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Academic Regulations

The Academic Regulation are posted in their original form on our Catalog website. The version on this page is searchable, though formatting is a work in progress. If you don't need the searchable version, you might find the Catalog version easier to read for now.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
  1. To be eligible for admission to Washington State University, an applicant must be a high school graduate or its equivalent, or have completed a more advanced transferable credential from a college or university with approved accreditation (see Rule 6).
  2. The total number of new students admitted for any one semester will be based on the number of students for whom facilities can be made available.
  3. Appeal of admission decisions may be made only to the Admissions Subcommittee of the Academic Affairs Committee or its designee.
  4. Anyone seeking admittance to the Graduate School must follow procedures in the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual available in the Graduate School.
  5. The university reserves a limited number of spaces in the incoming class for the admission of students with exceptional talent. Refer to the admission of students with extraordinary talents component of the Admissions policies section of the university catalog.
2. FIRST-YEAR STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

First-year student applicants are considered for admission to the university on the basis of their academic records and other supporting documents, which include official transcripts that show coursework through at least grade 11 or its equivalent, completion of the Washington College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs), and other relevant materials as requested or as may be provided. On the basis of these criteria, the most qualified applicants are offered admission. 

A complete list of the Washington College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) for admission may be found at the Washington Student Achievement Council’s (WSAC) website, linked here www.cadr.wsu.edu.  Applicants from unaccredited high schools may contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.

 

Advanced Standing and Transfer Credit
4. TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS
  1. Applicants who have completed a transferable Associate’s degree from a post-secondary institution with approved accreditation (see Rule 6) will be admitted as space allows.
  2. Applicants without a transferable Associate’s degree, but with at least 27 semester (40 quarter) hours of transferable credit from a post-secondary institution with approved accreditation (see Rule 6) normally may be admitted as space allows provided they have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Applicants whose cumulative grade point average is lower than a 2.5 will have their academic record reviewed more comprehensively to determine admission eligibility.
  3. Applicants with fewer than 27 semester (40 quarter) hours of transferable credit will be considered for admission if they also meet the first-year student requirements. Applicants whose cumulative transfer grade point average is lower than a 2.5 may have their academic record reviewed more comprehensively to determine admission eligibility.
  4. In evaluating admission credentials of students with transfer work whose cumulative transfer grade point average is below a 2.00, all of the post-secondary transfer credit from a previous institution may be disregarded, provided the work was completed not less than four years before the time of enrollment at Washington State University. Application of this policy is contingent upon the evidence of extenuating circumstances that present a significant probability of future academic success. The Faculty Admissions Subcommittee or its designee in the Office of Admissions will consider these admission requests. After the student has completed 15 semester hours of satisfactory work at WSU, the student may petition to restore the credits previously withheld. All credit earned in courses graded C or better will be considered for restoration and, if approved, only the courses and credit (not grades or grade points) will be restored.

 

6. TRANSFER CREDIT

Transfer credit is awarded for college-level academic credit earned based on appropriateness for WSU’s academic programs and comparableness in nature, content, academic rigor, and quality to WSU’s curriculum.  One set of transfer course articulation tables will be used for course evaluation by all WSU campuses.  The transfer course search tool articulation tables for courses from approved domestic and international institutions is maintained and monitored by WSU Pullman Admissions transcript evaluators and the Transfer Center in consultation with academic units. Transfer credit equivalencies are subject to change.

a)  Transfer credit is awarded from nationally recognized postsecondary institutions with institutional accreditation from the following approved accreditation agencies (or equivalent for international institutions). 

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

See Rule 14 for information on credit processes for postsecondary institutions with nationally recognized institutional accreditation that is not from an approved accreditation agency. 

b) Transfer credit awarded from approved institutions on the quarter system is converted to 0.67 semester credits.

c) Ninety semester hours shall be the maximum allowed by transfer toward a baccalaureate degree.

d) The maximum combined lower-division transfer credit allowed [from approved accredited institutions, CLEP (College Level Examination Program), AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), Cambridge International, military, and any other source] shall be 73 semester credits toward a baccalaureate degree irrespective of when those credits were earned.

e) Junior status, 60 semester credits, and completion of lower-division University Common Requirements (UCOREs) normally will be granted to students who have been awarded the Direct Transfer Associate (DTA) degree from a Washington state public community and technical college. Additional courses, up to the 73-semester credit limit, will be reviewed for transfer on a course-by-course basis.   Certain approved associate degrees may also be considered to have fulfilled the lower-division UCORE for graduation, provided the degree’s general education curriculum approximates the disciplinary breadth of WSU’s UCORE curriculum, but do not guarantee junior status or 60 semester credits. Completion of lower-division UCORE will be granted to students who have been certified by their institution as having completed the University of California Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education Breadth Curriculum. For details on specific degrees consult the Office of Admissions and the Transfer Center.

f) Reverse transfer allows students to complete an associate’s degree after transfer to WSU.  Policy details and credit levels vary depending on the community or technical college.  Students who enter WSU with at least 30 transferable quarter credits (20 semester credits) from a Washington state public community college or technical college will receive the support of the Transfer Center to complete the steps for reverse transfer.  Students who enter WSU and later complete one of the associate degrees listed in Rule 6(d) or (f) will receive the benefits described in Rule 6(d) or (f).

g) Students who have completed the Associate of Science Transfer (AS-T) degree from a Washington state public community and technical college normally will receive the same priority consideration for admission as they would for completing the Direct Transfer Associate (DTA) and will be given junior status and 60 semester credits.  Completion of the AS-T degree satisfies UCORE WRTG, QUAN, BSCI, PSCI, and three of the following requirements: HUM, SSCI, ARTS, DIVR, ROOTS, EQJS.  Up to three additional lower-division UCORE may be satisfied via transfer credit, up to the 73-semester credit limit, or via in-residence credit prior to completion of a baccalaureate degree.  An individual course completed within the AS-T degree may not satisfy more than one UCORE category.

h) Completion of all UCORE and the University Writing Portfolio graduation requirement will be granted to students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from another approved accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution with approved accreditation (see 6a), provided that the general education curriculum approximates the disciplinary breadth of WSU’s UCORE curriculum.  Approved degrees will also provide senior standing and 90 semester credits. 

i) Completion of lower-division UCOREs will be granted to students who have been certified as having completed the lower-division general education curriculum from a baccalaureate institution with approved accreditation (see 6a), provided the degree’s general education curriculum approximates the disciplinary breadth of WSU’s UCORE curriculum.  Please consult the Office of Admissions or Transfer Center for more information.  

j) Other degrees will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis for fulfillment of requirements, in the absence of an approved articulation.  Higher degrees do not necessarily fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements.

k) Transfer credit follows WSU policy for repeat credit (see Rule 34), academic forgiveness (see Rule 43), and grades and grade points (see Rule 90). Transfer credit graded below D is considered failing. Transfer credit grades do not count in the WSU grade point average (see Rule 114). 

 

14. CREDIT FROM INSTITUTIONS WITHOUT APPROVED ACCREDITATION

Students who have taken college-level, academic work at institutions that are nationally recognized but not from an approved accreditation agency may petition for transfer of appropriate credits.  Petitions may be filed after the student has completed a minimum of one semester (minimum of 15 credits) of satisfactory work at Washington State University. To receive credit, a student must have earned a minimum grade of C in the course for which he or she is requesting transfer credit. Petitions are reviewed and approved first by the Department Chair and then by the College Dean from the unit that offers courses in that discipline. The Vice Provost or designee reviews and approves petitions in cases where there is no equivalent WSU unit. Following approval by the Department and College (or Vice Provost or designee), the petition is then forwarded to the Chair of the Admission Subcommittee for review and approval. Students may contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

 

15. CREDIT FOR COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM EXAMS

Subject to standards established in consultation with academic departments concerned, credit may be granted to entering or enrolled undergraduate or professional students via various means including external examinations.  Approved external examinations include:  Advanced Placement (AP) Program examinations of the College Entrance Examinations Board; the International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations; and Cambridge International Examinations. 

 

WSU does not accept credit by examination as transcripted by other institutions.  Students must request official score reports to be sent directly to WSU.  Acceptable scores for receiving credit are published online at wsu.edu/advancedcredit.

 

Credits by examination shall yield no grade points. Such credits may partially fulfill University Common Requirements (UCOREs) for graduation. Duplicate credit for the same subject taken on different exams like Cambridge A-level or A-S level, AP, or IB will not be granted. Advanced credit policies are reviewed on a regular basis and are subject to change.

 

Students may request to take a course at WSU for which they have been awarded AP, IB, or Cambridge International credit.  Prompted by the request, all the credit earned from the applicable AP, IB, or Cambridge International examination credit is removed from the overall credits awarded by WSU.  Only the subsequent enrollment in the WSU course will contribute to the total credits earned and grade point average; the AP, IB, or Cambridge International credit cannot be reconsidered for credit for the same course.  Students submit the request to ask for the WSU course to be allowed and for the AP, IB, or Cambridge International credit to be omitted to the Registrar's Office.

 

(a)  Advanced Placement Program.  Credit for AP examinations will be granted at the lower-division for scores of 3 and above, as determined in consultation with the specific academic department. The acceptable score for receiving credit is published online at wsu.edu/advancedcredit.

 

(b) International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations.  Credit is awarded for standard and higher-level examinations with a score of 4 or higher with the exception of non-English Language A exams.  See wsu.edu/advancedcredit for course-by-course equivalencies.  Please contact the Transfer Center for additional details.

 

(c) Cambridge International Examinations.  Credit is awarded for A- and AS-level examinations.

 

16. MILITARY CREDIT

Credit will be evaluated on the basis of military transcripts received from active duty military and veterans pursuing an education at WSU.  Military credit is limited to a maximum of thirty [30] semester credits.


Transcript Credit:

(a) WSU uses the American Council on Education (ACE) "A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services" as a framework for evaluating transferable credit documented on the Joint Services Transcript.

 

(b) ACE recommendations for the amount and level of credit (upper-division or lower-division) are followed if the military course (non-vocational/technical) is applicable to university or departmental requirements.

 

(c) DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT) Exam Credit:  See Rule 17 Credit for Prior Learning.

 

17. CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

Prior learning is defined as the knowledge and skills gained through informal education and training, work, and life experience.   Under limited circumstances, WSU assesses academic credit for prior learning through approved academic department challenge examinations and departmental placement examinations.  These sources of academic credit for prior learning are awarded only at the undergraduate level for documented student achievement evaluated by faculty and equivalent to expected learning outcomes for courses within WSU’s regular curricular offerings.  Students should consult with academic units to determine if such an assessment is warranted and available. 

 

WSU also assesses academic credit for prior learning via external examination sources that include College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT) exams. Approved credit for these exams is subject to transfer credit limitations as published in Rule 6. 

 

Credit that is granted for prior learning is identified on students’ transcripts and may not duplicate other credit awarded to the student in fulfillment of degree requirements.  WSU does not accept academic credit for prior learning as transcripted by other institutions.


