues. Students also are encouraged to increase their competence in writing and to develop the ability to express ideas accurately.

Entrance Tests
To assist the Admission Committee in evaluating a prospective student's academic potential, each applicant is expected to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) administered by the College Entrance Examination Board or the test of the American College Testing Program (ACT) and have scores sent directly to the college.

Portfolio
An applicant may choose to submit a portfolio instead of standardized test scores. A portfolio should reflect the student's academic, creative, and personal interests and accomplishments. It must include, but is not limited to, 3-5 writing samples (at least one should be a graded expository written work) and, if available, a junior/senior reading list. If desired, students are welcome to submit additional artwork, poetry, or DVD presentations of work. Students must also schedule an interview (on-campus, alum, or via phone) as well as submit a short response regarding the decision to submit a portfolio in lieu of standardized test scores. The content of a portfolio is limited only by the applicant's imagination; it must be sufficient, however, to provide evaluative information to substitute for standardized test scores. In this case, choosing to withhold SAT I or ACT scores will not prejudice the student's chances of admission.

Personal Characteristics
Personal characteristics are evaluated through recommendation forms and an interview, preferably on campus. Guilford encourages students to visit, have an interview with an admission officer, talk with different members of the college community, and become familiar with the campus. Personal contact also lets the admission staff become better acquainted with an applicant. Arrangements for a personal interview and a campus visit may be made by writing or calling the Admission Office. Call (336) 316-2100 or (800) 992-7759 to arrange a campus visit.

Other Materials
All applicants are encouraged to submit for the committee's review a copy of a challenging expository writing assignment from any junior or senior level academic class that has been graded by a teacher, with an explanation of the context of the particular assignment. Additionally, applicants should submit information concerning unusual circumstances, achievements, or abilities which would be relevant to the process.

International Student Applications
To be considered for admission, an international student must comply with certain special procedures. An applicant should complete the application form and return it with the following:

• a bank draft in payment of the application fee of $25 (U.S. dollars).
• one copy of an official transcript from each high school or college attended.
• one copy of an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score (to be considered, a student must score 550 or above).
• a completed financial statement indicating adequate financial support to meet the expenses of the entire academic program at the college. Applications will not be processed unless such declaration can be made.
  

A provisional admission can be granted to a prospective international student who meets the following conditions:

• ranks in the upper 40 percent of his or her graduating class.
• has maintained a grade average equivalent of C or better.
• agrees to continue studying in an intensive English language program until s/he scores 550 or above on the TOEFL examination. Upon achieving a minimum TOEFL score of 550, the applicant is required to complete a statement demonstrating proficiency in written English.
  

Transfer Applications
Qualified students from other accredited and approved colleges and universities are welcome to apply to Guilford. In order to be considered for admission to Guilford, a prospective transfer student needs at least a C average in all academic work taken at the college level. Consideration is given to the academic reputation of the college from which the student wishes to transfer and the type of courses taken at that institution. Transfer applications are evaluated according to the same criteria used for first-year applications.

The materials necessary to complete an application for transfer are:

• the transfer application for admission and the $25 application fee.
• if the student is transferring in with at least 30 hours of college credit: a transcript from every college attended.
• if the student is not transferring in with at least 30 hours of college credit: a transcript from every high school attended and results of one of the college entrance examinations (SAT or ACT scores earned while in high school are acceptable).
• a recommendation from the dean of students of each college the student has attended (this form is separate from the application for admission).
  

English and Foreign Language Evaluation
All first-year students are evaluated for proficiency in English and in the foreign language they wish to continue studying. On the basis of these evaluations, students are placed in the most advanced courses for which they are qualified. Students also will be evaluated for proficiency in mathematics.

Immunizations
North Carolina law requires that all students submit proof of immunization against diphtheria and tetanus (DT), polio, measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella within 30 days of enrollment. Students failing to do so must be suspended.

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and ACE Credit
Advanced standing may be earned through the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for a total of 32 credits for those examinations that correspond to courses in the Guilford curriculum.

The required course First Year Experience 101 cannot be waived by examination. The appropriate department chairperson must approve placement and credit decisions in the student's major.

Placement requires Advanced Placement scores of three or better, or CLEP scores of 50 or better; credit requires Advanced Placement scores of four or better, or general CLEP scores of 55 or better. Subject CLEP scores must be at least 50 for placement and at least 55 for credit. General examination scores may apply only to courses taken to satisfy the general college or distribution requirement. Students may obtain credit for other courses only by taking subject area examinations.

Guilford College also recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) for admission purposes. IB credit will be awarded to students who have achieved scores of 4 through 7 on the Higher Level tests.

