Graduate college offers strategic response to entry exam testing cancellations abroad

On behalf of Tim Carr and Josh Davis

Dear Colleagues,

As information continues to develop about the novel coronavirus in China and its spread to other parts of the world, the Office of Graduate Studies and the Office of Global Strategies are monitoring the potential impact on the graduate community and admissions at our university.

Due to the outbreak, China's National Education Examinations Authority recently announced all graduate entry exams scheduled for February have been canceled. Exams include the GRE, GMAT, IELTS and TOEFL. This cancellation will affect admissions at our university in the following ways:

GRE/GMAT
The graduate college does not have a universal requirement for the GRE and GMAT. Departments with graduate programs are at liberty to decide how to manage their respective requirements for these standardized tests. Whether these tests are waived or deferred is a decision for the department.

English Proficiency
Graduate applicants who are required to prove English proficiency will still need to meet minimum requirements as determined by the Office of Graduate Studies. As a temporary measure we will accept the Duolingo online English test in the place of the in-person TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency exams. Duolingo English tests taken between February 3 and July 1, 2020 will be accepted. Applicants will need to receive a Duolingo score of 110 or higher to satisfy the English proficiency requirement. Applicants using this option are required to take UNL’s English Language Test (ELT) upon arrival. Click here for more information.

We understand this could be a difficult time for members within our campus community, so we encourage graduate departments to be mindful of faculty, staff, and students who may be affected by the situation. It is also advisable to practice flexibility and understanding as application deadlines approach. We are committed to keeping you informed and supported as this situation evolves. Please review and share the available campus resources listed below.

• Nebraska Today is continually updating university-related information about the coronavirus as well as support as it becomes available on campus.
  
• To ensure the protection and safety of our campus community, all Nebraska Medicine clinics, including the University Health Center, have added coronavirus to their existing travel screening during the patient check-in process.