°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ National Student Exchange

What is National Student Exchange?

National Student Exchange (NSE) is a consortium of U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities, including °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ (Visit the NSE consortium's website at ).  Students who attend a school within the NSE consortium can go on exchange to any other member school. That means you can go on exchange for a semester, summer or year to schools all over the United States (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico), as well as Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada!  

NSE provides both formal and informal opportunities including internships, field study, and experiential learning with diverse cultural and geographical differences to explore. If studying at another University in the U.S. or Canada for a year, semester, or summer interest you, then NSE may be just the program for you. NSE allows students exchange to other schools in the U.S., Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands; allowing you to choose from more than 200 schools and hundreds of majors/minors, and still earn credit toward your °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ degree.

About TU NSE

The °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ National Student Exchange (TUNSE) Program works with NSE member schools to provide opportunities for students to engage in off-campus experiential learning through community work and place-based educational programs. Whether academically-based or co-curricular, these experiences complement classroom learning, foster personal, professional and civic development, and allow students to work with others to enhance the well-being of our communities.

Who We Serve:

We work with students enrolled in °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ and students from other campuses who are on study at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ through the National Student Exchange. 

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Why participate? Is NSE right for you?

Top 10 Reasons...

10) NSE allows students to grow personally.

Some students aren't ready or able to study abroad, but NSE can be another way to expand their horizons.

9) NSE is extremely affordable.

Most U of M students pay TU tuition while they are on exchange, and most financial aid applies.

8) NSE allows students to take courses not available at the TU

There are nearly 550 different majors available through NSE! NSE can broaden a student's understanding of a particular subject (agriculture, architecture, forestry, geography, languages, urban studies, wildlife management, etc.) in a different geographical region.

7) NSE allows students to experience different cultures and traditions.

Nearly 180 schools participate from across the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. There are 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There are 21 predominantly Latino serving institutions (including schools in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Puerto Rico).

6) NSE allows students to be immersed in another language.

There are 8 NSE schools in Spanish-speaking Puerto Rico and 4 NSE schools in French-speaking Quebec, Canada.

5) NSE allows students to spend time at, make connections, and evaluate prospective graduate or professional schools.

Over 95% of NSE schools have graduate or professional programs including highly-ranked Research 1 programs at University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, Texas A&M, Rutgers University, Stony Brook University, University of Alabama, University of Georgia, Iowa State University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Florida International University, and UMass-Amherst.

4) NSE allows students to pursue internship opportunities outside of Tuskegee.

3) NSE allows students to establish roots in a prospective job market.

2) NSE provides many other unique opportunities.

Experience the political process (specifically the presidential election) in another state. Attend Division 1 sporting events at another school in another conference. Etc.

1) And perhaps most importantly, NSE allows our students to Travel from the South!

With all of the unique locations and institutions to choose from, why wouldn't you participate in NSE? NSE is an affordable way to study at another school for a semester, summer or year. Participating NSE students typically receive full credit for the courses they take on an NSE exchange.

Is NSE Right For You?

There are many benefits to participating in NSE, but you also need to figure out if it's right for you specifically. Below are questions you should ask yourself when you're considering and researching NSE:

• What do I hope to gain from the NSE exchange experience? What are my educational and personal objectives for going on exchange?
• Can my objectives be accomplished at the host campus?
• Do I have a flexible academic plan for exchange? (NOTE: If you are dependent on a specific course or courses for graduation, exchange may not be appropriate. Registration in courses at the host campus can't be guaranteed and is based on availability.)
• Has my academic advisor approved the appropriateness, timing, and location of my NSE exchange?
• Will participating in an NSE exchange delay my graduation? Does the host campus offer access to classes that will allow me to continue and maintain my academic progress?
• How will specialized or unique course offerings at the host campus enhance my academic program and career goals?
• Is the host campus sufficiently different from my home campus to make it an interesting experience?
• Will the time I've allowed for exchange give me enough time to get acquainted with my new academic environment, as well as the region, its people, and its culture? (NOTE: Whenever possible, NSE students are encouraged to go on exchange for a full academic year.)
• Are my financial resources sufficient to cover the cost of tuition and fees; room and meals; as well as transportation, travel, and other personal expenses at the host campus?
• Am I comfortable with the housing options that are available to me? (NOTE: Some NSE campuses have limited or no on-campus housing, so NSE students are sometimes expected to find their own off-campus housing.)
• Do I have any special needs (visible or invisible disabilities, health concerns, etc.) that might require special accommodation? If yes, does my host campus/community have the support resources I may require.