The college will also award up to 16 credits for educational experiences during military service according to the recommendations of the American Council on Education.

For further information, the student should contact the Registrar's Office or the Enrollment Office. Continuing Education students should consult an academic advisor in the Center for Continuing Education.

Early Entrance
Guilford's Early Entrance program welcomes applications through the normal admission process from qualified students who wish to pursue their educational objectives at an accelerated rate. Students of proven academic ability and exceptional motivation and maturity may be considered for admission before completion of the full four-year high school program. Any high school student with superior academic potential is eligible to apply. Usually these applicants wish to enroll after completion of the 11th grade, but capable students who wish to enter college even earlier may, in some cases, be considered. Minimum age for application is 14.

For details, contact the Office of Enrollment.

Application Procedure
Applications are processed as soon as an application form and all supporting materials are received in the Admission Office. The materials needed are:

• the completed application form with a $25 application fee.
• a transcript of all secondary school work.
• results of one of the college entrance examinations (SAT I or ACT) or a portfolio.
• the School Report Form and at least one Teacher Evaluation (these forms are included with the application for admission).
• other recommendations at the discretion of the applicant.
  

Accepted students confirm their intention to enroll by paying a non-refundable $300 Enrollment Fee required of all students.

For more information
Inquiries concerning admission to Guilford College should be addressed to:

Guilford College
Admission Office
5800 West Friendly Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 316-2100 or (800) 992-7759
admission@guilford.edu

Early Action Plan
To allow prospective Guilford students who clearly are interested in the college but have not yet determined that it is their first choice, Guilford offers an Early Action Plan. Students who also plan to apply for a merit award through the Guilford College Honors Scholarship program should choose this option.

Through this arrangement, students who have strong academic and personal qualities may have a decision from the Admission Committee by February 15 of their senior year rather than April 1. Additionally, Guilford agrees to waive the $25 application fee for all Early Action applicants.

To apply to Guilford under the Early Action Plan, students should take the SAT I or ACT examination no later than December of their senior year in high school and submit their applications, with all supporting material, by January 15 of that year.

Students choosing the Early Action Plan may apply to other colleges and are under no obligation, if accepted, to notify Guilford of their college choice until May 1.

Admission Calendar

Early Action Deadline: January 15
Notification: February 15
Student Response: May 1

Regular Decision Priority Deadline: February 15*
Notification: April 1
Student Response: May 1

Transfer Deadline: April 1
Notification: May 1
Student Response: June 1

Spring Term Deadline: December 1
Notification: December 15
Student Response: January 1

*Note: After February 15, applications are accepted on a space-available basis. Interested students who miss the priority deadlines are urged to contact the Admission Office.

2008-2009 Tuition & Fees

Notes to Fees

* Meal Plan Three is only available to students who are either living in Guilford College apartments or alternative housing.

** Discount given for balances settled by July 15th for the fall semester and December 15th for the spring semester.

*** The $183 fee pays for coverage for one academic year. For Guilford students who only need medical coverage for Spring 2009, the charge is estimated at $107.00, subject to change. International students pay $475 for a year's coverage and for those who only need coverage for Spring 2009,the charge is estimated at $278.00, subject to change and which includes a $50,000 major medical policy which is different from domestic coverage. All students involved in intercollegiate athletics are required to carry special athletic insurance and pay an additional premium of $200 (subject to change). The basic insurance fee can be waived by completing and returning the insurance waiver card at the bottom of the Payment Worksheet.

+ A Deposit in ESCROW is a deposit held by Guilford College to offset outstanding student charges while the student is enrolled. It is required of all NEW students prior to enrollment. When the student graduates or withdraws from Guilford, the Deposit in ESCROW is refunded less any outstanding charges.

Explanation of Fees

Student Activity Fee.  The student activity fee is charged to all residential students and full-time day students and administered by the student government to cover the budget of certain student organizations in which all students may participate or from which they receive benefits.

Deposit in ESCROW.  A $400 deposit is charged to all full-time traditional program students and is held in escrow while the student is enrolled. It is required of all NEW students prior to enrollment. When the student graduates or withdraws from Guilford , the Deposit in ESCROW is refunded in full less any outstanding charges.

Orientation Fee. The orientation fee is a one time, mandatory charge for all entering first year and transfer students at Guilford College , to provide funding for CHAOS programming, alcohol education, meals and small group sessions. This fee will be charged to all first year and transfer students regardless of attendance at CHAOS.

Tuition Overload Fee.  Students are charged tuition based on full-time enrollment (12-18 credit hours). If the student's course load exceeds 18 credit hours, there is a charge of $249 for each credit hour over 18 (this does not include special course fees). Exceptions to this policy are extra credit hours for private music lessons and students that have been on the Dean's List for the previous three semesters.