1. Challenge Examinations.  Under limited circumstances, matriculated students currently registered at Washington State University, with permission of their advisor or department chairperson and of the chairperson of the department offering the course, may take challenge examinations for university credit in courses in which they are not registered.  Students may not take challenge examinations in courses which they have audited, or in which they have received a final grade.  Upper-division students may not receive credit by challenge examination in lower-division courses in their major field.  Undergraduate students may not receive credit by challenge examination in any course prerequisite to a course in which they are enrolled or have received a final grade.  The maximum credit for challenge examinations is 25% of the credits need for a degree unless permission is obtained from the student’s academic dean.  Consult the Registrar’s Office for challenge exam fees.
 
2. WSU Placement Assessments. Under limited circumstances, and in accordance with policies established by the university, some departments may grant credit or curricular advancement based on certain placement or proficiency exams.  Consult the department for information on eligibility, applicable fees, and other relevant policies.  
 
3. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) General and Subject Examinations:  Credit for CLEP will be granted if the examination is passed with scores established in consultation with the academic department concerned. Credit will normally be granted for scores of 50 or above. Credit will be granted for the comparable WSU course, or elective credit may be granted. Not more than 6 semester credits will be granted for each examination.
 
4. DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT) Exams:  Credit for DSST and DLPT exams will be granted for college-level academic subjects (non-vocational/technical) using the minimum score and credit amount based on American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations. 

 

Auditing Classes
20. PERMISSION TO AUDIT

An auditor is a student who is permitted on a space-available basis to observe lecture class discussions but not take examinations or consume the instructor’s time.  Auditors receive no grades and no credit.  Auditors must be on the official class roster.

Attendance in class as an auditor requires official instructor approval and enrollment.  A student wishing to enroll in classes as an auditor may seek permission after classes begin, provided space is available and the instructor approves the request.  This option is available only for lecture courses.

Auditors must pay the appropriate fee and submit the signed Enrollment Change Form to the Registrar's Office at the student's home campus.  Initial enrollment must be completed by the end of the second week of instruction (census day), or by the add deadline for shorter academic sessions.  

Enrolled students wishing to change their enrollment status from credit to audit, or audit to credit, must submit the Enrollment Change Form by the end of the third week of instruction.

A maximum of two audits are allowed for any semester or term.  A registration fee per audit hour is charged for any semester or term for other than regularly enrolled full-fee-paying students.  Senior citizens are exempt from this fee under the provisions of RCW 28B.15.540, provided the prescribed eligibility requirements are met.  Personnel who have received authorization for the faculty/staff fee waiver are exempt from the audit fee up to 6 hours (including audits) in any one semester or 4 hours (including audits) in the summer session.  The limitation includes any combination of credit and audit hours.  The audit fee is non-refundable.

 

21. NO CREDIT FOR AUDITING

No university credit will be allowed for auditing courses, nor may students apply for or take special examinations for university credit in courses which they have audited. Students may not take challenge examinations (see Rule 15c) in courses they have audited. (Audit enrollments will be recorded on the student’s permanent record by listing the departmental prefix, course number and the statement, “Audit Only -- No Credit Given.”)

 

24. TUITION AND FEES
The tuition amount is composed of the State definition of tuition (an Operating Fee plus building costs) and WSU student approved Student Service and Activity fees.  Tuition and fees vary from campus to campus and program to program.  Information about tuition rates and financial aid eligibility may be found at https://bursar.wsu.edu/tuition-rates-explained/ and at https://financialaid.wsu.edu/tuition-expenses/
Tuition rates are different for residents of the State and non-residents of the State for fall and spring semesters.  The State subsidizes the resident student tuition but does not subsidize the non-resident tuition. 
For fall and spring semesters, typical undergraduate and graduate full-time tuition charges are assessed at 10 to 18 credits.  A per-credit tuition charge applies below 10 credits and above 18 credits.  There is a two credit minimum charge for all students.  
For Summer Session, tuition is assessed at the in-state tuition rate and is based on the specific number of enrolled credits.  See https://learn365.wsu.edu/summer-session/tuition-and-fees/
Tuition and fees must be paid according to the published deadlines in order to avoid late fees or holds.  Due dates are available at https://bursar.wsu.edu/tuition-due-dates/
 
Academic Level and Credit Requirements
25. ACADEMIC LEVEL (CLASS STANDING) FOR UNDERGRADUATES

 

An undergraduate student’s academic level (or class standing) is based on the number of credits earned.  This level is used to meet requirements for enrollment, financial aid and scholarships, housing, etc.  A student’s academic level includes awarded transfer credit. 

Total Credits Earned

Academic Level

0 – 29

First-Year Student

30 – 59

Sophomore

60 – 89

Junior

90 +

Senior

An undergraduate student with a prior bachelor’s degree is classified as a post-baccalaureate student regardless of the number of credits earned.  Post-baccalaureate students are not considered graduate students.

 

26. CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT STATUS

Students are classified as having full-time enrollment status based on the total number of credits taken and on how the credits are used.  For instance, the number of credits required to be considered full time for tuition may be different compared to the credits required for enrollment verification or financial aid purposes.

 

For Enrollment Verification:  

For the fall and spring semesters, undergraduate students must enroll in 12 or more credits to be considered full time; graduate students must enroll in 10 or more credits; and professional students must enroll in 5 – 10 credits depending on the program.  

For summer session, undergraduates must enroll in 6 or more credits to be considered full time; graduate and professional students must enroll in 5 or more credits.

 

For Financial Aid:  The number of credits enrolled in for a term determines a student’s financial aid status and determines eligibility for federal grant, federal loan, and federal work study programs.  In order to maintain financial aid eligibility, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.  The complete SAP policy regarding credit completion, GPA, and degree completion time frame is available at https://financialaid.wsu.edu/.

For financial aid purposes, full-time enrollment status for undergraduate students is 12 credits, three quarter time is 9 – 11 credits, and half-time is 6 – 8 credits.  For graduate students, full-time enrollment status is 10 credits and half-time is 5 credits.  For students in the professional programs, full-time enrollment status is 10 credits and half-time is 5 credits, except for students in the OMBA program where full-time is 5 credits and half-time is 3 credits.

Loan Deferments: For all careers, deferments on loans require at least half-time enrollment.

Loan Programs:  Credit hour requirements for specific loan programs may vary based on the funding type.

 

For Veterans Benefits:  

For undergraduate students, full-time enrollment status for a semester is 12 credits, three-quarter-time is 9 – 11 credits, half-time is 6 – 8 credits, less than half-time is 4 – 5 credits, and quarter-time is 1 – 3 credits.   

For graduate students, full-time enrollment status for a semester is 10 credits, three-quarter-time is 7 – 9 credits, half-time is 5 – 6 credits, less than half-time is 3 – 4 credits, and quarter-time is 1 – 2 credits.  For non-standard graduate terms, a VA adjusted modifier is used to determine what is full time, half-time, less than half time, or quarter time.  

Full time enrollment status for summer session for undergraduate and graduate students is based on the number of credits taken and the length of the class.  

Detailed information on training time eligibility can be obtained from the WSU Veterans Affairs Office, at WSU Military Affiliated Students .

 

For International Students:  To maintain F-1 or J-1 visa status, international students must enroll in a full-time course of study each fall and spring semesters: 

Undergraduate students: At least 12 credits with no fewer than 9 face-to-face credits.

Graduate and Professional students: At least 10 credits with no fewer than 7 face-to-face credits.

Enrollment in Summer Session is not required for continuing students. However, if Summer Session is the initial (first) or final (last) semester for an international student, then full-time enrollment is required.

 

Credit
27. CREDIT DEFINITION

Academic credit is a measure of the total minimum time commitment required of a typical student enrolled in a specific course. For the WSU semester system a one-semester lecture credit is assigned a minimum of 45 hours, of which 15 hours are spent in instructor-led activities and 30 hours are spent in outside activities. Instructor-led activities include time spent in scheduled course activities organized by an instructor (lectures, discussions, laboratories, studios, ensembles, visual media, fieldwork, etc.), while outside activities are related to students completing course requirements (reading, studying, problem solving, writing, homework, and other preparations for the course). Achievement of course goals may require more than the minimum time commitment.

Based on a 15-week semester and a traditional format, the minimum in-class time commitment must follow these scheduling contact hour policies: 1) lecture—15 hours of lecture per term for each credit hour (1 hour per week); 2) studio—30 hours of studio per term for each credit hour (2 hours per week); 3) laboratory—45 hours of laboratory per term for each credit hour (3 hours per week); 4) ensemble—60 hours of ensemble per term for each credit hour (4 hours per week). Courses which do not have in-class meeting times must follow these guidelines: 5) independent study and internships (including field experiences, professional work experiences, and clinical experiences) — approximately 45 hours per term for each credit hour.

Courses taught during periods of time other than the 15-week semester (e.g., intersessions, fall/spring vacations, weekends, etc.) including short courses and study abroad must adjust the class contact hours to meet the minimum in-class time commitment outlined above.

Courses taught using non-traditional formats (e.g., online, hybrid) must define how the time commitment leads to the achievement of stated course goals and how the course covers the same material in the same depth as traditionally-taught courses subject to minimum in-class time commitments.

As part of the initial approval process for new courses, the Catalog Subcommittee reviews course syllabi for adherence to credit and minimum time commitments. For ongoing adherence to credit and minimum time commitments, colleges review the schedule of classes each term to check a judgment sample of scheduled courses.

28. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

High school students may enroll at Washington State University provided they are admitted to the university and pay the appropriate fees. Such enrollments may be for high school or university credit or both. For fall and spring semesters, all eligible high school students enroll through Running Start. For Summer Session, special fees may apply.

29. WORK FROM HIGH SCHOOLS AND VOCATIONAL BUSINESS COLLEGES

No university credit shall be given for work from high schools or vocational business colleges. Recognized exceptions are College Board Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB), for which official score reports are required to award credit. Students are awarded transfer credit for Running Start (RS), College in the High School (CHS) and similar programs only when official college transcripts are presented. Credit is not granted on the basis of the high school transcript.

31. CREDIT TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR COURSES COMPLETED PRIOR TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

Washington State University encourages students to complete rigorous college preparatory courses in high school, or to take college courses while in high school if they have adequate preparation. In some cases college credit may be awarded when consistent with the following criteria.