NSE Info Sessions and Ways to Learn More

Learn More at an Info Session COMING SOON!.

Contact Information

TU NSE COORDINATOR: Lucy Asare-Baah
EMAIL: nse@tuskegee.edu

At an NSE Info Session, you'll learn more about the program and chat with an NSE advisor. Info Sessions are offered throughout fall and spring semesters. Note that they're required for students who apply to participate in NSE.

You can also research NSE in these ways:

• Pick up an NSE directory at our office.
• Visit the national NSE website. The most helpful information about each school is available in the Member Campus Profiles section there, on the right side of that page.
• Visit websites of NSE schools to see course offerings and other relevant information.
• Read student evaluations and detailed information about each school. Visit our office for this information.
• Talk with people who may be able to offer you valuable advice. For example, talk to academic advisors, parents or family members, former NSE participants, friends, or other people whose advice you value.

What Schools Can I Go to, and How Do I Select a Campus?

SCHOOLS YOU CAN ATTEND AND SELECTION TIPS:

National Student Exchange includes almost 200 schools, and you can apply to go to any of them! The schools vary in size, location, and academic offerings. They're scattered across the continental U.S. and Canada, and also include Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

WHERE CAN YOU GO ? - See the list of NSE schools by state, province and region at this link:  https://www.nse.org.

NSE offers something for students with almost any interest or affiliation. NSE schools also offer a range of ethnic diversity. For example, 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) participate in NSE, as do 21 schools that serve predominantly Latino students.

Visit the national NSE website to learn more and to access the list of participating schools/campuses. There, the most helpful information about each host school is available in the Member Campus Profiles section, on the right side of the page. You can also stop by the TUNSE Program office located in Room 70-118, John A. Kenney Hall (Bioethics Building) to pick up an NSE directory.

CAMPUS SELECTION TIPS:

Nearly 200 colleges and universities participate in National Student Exchange. Selecting the best campus for your personal and academic interests and needs is a challenging task. Allow yourself plenty of time to research the many school options. Take into account academic programs, location, travel expenses, and any other factors that are relevant to you. Here are some additional research tools:

°Õ³ó±ðÌýInformation for Students section of the national NSE website provides general information, also specific information about every school that participates in NSE. There, the most helpful information about each host school is in the Member Campus Profiles section (on the right side of the page). You can also search by major.

• Explore the websites of the NSE schools that interest you.
• Talk with your academic advisor(s), parents, other family members, and friends about your exchange plans.
• Feel free to contact the NSE Coordinator in the NSE Program office if you have questions or need additional advice.

PLACEMENT STATISTICS:

For more than two decades, 97% of all NSE applicants have been placed, with 83% of these placed at their first-choice school. The TU NSE Coordinator (in Kenny Hall) has access to placement history and individual campus placement statistics to assist you in making campus selections that will provide the best probability of placement at your preferred schools. To improve your placement chances, select at least three schools. Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements.... Choosing at least one "open" campus on the payment plan on which you can participate will ensure a placement.

CHOOSING BACK-UP CAMPUSES:

Not every student will be placed at their first-choice campus. NSE schools determine the number of students they can accept based on a variety of factors:

Look at the top left hand section of each member campus profile at  . If a school is listed as "Even" or "1 to 1" in the sidebar black box, it is especially important to have a couple back-up choices. "Open" and "uneven" exchanges are easier to make.

• The number of students they are sending (under Plan A and Plan B) on exchange.
• The number of applicants they have from other schools.
• The school's "preferences" listed in the NSE Directory.nse@tuskegee.edu if you need help choosing your first-choice or back-up campuses.

On the application form, you will be asked to list up to four schools that you are interested in going to on exchange. If your first-choice campus is not available, it will be necessary to have back-up choices identified in order to secure a placement for you. Please only select campuses to which you are willing to exchange to; do not list campuses that you have no interest in going to.

Email the NSE coordinator at nse@tuskegee.edu if you need help choosing your first-choice or back-up campuses.

Costs and Financial Aid Options

APPLICATION FEE:

A non-refundable $150 administrative fee is charged to all NSE applicants. Your °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ student account will automatically be billed the $150 administrative fee when you submit your application. This fee is used to support the operation of the NSE program, including services provided to you both before and during your exchange. Remember that this application fee is NON-REFUNDABLE, so be sure you're serious about NSE when you apply.

