Johnson University Admissions Criteria

I decided to begin another thread for Johnson U since the most recent one is pages off into left field, and I couldn't stand to read any further.

Oh, hi everyone......first time posting. :wave:

I am interested in applying for Johnson U's Ph.D. program, but I see they require my photo with the application materials. However, there are no photos of the Ph.D. faculty -- just a list of names and degrees.

I have a problem with this because my race will be obvious in a recent photo. There is a reason this information is not required on job applications. Is this a primarily African-American school? Will I be judged more harshly because I am Caucasian? Please do not discredit my concern -- a passing grade on the US Postal Exam is 30 points lower for African-Americans than for Caucasians.

Is it right that they require a photo of me, but none of their faculty photos can be found (not even when Googled)?

They require a reference from a pastor, but I do not attend a B&M facility. Is this going to be a problem? I had a pastor teach one of my undergrad classes, but I am not a member of his church -- would this suffice?

Thanks for any insight you could provide.

 

Are you referring to this Johnson University? If so, then I am really confused. They hold themselves out to be a Christian university. Requesting a photo is weird for admissions. However, just because a school requests a photo doesn't necessary mean it is to determine your race. I couldn't find the demographics but my best guess (due to them not being an HBCU) is that it's not primarily an African-American school. I seriously doubt you will be judged harshly because your Caucasian.

Them not having pictures of their faculty members on their website probably has little, if anything, to do with requiring students to send photos for admission.

While I'm not trying to discredit your concerns...I think your going wayyyy out there in left field. You should probably check Wikipedia and the schools actual website. I spent less than 5 minutes on both and were able to answer your questions. Your best bet is to actually call the school. They will be able to explain their policies of requesting and photo and can address any other concerns you have.

 

Yes, that is the Johnson University to which I am referring. I have already nearly memorized their website. I do not consider Wikipedia a reliable source.

I have spent most of my life in Christian schools -- the tagging of "Christian" means nothing as an integrity measure, so do not be misled.

I'm new to forums.....what do the initials HBCU stand for?

Bottom line......my photo should have nothing to do with an academic admissions process. They want it for a reason.

 

Historically
Black
Colleges (and)
Universities

 

Thank you, Ted. Never heard of it.

 

Wikipedia is definitely not an authoritative source but a person in your shoes (looking for general info) it definitely isn't a bad place to start. I am well aware of the tagging "Christian" schools. That's why I stated "They hold themselves out..."

The true bottom line...It's their policy. Maybe it has something to do with your admissions, maybe it doesn't (For all we know they might use the photos for file records).

I just did a quick glance over their admission process. I noticed that they may require an interview as well. Assuming that you have an issue with the photo then that would probably be an issue with you as well. I have heard a decent amount of schools leaving open the possibility of interviews being required for admission.

Outside of the big "no no's" a school has several reasons to deny a student admission. Since you feel that they want it for a reason then ask them what that reason is. They will probably be your best source of information.

 

I think the issue wasn't the photo, but what the photo would be used for. It seems that the OP was worried that it would be used to exclude him from the school and he was hoping to see photos of the staff to determine if it was a primarily black school (HBCU, but he didn't know the terminology).

OP, I would suggest writing or calling to ask them the use of the photo. Also, just remember that if it is competitive and you want to get in they can do whatever they want.

 

This is an interesting discussion that I have never really considered.

 

I believe JU requires a photo for all of their applicants; B&M and online. I am not sure of the politics or reasons behind this. I provided a photo with my application. The program director and many of the faculty support diversity and I do not believe they would openly discriminate. I know one student was from China, there were a couple of students from Africa, and an adjunct faculty member who was of Asian decent, if this helps to soothe your concerns. They will accept a pastoral reference from anyone who is a pastor and knows you. I think they are pretty flexible if you just ask.

Finally, I encourage you to contact the program director, Alicia Crumpton or Tyson Chastain (admissions). They are both really eager to answer any questions or concerns you have about the application process or program.

 

Here to help...if desired

Hello Everyone! I heard people were asking questions about Johnson's Ph.D. program in Leadership Studies on this forum and so I thought I might offer my help. If you know of anyone who has any questions or concerns, please ask them to contact us. Thanks "jayncali73" for encouraging "TooMuch" to contact us.

Right you are! Let me assure you that the photo has absolutely nothing to do with your acceptance. It is required as a matter of identity and nothing more. We would never exclude a student based on their gender, race, or ethnic origins.

I will be glad to help! Just let me know what questions you have.