  1. High School Courses: Some high schools may offer instruction at the college level, and when consistent with university and academic department policies, college credit will be awarded if student achievement is validated by an approved national examination such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate or Cambridge International, or a review or examination administered by the university.
  2. Running Start Program:  Credit will be awarded for college courses taken prior to high school graduation when such courses are completed through the state of Washington’s Running Start Program.
  3. Other Courses: College credit may be awarded for courses taken in high school if credit is awarded from a college or university with approved accreditation (see Rule 6) when consistent with the following conditions::
    1. The course must also be currently available in college or university catalog.  The course, regardless of setting, must use the college or university curriculum;
    2. Students interested in credit must register and pay fees at the beginning of the term and would be subject to the published grading and tuition refund policies;
    3. The faculty teaching the course in high school must carry a regular or adjunct faculty appointment; and
    4. The students taking the course in the high school must be assessed and graded in the same manner any student.  Student work, whether completed for the course offered on-campus or at the high school, must be graded and evaluated by the same standards.
34. REPEAT COURSES

Students may repeat a course in which they have received a grade of C- or below, or a withdrawal (W), or when a course may be repeated for additional credit. Students may enroll more than once in the same course in any given term (fall, spring, or summer) provided that the particular periods of enrollment do not overlap and that other conditions for allowed repeats are met.

  1. Repeating courses graded C- or below. To attempt to improve the cumulative grade point average, a student may repeat courses in which a C- or below was received. When such a course is repeated, only the last grade contributes to the grade point average and total hours earned. Students may repeat a course graded C- or below one time at WSU.  At WSU, additional repeats may be allowed only by special permission of the academic unit offering the course.  Students in the professional programs (MBA, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Veterinary Medicine) may be held to additional restrictions as described in their student handbooks or catalog materials.
  2. Repeats are allowed as transfer credit from another institution.  However, the series of repeats and grades is retained on the student’s academic record.
    1. Only courses identified as acceptable equivalents according to the appropriate department, the Transfer Guide, or the Admissions Office are treated as repeats. If courses deemed equivalent in content differ in credit hours, the credit hours of the repeat course supersede the credit hours of the original course.
    2. For courses repeated at other institutions, credit is awarded following the WSU repeat policy.
  3. Repeating for additional credit.
    1. Some courses have been approved for repeat credit, i.e., the student may re-enroll in the course during a subsequent term and credit may be accumulated. Such courses are designated in the WSU catalog as “May be repeated for credit” and will list the maximum credit limitation.
    2. Courses which have been approved for repeat credit, such as topics, may offer multiple sections of a course during any one term. Students may enroll in more than one section of these courses in any one term provided that the specified particular topics and titles differ.
Undergraduate Academic Deficiency
35. 

Washington State University expects students to maintain academic standards of excellence and make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree objectives.  Undergraduate students are in good academic standing if both their current WSU semester and cumulative grade point averages are 2.00 or above, and/or they are eligible to be enrolled.  Students not meeting the criteria above are considered academically deficient.

38. Academic Notice and Recess for At-Risk Students
(a) Undergraduate students whose semester (excluding winter and summer session) or cumulative grade point average drops below a 2.0 for the first time must apply for reinstatement to continue their enrollment at Washington State University.  Students are placed on academic notice after being reinstated.  Academic departments may release students from the major who are on academic notice. See rule 53.
 
(b) First-time, first-year undergraduate students are recessed from the University after their first term of enrollment if their semester grade point average is below 1.0.  Individuals are recessed from the university for one full semester (Fall or Spring). To re-enroll for courses offered through any WSU campus students must apply for reinstatement.  Recessed individuals may not seek status as a non-degree seeking student. Recessed students may enroll in summer session.
39. 

Undergraduate students are dismissed from the University after the third semester (excluding winter and summer session) in which the cumulative grade point average is below 2.0.  (The three semesters do not have to be consecutive for the dismissal policy to apply.)   Individuals who are dismissed from the university must wait a minimum of two full semesters (fall/spring, spring/fall) to re-enroll for courses offered through any WSU campus.  To re-enroll for courses offered through any WSU campus students must apply for reinstatement and WSU Admissions.  Dismissed individuals may not seek status as a 'non-degree seeking student.' Dismissed students may enroll in summer session.

40. 

Former Students Returning (FSR) may seek reinstatement after two semesters (fall/spring, spring/fall) by completing the academic reinstatement process.  Former students petitioning for academic reinstatement must, as part of the reinstatement petition process, provide documentation that demonstrates potential for academic success at WSU.  If seeking reinstatement after more than two semesters, former students must also apply for readmission to the University through the Office of Admissions.  All academic coursework from other institutions completed during dismissed status must be documented and official transcripts submitted to the Office of Admissions.

41. 

An undergraduate student who has been reinstated after becoming deficient under Rule 38 or 39 will be on academic notice. The specific conditions of enrollment for students who are on academic notice will be determined by the interviewer or Review Board. Students on academic notice who fail to comply with the reinstatement conditions will be dismissed from the University.

43. 

Former WSU students, dismissed under any academic deficiency rule, who have not been enrolled at WSU for four years or more may request at the time that they apply for readmission and reinstatement that all previous WSU work be disregarded. This includes all credits and grade points earned. Once the student is officially enrolled following the first day of the term, the student’s transcript will be marked to indicate that the previous work is not considered as credit earned. After the subsequent completion of 15 semester hours of course work with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher at WSU, the prior credits earned in courses graded C or better will be restored.  Only the courses and credit, not grades or grade points, will be restored.  Requests for reinstatement for former WSU students will be considered by the Review Board in the Academic Success and Career Center on the Pullman campus, WSU Online, or designated office on other campuses.

Conduct
45. 

Washington State University is guided by a commitment to excellence embodied in a set of core values. The university aims to create an environment that cultivates individual virtues and institutional integrity in the community. The mission of the university is supported when students uphold and take responsibility for the full scope of these values. The university’s core values are identified in its strategic plan. Under the terms of enrollment, students acknowledge the university’s authority to take disciplinary action for conduct on or off university property that is detrimental to the university’s core values. Students who violate the university Standards of Conduct are subject to discipline, which may include temporary or permanent removal from the university. (See the Standards of Conduct for Students.)

46. PENALTY FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Cases of academic dishonesty shall be processed in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy, as printed in the Student Handbook and the Faculty Manual and as available from the Office of Student Conduct.

Enrollment, Registration, Dropping Courses, and Withdrawals
47. PLACEMENT TESTS

All students will be required to take the regulation placement tests as a prerequisite to enrollment in appropriate courses.

48. ENROLLMENT POLICY TO MAINTAIN ELIGIBILITY TO ENROLL

Currently enrolled students will be eligible to enroll for future terms when they meet the following requirements:

  • Undergraduate students will be eligible to enroll (barring any holds) when they are continuously enrolled each semester (excluding summer).  They do not need to enroll in summer session classes to maintain their enrollment eligibility.  Undergraduate students may also take one semester off (fall or spring) and will still be eligible to enroll for the next semester.  However, students who are not enrolled for two semesters in a row (fall/spring or spring/fall) will not be eligible to enroll without re-activating their admission as a returning student.  There is no fee for this re-activation. (See Returning Student Application.)
  • Graduate students must enroll for at least 2 credits each fall and spring semester.  Unapproved absences, defined as not registering for credits or not being on approved leave, may result in discontinuation from the Graduate School.  (For details, refer to Chapter 5.a.2 in the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual.)
  • Students in the professional programs of medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, and the MBA business career will be eligible to enroll (barring any holds) when they are continuously enrolled each semester (excluding summer).  Students should consult their respective colleges regarding leave of absence policies and options.
 
49. UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT LIMIT
The average semester credit load for undergraduate students is 15 or 16 credits.  Undergraduate students are not normally advised to enroll for more than 18 credits.  Enrolling in more than 18 credits incurs an additional per credit tuition charge.  Students will not be allowed to enroll in 23 or more credits without written approval from their academic advisor in consultation with the academic unit, as appropriate. 
 
50. PASS, FAIL GRADING OPTIONS

Pass, fail grading is a student-initiated option, whereby a student elects to take a letter-graded (A – F) course for a pass, fail (P, F) grade.

Pass, fail grading is available to students with the following provisions:  

Undergraduate Students:

The university allows up to 21 credits to be taken at WSU on a pass, fail basis by students completing a baccalaureate degree at Washington State University. However, departments and programs may deny their majors permission to take, on a pass, fail basis, courses in their major field or courses needed to meet departmental requirements.  

In addition, departments have the prerogative of requesting, from the Office of the Registrar, the letter grade for courses a prospective major has taken on a pass, fail basis. Departments and programs may refuse to accept courses needed to meet requirements if the courses were completed on a pass, fail basis before the student was accepted into the department or program.

In all cases, the advisor’s approval is required for an undergraduate to take an A – F graded course for a pass, fail (P, F) grade.  Requests for pass, fail grading are processed by the campus Registrar's Office.

Graduate Students:

Graduate students are eligible to take A – F graded courses for a pass, fail (P, F) grade with the approval of their committee chair or graduate advisor.  While there is no limit on the number of credits, courses taken pass, fail cannot count toward the required credits for graduation and cannot be used as part of the student’s Program of Study.  Pass, fail grades may not be used for removal of a specific undergraduate deficiency. Credits earned with pass, fail grades are counted toward assistantship minimum credit requirements. 

Professional Students:

Students in the professional careers of Medicine or Pharmacy are eligible for pass, fail (P, F) grading for courses graded A - F only with the consent of their academic department or college.  Students in the professional MBA and business career, or in the Veterinary Medicine (DVM) career are ineligible for the pass, fail grading option.

Grading:

The P (pass) grades earned by pass, fail enrollees will not be included in computing the grade point average; however, F grades earned by pass, fail enrollees will be included in grade point average computations. 

Information indicating which students are enrolled on a pass, fail basis will not appear on grade rosters transmitted to instructors. Instructors turn in regular letter grades for all students, and grades of A through D are converted to P for those students who are enrolled pass, fail.

Exclusions:

• Courses approved to be graded with one of the satisfactory, fail grading basis (S, F; or S, M, F; or H, S, F; or H, NH, S, F; or S, U) as described in Rule 90f or 90k are excluded from the pass, fail grading option. The grading basis for these courses are indicated in the catalog course description.

• Courses carrying a UCORE designation can be taken for a pass, fail (P, F) grade, but the pass, fail grade will not satisfy a UCORE requirement.

• No courses offered under the HONORS course prefix may be taken pass, fail.

Deadlines:

A student may change a regular letter-graded enrollment to a pass, fail enrollment, or vice versa, during the first three weeks of classes in a semester.  After the third week and through the last day of instruction in a semester (end of the 15th week), only a pass, fail enrollment can be changed to a letter-graded enrollment. 

52. PREREQUISITE COURSES

All prerequisites shall be satisfactorily completed before the student may register in a course.  At the time of registration for an upcoming term, in-progress enrollment counts toward meeting prerequisites.  If after grades are entered a prerequisite is no longer met, the course is dropped from the student’s enrollment.

The instructor may waive the prerequisite in the case of a student who has demonstrated competence or who has had academic experience equivalent to that represented by the prerequisite.  However, no student may have the prerequisite waived if the academic unit deems the waiver inappropriate.

53. ADMISSION TO THE MAJOR

The undergraduate major is the in-depth field of study leading to the degree and includes a set of core courses that has been approved by the academic unit offering the major, as well as by the college and the Faculty Senate. The major represents approximately one-third (40) of the credit hours required for the undergraduate degree, though some majors require a higher percentage of the total credit hours. While most majors lead to a degree that shares the same name, some majors lead to a degree with a broader title (e.g., an Accounting major leads to the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration).

