Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Campus Visit FAQ
International Students FAQ
Distance Learning FAQ
Campus Visit FAQ
*Note: Do not make any travel arrangements before contacting Tina Bottsford. Click here.
What will I do while visiting SWAU?
We love to show visitors our campus and have them interact with our students, faculty and staff. We'll set up meetings for prospective students with academic advisors and financial counselors. Let us know what your interests are and we'll do our best to introduce you to the people you should meet. If you have an interest in choir, band, or gymnastics we'll try to arrange a visit during practice. Those who visit on a weekend can participate in our Friday night Vespers program and our Saturday morning Church Service as well as Sabbath afternoon activities. During the school-year there are Student Association activities on Saturday night.
How long do I need to allow for my visit to SWAU?
Spending four to five hours on our campus during business hours is more than enough time to take a tour and meet with advisors and counselors. We suggest that you plan to visit SWAU in either a morning or an afternoon during the week, Monday through Friday noon. Visitors are welcome to stay for up to two nights during the week or three nights over the weekend to get a deeper SWAU experience. Three days gives visitors ample time to fully explore SWAU campus life.
Will SWAU help with my travel expenses?
- Driving: SWAU will pay a portion of the gasoline expenses of prospective students who drive to Keene. We reimburse a prospective student 1/4 of round-trip gasoline expense, 1/2 of roundtrip gasoline expense if two prospective students come together, and all round-trip gasoline expense of the vehicle that three or more prospective students drive to Keene. Please save your gasoline receipts for reimbursement.
- Flying: For those who fly, SWAU is happy to cover half of every prospective student's roundtrip airfare (up to $150) and will provide free airport pick up and return. (Sorry, but we can't pay for car rentals if you want your own transportation while at SWAU.) Once you're on our campus we will give you nine free meals in our cafeteria and house you in a residence hall or hotel for up to two nights during the week or three nights over the weekend. Bring your ticket or flight itinerary showing the price you paid so we can quickly process your reimbursement.
What if I want to stay longer than the days you host visitors?
If you have a friend in the dormitory who you wish to stay with for longer than the days we provide free to visitors, you must make arrangements with the dormitory dean to stay there. Unfortunately, our budget does not allow us to provide more than three days / nine meals to our visitors. If we house you or your family in a local hotel you will need to make arrangements with the hotel to pay for any extra nights you stay there.
What if I want to visit SWAU but live outside the United States?
All prospective students are welcome to visit our campus but because of the expense of international travel and because we can only provide a maximum of three days lodging, it is often impractical for foreign students to visit our campus before they come to enroll. (We can easily arrange a visit for prospective students who are already in the United States.) In three days, visitors can fully experience SWAU campus life. (See "travel expenses" above for details on our reimbursement policies.)
Can I come with my family or should I come alone?
We are happy to host you and family members who wish to accompany you. Prospective students over the age of 18 can come alone but those under 18 should visit SWAU with an adult family member or other adult sponsor. SWAU will provide everyone in your group meal cards for a maximum of nine meals in our cafeteria and pay for lodging in a local hotel (one room) for you and your family for up to two nights during the week and up to three nights over a weekend. Prospective students can stay with a student in the dormitory but because our dorms are full we cannot guarantee a bed. Visitors wishing to stay in the dorm should bring a sleeping bag and their own towels.
When should I make my travel plans?
SWAU needs at least a week's notice to make all the arrangements for your visit. Please contact Ms. Tina Bottsford, Director of Enrollment, by e-mail at tinabot@swau.edu or by phone at 1-800-433-2240 extension 6408 to make arrangements. Please call Tina before you buy your tickets or finalize your travel plans because there are some dates when we are unable to host campus visitors (see dates below). If we do not confirm your arrangements within two business days please call Mrs. Theresa Mendoza at 817-645-3921 ext. 6294. Unfortunately, SWAU is unable to host prospective students during the following times due to on-campus events or holidays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
International Students FAQ
When do international students need to start the application process?
Applications should be submitted at least four (4) months before the session starts. International students should not submit an application more than a year (12 months) before a session starts. SWAU will give priority to applicants who submit their deposit and pre-payment. SWAU will processes all other applications in the order in which they were received. To go to application page click here.
Does the process for an international applicant take longer than a domestic applicant?
Yes. It takes about five times as long to process an international applicant as it does a citizen or resident of the United States. It takes longer due to foreign transcript evaluations, money transactions, and extra paperwork.
Does SWAU accept academic transcripts that are faxed?
Not for full acceptance. Academic documents can be faxed and SWAU can issue a conditional acceptance pending the receipt of official documentation. Students who fax documents MUST bring official documents with them to give to SWAU to complete their admissions file. They can then enroll with a full acceptance.
How will I know I am accepted?
The Admissions Office will notify applicants by letter regarding acceptance status after an application and transcripts have been received. SWAU will issue an I-20 after an academic acceptance is granted and a Certificate of Finance with acceptable documentation, a Personal Data form, a deposit and the pre-payment have been received.
