Academic Policies
Academic policies developed and announced in the course of the school year have the same application as those published in this bulletin. Students wishing any exception to published policy may petition to the Academic Standards Committee. The form for this purpose is available online at wallawalla.edu/student-forms.
Attendance Policy
Course attendance is an integral part of a successful WWU education. Students may receive a failing grade for missing 25% or more of total class periods for late registration or any other reason. Departments or instructors may adopt and post more stringent attendance policies on their syllabi.
Course Load
The academic study load at Walla Walla University is computed in quarter hours, one quarter hour normally representing one class meeting per week or three hours of laboratory work per week. Thus, a three-quarter-hour class would meet three times each week. For each quarter hour of credit earned, a student is expected to spend at least two clock hours a week in outside preparation or three hours a week in supervised study or laboratory work.
The normal course load is 16-17 hours per quarter. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may register for 18 quarter hours if their cumulative WWU grade-point average is 3.00 (B) or better. Undergraduate students on academic probation will carry a reduced course load.
The following minimum study loads will satisfy the parties indicated; however, in order to graduate in four years the student should take 16 hours per quarter.
| Financial Aid |
12 quarter hours |
| Immigration Authorities |
12 quarter hours |
| Social Security |
12 quarter hours |
| Veterans |
12 quarter hours |
Registration
The academic year is divided into four academic quarters: Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Full-year online registration is available to all continuing students who have obtained Junior or Senior status. Continuing Freshmen and Sophomores may register online quarter by quarter. Registration dates will be announced. Registration is official only after all procedures required by the University have been completed and all fees have been paid. Students who do not receive financial clearance by the deadline will have their registration cancelled and will have to re-register on a space-available basis.
Faculty advisors are available to assist students with registration and in planning academic programs. Advisor approval is required for class registration. Advisor signatures are required on Change of Registration forms for undergraduate students. In the event of temporary unavailability of the assigned advisor, the student should first consult the department chair/school dean. If the chair/dean is not available, the forms may be signed by the Director of Academic Advisement. It is the student's responsibility to inform the assigned advisor of the action.
Students are not permitted to attend courses for which they have not registered. Students will not be permitted to register for two classes which meet concurrently.
REGISTRATION WITHOUT OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS. Walla Walla University recognizes that in some instances a student may not be able to provide an official transcript immediately prior to enrolling at the University. At the University's discretion, some students may be allowed to enroll prior to admission on the basis of work shown on unofficial or incomplete transcripts. Students who have enrolled directly from high school in this fashion will have a maximum of three consecutive quarters to have their official transcripts received by the Marketing and Enrollment Services Office. No further enrollment will be allowed until the transcripts are on file. Transfer students allowed to enroll on this basis must have their official complete transcript(s) on file by the end of their first quarter in order to continue enrollment.
LATE REGISTRATION. Students citing unusual circumstances may register after the designated registration periods; however, they will be charged a late registration fee, and may expect a reduction in course load. Students may register between the 6th and 10th days of the quarter only with permission of the instructors involved.
CHANGES IN REGISTRATION. Changes in registration may be made during the first five days of instruction without charge. Course changes after that require advance permission from the instructor and from the student's academic advisor; there is also a fee for each course added or dropped. Courses may not be added after the tenth day of any quarter.
CONCURRENT REGISTRATION. Concurrent registration at another accredited college/university may occasionally be advisable because of course unavailability or schedule conflicts. Students who are considering this option should consult their advisor and the registrar to ensure that their total course load is reasonable, that the transfer course will not interfere with their Walla Walla University class schedule, and that the course will satisfy the intended requirement. Transfer course approval requests are available online. It is the student's responsibility to have a transcript sent to Walla Walla University as soon as the course has been completed. Seniors should not enroll for courses at other colleges without prior approval from Academic Standards Committee (see Residency Requirements in this bulletin).
Students in good and regular standing may request to concurrently enroll in a Whitman College class through a reciprocal program in which tuition is paid at Walla Walla University while the student registers at Whitman College. Some restrictions apply; the program is intended for students who wish to take a course that is not available at Walla Walla University. The application process should be initiated through the office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration at least three weeks before the beginning of the term in which concurrent enrollment is desired.