Injury and Sickness Insurance.  Guilford College makes available a Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan. The basic policy features a $25 deductible and a $2,000 maximum per injury or sickness. Students may purchase optional major medical coverage which raises the plan maximum to $10,000. Details of the policy are subject to change each year. Information on details of coverage is provided during the summer preceding each academic year. The premium for insurance appears as a charge for the first semester. Students or parents must notify the Student Financial Services Office in writing by September 30^th if the insurance coverage is not desired. For further information pleas contact ABCO100 at 800-222-5780, or email info@abco100.com, or www.abco100.com/guilford/

            * International Student Insurance. International students attending Guilford College full time are required to carry the basic sickness and accident/major medical coverage for the academic year by a United States based insurance carrier. If not accepting the College's insurance, proof of coverage with a United States based insurance carrier must be provided prior to check-in day.                                                        

            * Athletic Insurance is required of all students participating in intercollegiate athletics. The Athletic Department will send information about this coverage.

Motor Vehicle Registration Fee.  For information on motor vehicle registration and regulations, refer to the Student Handbook. Parking registration is required for every vehicle on campus. Parking registration will be automatically charged to ALL students' accounts at the beginning of the school year. If parking is not desired, students must notify the Student Financial Services Office to waive the registration fee.  A parking waiver form will accompany the first bill for the semester.

ID Replacement Charge. If your Guilford College issued ID has been lost or damaged beyond use, there is a $25 replacement fee. Replacement cards are issued at the Office of Public Safety during the academic year.

Returned Check Charge.  Returned checks will be re-deposited one time unless we are notified otherwise. A $25 handling charge will be added to the student's account each time a check is returned because of insufficient funds or other reasons. This is applicable to all checks written to Guilford College .

Fee for Late Drop/Adds and Registration.  For information on fee for late drop/adds and registration, please refer to the catalog, Student Handbook or Advising Handbook.

Room and Board.  Guilford College is primarily a residential campus, therefore, unmarried students are required to live on campus and eat in the college dining hall. Local students may commute from their homes but must specify when they apply that they intend to live at home with their parents and commute. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved through a petition submitted to the Office for Campus Life. If you have not been granted permission to live off campus and have not completed a housing application, you will be assigned a room and must pay all related charges. Please go to www.guilford.edu/housing to complete the application. If do not plan to live on campus, you must complete an Off-Campus Petition and Notification Form located in the Office for campus Life. Any concerns should be directed to Kris Gray at kgray2@guilford.edu.

Payment Option Plans

Payment in full is due by July 15 for the Fall Semester and December 15 for the Spring Semester.

1. Payment can be made by cash, check, cashier's check or money order.
2. Payment by Credit Card.  The college will accept payment in full, subject to confirmation, by VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. See credit card authorization form at the end.
3. Payment by Academic Management Services (AMS) -- Monthly Payment Plan:  It may be convenient to pay education costs on a monthly basis. Guilford College has partnered with AMS to provide an expanded payment plan program that offers services such as:

• A flexible ten-month installment, interest-free monthly payment beginning June 5^th for the academic year.
• A monthly payment plan with an $80.00 annual enrollment fee includes tuition protection coverage (TPC). Extended customer service hours, Internet Access to your account, monthly statements mailed each month, and Western Union phone pay option.
• If you want to use the AMS program, you may contact them toll-free at (866) TUITION (884-8466) or (800) 635-0120 or visit the AMS website at http://www.tuitionpay.com to learn more about the AMS plan.

Financial Aid.  Accounts may be settled with financial aid funds. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 336-316-2354 for more information or visit the financial aid website at www.guilford.edu/finaid .

ONCE REGISTERED, YOU ARE OFFICIALLY ENROLLED AT GUILFORD COLLEGE AND FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR CHARGES. IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO ATTEND CLASSES, YOU MUST NOTIFY ONE OF THE OFFICES LISTED BELOW TO WITHDRAW OFFICIALLY.

Traditional Program First-Year students should contact the First Year Center . All other Traditional Program students should contact the Office for Campus Life to process a withdrawal from school effective at the end of this semester.

Student Financial Services Office Office Hours:   Hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., exclusive of college holidays. Email address for the staff in the Student Financial Services Office: studentacct@guilford.edu.

ONCE REGISTERED YOU ARE OFFICIALLY ENROLLED AT GUILFORD AND FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR CHARGES. IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO ATTEND CLASSES, YOU MUST NOTIFY ONE OF THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES LISTED ABOVE IN ORDER TO WITHDRAW OFFICIALLY.