TUITION AND FEES:

There are two tuition plans available for some NSE member Schools. However, TU NSE option is PLAN B:

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ students pay their normal tuition and fees to Tuskegee. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ students pay full-time resident-rate tuition and fees, and reciprocity students pay full-time reciprocity-rate tuition and fees.

OTHER FEES/EXPENSES:

Housing and meals are always paid to the host campus. (If you live off-campus, you are also responsible for those costs). Also paid to the host campus, regardless of the tuition payment plan, are fees that are assessed as a condition of enrollment (e.g., application, laboratory, general service, computer, technology, art and photography supplies, etc.). You will also be responsible for the costs you incur for transportation, personal expenses, and sightseeing opportunities.

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID?

This information is intended for a general audience and does not apply to every °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ student. We strongly encourage you to meet with a financial aid representative to learn more about your specific financial aid situation. Contact Robert Douglas (rdouglass@tuskegee.edu) to schedule an appointment with a financial aid representative. Students who participate in National Student Exchange are eligible for most forms of financial aid.

Students on Plan B apply for and receive their funding from the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ (including most scholarships and grants), so complete the FAFSA as you normally do. Please note that NCAA scholarships and College Work Study funding cannot be applied to the National Student Exchange. Further, scholarships that require you to be on our campus may not be awarded either; check with the office/department that awards your scholarship to determine if it will be available to you.

What About Credits?

CREDITS:

Your credits from the NSE schools will likely transfer back to the Tuskegee, but you'll need to do some work to make that happen. You need to be sure you understand the Tuskegee’s transfer-credit policy and process, and you need to follow that process exactly.

Transfer credit policies and process are explained on the admissions office page. Before you go on exchange, you are responsible for taking the required steps to guarantee that your credits will:

• be approved as transfer credit by the Tuskegee Admissions office
• fulfill the Liberal Education Requirements you need
• fulfill any major/minor or other college/graduation requirements you need

GPA:

Because they are considered transfer credits, the grades you receive through your NSE school will not be calculated into your Tuskegee GPA. See the admissions office page to begin your research about how courses will transfer. Courses transferred as a part of the NSE program will not count toward the transfer credit minimums outlined in the student handbook.

TIPS ABOUT TRANSFERRING CREDITS BACK TO TUSKEGEE:

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ generally accepts transfer credit from regionally accredited schools in the United States, and from internationally recognized schools in other countries. Transfer credit will generally be given for coursework that is similar in level and content to courses offered at Tuskegee. Credits for courses not offered for credit at Tuskegee also do not usually transfer. Examples of these types of courses are aviation, restaurant or hotel management, or real estate. Tuskegee usually does not accept transfer credits for religion courses that are doctrinal, confessional, or sectarian in nature. All credits earned through NSE must be evaluated by the Tuskegee Registrar’s Office and NSE coordinator. Courses will be approved prior to beginning the courses at the NSE partner school; the credits you earn through your NSE exchange will be listed as transfer credit on your Tuskegee report, and a memo will be added to your transcript.

LIBERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

You may be able to fulfill some of Tuskegee’s Liberal Education requirements while on exchange. All transfer credit is automatically reviewed to determine which (if any) Liberal Education requirements they fulfill. See this admissions office page for details.

MAJOR/MINOR AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

While on exchange, you may fulfill Tuskegee major/minor requirements and other college/graduation requirements. You will be required to fill out an advisor approval form before you leave on exchange. On this form, you'll list all the courses you plan to take during your NSE exchange. Your college and/or departmental advisor(s) will review your course selections, indicate how they will fit into your major/minor or other degree requirements, and sign the form. This form demonstrates how the courses you take on exchange can be used to satisfy your Tuskegee degree requirements.

PETITIONING FOR TRANSFER CREDIT:

Prior to taking courses at the NSE partner institutions, students must complete the TU Transient Student form and receive all approvals.

AT THE END OF YOUR EXCHANGE:

As your exchange ends, you must request for an official transcript to be sent from your NSE host school to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ. It should be sent to the NSE Office. This will begin the transfer credit review process. After the transfer credits are posted on your transcript (which may take 1 to 2 months), you will need to notify your advisor so the credits can be applied to your major/minor or other degree requirements. If at this time your credit transfer is denied, you may need to begin the transfer-credit petition process.