Does SWAU accept financial documentation and applications that are faxed?
Yes. Don't spend money to send originals after faxing them. Bring original documents with you when you come to enroll. This does not apply to school transcripts and exam scores.
When do new prices and forms for a new school year become available?
Our governing board determines every March the price for our next school year. Forms are updated as soon as possible after the new prices are announced.
When do students pay?
A deposit and a pre-payment must be paid before an I-20 will be issued. The pre-payment covers half of the charges for the first semester. To cover the remainder of the semester charges, payments can be made during the semester by sponsors and by the student. Before the student can take final semester exams or enroll for the next term, the student's bill must be completely paid or financial arrangements made to finish paying the semester charges.
How do students send money?
Payments can be made by credit card (Master Card or Visa), check, money order, or bank wire. To make a payment by credit card we will need the name of the cardholder, the type of card, the card number, and it's expiration date. To wire money, send to the First State Bank of Keene, account 1001817, for credit to Southwestern Adventist University, account #0003004. For all types of payment be sure to note the student's name and student's ID# (if known).
To pay with a Visa or Mastercard, you may call 817-645-3291 ext. 6299 with the following card information:
Name of card holder
Type of card
Card Number
Expiration date
You may use the following information for a Bank wire:
Receiving Bank - First State Bank of Texas in Keene, Texas ABA# 111-90-351, Southwestern Adventist Universtiy Account# 0003004
Further Credit - Student's name and ID#
Does SWAU find sponsors for international students?
No, Southwestern Adventist University cannot find sponsors for foreign students. Each foreign student must find his or her own financial sponsors.
Can foreign students work to pay off their bill?
According to current U.S. immigration laws, international students with student visas may work on-campus provided the student is enrolled in a full course of study and is making progress toward the completion of a degree. On-campus employment is limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session but may go up to 40 hours per week during school vacations. International students can earn up to $2,000 during the school year. International students in F1 status are required by law to secure permission before accepting any off-campus employment. Petitions to the U.S. government to work off campus may be made through SWAU's International Student Office.
Is there federal or state financial aid or subsidy for international students?
No. Only citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. are eligible for federal and state financial aid. International students on F1 visas do not qualify for loans and grants as detailed in the financial section of the SWAU Bulletin though campus employment is available. The student is expected to have sufficient funding (either sponsorship or personal funds) to cover tuition, food, lodging, books, fees, insurance, and personal expenses. International students are expected to meet required payments at registration and throughout the semester just as other students do.
Does SWAU have any student scholarships for international students?
Yes. Scholarships do not, however, apply to students enrolled in the full ESL program because this is a discounted program. Students who enroll for regular courses or a combination of ESL and regular courses are eligible for scholarships. SWAU does not award full tuition scholarships to any international students. SWAU does offer small scholarships for freshmen students who qualify with high academics or by demonstrating leadership in their secondary schooling. Transfer students above the freshmen level may also qualify for an academic scholarship of $1,000. Scholarship awards are divided over two semesters. The registrar makes all academic scholarship determinations. The cost for one semester of the full ESL program is at least $6,500 while the cost of one semester of regular classes or a combination of ESL and regular classes is at least $8,750 (tuition, student fees, lodging, food, insurance, and personal expenses). Travel is extra and insurance and personal expenses may vary. So, SWAU scholarships are in no way large enough to pay for all of a foreign student's expenses, even if combined with earnings from campus work.
What is an I-20?
It is a form issued by a U.S. school and is required by the United States government for all foreign students. It indicates an international applicant is accepted to that school and has provided financial proof of ability to fund his/her education while studying in the United States. It also indicates when the student plans to be studying at the school.
What is the deadline to submit all requirements to get an I-20 issued from SWAU?
Final deadlines to submit required documents are July 1 for the Fall semester which begins in late August and November 1 for Spring semester which begins in early January. It is best to submit requirements before the deadlines. The deadlines allow SWAU time to process files and issue I-20s and gives students enough time to go to a U.S. embassy and apply for a student visa to enter the United States. SWAU will give priority to those who meet all financial and academic requirements for admission.
How long does it take for SWAU to issue an I-20 after all requirements are submitted?
At least a week should be allowed for SWAU to process and issue an I-20. Please allow time for due process. SWAU will give priority to applicants who submit their deposit and pre-payment. SWAU will processes all other applications in the order in which they were received. A file may not be processed as soon as it is complete because other files completed before it must be processed first.
Who is the person to issue SWAU's I-20s?
Foreign Admissions Director issues the I-20s.
What do I do when I get the I-20?
You must take your I-20 and your acceptance letter and documentation of your finances to a U.S. Embassy in your country to apply for a U.S. student visa. Tell SWAU's admissions office if you are approved or denied a student visa.
What do I do when I am issued a Student Visa by the U.S. Embassy?