Special Notes

• Bills for fall will be sent by the first week of June and payment in full is due by July 15. Bills for spring will be sent by the third week of November and payment in full is due by December 15. Students whose payments are received in full by July 15 for fall and by December 15 for spring will receive a $200.00 ON-TIME-PAYMENT Discount.
• All outstanding accounts after July 15 for fall and after December 15 for spring will lose the $200.00 ON-TIME-PAYMENT discount and an additional LATE FEE of $250.00 will be assessed on the account.
• After July 18, if the outstanding balance on the student's account is over $500.00 for fall, and after December 31 for spring, the student will receive a letter from us stating the status of the student's account.
• If the balance is NOT paid in full by July 31 for fall and by December 31 for spring, check-in, course registration, and room and board assignments will be cancelled and the student will be WITHDRAWN from the college. This means that if the balance is paid in FULL after July 31 for fall and after December 31 for spring, the student will need to repeat the whole registration process, including course selection and room and board assignments.
• Students who have been administratively withdrawn for non-payment will be charged a $450.00 Processing Fee for readmission. This fee will be charged to the students' accounts and must be paid in addition to the balance due before the students can reapply and be considered for readmission.

Billing Information

Semester invoices are mailed approximately one month prior to the due date of payment. Invoices are sent to students at their permanent residence, mailing address, and the second billing address where applicable. If any student wishes to have a student invoice sent to another party, it is the responsibility of the student to forward the invoice to another address. In special cases, you may submit a request on the Special Billing Request Form listed below.

Please make checks payable to Guilford College and send in the envelope included with your bill. Please return the enclosed payment worksheet with your payment indicating any changes in the amount of the invoice. Please include copies of any documents relating to outside awards, scholarships, loans, etc., which you have as payment on the balance due. Please mail payment in sufficient time to be received by the date due. Thank you.

Subsequent bills will be sent during the first weeks of September, October, and November for fall and during the first weeks of February, March, and April for spring. Mid-semester bills will only be sent to those students with a balance due. You can query the status of your account through BannerWeb. Login to BannerWebàStudent and Financial AidàStudent Recordsàand select either Account Summary or Account Summary by Term. In the event that there is a need for a copy of the statement of your account, you can request one from the Student Financial Services Office. An updated statement will be mailed to you.

Special Note:  TRADITIONAL AGE STUDENTS

• Bills for the fall semester will be sent by the first week in June and should be settled by July 15^th. Bills for the spring semester will be sent by the third week in November and should be settled by December 15^th. Students who have settled their accounts by July 15^th for the fall and by December 15^th for the spring will receive a $200.00 ON-TIME-PAYMENT Discount.
• Students who have NOT settled their accounts by July 15^th for the fall and by December 15^th for the spring will lose the $200.00 ON-TIME-PAYMENT Discount.
• All outstanding balances after the first day of classes will be charged a $250.00 Late Fee.
• One week after the due date:  If the outstanding balance on the student's account is over $500.00, the student will receive a letter from us stating the status of the student's account.
• If the balance is NOT settled by July 31^st for the fall semester and by December 23^rd for the spring semester an Accounts Receivable HOLD will be placed on your account.  
• If the balance is NOT settled by July 31^st for the fall semester and by December  23^rd for the spring semester, the student will receive a letter warning of potential administrative withdrawal unless the balance is settled immediately. Withdrawal occurs approximately one week after the letter date—course registration and room and board assignments will be canceled.
• Students who have been administratively withdrawn for non-payment will be charged a $450.00 Processing Fee for readmission. This fee will be charged to the student's accounts and must be paid in addition to the balance due before the student can reapply and be considered for readmission.
• All administratively withdrawn students who have settled their outstanding balances must apply for readmission. Please email Carol Kruep at ckruep@guilford.edu for instructions about this process.

If the balance is settled in FULL after withdrawal and the student is readmitted, the student will need to repeat the whole registration process, including course selection and room and board assignments.Accounts Receivable HOLDS/ Past Due Accounts

Accounts Receivable HOLDS/ Past Due Accounts

Accounts Receivable HOLDS are placed on a student's account when the amount billed becomes past due. A student's account becomes PAST DUE after the first day of classes at the beginning of each semester. All charges incurred subsequent to the first day of classes are expected to be paid in full immediately. If those charges are not paid immediately, they then become PAST DUE at the time of the next billing period where the account will be listed as PAST DUE. An Accounts Receivable HOLD will remain on the student's account until the balance is settled. An Accounts Receivable HOLD will prohibit students from completing check-in at the beginning of the semester, making changes to current schedule, registering for future semesters, and receiving grades and transcripts.

