Rush University: Students At Large Explained

what is a student at large at rush university

Rush University is a private, co-ed university located in Chicago, Illinois. It was established in 1972 as the academic branch of Rush University Medical Center, though its roots can be traced back to Rush Medical College, founded in 1837. The university offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in healthcare-related fields, including Medicine, Nursing, Health Sciences, and Biomedical Research. Individuals who wish to enroll in a course at Rush University but are not formally matriculated to a degree or certificate program can do so by completing the Student-at-Large (SAL) application. Students-at-Large can accumulate up to 12 course credits, which may be applied toward a Rush University degree if they are subsequently admitted to a program. However, it is important to note that completion of the SAL application does not guarantee admission, and each college within Rush University maintains its own requirements regarding acceptance.

Characteristics Values
Definition Individuals who have not formally matriculated to a Rush University degree or certificate program, but who wish to enroll in a course
Application Does not guarantee admission as a Student-at-Large (SAL)
Application deadline Must be completed at least three weeks before the start of the academic semester
Payment Due by the end of the first week of classes
Credit May be applied toward a Rush University degree if the student is subsequently admitted to a program
Credit limit Students may accumulate up to 12 course credits; additional hours must be authorized by the college Dean/Associate Dean
Enrollment priority Current degree- and certificate-seeking students have priority over SALs
Course availability Enrollment is at the discretion of the instructor(s); Rush Medical College courses and clinical courses are not available to SALs
Nursing SALs Must have a current RN license
GPA requirement GPA must be 3.0 or higher to matriculate into a Nursing degree or certificate program
Grade requirement A grade of B or better must be earned for credits to be considered for transfer
Time to completion Taking courses as an SAL may not shorten the length of time it takes to complete a program
Prerequisites DTSSAL students must have already completed their bachelor's degrees and meet English language requirements

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Student-at-Large (SAL) application process

Individuals who wish to enrol in a course at Rush University but have not formally matriculated to a degree or certificate program at the university can do so by applying to become a Student-at-Large (SAL). The Division of Translational Science at Rush University offers an SAL program that provides foundational knowledge for success and invites students to take for-credit classes. The program is designed for working professionals or students looking to gain experience in clinical and translational research in a healthcare environment and a competitive edge in their applications to graduate or professional programs.

The Student-at-Large application process at Rush University varies across colleges. The College of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences have their own SAL application processes, with specific deadlines and requirements. The availability of the SAL application and the acceptance of applicants are determined by each college. For instance, the College of Nursing requires a current RN license for Nursing SALs.

It is important to note that completing the Student-at-Large application does not guarantee admission as an SAL. Each college maintains its requirements for acceptance, and applicants are advised to review the university's SAL policy before applying. The application deadlines for the College of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences' SAL programs for Fall 2025 have been specified, with applications closing on July 20 and August 17, respectively.

Students accepted into the DTSSAL program must have already completed their bachelor's degrees, and international applicants must meet the English language requirements. Students can accumulate up to 12 course credits as SALs, and any additional hours must be authorized by the college Dean or Associate Dean. Enrollment in courses is at the discretion of the instructors.

The DTSSAL Team at Rush University works closely with the Registrar and Admissions office to ensure that students have access to courses. Program Coordinators provide support and resources to help students build strong academic transcripts and become competitive candidates for their chosen academic or professional paths. Students can also seek guidance from the Recruitment Manager on various application-related topics, such as letters of recommendation, personal statements, and addressing weaknesses.

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SAL tuition fees

At Rush University, a Student-at-Large (SAL) is an individual who has not formally matriculated to a degree or certificate program but wishes to enrol in a course. The SAL application does not guarantee admission, and each college maintains its own requirements and availability regarding acceptance.

Regarding tuition fees for SALs at Rush University, the information is unfortunately limited. It appears that tuition fees for SALs are paid per credit, with students expecting an annual increase in these rates. The per-credit rate is equivalent to one semester hour for the student's program.

For the 2022-2023 academic year, students who deviated from their plan of study upon entry were subject to additional charges. It is recommended that prospective SALs discuss their plans with the appropriate Program Coordinator prior to application and enrolment.

It is important to note that credit earned as an SAL may not be applicable toward a Rush degree or certificate program if the student is subsequently admitted. Additionally, SALs are not permitted to enrol in Rush Medical College courses or clinical courses.

While specific tuition fee amounts for SALs are not publicly available, it is advised to refer to the Student Business Office at Rush University for detailed information on tuition rates and payment procedures.

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SAL credits

Individuals who wish to enroll in a course at Rush University but have not formally matriculated to a degree or certificate program can do so by completing the Student-at-Large (SAL) application. The SAL program is designed for working professionals or students who want to gain experience in clinical and translational research in a healthcare environment and strengthen their applications to graduate or professional programs.

The College of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, and the Division of Translational Science at Rush Medical College offer SAL programs. However, each college determines the availability of its SAL application and sets its own requirements for acceptance. For instance, the College of Nursing requires applicants to have a current RN license.