Contact SWAU's admissions office. Let them know you got the visa and when you plan to arrive on campus and if you plan to live in the dormitory. The closest international airport is the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. If you are flying you will need to tell us if you need us to pick you up at the airport or if you have friends or family picking you up. SWAU will pick you up at the airport and bring you to our campus for free B there is no charge to pick you up the FIRST time you come to our campus as a student. If you need us to pick you up tell us 1) the Airline, 2) the date of arrival, 3) the time of arrival, 4) the flight number, and 5) how much luggage you are bringing, and 6) what you will wear so we can easily find you at the airport.(After you are a student you will need to make your own arrangements to go back to the airport and to be picked up again for trips you may take at a later time. Usually students have friends take them to the airport but SWAU also has a transportation office that can get students from and take students to the airport for a fee.)
How does SWAU report international student information to the U.S. government?
When international students arrive at SWAU they should take their visa, I-20, and I-94 card to the Admissions Office so copies can be made to go into their admissions file. If an international student enters the U.S. with an I-20 from SWAU but does not enroll at SWAU or if an international student drops out, SWAU will notify the U.S. government through the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) as required by U.S. law. It is imperative all international students on an I-20 notify in advance the International Student Advisor if they plan to transfer to another school in the U.S. or if they plan to drop below the 12 minimum required hours of classes.
How do I reserve a room in a dormitory?
After being accepted, international students who plan to live in one of SWAU's dormitories should immediately submit a housing information form, the room reservation/damage deposit of $100 is included in the deposit.
Can I come early to work during the summer?
International students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before registering for classes. New U.S. Immigration laws for international students have been passed and a new computer tracking system put in place in July of 2002. This system, called SEVIS, will record when an I-20 is issued, if a visa is granted, when and where a student enters the U.S., and if the student enrolls for classes. If a student who enters the U.S. on an I-20 does not enroll for classes, he/she is automatically given an illegal status by the U.S. government.
Can I come late after a session begins?
No. Students cannot enroll for classes in a session after registration closes.
Are there any special classes for international students at SWAU?
There is an orientation program for international students every semester. Dr. Tom Bunch, the Associate Dean, is the international student advisor for enrolled students. The date and time of the orientation program will be posted on campus.
What is the orientation program?
An International Student Orientation is conducted the first week of each semester. Attendance at this orientation program is required for all non-ESL non-immigrants who are new to SWAU, including international transfer students. Information specific to the needs of international students is covered in this program. Students are notified of this orientation program in acceptance letters. Attendance at any other SWAU orientation does not substitute for attendance at the International Student Orientation.
Do I have to have medical and automobile insurance?
Because the cost of medical care in the United States is high, all international students are required to have major medical insurance coverage. SWAU has a major medical insurance plan available for international students. At the time of registration students must purchase the medical insurance available through the University unless covered by a SDA entity. Automobile insurance is required in the United States to cover liability for damages in the event of an accident. Severe penalties are imposed on the owner and driver of an uninsured vehicle should an accident occur. The international student advisor at SWAU can provide information about purchasing automobile insurance.
What is Texas like?
Check Texas Almanac
What is the weather right now in Keene?
Check current Keene weather
What is the food and cafeteria like at SWAU?
Check cafeteria homepage
What is the closest church to SWAU?
The Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church is adjacent to the campus.
What are the closest hospitals to SWAU?
The closest hospital to our campus is Walls Regional Hospital (15 minutes away) and Huguley Memorial Hospital is just 25 minutes from campus.
Distance Learning FAQ
What is Distance Learning?
The program is Southwestern's answer to a growing need among adults to earn a college degree. You may earn a: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, or an Associate of Science.
Who should enroll in Distance Learning?
Who can enroll?
You must be:
- Accepted into the University
- At least 22 years old
- Able to handle independent study and give 20 hours per week to the program
- Prepared to cover tuition costs
- A proficient English speaker
- See the Admission Requirements
How long do I have to complete my degree?
You may register as a part-time or full-time students. Your enrollment will follow the academic terms, Fall, Spring, and Summer. Remember, 128 hours is minimum for graduation with the bachelor's degree.
What is an Admission Seminar?
It is a required, one-week seminar during which you will:
- Build your own portfolio to prove the skills and knowledge you've acquired outside the formal classroom.
- Learn how to write a college research paper and how to best use the library
- Gain good study habits and learn how to study for test
- Learn about financial aid for Distance Learning students
- Set up your degree completion plan, choose a major and minor, and meet your teachers
- Write your life story
- Gain speaking and writing skills
What are the classes like?
You will work with teachers in these ways:
1. Your instructors are full-time employees (in most cases) at Southwestern Adventist University 2. The instructor will give you a basic syllabus or outline for class 3. Your instructor will talk with you about how to study for the class 4. Your instructor will keep a close watch on your progress through letters, phone calls, e-mail, quizzes, tests, reports, research papers, and final exams
What can I take through Distance Learning?
Business Administration-Accounting, Management
Criminal Justice
Education-Elementary, Secondary, Teacher Certification
English
History
Office Technology (A.S. degree only)
Psychology
Religion
Social Science
Theology
Minors available in most areas
Click here to Apply Now!
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