Admission to the Major: 

Major Requirements: Students can be admitted to a major upon enrollment if they satisfy the requirements set by the academic department. Students who are uncertain of their major, exploring majors, or not ready to declare a major will enroll as a Deciding/Exploring student.  Exploring/Deciding students will declare a major before reaching 60 credits.

Academic units will provide students with a specific pathway to the degree that outlines major requirements (for example, grade point average, completion of specific courses) that students must achieve in order to be admitted and maintain eligibility for the major and degree.

Consult the catalog for specific major requirements.

Loss of Eligibility and Re-Entry to the Major:

University Requirements: A student in any major whose GPA falls below 2.0 is academically deficient under Rules 38 or 39 and may be released by the academic department.

A student is eligible to re-enter the major when the cumulative and major grade point averages are at or above the minimum level required by the university; additional departmental requirements for the major may also need to be met.  Requirements for maintaining eligibility and completing the major will be those stated in the WSU Catalog at the time of re-entry into the major.

Departmental Requirements:  A student who falls below the minimum departmental requirements for maintaining eligibility in the major, as approved by Faculty Senate and published in the WSU Catalog, may be released by the department after two semesters of falling below that minimum.  The department must notify the student at the end of the first semester and establish conditions in writing that must be met the following semester of enrollment.  If conditions are not met at the end of the following semester, documentation must be provided to the Academic Success and Career Center along with the request to release the student from the major.

A student may be eligible to re-enter into the same major when minimum departmental requirements are met.  Contact department for information and options for meeting minimum departmental requirements for achieving and maintaining eligibility.  Requirements for maintaining eligibility and completing the major will be those stated in the WSU Catalog at the time of re-entry into the major.

54. UNDERGRADUATE MINORS AND ADDITIONAL MAJORS

Undergraduate minors and additional majors emphasize study in an area outside a student’s primary major.  An undergraduate minor or additional major is a supplemental academic award that is awarded at the same time that a student’s primary major is completed and the undergraduate degree is conferred. 

Students should consult with the department concerning specific requirements and restrictions for these supplemental academic awards.  The following general provisions apply:

a. Minors: 

1.  An undergraduate student who has been admitted to a primary major may be admitted to pursue a minor with the approval of the offering department or designee.

2.  The minimum university requirement for awarding an undergraduate minor is 16 semester hours, 9 of which must be in upper-division work and taken in residence at WSU or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses.  

3.  Departments specify the requirements for the minor in the WSU Catalog, including number of credits, courses, minimum GPA, and any other specific requirements as detailed in the WSU Catalog.

4.  Unless otherwise noted by the department offering the minor, courses forming a minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements of a major.

5.  No student shall be required by their major to complete a minor, though the department may encourage students to complement the primary major with a minor.  

6.  Students may not be admitted to pursue a minor, or be awarded a minor, if it carries the same name as any other current area of study or completed academic awards from WSU.  This includes current or completed degrees; majors; options, concentrations, or subplans within the major; or other supplemental academic awards.  However, a student who has earned a minor may subsequently be admitted to seek a higher academic award with the approval of the offering department (e.g., a student who has earned a minor in English may later return to seek a degree in English).  

 b.  Additional Majors:
1. An undergraduate student who has been admitted to a primary major may be admitted to pursue an additional major with the approval of the offering department. 

2. An additional major requires completion of departmental requirements for the major, exclusive of general education requirements, and any other specific requirements as detailed in the WSU Catalog.  

3. Students may not be admitted to pursue an additional major, or be awarded an additional major, if it carries the same name as any other current area of study or completed academic awards from WSU.  This includes current or completed degrees; majors; options, concentrations, or subplans within the major; or other supplemental academic awards, such as minors.  However, a student who has earned an additional major may subsequently be admitted to seek a higher academic award with the approval of the offering department (e.g., a student who has earned an additional major in Spanish may later return to seek a degree in Foreign Languages, with a major in Spanish). 

4. Note that for each additional baccalaureate degree, students must complete an additional 30 semester hours.  See Rule 118. 

55. CHANGE OF MAJOR

A student may change majors with the approval of the head of the new academic unit or designee.

57. STUDENT PETITIONS FOR EXCEPTIONS TO ACADEMIC CALENDAR DEADLINES AND WITHDRAWAL LIMITS

Students may, with the payment of a service fee, petition for exceptions to the academic calendar deadlines (e.g., withdrawal after the deadline) or petition for withdrawal from an individual course after the student has used the maximum number allowed.  Petitions are considered only in the case of extraordinary circumstances such as a medical emergency and require supporting documentation. Further information is available at the Registrar’s Office website under the link for Petitions.

Undergraduate and professional students may petition through the Registrar's Office.  Graduate students may petition through the Graduate School.  

Petitions for exceptions to the academic calendar deadlines and withdrawal limits must be made within two years of the date of enrollment in the course. 

60. STUDENT VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
All students newly enrolled at a physical home campus location must comply with WSU Executive Policy 43, requiring proof of vaccination, demonstrated immunity to, or screening for certain illnesses.  This requirement also applies to those students who reapply for admission for Fall 2023 or later.
A student’s home campus is defined in their student record.  If a student is working/studying at a different location (e.g., internship, Extension site), the guidelines for their home campus apply.  A student who transfers from WSU Global to a physical campus, or takes classes on a physical campus (e.g., through intercampus enrollment), is subject to the vaccination requirements of the physical campus. 
For all physical campus locations, a student is initially compliant when they have submitted proof of vaccination for the following illnesses.  Health sciences programs and those with clinical experiential learning requirements may have additional vaccination requirements. 
•  Hepatitis B;
•  Measles (MMR);
•  Pertussis (Tdap); and
•  Varicella.
 
For WSU Pullman only, the additional requirement applies:
•  Meningitis (MCV4/ACWY).
 
Additionally, students from certain geographic areas or high-risk situations will be required to be screened for tuberculosis.
When applicable, religious, or medical exemptions and/or proof of immunity will be considered for each required vaccination.
For more information on how to comply with WSU’s vaccination requirement, students should visit:  https://cougarhealth.wsu.edu/medical-services/specialty-care-and-services/immunizations/required-immunizations-fall-2023/.
Students who do not comply will not be able to register for classes delivered in-person on a physical campus in subsequent terms, and a hold will be placed on their student account.  If students do not complete these steps, it may impact their ability to participate in campus events.  The university may impose further restrictions in the interest of maintaining public health until a student has complied with the vaccine requirement(s).  
Program-specific student vaccination requirements must be posted on the program’s website and in its enrollment materials and are considered a condition of enrollment or admission in that program.
61. LATE SERVICE FEE

A student who does not enroll before classes start or pay fees on or before the due date will be assessed a service charge. A charge of $100.00 will be assessed to late registrations that occur after the tenth day of classes. Late payment fees will be assessed those who pay tuition and fees after the due dates.

 

66. ADDING A COURSE

Students may add course enrollments through the first Sunday of the fall and spring semesters. For summer session or shorter courses, a prorated schedule is followed and may be found at https://registrar.wsu.edu/deadlines-drop-withdrawal/.  (NOTE: If the course is being added pass, fail the approval of the student’s faculty advisor is also required.)  

After the first Sunday of the fall and spring semesters, students may add course enrollments only with the permission of the instructor.

 

67. DROPPING A COURSE

A student may drop a course without record up to the end of the 30th day of the fall or spring semester in which the course is offered.  For summer session or shorter courses, a prorated schedule is followed and may be found at https://registrar.wsu.edu/deadlines-drop-withdrawal/
     If a grade is present, the course may not be dropped without the instructor’s consent.  
     In exceptional circumstances, students may petition to drop a course following the deadline.  See Rule 57.

 

68. WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE
An undergraduate or professional student may withdraw from a course after the 30th day of the regular term up through the end of the 13th week with these provisions:
 
(a) At the end of each term, the number of withdrawals will be counted for undergraduate and professional students.  Once four withdrawals have been used, no further withdrawals will be allowed in subsequent terms. Withdrawals that result from the cancellation of enrollment will not be counted.
 
(b) After the withdrawal limit is reached, an undergraduate or professional student may, in exceptional circumstances, submit a petition through the Registrar’s Office for an exception to the withdrawal limit. See Rule 57.
 
(c) If a grade has been entered for a course, the grade may not be changed to a withdrawal.
 
(d) Withdrawals do not reduce tuition charges. 
 
(e) For academic calendars that vary from the regular 15-week term, a prorated schedule will be used to determine the withdrawal deadline.
 
(f) The grade shall be marked W.
 
Graduate students who wish to request a course withdrawal after the 30th day must do so through the Graduate School.
 
70. TERM WITHDRAWAL

Students who wish to withdraw from the institution and disenroll from all of their classes initiate a term withdrawal through the Registrar’s Office website, https://registrar.wsu.edu/term-withdrawal/.  Students who withdraw from the current term may be entitled to an adjustment of all or part of their tuition (see https://registrar.wsu.edu/tuition-adjustments/withdrawal/).  Students seeking to withdraw from a term after completing one or more courses may petition for an exception to the academic calendar deadlines in the event of extraordinary circumstances (see Rule 57).  
For sessions that vary from the regular 15-week fall and spring semesters described below, a prorated schedule will be used to determine the term withdrawal deadline.

  1. Students withdrawing from all of their classes during the first four weeks of the 15-week fall and spring semester will have their permanent records marked "withdrew (date)." (Individual course enrollments will not be recorded.)
  2. Students withdrawing from all of their classes after the fourth week through the Friday before final’s week (i.e., the end of the 15th week for fall and spring, or according to a prorated schedule for summer term or shorter sessions) will have their permanent records marked "withdrew (date)," and a grade of W will be recorded for each course enrollment. These W grades will not be counted in the number of withdrawals allowed.
  3. Students on academic notice during the semester of their term withdrawal must obtain permission from the reinstatement coordinator on their campus to re-enroll.

Related Link: Tuition Refund Adjustment Policy

Attendance
71. ADMISSION TO CLASSES

Students are not permitted to attend a class past the second Friday of the semester (census day), or past the add deadline for shorter academic sessions, without being on the official class roster.

72. CLASS ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

Students are responsible for ensuring that they attend all class meetings and complete all in-class and out-of-class work as assigned by the instructor.  Students are also responsible for communicating with the instructor should they need to be absent.

a. Attendance Policy:  The instructor is responsible for determining the attendance policy and for making decisions regarding the policy, including the consequence of missed classes, within guidelines established by the academic unit.  The instructor is responsible for communicating the policy to the students in the course syllabus. 

b. Administrative Drops for Non-Attendance:  Students who have not attended class meetings (including lectures, laboratories, and other meetings) during the first week of the semester or according to a prorated schedule for shorter sessions may be dropped from the course by the department.  Students enrolled in online classes may be dropped if they have not logged into the class during the first week. 