Meal Plans

Guilford College requires all resident hall-based students to participate in at least one of Guilford's three board-plan options. Students with special dietary needs should notify the food service general manager.

• Quaker 19 Meal Plan - All meals in the dining hall are included in the plan, as are meal options in all food service retail operation on campus
• Quaker 14 Meal Plan -The user is entitled to any 14 meals per week, plus $100 per semester in Quaker Cash to spend in all food service retail operation on campus.
• Quaker 5 Meal Plan - The user is entitled to any five meals per week.

Those who request an exemption for the college's board plan (meals) may complete the Meal Plan Exemption Request Form. Meal exemption requests will only be considered for those who demonstrate a critical need to be off the meal plan and provide appropriate documentation. Exemption requests are reviewed during the fall and spring semesters. To obtain a request form, students may come by the office for campus life or e-mail tgarrett@guilford.edu.

NOTE: Application for exemption is not guaranteed and the total room, board and fees are due by the scheduled payment deadline(s) as outlined by the Student Financial Services Office. Failure to make payment may result in a student's withdrawal from the college or inability to register for classes or housing.

Refunds and Adjustments

Reimbursements of credit balances from loan disbursements or overpayments will be made approximately two weeks from the day credit is created. To the extent that funds paid to Guilford College on behalf of the student exceed the total amount of tuition, fees and other expenses due from the student, Guilford College will refund such excess payments (excluding any non-refundable financial aid) directly to the student, regardless of whether any funds were paid by the student, the student's parents or any other third party. Guilford College assumes no responsibility for remitting such excess payments to any person other than the student. Reimbursements will not be processed in time to buy books before classes start. Write separate checks for books. Reimbursement checks for only those students with refundable credit balances as of August 31^st for fall and January 31^st for spring will be available the day after the last day to drop a regular/intensive class without a grade.

Tuition Adjustments. Subject to the advisor's approval, a student may change registration and add courses during the first week of classes. Students who reduce their course load to below 12 credits during the first 21 calendar days will have their charges changed and be billed on a per-credit-hour basis.

A student who is billed for an extra-credit overload (in excess of 18 credits) may drop courses to reduce total credits to 18 or less through the 21^st calendar day beginning with the first day of classes and receive 100 percent adjustment of the extra-credit charges. No adjustment of charges will be made after this date.

Adjustments are figured on the date the withdrawal or drop form is received in the Registrar's Office. Any course change must be completed in the Registrar's Office.

Withdrawal from the College. Students receive a pro-rata refund of tuition, room and board, and fees up to the 60 percent point of the term based on the number of days attended as a percentage of the total number of days in the term. All refund checks are made payable to the student. Financial aid that requires half-time or full-time enrollment for the term will be canceled in accordance with state and/or federal requirements.

A refund schedule for COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL ONLY can be obtained from the Student Financial Services Office. Withdrawal Petition forms are obtained from and returned to the Office for Campus Life. A request to the Registrar for a transcript of credits shall be considered neither a notice of withdrawal from the college nor a cancellation of room and/or board reservation.

Registration and Graduation Requirements

Refer to the Academic Calendar regarding registration and dates for Fall and Spring semesters.

Registration will not be allowed if you have any HOLDS.

Graduation:  Student Financial Services Office Requirements. A balance due on your account will prevent you from participating in commencement if not paid prior to commencement exercises. Personal checks to cover PAST DUE balances must be received 10 days prior to graduation to allow time to clear the bank.

Students who still have outstanding debts will not be issued diplomas or have transcripts forwarded. For further information, see Guilford College Catalog (http://www.guilford.edu/academics/catalog/regulations.html ).  

The Deposit in ESCROW will be refunded approximately six weeks after graduation less any outstanding charges. This allows for residence halls to be inspected and all room damage charges and charges for keys NOT returned to be received in the Student Financial Services Office.

Please notify the Student Financial Services Office of any address changes to where the ESCROW Deposit refund should be mailed.

The Federal Education Tax Relief Act of 1997

The Tax Reform Act of 1997 created two tax credits, the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. Due to this legislation, Guilford College is required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue the form 1098-T to students with transactions during the calendar year. The form 1098-T will report any eligible tuition and fees billed, and qualified scholarships and/or grants credited during the calendar year.

Form 1098-T will be mailed by January 31^st.

If you have any questions or concerns about the amounts reported please call the Student Financial Services Office at 336-316-2176 or 336-316-2384 or e-mail us at studentacct@guilford.edu.  Remember, Guilford College cannot offer any tax advice or assistance. Please direct any tax questions to the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or refer to their web page at www.irs.gov.