POL - 10.02.1 Chancellor’s Exception for Admission Policy
1. Purpose
It is the policy of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Undergraduate Admissions (UGA) Office to be consistent and transparent in its admissions policies. UGA adheres to the legal requirements outlined in the UNC Policy Manual Sections 700.1.1 and 700.1.1[R] that provide a common set of minimum standards to be considered for admission to a UNC System institution as an undergraduate student. The purpose of this admissions policy is to define the procedures that shall apply regarding all admissions exceptions granted by the Chancellor due to the lack of completion of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) and or Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) as defined in UNC Policy and below.
2. Scope
This policy shall apply to applicants for undergraduate admission to NCCU that need special consideration based on the established MER or MCR.
3. Policy
Enrollment by Chancellor’s Exception will be permitted for applicants who require special consideration or exceptions to the established MER and or MCR policies. A chancellor’s exception may be applied to any first-time undergraduate who has not submitted SAT/ACT test scores, does not meet either the SAT/ACT minimum requirement, or the high school GPA minimum requirement.
The maximum number of chancellor’s exceptions is limited to one percent (1%) of the total number of first-time undergraduate applicants accepted in the academic year of admittance, or 75 students, whichever is greater.
Students admitted through a Summer Bridge or other summer enhancement programs must meet MER or be counted as a chancellor’s exception.
4. Definitions
4.1 Minimum Eligibility Requirements – The requirements (courses, high school grade point average [GPA], and minimum standardized test scores) which are required for admission to any UNC System institution.
4.1.1 High School GPA and Standardized Test Scores (ACT and SAT) – All applicants for admission, except those exempted by UNC policy or regulation, must meet the following criteria for admission:
4.1.1.1 Applicants for Admission for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
- Applicants with a GPA of 2.5 to 2.799: Standardized Test Scores are required along with the required GPA and MER requirements for admission. The standardized test scores must be sent directly to the university to be deemed official.
- Applicants with a GPA of 2.8 or higher: Standardized Test Scores are not required; consideration will be based solely on GPA and MER requirements.
4.1.1.2 Applicants for Admission for Fall 2026 and Beyond
- Applicants with a GPA of 2.5 to 2.799: Standardized Test Scores are required along with the required GPA for admission and a score of 17 or higher on the ACT or a 930 or higher on the SAT.
- Applicants with a GPA of 2.8 or higher: Standardized Test Scores are not required; consideration will be based solely on GPA and MER requirements.
4.2 Minimum Course Requirements – The set of courses defined by UNC Policy which are required for admission to any UNC System institution.
4.2.1 English: four course units emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature.
4.2.2 Mathematics: four course units in any of the following combinations:
4.2.2 1 Algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II; or
4.2.2.2 Algebra I, algebra II, and two units beyond algebra II; or
4.2.2.3 Common core math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond common core math III; or
4.2.2.4 Integrated math I, II, III, and one unit beyond integrated math III; or
4.2.2.5 NC Math 1, 2, 3, and one unit beyond NC Math 3 identified as meeting the 4th level mathematics requirement for admission to UNC System institutions.
4.2.3 Science: three course units, including at least:
4.2.3.1 One life science unit (e.g., biology, ecology, zoology); and
4.2.3.2 One non-life science unit (e.g., astronomy, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, physical science, physics); and
4.2.3.3 One laboratory science unit.
4.2.4 Social Studies: two course units, including one unit in U.S. history.
4.2.5 Two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science. (Note: these courses should be selected in alignment with a student’s academic and career objectives. Completion of two sequential world language courses is recommended.)
4.3 University Undergraduate Council
The University Undergraduate Council (UUC) is composed of fifteen (15) representatives from academic colleges and various other stakeholders engaged in student success, including the Dean of Students, the Faculty Senate, the Shepard Library, the University Registrar, Scholarships and Student Aid, and the University Honors Program. In the spirit of shared governance and transparency, the UUC serves as the the agency of the faculty and staff to share and propose policy regarding undergraduate academic affairs in the following areas: admission standards; standards for scholastic performance; approval of courses and new degree programs, course and degree modification, and deactivation of courses and degree programs; general undergraduate academic policies; grading System; and academic honors.
5. Application Review Process
All applicants for admission to NCCU will be reviewed in the same manner. If it has been determined that a special consideration or an exception should be considered the following application review process will be initiated.
5.1 Admissions Review -- The Undergraduate Admissions Office conducts the initial admissions review to determine applicant admissibility.
5.2 Admissions Director’s Review -- The Undergraduate Admissions Director reviews the application to determine if the applicant should be considered for review by the University Undergraduate Council.
5.3 University Undergraduate Council (UUC). The Council is comprised of faculty members of various academic disciplines and staff. The UCC conducts a review of the application and renders a decision on the MER or MCR special consideration request.
5.4 Applicant Decision is then entered into the ERP System (Banner) to meet university reporting requirements.
6. Chancellor’s Exception Review Committee
6.1 Committee Composition
The University Undergraduate Council comprised of faculty members from various academic disciplines will review Chancellor’s Exceptions for Admission.
6.2 Committee Responsibility:
The University Undergraduate Council shall review application for undergraduate admission to assess whether special considerations related to the MER or MCR are warranted, including cases where students have a documented Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. The Committee must determine if the applicant shows a demonstrable promise for academic success at NCCU. The committee may waive some minimum course requirements for applicants who have superior academic records in high school, as measured by grades, rank in class, test scores, or the rigor of courses taken, or who demonstrate special talents. Applicants must have completed the eleventh grade and met virtually all the minimum course requirements as well as the requirements for high school graduation. Applicants may be required to submit additional documents such as essays or letters of recommendations.
6.3 Members of the Committee will maintain all student information in the strictest confidence pursuant to applicable law and University policy. No information received during the application process will be discussed with any individual who is not a member of the Committee. All applications and information received for an application will be considered property of the University and will not be released to any individual, committee, agency, or other entity unless required by the laws of the State of North Carolina; a policy of the University; or an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.