Students should not assume that they have been dropped without checking their class schedules.

c. Absences:  Students should make all reasonable efforts to attend all class meetings.  However, in the event a student is unable to attend a class, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor as soon as possible, explain the reason for the absence (and provide documentation, if appropriate), and make up class work missed within a reasonable amount of time, if allowed.  Missing class meetings may result in reducing the overall grade in the class.

  1. University Sponsored.  Any student who is required to participate in off-campus, university-sponsored activities such as field trips, musical performances, judging teams, intercollegiate athletic events, etc., should obtain an official Class Absence Request form from the faculty or staff member supervising the on- or off-campus activity. The form must contain specific information concerning the activity and date, be signed by the supervising faculty or staff member, and be submitted by the student at least one week in advance to the individual instructors of the student’s classes.  Alternative forms of the Class Absence Request may also be provided by the supervising faculty or staff member and are acceptable for requesting university-sponsored absences.  It is recommended, but not required, that a student not be penalized for absence from class provided a properly signed form has been filed with the instructor prior to the absence. These university-sponsored absences are subject to an instructor’s attendance policy and are not intended to imply additional acceptable absences. In all instances, it is the student’s responsibility to make up all work missed.
  2. Military Service Members.  Students who are members of the National Guard or a reserve branch of a military service are occasionally required to miss class for weekend drills, active duty, and related responsibilities and are entitled to make up the class (RCW 28B.10.270).  In such a case, instructors must not penalize students for the absences and must allow them to make-up the missed work. In each instance, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of the duty before the absence, provide appropriate documentation if requested, and complete the missed work as soon as reasonably possible.
  3. Flexible Attendance as an Access Accommodation.  Some students have disabilities or chronic medical conditions of an episodic nature that may require flexibility regarding attendance.  The Access Center recognizes that in some cases, allowing absences beyond those normally allowed in a course is a reasonable accommodation.  However, there are courses in which a specified standard of attendance may be an essential part of the course.  When the Access Center determines that flexible attendance may be a reasonable accommodation, instructors will receive notification of approved accommodations and procedures for their consideration.  Final determinations regarding flexible attendance will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  See the Flexible Attendance Guidelines at the Access Center website and Rule 83.   NOTE:  The Access Center does not provide accommodations for acute illnesses that cause extended absences (e.g., mono, strep throat, conjunctivitis).  In these cases, students are to work with their instructors as indicated under c.6. Other Absences.
  4. Reasonable Religious Accommodation.  Washington State University reasonably accommodates absences allowing for students to take holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization.  Reasonable accommodation requires the student to coordinate with the instructor on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for course completion.  Students requesting accommodation must provide written notification within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course and include specific dates for absences.  Approved accommodations for absences will not adversely impact student grades. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence.  Students who feel they have been treated unfairly in terms of this accommodation may refer to Academic Regulation 104 - Academic Complaint Procedures.  See also Rule 82.
  5. Adverse Weather Conditions.  When appropriate campus authorities declare a “Yellow / Delayed or Limited Operations” or “Red / Closed” campus condition (BPPM 50.40‐46), or travel to instructional locations is unsafe, classes may be cancelled or delayed.  When a student does not attend due to adverse conditions, the instructor will not penalize the student.  See the Inclement Weather Policy online at each campus website and at the Office of the Provost website.
  6. Other Absences.  Students must sometimes miss class meetings, examinations, or other academic obligations affecting their grades due to extenuating circumstances. It is the responsibility of the student to provide a written explanation for the absence to the instructor as soon as it is reasonable to do so.  When possible, students should provide appropriate documentation for their absence but instructors cannot require written excuses from health care professionals. 

As long as absences are not excessive, it is recommended, but not required, that the instructor provide and document reasonable arrangements. Determinations regarding the acceptance of an absence are the discretion of the instructor based on the attendance policy as stated in the class syllabus.

Students who attempt to gain advantage through abuse of any aspect of the absence policy (e.g., by providing an instructor with false information) may be referred to the Center for Community Standards.

d. Emergency Notifications:  While the Office of the Dean of Students does not excuse or verify student absences, in the event a student is going to be away from class for an extended period and is unable to contact the instructor in a timely manner, the Office of the Dean of Students may provide an emergency notification on the student’s behalf to the instructors, informing them of the student’s absence and the planned duration of the absence.   An emergency notification should not be required or used to excuse a student’s absence.

It is the responsibility of the student to make contact with their instructors as soon as possible to make arrangements for missed work.  It is up to the instructor to determine what if any arrangements will be made for the student based upon the attendance policy as stated in syllabus.

e. Request for Consideration:  The Office of the Dean of Students and/or the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Investigation may contact instructors on a student’s behalf when the student’s involvement in a matter implicating the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, Executive Policy #15 is having a significant impact on the student’s academic progress. 

In such cases, the instructor is strongly encouraged to work with the student to address the student’s needs without compromising learning objectives.  It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor to make these arrangements.

f. Complaints:  Students who wish to raise a concern about the instructor’s arrangement regarding missed work may follow the Academic Complaint Procedure, Rule 104.

Examinations
74. FINAL EXAMINATIONS WEEK

The final examination week for each fall and spring semester will span five days, from the Monday through the Friday immediately following the 15th week of the semester. Special examinations will be scheduled for the Saturday following the Friday of final examination week. Summer Session final exams will be confined to the designated class meeting times scheduled for the course or lab.

75. FINAL EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

The final examination schedule will be determined before the start of each semester and published in the semester WSU Schedule of Classes by the Registrar based on previous enrollment for that semester. After publication, the schedule cannot be altered except as provided.

The final exam schedule gives the maximum time that may be used for the final, including any administration time.  Classes which are 1 – 3 credits are allowed up to 2 hours.  Classes which are 4 credits or more are allowed up to 2 hours and 50 minutes.

While instructors may use the maximum amount of time scheduled for the final, they are not required to use all of the allotted time and may elect to give a shorter final exam.

76. SPECIAL PERIODS FOR FINAL EXAMINATIONS

During examination week time will be allowed to large courses for special examinations of the entire group. The privilege of giving such special examinations is necessarily limited in terms of periods available for such tests. The courses having the greatest number of students will be given first opportunity to utilize the special examination periods available.

77. THREE OR MORE IN ONE DAY

During final examination week, if the scheduled arrangement results in students having three or more examinations scheduled for any one day, any one of their instructors is authorized to excuse the students from the regularly scheduled examination and give a final examination to the students during the special exams time blocks.

In cases of difficulty in arriving at a solution, students shall refer the matter to the chairpersons of their departments or to their academic advisors.

78. PREPARATION WEEK

No examinations or quizzes (other than laboratory examinations, make-up examinations and make-up quizzes) may be given during the last week of instruction.  Paper-proctored exams given for Global Campus courses can be exempt from this rule when scanning/emailing in this timeframe is not possible.

79. NO EARLY EXAMINATIONS

A student will not be granted special examinations for the purpose of leaving the institution before the close of the semester.

80. SCHEDULING ALL COMMON EXAMINATIONS

Instructors wishing to schedule examinations outside of normal class periods have two options: common examinations (Rule 80) and out-of-class examinations (Rule 81). Both of these options must yield priority to officially scheduled class meetings, including lectures, labs, and studios. For example, if a common examination is scheduled during a student's lab time in another course, the instructor of the common examination must accommodate the student by offering alternate examination times.

Common examinations may be requested for courses having an enrollment of at least two percent of the total student body or undergraduate courses with multiple lecture sections.

Up to four common examinations may be scheduled outside the official class meeting time each semester. Common examination periods must be scheduled at the following time blocks:

Monday and Friday: 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.; 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.; 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

One class period shall be omitted to compensate for each common examination given. A class period lost to Labor Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day holiday(s), and/or any other class day omitted from the academic calendar may be counted toward this compensation for a common examination.

For prioritized scheduling, proposed common examination dates and times must be submitted to the Registrar's Office no later than April 1 for fall semesters and no later than October 1 for spring semesters. Common examination times will be confirmed no later than the Friday before priority registration for the future semester. Later requests for common examination dates will be accommodated through the first week of the semester, on a space-available basis.

In cases where an alternate time may be needed to accommodate conflicts, instructors may contact the Registrar's Office for that additional scheduling.

81. SCHEDULING OUT-OF-CLASS EXAMINATIONS

Instructors wishing to schedule examinations outside of normal class periods for a course that doesn’t meet the criterion of common examinations (see rule 80) may request out-of-class examinations.  Officially scheduled class meetings, including lectures, labs, and studios, and common exams have priority over out-of-class examinations. 

Departments may schedule up to four out-of-class examinations at a fixed time for undergraduate (100-400-level) courses.  Out-of-class examination periods must be scheduled at the following time blocks:

Monday and Friday: 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.; 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.; 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

One class period shall be omitted to compensate for each out-of-class examination given.  A class period lost to Labor Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day holiday(s), and/or any other class day omitted from the academic calendar may be counted toward this compensation. 

Instructors wishing to schedule out-of-class examinations may submit the request beginning the first week of the term.  The scheduling priority will be common examination times followed by out-of-class examination on a space-available basis.  Except as noted for common examinations as per Rule 80, Rule 81 applies to any out-of-class examination scheduled to be taken at a fixed start and end time, including online examinations.

In cases where an alternate time may be needed to accommodate conflicts, instructors may contact the Registrar’s Office for that additional scheduling.

82. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ABSENCE DUE TO RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES

Washington State University is committed to providing people of diverse religious backgrounds access to education. The university reasonably accommodates absences allowing for students to take holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization.  

In addition, law requires reasonable accommodation of religious beliefs and practices so that students' grades are not adversely impacted by the absences.  The university will provide reasonable accommodation consistent with the fair, efficient and secure administration of its programs, and consistent with state law.  

Instructors must reasonably accommodate students who, due to the observance of religious holidays, expect to be absent or endure a significant hardship during certain days of the course. "Reasonably accommodate" means coordinating with the student on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for completion of the course and includes offering different times for examinations or activities.

Any student seeking reasonable accommodations under this section must provide written notice to the instructor, within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course and include the specific dates for absences.  Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. 

The instructor shall inform the student of the decision in writing within seven calendar days of the receipt of the request. 

Approved accommodations for absences will not adversely impact student grades. 

The university provides notice to students of this policy on the university’s web site and in course or program syllabi, including grievance procedures.

Any student who believes that she or he has not been appropriately accommodated under this policy may seek review of the decision by sending a written request to the chairperson of the department offering the course, as soon as possible and no later than seven days after learning of the instructor’s decision. After the chair’s decision, the student or the instructor may appeal to the dean’s office. Appeals to the dean’s office must be presented in writing within seven calendar days of the chair’s decision. The decision of the dean or associate dean shall be made within seven calendar days and is final. The University Ombudsman is available at any stage for advice or assistance in resolving requests for accommodation. Students should understand that fairness in the examination process is an important consideration in the educational process and that they do have a duty to cooperate in making alternate arrangements.

83. ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES IN THE CLASSROOM AND ADMINISTRATION OF EXAMINATIONS

Washington State University is committed to providing access to education for all of its students. In addition, federal law states that academic requirements must be modified on a case-by-case basis to afford qualified students with disabilities an equal educational opportunity. The nature of certain disabilities may necessitate accommodation of these disabilities in the administration of exams. It is the policy of the university to provide reasonable accommodation consistent with the fair and secure administration of its programs.

Students with disabilities who would benefit from either academic or housing accommodations should submit the online “New Student Application” found on their campus Access Center homepage and upload appropriate disability documentation.  Once the application and documentation have been reviewed, the Access Center on the respective campus will contact the student to arrange an intake appointment/visit and to develop an appropriate accommodation plan.

Instructors will electronically receive the Faculty Notification of Reasonable Accommodations letter once a student has requested and been approved for an accommodation.  Instructors are encouraged to contact the student’s disability services provider if they have questions or concerns about any of the requested accommodations, including the feasibility/extent of flexible attendance accommodations with regards to successful completion of course activities and objectives.  See the Flexible Attendance Guidelines at the Access Center website and at Rule 72.

STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES OFFICE BY CAMPUS/LOCATION

·         Bremerton: Access Center (Pullman)

·         Everett: Access Center(Pullman)

·         Global: Access Center (Pullman)

·         Pullman: Access Center

·         Tri-Cities: Access Center

·         Spokane: Student Affairs – Access Resources

·         Vancouver: Access Center

·         Yakima: Access Center (Tri-Cities)

·         Extension and other non-campus sites: Access Center (Pullman) 

88. MIDTERM GRADE SUBMITTAL.

Midterm grades will be submitted for students enrolled in undergraduate courses that span the entire regular fall and spring 16-week semester by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday of the eighth week.

The assessment should not be interpreted as a formal grade, but rather as an indication of the student’s progress to date.

Midterm grades are advisory and do not appear on the student’s permanent record, the WSU transcript.

89. FINAL GRADE SUBMITTAL

Fall and Spring semester final grades will be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by 5:00 p.m. four days after the close of finals week. See https://registrar.wsu.edu/academic-calendar/.
     Final grades for all other sessions will be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by 5:00 p.m. four days after the last scheduled day of the session.  See https://learn365.wsu.edu, under dates and deadlines.
     Note:  The timely submission of final grades results in accurate reporting of student information.  Grades and the credits earned enable students to register for future courses or graduate on time.  They are also used for determining financial aid and scholarships as well as academic deficiency or honors.  

Grades And Grade Points
90. GRADES AND GRADE POINTS

Washington State University uses letter grades and the four (4) point maximum grading scale. The grade A is the highest possible grade, and grades below D are considered failing. Plus (+) or minus (-) symbols are used to indicate grades that fall above or below the letter grades, but grades of A+ and D- are not used. For purposes of calculating grade points and averages, the plus (+) is equal to .3 and minus (-) equals .7 (e.g., a grade B+ is equivalent to 3.3 and A- is 3.7). A student’s work is normally rated in accordance with the following definitions:

90a. A. Student work demonstrates consistently excellent scholastic performance; thorough comprehension; ability to correlate the material with other ideas, to communicate and to deal effectively with course concepts and new material; reliability in attendance and attention to assignments.

90b. B. Student work demonstrates superior scholastic performance overall, reliability in attendance, and attention to assignments; may demonstrate excellence but be less consistent than the work of an A student.

90c. C. Student work demonstrates satisfactory performance overall, as well as reliability in attendance, and attention to assignments.

90d. D. Student work demonstrates minimal, barely passing performance overall; limited knowledge of subject matter.

90e. F. Student work demonstrates unsatisfactory performance and comprehension or unfulfilled requirements. The grade is failing.

90f. S. (Satisfactory.)  Grade given upon satisfactory completion of courses approved to be taught with one of the following grading basis, which are designated in the catalog and schedule of classes and are used for both final and midterm grading.
     S, F (satisfactory, failing) grades are used to report grades for courses numbered 499, 600, special examinations (Rule 15), and other courses duly authorized for S, F grading by the Faculty Senate. 
     S, U (satisfactory, unsatisfactory) grades are used to report grades only for courses numbered 700, 701, 702, and 800.
     S, M, F  (satisfactory, marginally satisfactory, failing) grades are used to report grades only for designated courses within the College of Veterinary Medicine.   
     H, S, F (honors, satisfactory, failing) grades are used to report grades only for designated courses within the College of Pharmacy.   
     H, NH, S, F (honors, near honors, satisfactory, failing) grades are used to report grades only for designated courses within the College of Medicine. 

90g. P. (Passing.) A satisfactory grade for a course taken under the pass, fail Grading Option. Instructors will turn in regular letter grades for all students enrolled in courses under the pass, fail option but grades will appear on the student’s permanent record as P (Passing) or F (Failure).

90h. I. (Incomplete.) An incomplete is the term used to indicate that a grade has been deferred. It is for students who for reasons beyond their control are unable to complete their work on time. All outstanding incomplete work (including grades of I, X, and blank/no grade) must be completed and posted to the official transcript prior to the conferral of the degree. It is strongly recommended that students who are granted an Incomplete limit their total number of credits to 18 credits (including credits for the Incomplete course and any new courses) during the semester when they are finishing an Incomplete.  Students who receive an I grade have up to the end of the ensuing year to complete the course, unless a shorter interval is specified by the instructor. If the incomplete is not made up during the specified time or the student repeats the course, the I is changed to an F.  Instructors are required to submit an Incomplete Grade Report (IGR) to the departmental office with every I given. The IGR must specify conditions and requirements for completing the incomplete, as well as any time limitations less than one year.

90i. W. This is the term to be used if the student has withdrawn from a course in accordance with Rule 68 or has withdrawn from the university in accordance with Rule 70.

90j. X. Denotes continuing progress toward completion of special problems, research, thesis, doctoral dissertation (i.e., 499, 600, 700, 701, 702, 800), or flexible enrollment courses; X grades are converted to S or to a letter grade upon completion. An X grade may also be used when no final grade is available due to instructor’s illness or absence, or due to a pending administrative action outside of the instructor's control.  All outstanding incomplete work (including grades of I, X, and blank/no grade) must be completed and posted to the official transcript prior to the conferral of the degree. 

90k. U. (Unsatisfactory.) Student work demonstrates unsatisfactory performance, failed examination, or unfulfilled requirements in courses numbered 700, 701, 702, and 800.

90l. Z. (Failure due to discontinued attendance without withdrawal.) The Z grade is an internal grade indicating that a student earned a failing grade and discontinued all participation in a course without formally withdrawing from the course.  It appears and functions as an F rather than as a Z on the transcript. An instructor entering a Z grade must enter the last date of attendance for each Z grade submitted.  If the last day of attendance is not available, the date of the last exam or assignment recorded must be submitted instead.

92. GRADE RECORDS

Class grade records (the records from which final grades for a given class are determined) are university records which must be maintained for five years after the end of the term. Department chairs or directors are responsible for identifying appropriate storage location, which may include the instructor’s campus office. Both the chair or director or their designees and the instructor shall have ready access to these records.

93. RETENTION OF FINAL EXAMINATIONS, FINAL PROJECTS, AND FINAL PAPERS

Final examinations, final projects, and final papers are university records which must be maintained for one year after the end of the term, unless they are returned directly to the student. Department chairs or directors are responsible for identifying appropriate storage location, which may include the instructor’s campus office. Both the chair or the director or their designees and the instructor shall have ready access to these final examinations, final projects, and final papers.

98. GRADES CHANGES

An instructor may not change a grade after the final grade deadline has passed and grades have posted to the transcript, except to correct a previously submitted grade, or to provide a grade for an I, X, or blank / missing grade.  

In the case where a grade is being corrected, the chair of the department is notified when the request is submitted.

Grade changes must be submitted within one year following the end of the term when the course was taught.  In extenuating circumstances or when prompted by an academic integrity violation, exceptions to the one-year limit may be considered by request to the Registrar’s Office. 

99. GRADUATE STUDENT GRADES

On a program leading to an advanced degree, graduate students must attain a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on their graduate programs and a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in all 300-400-level and graduate courses. No grade below C is accepted in any course for graduate credit.

100. THE GRADE POINT SYSTEM
A provides 4.0 grade points per credit hour.
A- provides 3.7 grade points per credit hour.
B+ provides 3.3 grade points per credit hour.
B provides 3.0 grade points per credit hour.
B- provides 2.7 grade points per credit hour.
C+ provides 2.3 grade points per credit hour.
C provides 2.0 grade points per credit hour.
C- provides 1.7 grade points per credit hour.
D+ provides 1.3 grade points per credit hour.
D provides 1.0 grade points per credit hour.
F provides no credit or grade points. (Credits attempted are calculated in GPA).
P credit given—grade points not calculated.
S credit given—grade points not calculated.
M credit given—grade points not calculated.
H credit given—grade points not calculated.
NH credit given—grade points not calculated.
I provides no credit or grade points.
W provides no credit or grade points.
X provides no credit or grade points.
U provides no credit or grade points.

 

The student’s grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing grade points earned by the number of credits attempted. Credits attempted for F grades are calculated into the GPA.  Grades P, S, M, H, and NH do not carry grade points, and the credits are not calculated into the GPA. Transfer and other nonresident credit are not computed in the Washington State University grade point average. 

Course

Credits

Grade

Grade points

ENGLISH 301

3

A

12.000

BIOLOGY 333

3

D+ 3.900

SOC 420

3

B+

9.900

MUS 491

2

P

 

SOC 499

4

S

 

 

Credits attempted, excluding those yielding no grade points, equal 9, and divided into total grade points earned, 25.8 = GPA (2.866).  

The third decimal point is rounded one decimal place to result in a final GPA of 2.870.  The WSU transcript displays two decimal points, 2.87.

The number 5 is rounded up following standard rounding rules. 

 
102. STUDENT'S GRADE POINT AVERAGE

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is determined by adding the grade points earned in all WSU course work and dividing by the total number of credits in which the student has been enrolled at WSU.  I, W, S, P, H, M, U, and X grades are disregarded.

The grades earned at other institutions do not count in the Washington State University grade point average.

103. GROUP AVERAGES

Group averages, honor rolls, eligibility lists for honorees, and similar lists are calculated on the basis of grades received in the Registrar’s Office by 5:00 p.m. two working days following the last day of final examinations.

104. ACADEMIC COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

A student having complaints about instruction or grading should attempt to resolve those issues directly with the instructor.  If that fails, the student should send an email to the instructor using his or her official WSU email account no later than 20 business days following the end of the semester.  This email should briefly outline the complaint and be copied to the chairperson of the academic department.  

If the complaint is not resolved with the instructor within 20 business days of sending the email, then the student may work directly with the chairperson of the academic department in which the course is offered.  The chair’s decision shall be rendered within 20 additional business days.  

