The purpose of this protocol is to ensure that Parami University determines undergraduate applicants' admission in compliance with the requirements of the Higher Education Licensure Commission of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education of the District of Columbia. This protocol establishes the University's general standards and principles for undergraduate recruitment and admissions.

Scope

This is an administrative protocol affecting prospective applicants to the University's undergraduate programs.

Referenced Laws, Regulations, and/or Policies 

The Higher Education Licensure Commission, Office of the State Superintendent of Education of the District of Columbia, requires that a postsecondary degree-granting educational institution shall:

(a) Develop, publish, and apply a written statement clearly delineating fair and objective standards for the admission of students; and

(b) Admit only such students to a degree-granting program who shall have a high school diploma or equivalent, or who shall have demonstrated to the postsecondary degree-granting educational institution, by a method which has received prior approval of the Commission, a reasonable ability to benefit from the proposed curriculum and successfully to complete the program in which the student is to be enrolled.

(D.C. Mun. Regs. Tit. 5, § A8004.11)

Protocol

1. Recruitment

The University will conduct undergraduate recruitment in a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner. Recruitment activities may include online information sessions and outreach to schools, youth organizations, community organizations, and other relevant groups.

The University will provide clear and accurate information about its undergraduate programs and admission requirements through its official communication channels.

2. Admission Standards

Parami University will establish, publish, and apply fair and objective standards for admission to its undergraduate programs.

The University will practice a need-blind admissions policy. Financial need will not be considered in determining an applicant's admission decision.

3. Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the information and supporting documents specified in the University's current undergraduate application.

Application requirements may include a completed application form, personal statement, evidence of high school completion or equivalent, evidence of English proficiency, standardized test scores where applicable, and recommendation letters.

The University may establish alternative documentation or assessment pathways for applicants who are unable to provide standard academic credentials, where permitted by applicable regulations and University requirements.

4. High School Completion or Equivalent

Applicants must provide evidence of high school completion or an equivalent qualification.

The University may accept recognized high school equivalency credentials and other appropriate qualifications or documentation, including alternative credentials applicable to applicants from refugee or displaced backgrounds.

Applicants who are still completing high school may be considered for admission subject to the submission of evidence of high school completion before enrollment, as specified by the University.

Applicants who cannot provide a high school diploma or equivalent may demonstrate a reasonable ability to benefit from the proposed curriculum through an approved Ability to Benefit assessment or other assessment approved by the University and, where required, the relevant regulatory authority.

5. English Proficiency

Applicants whose mother tongue is English, or who have completed at least two years of high school with English as the medium of instruction, are not required to submit separate evidence of English proficiency.

Other applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at the level established by the University for admission to its undergraduate programs.

The University may accept recognized English proficiency examinations or other approved evidence of English proficiency. Applicants who cannot provide an accepted English proficiency score may be required to complete a University-administered English language assessment.

Specific examinations, minimum scores, and alternative assessment arrangements will be specified in the University's current admissions and application materials.

6. Standardized Tests

Applicants may submit standardized test scores or equivalent qualifications accepted by the University. Standardized test scores are not required unless otherwise specified for a particular program or admission pathway.

7. Recommendation Letters

Applicants must provide recommendation letters in accordance with the requirements published in the current undergraduate application.

The University may specify appropriate categories of recommenders, including teachers, school administrators, mentors, advisors, or supervisors.

8. Admissions Assessment and Interview

Applications will be reviewed using fair and objective criteria established by the University.

Applicants who meet the University's minimum academic and English proficiency requirements may be invited to an interview as part of the admissions assessment process. Interviews may assess areas including critical thinking and communication, personal traits and commitment, readiness for online learning, and community engagement.

Interviews will be conducted using a University-approved assessment rubric and process. The University will normally seek at least two independent interview assessments for each interviewed applicant. Where interview assessments result in substantially different recommendations, an additional review may be conducted in accordance with the University's admissions procedures.

Admissions officers involved in recruitment and admissions assessment will receive training before each admissions cycle and ongoing or refresher training as appropriate to support consistent and accurate assessment. The Director of Admissions and Student Affairs will oversee admissions assessment practices and training.

The University will maintain appropriate assessment rubrics and records to support consistent and objective admissions decisions.

9. Admissions Decisions

Following the admissions review, the University may issue an offer of admission, conditional offer of admission, wait-list decision, or denial of admission.

The admissions team will communicate admission decisions through the University's designated admissions system.

Following an admission decision, the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs will coordinate the applicable financial aid and enrollment processes in accordance with the University's relevant procedures.

Review

The Office of Admissions and Student Affairs is responsible for administering this protocol and ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and University policies.

This protocol will be reviewed periodically and revised as necessary to reflect changes in applicable regulations, University requirements, and admissions practices.

Date

Adopted on January 31, 2022;

1st Amended on January 13, 2023;

2nd Amended on September 17, 2026;