Dual Admissions Program Information
Dual Admissions Program Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Dual Admissions?
Dual admissions is an admissions agreement between NIU and participating community colleges, that is intended to provide a seamless and successful transition from a participating community colleges to NIU.
- Who is eligible for Dual Admissions?
New students who meet the admission criteria for a participating community college and transfer or freshman admission criteria to NIU are eligible to participate. To remain in the program, students must maintain admission criteria at all times.
- How do I apply for Dual Admissions?
Simply complete an Application for Undergraduate Admission, a Statement of Intent to Participate form and application to your community college. You will need to have an official transcript sent from your community college directly to NIU.
- If I plan on earning an A.A. or A.S. degree at my community college before attending NIU, should I apply for the Dual Admissions Program?
Yes. One of the advantages of becoming a Dual Admissions participant is that you will have continued access to degree audit reports (DARS). DARS indicates how your community college courses will transfer to NIU and charts your progress toward completion of the university graduation requirements specific to your major.
- Can I earn my A.A. or A.S. degree at my community college while attending NIU as a Dual Admissions participant?
Yes, you may earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at the community college while attending NIU as a Dual Admissions participant. Students participating in the Dual Admissions Program may enroll at NIU prior to earning an A.A. or A.S. degree. You will need to request to have an official NIU transcript sent to your community college to count those courses toward your A.A./A.S. degree.
- What happens if I receive an A.A. or A.S. degree at my community college as a Dual Admissions participant while I'm enrolled at NIU?
Once your official transcript confirming your A.A. or A.S. degree has been received, your academic record will reflect that you have satisfied NIU's undergraduate general education requirements. However, your NIU cumulative grade point average will not start over.
- Can I transfer an NIU course(s) to my community college to earn my A.A. or A.S. degree?
You will need to verify the academic residency policy (for graduation) at your community college. This policy should be stated in the catalog. NIU allows you to transfer an NIU course(s) to your community college to complete your A.A. or A.S. transfer degree.
- Is it possible to attend my community college and NIU during the same semester?
Yes, this is one advantage of the Dual Admissions program.
- I want to update my Dual Admissions application to another term. What do I have to do?
If you do not attend NIU for the term you list on the Statement of Intent to Participate form, you will be required to reapply for admission. The non-refundable application fee is good for one calendar year.
- I am on academic probation at my community college. Will this affect my Dual Admissions status at NIU?
Yes. If you have already been accepted into the Dual Admissions Program and then fall below a 2.00 GPA, or are placed on probation or dismissal at your community college, you will become ineligible to remain in the Dual Admissions Program. In addition, your NIU admission may be rescinded. To continue to participate in the program, students must remain admissible to NIU at all times.
- I was academically dismissed from NIU and am currently attending a community college that is participating in the Dual Admissions Program. Can I reapply to NIU as a Dual Admissions student?
While you may reapply to NIU, you would be ineligible to participate in the Dual Admissions Program because of your NIU GPA. However, once you've been reinstated to NIU and raised your NIU cumulative GPA to a 2.00, you may reapply to the Dual Admissions program.
- Can I meet with an NIU academic advisor while I am attending my community college?
Yes, the following academic advisors serve as contacts for Dual Admissions students:
College of Business, Emily Blickem, 753-1325
College of Education, Margaret Myles, 753-8355
College of Engineering & Engineering Technology, Dr. Mansour Tahernezhadi, 753-0745
College of Health & Human Sciences, Sandi Splansky, 753-1891
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Dr. Sue Doederlein, 753-0253
College of Visual & Performing Arts, Richard Holly, 753-1635
- What NIU student support services are available to me?
While enrolled in classes at NIU, you have access to the same student support services as all other NIU students. If you are enrolled only in classes at your community college, you may receive academic advising at NIU; you will have access to DARS reports through WebConnect; and you may apply for an NIU Courtesy Card to use the NIU Libraries. Questions about financial aid should be directed to the financial aid office at your community college.
- When do I attend the orientation program at NIU?
You will be invited to attend the orientation program at NIU for transfer students prior to the semester in which you plan to enroll at NIU. You will be invited and assigned a date to one of the orientation sessions. We advise responding to the orientation invitation as soon as possible.