After the chair’s decision, the student or the instructor may appeal to the academic college Dean’s Office. Complaints must be presented in writing to the college dean within 20 business days of the chair’s decision. The written statement should describe the complaint, indicate how it affects the individual or unit, and include the remedy sought from the college dean. The decision of the college dean is the final step and shall be made within 20 business days.  

At the campuses other than Pullman, the procedure is identical except that the program leader shall substitute for the department chair, and the campus chancellor or his or her designee shall substitute for the college dean, if the department chair and/or the college dean is not located on that campus.

The University Ombudsman is available at any stage for advice or assistance in resolving academic complaints. 

Note: Though chairs and college deans (and program leaders and campus chancellors) may resolve complaints about instruction and grading, they may not change a final grade without the consent of the instructor, except as provided by Rule 105.

105. ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO FINAL GRADES

a.) Chairperson Acting in Lieu of Instructor:  In the extraordinary circumstances when an instructor is not available, or has failed to respond to the student or chairperson using his or her official WSU email account within 20 business days according to Rule 104, the chairperson of the department may change a final grade.

b.) University Grade Appeals Board:  If a chair, dean, Graduate School Dean, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs or designee, or University Ombudsman determines that a change of a final grade is warranted for any reason other than academic dishonesty, any one of them may refer the case to the chair of the University Grade Appeals Board for review.  The case must be referred within one semester of the posting of the grade (excluding summer term).  

The University Grade Appeals Board shall have jurisdiction over decisions of any instructor and/or administrator on matters of University course grading appeals.  The decision of the board is final and not subject to further appeal.

Note: Students may not take a grade appeal directly to the board but should follow the academic complaint procedures, as presented in Rule 104.

c.) Procedure for academic integrity violations:  Allegations of academic integrity violations are processed through the procedure established in WAC 504-26-415.  A final grade may be changed at any time as a result of this procedure.

Graduation
106. UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION FOR DEGREE

Students may apply for their undergraduate degrees online as soon as they have completed 90 credits and are admitted to the major.  Advisors and the students’ major department are responsible for checking that all departmental requirements are met through the advisement report / degree audit.  A graduation fee must be paid at the time of application.  See http://graduations.wsu.edu/ for further information.

108. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR GRADUATION

The student has the ultimate responsibility for meeting all graduation requirements.   The student plans the program of study each semester in consultation with the advisor.  The degree requirements listed in the catalog and in the advisement report are binding.  Colleges may substitute or waive college-level requirements for individual students.  Departments may substitute or waive departmental requirements for individual students.

109. PETITIONS FOR UNIVERSITY-LEVEL UNDERGRADUATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The Provost’s Office may substitute or waive university-level undergraduate graduation requirements.  Students may petition to substitute or waive university-level graduation requirements by completing and submitting the University and College Requirement Petition form.

110. UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
The University requirements for graduation must be satisfied prior to the awarding of an undergraduate degree.  Students meet the University requirements for graduation, including general education requirements, as follows:
 
a) New students are held to the University requirements that are published in the catalog with the effective date that corresponds to their Admission term.
 
b) Former students who are readmitted to WSU are held to the University requirements that are published in the catalog at the time they are readmitted and reflect their most current admission term.  However, students who were enrolled at WSU prior to Fall 2012, and who completed the 2009 General Education Requirements (GERs), are considered to have satisfied the current University Common Requirements (UCORE).
Students with incomplete general education requirements (such as GERs or GURs), or who completed general education requirements prior to 2009, are encouraged to work with their academic advisors to determine what coursework is needed to complete the UCORE requirements.  
 
c) Students who apply to graduate who are not currently enrolled will be held to current University requirements.
 
111. UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR, MINOR, AND COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
Graduation requirements for a student’s degree are set at the time the student is admitted to the major and include college requirements.  Graduation requirements for additional majors, minors, or other academic awards are set at the time of admission to those additional academic plans.  The following exceptions apply:
 
a) Departments may require students to meet newer major or minor requirements, provided the newer requirements neither oblige a student to enroll in more than a normal complement of credit hours in any semester nor prolong the time necessary to complete degree requirements.  
 
b) Current students whose admission to the major or minor is more than eight years old may be required by the department to meet current degree requirements.  This may in some cases prolong the time necessary to complete the degree.
 
c) Former students who must reapply and be readmitted to WSU will need to contact the department where they wish to be admitted as a major since their prior status is not maintained.  These students will be eligible to be admitted to the major when they meet the current requirements set by the department.
 
d) Students who apply to graduate and who have not attended WSU for six or more years will need approval from their major department to complete the degree in the major to which they were previously admitted.  In some cases, these students may be held to more current requirements which may prolong the time necessary to complete the degree.  Students may choose to seek a different major without being readmitted to the university in order to earn a degree.
 
e) Students who maintain continuous enrollment shall have eight years to complete any degree, major, minor, or other academic award that has been discontinued, following the last inclusion in the WSU Catalog.
 
f) Deans, department heads, and program chairs have the authority to waive or provide substitute course work for college, major, or minor requirements.   They may also allow a student to graduate using the requirements from a prior catalog year, provided that the student was enrolled during that time, and that the major or minor is currently offered.
 
114. REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

a. The award of a baccalaureate degree requires the satisfactory completion of all University graduation requirements.  The degree grade point average will be posted to the official transcript at the time that the baccalaureate degree is conferred.

b. The award of a baccalaureate degree requires the completion of and posting to the official transcript of all outstanding incomplete work (including grades of I, X, and no/blank grades).

c. The award of a baccalaureate degree and/or diploma requires the student’s good standing in the university and satisfaction of all University graduation requirements.  “Good standing” means the student has resolved any acts of academic or behavioral misconduct, and complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of the misconduct.  (See Rule 45 and the Standards of Conduct for Students.)

1)      The University shall have the sole authority in determining whether to withhold the degree and/or diploma in cases where the student is not in good standing due to acts of misconduct, has not resolved any acts of academic or behavior misconduct, or has not complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of misconduct.  

2)      The University shall deny the award of a degree if the student is dismissed from the University based on his or her misconduct.

3)      A diploma will not be sent until the student has resolved any unpaid fees and resolved any acts of academic or behavioral misconduct and complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of misconduct. 

d.  The grades earned at other institutions do not count in the Washington State University grade point average.

e.  To complete a baccalaureate degree, students shall:

1) Earn a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better in graded course work.

2) Earn a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better in graded course work in the major.

3) Complete the departmental and college requirements for an active baccalaureate degree.  Baccalaureate degrees remain active for the purpose of degree completion for eight years following the last inclusion in the WSU catalog.

4) Earn a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit.  At least 30 must be WSU hours; see Rule 6.

5) Earn a minimum of 40 semester hours of credit in 300-400-level courses; 500-level courses will count toward the 300-400-level requirement, but an undergraduate may not be required to complete a 500-level course as a requirement for the baccalaureate degree.

6) Complete the University Common Requirements (UCOREs) for graduation.

7) Complete the university writing requirements, including two Writing in the Major courses and the Writing Portfolio.

115.  REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DEGREES (DVM, MBA, MD, PHARMD)

(a) To earn a professional degree, students shall complete all requirements specified for the degree.

(b) The award of a professional degree requires the completion of and posting to the official transcript of all outstanding incomplete work (including grades of I, X, and no/blank grades).

(c) The award of a professional degree and/or diploma requires the student’s good standing in the university and satisfaction of all University graduation requirements.  “Good standing” means the student has resolved any acts of academic or behavioral misconduct, and complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of the misconduct.  (See Rule 45 and the Standards of Conduct for Students.)

1)      The University shall have the sole authority in determining whether to withhold the degree and/or diploma in cases where the student is not in good standing due to acts of misconduct, has not resolved any acts of academic or behavior misconduct, or has not complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of misconduct.  

2)      The University shall deny the award of a degree if the student is dismissed from the University based on his or her misconduct.

3)      A diploma will not be sent until the student has resolved any unpaid fees and resolved any acts of academic or behavioral misconduct and complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of misconduct. 

 

116. REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER'S DEGREES

(a) The Graduate School has no residency requirement.

(b) All outstanding incomplete work (including grades of I, X, and no/blank grade) must be completed and posted to the official transcript prior to the conferral of the master's degree.  Once a degree is conferred and posted to the official transcript, no changes will be allowed on the academic record that predates the degree.

(c)  The award of a master's degree and/or diploma requires the student’s good standing in the university and satisfaction of all University graduation requirements.  “Good standing” means the student has resolved any acts of academic or behavioral misconduct, and complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of the misconduct.  (See Rule 45 and the Standards of Conduct for Students.)

1) The University shall have the sole authority in determining whether to withhold the degree and/or diploma in cases where the student is not in good standing due to acts of misconduct, has not resolved any acts of academic or behavior misconduct, or has not complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of misconduct.  

2) The University shall deny the award of a degree if the student is dismissed from the University based on his or her misconduct. 

3) A diploma will not be sent until the student has resolved any unpaid fees and resolved any acts of academic or behavioral misconduct and complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of misconduct. 

(d)  To complete a master's degree, a student shall:

1) Earn no fewer than 30 semester hours of credit with a minimum of 21 semester hours of course work for a thesis degree program or 26 semester hours of course work for a nonthesis degree program.

2) Earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a graduate program in all upper-division and graduate course work completed for the master’s degree.

3) Earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 for all course work taken as a graduate student.

4) Successfully complete graduate examinations.

 

117. REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCTOR'S DEGREES

(a) The Graduate School has no residency requirement.

(b) All outstanding incomplete work (including grades of I, X, and no/blank grade) must be completed and posted to the official transcript prior to the conferral of the doctoral degree.  Once a degree is conferred and posted to the official transcript, no changes will be allowed on the academic record that predates the degree.

(c). The award of a doctoral degree and/or diploma requires the student’s good standing in the university and satisfaction of all University graduation requirements.  “Good standing” means the student has resolved any acts of academic or behavioral misconduct, and complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of the misconduct.  (See Rule 45 and the Standards of Conduct for Students.)

1) The University shall have the sole authority in determining whether to withhold the degree and/or diploma in cases where the student is not in good standing due to acts of misconduct, has not resolved any acts of academic or behavior misconduct, or has not complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of misconduct.  

2) The University shall deny the award of a degree if the student is dismissed from the University based on his or her misconduct. 

3) A diploma will not be sent until the student has resolved any unpaid fees and resolved any acts of academic or behavioral misconduct and complied with all sanctions imposed as a result of misconduct. 

(d)  To complete a doctoral degree, a student shall:

1) Earn no fewer than 72 semester credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree to include the minimum requirements as listed in the Graduate School's Policies and Procedures and as established by the academic program.

2) Earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a graduate program and in all 300-400-level and graduate course work completed for the doctoral degree.

3) Earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 for all course work taken as a graduate student.

4) Successfully complete graduate examinations.