Credit earned as an SAL may be applied toward a Rush University degree if the student is subsequently admitted to a program. Students may accumulate up to 12 course credits as SALs, but additional hours must be authorized by the college Dean/Associate Dean. It is important to note that SAL credits may not necessarily apply toward a Rush degree or certificate program, and taking courses as an SAL may not shorten the length of time it takes to complete a program.

For students planning to apply to a Nursing degree or certificate program after completing SAL credits, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission and matriculation as an enrolled student. A grade of B or better must be earned in any course taken at another institution or as an SAL student for it to be considered for transfer. The College of Nursing offers the following courses to SAL students every term:

  • NSG 521: Antiracism in Organizational Leadership (pre/co-req NSG 523)
  • NSG 522: Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics for Nursing Practice (no pre-req)
  • NSG 523: Research for Evidence-Based Practice (pre/co-req NSG 522)
  • NSG 524: Health

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Student-at-Large Program (DTSSAL)

The Student-at-Large Program (DTSSAL) at Rush University is designed for individuals who wish to enrol in specific courses without formally committing to a degree program. This program offers flexibility for students who want to build a strong academic transcript and enhance their applications for master's or PhD programs.

DTSSAL students have the opportunity to engage in the academic culture of Rush University, a renowned institution for its top-ranked nursing, medical, and health sciences programs. The university is located in Chicago, providing students with access to cultural attractions, dining experiences, and professional networking opportunities.

The DTSSAL Team at Rush University works closely with the Registrar and Admissions office to ensure that each student has access to their desired courses. Program Coordinators provide valuable support and resources to help students become competitive candidates for their chosen academic or professional paths. Additionally, students can seek guidance from the Recruitment Manager on various application-related topics, such as letters of recommendation, personal statements, and addressing weaknesses.

It is important to note that completing the Student-at-Large application does not guarantee admission. Each college within Rush University maintains its own requirements and decisions regarding acceptance. The availability of SAL applications also varies across colleges. While credits earned as an SAL may be applied toward a Rush University degree if the student is subsequently admitted, it is not a guarantee, and taking courses as an SAL may not shorten the length of time for completing a degree program.

The DTSSAL program has specific requirements, including the completion of a bachelor's degree for all applicants. International applicants must also meet the English language requirements. Students come from diverse academic backgrounds, with some having strong research foundations in biological sciences and others having no prior research experience. The program empowers students to engage in academic pursuits that align with their interests and goals, whether they are preparing for a master's degree, pursuing a professional program, or exploring one of the four Division of Translational Science STEM programs.

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Rush University location and student life

Rush University is a private, co-ed university located in Chicago, Illinois. The university is situated in the Illinois Medical District near Chicago's Loop, which is the largest urban medical district in the nation. The campus includes a hospital, physician practices, classrooms, and research labs. The campus also offers dedicated security services to ensure the safety of its students.

Rush University is primarily a commuter campus, and it does not offer on-campus housing. However, the university provides resources to help students find apartments and housing options near the campus. The university is known for its dynamic, multicultural environment and is at the forefront of arts, culture, science, and technology. Chicago, a city rich in history and diversity, offers globally renowned museums, spectacular architecture, beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan, and some of the country's best restaurants.

The university offers bachelor's, certificate, master's, and doctoral degree programs. It comprises the College of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, and Rush Medical College. The College of Health Sciences provides research opportunities that build leadership and critical thinking skills, while the College of Nursing offers a holistic admissions process and delivers nursing services to diverse populations across Chicago. Rush Medical College houses the MD program and graduate programs in biomedical sciences.

Student life at Rush University is characterised by a supportive learning community that fosters growth and development. The university provides hands-on learning experiences in patient care units, classrooms, and labs, guided by accomplished faculty members who are experienced practitioners. The faculty brings forward-thinking approaches to education, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.

Rush University also offers a range of services to support students' career development, including resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, and job shadowing placement. The university holds several events throughout the year for students, such as the New Student Onboarding Resource Fair, Welcome Back Week, Rushapalooza, and Commencement.

Frequently asked questions

A Student-at-Large is an individual who has not formally matriculated to a Rush University degree or certificate program but wishes to enrol in a course.

You can apply to be a Student-at-Large by completing the Student-at-Large application form. Please note that each college maintains its own requirements regarding acceptance, and the availability of the SAL application varies across colleges.

Being a Student-at-Large is a great opportunity to enrol in classes and build a stronger application for a master's or PhD program. Credit earned as an SAL may also be applied toward a Rush University degree if the student is subsequently admitted to a program.

To be accepted as a Student-at-Large, applicants must have already completed their bachelor's degrees, and international applicants must meet English language requirements.

If admitted and enrolled as an SAL, payment is due to the Student Business Office via the University Portal by the end of the first week of classes. Credit earned as an SAL will not necessarily apply toward a Rush degree or certificate program, so students should be aware of the potential financial commitment involved.

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