Eligibility Requirements

Below are the minimal eligibility requirements for NSE participation. You must meet these requirements when you apply for NSE until you go on exchange:

• You must be a currently admitted, degree-seeking undergraduate (with full-time enrollment) at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ. 
• You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
• You must not have any outstanding financial obligations to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ.
• You must not be in current or pending probationary status due to academic dishonesty, misconduct, or violation of codes of student conduct.
• You must not be on probation, parole, or have any pending legal judgments.

PLEASE NOTE: We recommend you also consult the Member Campus Profiles section of the national NSE website. This provides campus-specific exchange limitations and restrictions that apply to incoming exchange students at the universities you're considering for exchange. Look closely at the "Programs" and "Conditions" portion of each school's profile.

The Application and Placement Process

Priority application deadline for summer 2018, fall 2018 semester, and spring 2019 semester: March 1, 2018. Apply before this date for the best odds of placement at your first-choice school; however placement is ongoing.

Students should not contact the NSE coordinator at the host school. Work with your home campus NSE coordinator at nse@tuskegee.edu to verify deadlines and to apply.

The Application Process

• Before you apply, it's highly recommended that you attend an NSE Info Session. See the schedule and register for an Info Session here.
• If you have specific questions or want to know the odds of placement of your first-choice school before you apply, email us at nse@tuskegee.edu. When you are ready to apply:

APPLY HERE !! 

Complete the editable PDF, print the application form (along with your essays and an unofficial transcript) and bring them with you to a meeting with an NSE advisor. Email us at nse@tuskegee.edu to set up an appointment with the NSE advisor when you're ready to apply.

The NSE Timeline

BEFORE THE END OF JANUARY

• Attend an NSE Info Session to learn more about the program and ask questions.
• Begin your NSE research.
• If you'd like to meet with an NSE advisor to talk more, discuss your NSE school choices, or ask other questions, feel free to set up an appointment by emailing us at nse@tuskegee.edu.

BEFORE THE FEBRUARY DEADLINE:

• Submit a completed NSE application to the NSE office, which is housed in Kenny Hall. Be sure to set up an appointment via email - nse@tuskegee.edu.
• If you have specific questions or want to know the odds of placement of your first-choice school, email us at nse@tuskegee.edu. 

MID-MARCH

• After the NSE Placement Conference, you'll be notified of your official NSE placement.
• Sign a Placement Acceptance Form in Room # 70-118, John A. Kenney Hall (Bioethics Building).
• At this point, you will begin communicating with your host NSE school.

LATE APRIL

Attend a mandatory NSE Orientation session at the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ

Application Review and Placement Process

NSE SELECTION COMMITTEE

Applications are reviewed and ranked by the NSE Selection Committee. This committee ensures that applicants meet the eligibility requirements. It also ranks applications of students that are applying to go to the same school. (Rankings only apply to a student's first-choice campus). Rankings are based upon a variety of factors, including: 

• the quality and clarity of the student's essays
• the student's intended course of study and its relevance to their academic and professional interests and goals
• cumulative GPA and/or pattern of grades on the student's transcript
• personal and/or academic preparedness
• When applicable: demonstrated language proficiency for schools in Puerto Rico or Quebec
• other factors (cultural immersion, local connections, etc.)
• an interview (if requested)

NSE PLACEMENT CONFERENCE

Approved applications are taken to the annual NSE Placement Conference in early March of each year. This is where the actual exchanges are negotiated by the NSE coordinators from all participating NSE schools. The placement process is very interesting: On the application form, students are asked to list 3 to 4 schools (in preferred order) they're interested in attending. Applications are presented (in ranked order) to each NSE school, which then make acceptance/rejection decisions.

Placement decisions are made according to the openness of the respective tuition payment plans of the host institutions (as indicated in the black box next to every school in the NSE Directory).

Open – The campus will accept all qualified applicants.

Uneven – The campus will accept a few more incoming students than the number of their outgoing applicants who are placed.

Even – The campus will accept incoming applicants not to exceed the number of their own outgoing applicants who are placed.

1:1 – The campus will accept students only from those campuses at which their own students are placed.