 

118. TWO OR MORE BACCALAUREATE DEGREES FROM WSU

One baccalaureate degree from WSU requires a minimum of 120 semester hours.  For each additional baccalaureate degree, the student must complete an additional 30 semester hours, as well as satisfy all requirements of the college and the second degree program.  For a second or subsequent baccalaureate degree, the first baccalaureate degree from WSU is understood to fulfill all University requirements for graduation, including the upper-division requirements, University Writing Portfolio, the minimum hours for the first degree (120), as well as the University Common Requirements (UCOREs).

119. REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICIAL CERTIFICATES
Official certificates generally represent a body of coursework that demonstrates proficiency in a subset of skills or knowledge that have useful application in a variety of professions.  They are formally recognized by the university and convey that students have developed mastery of course material.  
An officially recognized certificate is a document issued by WSU, displaying the WSU seal and president’s signature, which is issued to students who have completed a course of study that meets the guidelines outlined below and has been approved by the Faculty Senate.  Officially recorded certificates also appear on the WSU academic transcript.
For certificate completion, the following criteria apply:
 
Undergraduate Certificates:
1. Admission and certification requirements:  Students who are admitted to the university may pursue an official undergraduate certificate through the unit offering the certificate.  The requirements for each certificate, including specific certification criteria, are listed in the catalog under the responsible unit.   Not all undergraduate certificates are available on all campuses.  
2. Credit hours:  A minimum number of 15 credit hours is required, with the exact number specified by the academic unit offering the certificate.
3. Transfer credits:  The maximum number of credit hours earned at other institutions that may apply towards a particular WSU certificate shall not exceed ¼ of the total number of credit hours required for the certificate.  Acceptance of particular courses from other institutions for WSU certificate credit will be at the discretion of the department or program offering the certificate.
4. Grading:  The number of credit hours that students may elect to take Pass/Fail shall not exceed one-fourth of the total number of credit hours required for the certificate.  
5. GPA requirement for completion:  The minimum cumulative GPA based on all graded coursework required to earn the certificate is 2.0.
6. Accumulation of credits towards undergraduate degree:  Credit hours earned in certificate program may be applied toward a degree.
7. Application for conferral of the undergraduate certificate:  Students apply for conferral of the certificate following the same schedule as is used for undergraduate degree conferral (see rule 125). The unit is responsible for checking that all requirements are met.  Upon successful completion of the requirements and payment of the certificate fee, the certificate will be posted to the official WSU transcript and an official certificate will be mailed to the student.  Students apply online at myWSU.edu under apply to graduate.
 
Graduate Certificates:
1. Requirements for the Graduate Certificate vary but typically consist of 9 to 12 credits of graded coursework. Once admitted as a part-time graduate certificate student, the student can take graduate certificate courses and/or graduate courses but must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Students currently enrolled in regular graduate degree programs (master’s or doctoral) may concurrently enroll in graduate certificate programs with the approval of their committee.
2. To qualify as a formal graduate certificate program, the program must conform to existing Graduate School academic standards and to existing policies outlined for graduate degree programs, including Faculty Senate approval and the following:
a) Graduate certificate programs must use approved undergraduate or graduate coursework, with no more than one-third of the coursework being at the undergraduate (400) level.
b) Student may be admitted to the Graduate School as a Graduate Certificate Student and have completed all appropriate prerequisite classes to take graduate coursework.
c) Courses graded S/F cannot be used toward major or supporting work for any degree program.
d) The maximum time allowed for completion of a certificate is 6 years from the beginning date of the earliest course applied toward the certificate. Students may request an extension of this time as described in the Graduate School’s Policies and Procedures Manual Chapter 6, Section F.
e) A certificate fee is assessed at the time of completion of the certificate. The student must be enrolled the semester in which he/she applies for a graduate certificate.
 
Professional Certificates:
1. Admission Requirements:  Students who are enrolled through one of the professional careers (medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and the MBA business career) must be approved by the academic unit to seek an official certificate.  The requirements for the certificate, including specific admission criteria, are listed in the catalog under the unit offering the certificate.
2.    Credit hours:  A minimum number of 9 credit hours is required, with the exact number specified by the academic unit offering the certificate.
3.    Accumulation of credits towards a professional degree:  Credit hours earned in certificate program may be applied toward a degree, unless prohibited by the academic unit.
4.    Grading:  Students must meet grading requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the catalog in order to earn the certificate.
5.    Transfer credits:  Acceptance of particular courses from other institutions for credit towards the certificate will be at the discretion of the academic unit offering the certificate.
6.    Upon successful completion of the requirements and payment of the certificate fee, the certificate will be noted on the official WSU transcript and an official certificate will be mailed to the student.  Students apply online at myWSU.edu under apply to graduate.
 
121. SUMMER SESSION CREDITS

Credit earned during summer sessions may be applied toward the fulfillment of requirements for baccalaureate and advanced degrees in the same manner and subject to the same rules as credit earned during semesters of regular academic years.

125. DATE OF GRADUATION

Students will be recommended for their degrees at the end of the semester or term in which they complete their requirements. Diplomas will be dated the Saturday following the last day of final examination week for the fall semester, the day of commencement for the spring semester, and the Saturday following the last day of instruction for summer session.

Honors
133. PRESIDENT'S HONOR ROLL

An undergraduate will be named to the President's Honor Roll under either of the following conditions:

  1. By achieving a grade point of 3.75 while enrolled in at least 9 graded hours in a single semester at Washington State University, provided that the cumulative GPA is a 2.0 or better.
  2. By achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 based on at least 15 cumulative hours of graded work at Washington State University, provided that the semester GPA is a 3.0 or better.
137. RECOGNITION FOR SELECTED BACCALAUREATE DEGREE CANDIDATES

Candidates for baccalaureate degrees who have completed at least 30 hours of graded work (grades in which grade points are awarded) at Washington State University will graduate summa cum laude if the cumulative grade point average for work completed at Washington State University is 3.90 or better, will graduate magna cum laude if the minimum cumulative grade point average is 3.70 but less than 3.90, and will graduate cum laude if the minimum cumulative grade point average is 3.50 but less than 3.70.

The appropriate Latin phrase will be printed on the diploma and on the final transcript. Qualified students electing to participate in the Honors College who complete its requirements satisfactorily, regardless of whether they qualify to graduate summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude, will receive a certificate of completion and a printed notation on the final transcript.

Computation of graduation honors will be done prior to the end of the final semester to allow for publication of the appropriate honors in advance of graduation. However, following the student’s final semester, the Registrar will recompute the student’s GPA including the last semester’s work, and only this computation will determine official graduation honors.

140. TRANSCRIPTS
An official copy of a student’s academic record at Washington State University that bears the official seal of the University and the signature of the Registrar is referred to as a transcript. The transcript must include all classes taken at Washington State University and their respective grades.  
 
Requests for official transcripts may be ordered at www.transcript.wsu.edu.  Students should review their unofficial transcript prior to ordering the official transcript. Official transcripts are not withheld for any reason, including instances where a student has current or outstanding debt to the university.
 
Transcripts of secondary or higher education study that have been submitted to WSU as a requisite for admission cannot be returned to the student. Students desiring transcripts from other institutions must order official transcripts directly from the institution at which the work was taken. WSU does not issue or certify copies of transcripts from other institutions. Copies of international transcripts of which WSU possesses the original copy may be requested using the Non-WSU, International Transcript Request form, also available online.
 
 
142. STUDENT RIGHTS REGARDING EDUCATION RECORDS

Federal law requires Washington State University to annually notify students currently in attendance at the University of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). See https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.

 Under FERPA, a student has the right to:

1. Inspect and review his or her education records. “Education records” means those records that are directly related to a student and are maintained by Washington State University or by a party acting for Washington State University.

2. Request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights.

3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

4. File with the Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by Washington State University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Federal law also requires that WSU employees, prior to receiving access to education records, receive training about the rights of students and their education records as governed by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

Washington State University may release directory information contained in a student’s education records. “Directory information” means information contained in an education record that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.

Directory information includes the following: name (including any former name); local and permanent addresses; telephone numbers; email addresses; major and minor fields of study; participation in officially recognized sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance; enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, full-time or part-time); class standing (e.g., junior, senior); status as graduate assistant and assignment; degrees, certificates, and awards received, including the President's Honor Roll; and the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student.

Restricting directory information:  Students may request that WSU not release directory information by choosing "FERPA Restrictions" under their profile in myWSU.  When students restrict their directory information, their names will not be published in the campus directory, and WSU will not release their names in any WSU press releases, including President's Honor Roll notification to hometown newspapers.  In addition, WSU will not be able to verify any degrees earned without signed consent.

Granting access to education records:  Students may authorize a parent, spouse, employer or other third party to access their official WSU records, including account balances, class schedules, financial aid, scholarships, and grades. Students designate which information to share (access is read only) by choosing “Third Party Access” under their profile in myWSU.  Alternatively, students may request that their education records be shared with specific individuals or departments by providing a written, signed request.

The Washington State University policy on student records can be found in the Washington Administrative Code 504-21 online.  Contact the Office of the Registrar at 509-335-5346 or see http://www.registrar.wsu.edu/ferpa-rights-and-privacy/ for more information.

 

145. DISCONTINUED DEGREE PROGRAMS

Undergraduate students who have been admitted to the major, graduate students accepted to degree candidacy, and matriculated professional students can expect that a degree will be granted if they are currently enrolled and meet all requirements as listed in Academic Regulations 110-118.  However, because of serious reductions in financial support, loss of faculty, or for other significant reasons, the university may find it necessary to discontinue a degree.

When an undergraduate or professional degree is discontinued, further admission to the major will cease with the effective date of the degree’s discontinuation. For graduate degree programs, admissions will be suspended with the filing for discontinuation and terminated with the effective date of the discontinuation. 

Academic leadership of the college and campus has the obligation to provide for individual needs of currently enrolled students so that they may complete their degrees within a reasonable time period, typically no longer than four years.  Possible options include the following:

1.      Departments and programs may waive or substitute departmental degree requirements in order to award a degree (approval of the graduate school is required for graduate students) when accreditation or licensure allows; 

2.      The Provost’s Office may substitute or waive university-level undergraduate graduation requirements by petition;

3.      When necessary, students may be advised to complete their requirements in similar or related degree programs;

4.      Undergraduate and professional students may be allowed to complete remaining requirements at another institution; and

5.      Graduate students may be allowed to take courses or conduct research at another institution when approved by the student’s graduate committee and the graduate school. 

 

In all cases, all financial obligations are the responsibility of the individual student involved, except as otherwise noted in the Washington State University Catalog or the Graduate Studies Policies and Procedures Manual.

Students having questions or concerns about degree programs that have been discontinued should contact the college dean or campus chancellor.  The Provost’s Office and University Ombudsman are also available at any stage for advice or assistance.

Soliciting
150. 

No agent, solicitor, or university individual or group shall be permitted to canvass or solicit faculty members during office hours in the interests of business, charity, or any other purpose not directly connected with university interest or official duties.

 

 

Academic Regulations
Office of the Registrar