Global Initiatives

Dr. Larry Linamen
Vice President for Global Initiatives

Mr. Bryan Davis
Dean of International Programs

Ms. Heather Snavely
Director, Intensive English Program (IEP)

Ms. Leslie Shelton
Director of International Student Services

Ms. Holly Christensen
Administrative Assistant
Phone 951.552.8758
FAX 951.343.4728

Ms. Daphne Kieling
International Center Receptionist
Phone 951.343.4690
FAX 951.343.4728
international.center@calbaptist.edu

The Division of Global Initiatives was established to promote global engagement across all sectors of the university and help diversify the student body such that CBU becomes less dependent upon its domestic constituency; to initiate and increase preparation for an educational environment extending beyond national boundaries and driven by the demand of a global marketplace. The division, housed in the International Center, encompasses International Admissions, International Student Services, and the Intensive English Program (IEP).

International Graduate Admissions

Authorization

California Baptist University is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

When to Apply

Application and the completion of the file for a particular term must be made according to the following deadlines. The closing dates for receiving international student applications and all supporting documentation are earlier than for standard applications due to the additional time needed to process documents through SEVIS.

Once all admission requirements have been met and the applicant is approved for admission, a letter of acceptance and the form I-20 will be issued. All international student athletes are subject to additional criteria as outlined in CBU’s International Student Athlete I-20 Policy.

Application Procedure

Each program of study has specific admission and application requirements which are listed in the program sections of the catalog. To be considered for admission, international students must complete all requirements listed in the program section of the catalog.

Additionally, they must complete the following:

1. Submission of Academic Records
   • Official academic records, showing dates of attendance, courses taken, and grades received are required. An official academic record (i.e. degree, diploma, mark sheets, exam records, record of courses, transcripts) is one the university, or its representatives, receives directly from that institution. A certified English Translation must also be provided.
2. Financial Documentation
   • The Sponsor’s Commitment of Financial Support form, provided by California Baptist University, accompanied by a certified bank statement or affidavit of support indicating sufficient funds for study. Financial support must guarantee and certify funds equal to a minimum of one year of the student’s academic study at CBU. Note: International students must pay semester charges in full before registration can be completed.
3. Language Proficiency
   • An applicant whose first language is not English and/or does not have a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction is required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting a recent test score from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum score required to display English language proficiency for standard admission to a graduate program is 80 IBT TOEFL, 53 PTE Academic, or 6.0 IELTS with no individual area under 5.0.
   • If the score is lower than 80 IBT TOEFL, 53 PTE Academic, or 6.0 IELTS with no individual area under 5.0, the applicant may be granted joint admission to the Intensive English Program (IEP) and a graduate program while taking required language courses to meet the minimum TOEFL/PTE Academic/IELTS requirement before beginning graduate program coursework. Joint admission is not available for applicants to the graduate programs in Athletic Training and Nursing due to program structure.
   • In addition to proving English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic all graduate-level students must also have completed ENG123: Intermediate Composition or its equivalent at an accredited institution. Students who have not met this requirement are required to complete ESL094: Academic Research for Graduate Students or its equivalent during the first semester of graduate studies, regardless of their language proficiency test scores.
   • California Baptist University reserves the right to require additional English language testing/classes after the student has arrived at the university if considered necessary.

Student Status

Applicants to the program will be considered according to the following classifications:

Standard

Applicants who have met the unconditional status GPA requirement specified by each program, who have completed the required application, documents and fees, and have satisfied all other admission criteria, may be admitted standard status to the University with full graduate standing.

Conditional

Applicants who have a deficiency in any requirement may be admitted on a conditional basis. This includes applicants who have met the standard status requirements, except for English language proficiency. These students may be granted conditional status to the Intensive English Program (IEP) and graduate program. Students admitted under conditional status are limited to enrolling in IEP coursework.
Students must submit an official qualifying TOEFL/IELTS score report prior to beginning graduate program coursework. Conditional status students, who need to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses, as outlined by the student’s admission conditions, may do so in combination with IEP coursework if the student’s language ability meets the undergraduate English language proficiency standard as determined by the IEP director/program personnel.

Denial

Denial may occur when an applicant does not qualify for admission in any one of the above categories. CBU reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant who is antagonistic with the philosophy and purpose of the University.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

The Intensive English Program is a full-time, pre-academic and bridge program which fosters cross-cultural exchange by providing English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to non-English speaking students in preparation for study at CBU. In particular, ESL takes place in a classroom setting, collaborating with International Student Services (ISS) on co-curricular activities outside of the classroom.

Further information on the IEP course progression and ESL courses can be located in the Academic Programs section of the Undergraduate University catalog.

International Student Services

The Department of International Student Services (ISS) assists international students in transitioning into the CBU community, exploring American culture, and understanding U.S. immigration regulations. ISS ensures that students understand institutional expectations, provides support services, processes immigration documents, plans and implements activities that promote campus awareness and appreciation for cultural understanding and experience, and assists students in becoming integrated into the CBU community.