Except for those campuses which can accept all eligible applicants ("open" schools), NSE coordinators vary in the ways in which they accept students to achieve balances with their outgoing NSE student population. There are no guarantees of acceptance, and if accepted, you will be accepted by only one institution. If your first choice campus is not able to accept you, your placement request will then be considered by the institution of your second choice and then by your third, and so on. If none of your campus choices can accept you, you can work with your home NSE coordinator to explore a post-conference placement.

AFTER THE PLACEMENT CONFERENCE: 

Accepted applicants will be notified of their official NSE placement in late March. After you are accepted and placed, you will be required to immediately sign a Placement Acceptance Form. After you have confirmed your placement, you will hear from your host school to begin the required steps to prepare for your exchange (e.g., admissions forms, housing, registration, etc.). Please note that procedures, forms, and timelines may differ from those at Tuskegee. There will also be a required NSE orientation for all outbound °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ students in late April.

FAQs

How long can I go on exchange?

You can participate in an NSE exchange for up to one full academic year or a shorter term. For schools on the semester system (as opposed to quarters), this includes fall, spring and summer terms. For schools that have quarters, this includes fall, winter, spring and summer quarters.

Can I divide up my exchange between more than one institution?

You can go on exchange to two different institutions during one or more academic years with the permission of both home and host coordinators as long as the cumulative total period for the exchanges does not exceed one calendar year. Two NSE applications must be submitted (one for each school) and two application fees ($150 per application) will be required.

Where will I live?

Most schools have on-campus housing available for incoming students. Some schools have highly competitive or limited housing availability, which may mean you'll need to live off-campus. On-campus housing is not mandatory but it is recommended. On-campus housing helps provide you with a full immersion. The NSE Directory has housing information about specific schools.

Can I go on exchange to a school not on the list?

NSE is a consortium of specific institutions. Students cannot go on exchange (through NSE) to non-participating schools.

Can I go on exchange with a friend?

Yes. You and a friend can apply to go to the same school. Keep in mind that doing so reduces your chances of being placed at certain institutions. Talk with an NSE advisor to learn more.

How does °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ recognize that I am still attending the school if I am studying at a different campus?

The NSE office will register you for an off-campus study course. This will maintain your Tuskegee status and help you collect financial aid more readily.

How will °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ stay in touch with me while I'm on exchange?

You will have access to your °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ email account while you are on exchange. All official communication from the Tuskegee will continue to be sent to your Tuskegee email account, and it's important that you continue to check your email account while you are on exchange. You will also need to notify °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ of your current address while you are on exchange; this will enable you to receive any postal mail °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ sends to you. You may update your current address through OneStop.

What other expenses should I plan for?

Expenses include, but are not limited to, housing and meal costs, travel, social events, entertainment, sporting events, and activities/lab fees at your host campus.

What if I missed the official application deadline?

There are many schools that will still consider your application even if the deadline has passed. Contact an NSE advisor for assistance. It is strongly recommended, however, that you submit your application before the official application deadline. This will greatly increase your chances of being placed at the school of your choice.

Are there language proficiency requirements for any of the NSE schools?

Yes. Spanish is the language of instruction at all NSE schools in Puerto Rico. To be placed at a school in Puerto Rico, you must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions, do written work, and take examinations in Spanish. If you plan to apply to go to Puerto Rico, you must demonstrate Spanish language proficiency at the time you apply.

The language of instruction at the Universite de Sherbrooke (Quebec, Canada) is French. To be placed there, you must demonstrate French language proficiency when you apply.

Is it possible to cancel my exchange after I have applied?

Yes, but your application fee will not be returned. To officially cancel your exchange, you must notify the office of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ NSE coordinator (housed at Kenney Hall, Bioethics Building). You will forfeit the non-refundable $150 °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ application fee, and you may also forfeit all fees/deposits paid to your host institution.

Hey, I'm an incoming NSE student, new to the Tuskegee. Do you have info for me too?

We do! We've put together a page filled with links to information about °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ.

Who to Contact at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ

Be sure to read through our online info about NSE, which will answer many questions about the program. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.

TU National Student Exchange Coordinator:  Lucy Asare-Baah
Location: John Kenney Hall, Room # 70-118
Email: nse@tuskegee.edu

Students Considering an Exchange to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ should thoroughly get acquainted with TU through it’s website at for information about °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ. This information will help any incoming NSE student explore the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ campus.

CONTACT INFORMATION

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ National Student Exchange

LUCY ASARE-BAAH, Coordinator
Location: John Kenney Hall, Room # 70-118
Email: nse@tuskegee.edu