SENIOR REGISTRATION FOR GRADUATE COURSES. Seniors who wish to
take graduate (500-level) courses must submit a petition, a copy of a
degree audit or a copy of their approved senior outline, and a current
transcript to the Graduate Standards Committee for evaluation. Approval
to register is based upon the student's background for the course in
question and a minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA. Academic Standards
Committee must approve the petition to have the course apply to the
undergraduate program. Courses so taken will be marked on the transcript
as applying to the undergraduate degree. Seniors wishing to take credit
to be applied toward a future graduate program should consult the Graduate Bulletin.
ADMISSION TO UPPER-DIVISION STATUS. Students may register for upper-division courses provided that they have completed 45 quarter hours of university course work, have completed the general studies mathematics requirement, and have completed ENGL 122 or HONR 141 with a grade of C- or higher.
AUDIT. Students may audit classes provided that there are seats available in the course on the first day of the term, and they (1) register in the usual manner; (2) receive prior approval of the instructor, because certain classes and labs may not be audited; (3) pay any special fees, as appropriate; and (4) pay audit tuition as defined in the Financial Bulletin. Students auditing courses are not required to do class assignments or take tests. They receive no grades and no academic credit. The deadline for changing to or from audit status is the tenth day of the quarter. Students may not take challenge examinations for courses they have audited and may not add the class for credit after the 10th day of the quarter. A course may not be audited more than once without the permission of the department chair or school dean. Students with a Walla Walla University cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 and a course load of at least 13-16 hours (excluding audit courses) pay a special fee if their total credits exceed 16 hours. See the Academic Fees section of the Financial Bulletin.
WITHDRAWALS. Students withdrawing from all classes must submit an official University Withdrawal Form available online. Students withdrawing from individual courses must submit a Change of Registration form online once approved by the instructor involved and the student's advisor. The final date for dropping a course is listed in the academic calendar.
An instructor or department chair/school dean may drop a student from a course during the 100% refund period if the student has not satisfied the prerequisites for the course and the student is informed.
STUDENT DISMISSAL DUE TO POOR ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT. The university recognizes the important relationship between student engagement and academic success. Any class session missed reduces the opportunity for learning and adversely affects student achievement. Regular class attendance is expected of all students. Attendance requirements can vary by course or academic program, and, in some cases such as clinical labs, student teaching, etc., may also affect a student’s enrollment status in a given academic program.
Any student whose class attendance or completion of academic responsibilities (assignments, quizzes, etc.) show a pattern of little or no engagement may be dropped from all courses and administratively dismissed from the university. Such decisions are made by the Academic Standards Committee in the case of undergraduate students or by the Graduate Standards Committee in the case of graduate students. The Chair of the Standards Committee will notify the student by email at least one week before any meeting for consideration of their dismissal. The student may submit a written statement for consideration by the Standards Committee during the meeting. The Standards Committee will consider the relevant information during a closed meeting and determine whether a dismissal or other consequence is warranted.
The student will be promptly notified of the Standards Committee decision by email. A dismissed student may appeal to enroll for a future term by submitting an Appeal for Re-Admission along with supporting evidence to the Standards Committee.
Transfer Policy and Procedure
Admissions Policies and Procedures
College-level transcripts for courses taken prior to the student’s first quarter at the university must be submitted to the Office of Marketing and Enrollment Services as part of the admission process. Walla Walla University (WWU) requires official transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions attended, even if credit may not be transferable.
Applicants who have attended North American regionally accredited institutions of higher education and who have official transcripts showing a minimum grade-point average of 2.00 on all course work may be admitted at a level determined by the number of credits transferred.
WWU recognizes that in some instances a student may not be able to provide an official transcript immediately prior to enrolling at the university. At the university’s discretion, some students may be allowed to enroll prior to admission on the basis of work shown on unofficial or incomplete transcripts. Transfer students allowed to enroll on this basis must have their official complete transcript(s) on file by the end of their first quarter in order to continue enrollment.
Evaluation of Transcript
A preliminary evaluation of transfer credit can be made using an unofficial transcript once a WWU ID number is established. However, official transfer credit will be granted only upon receipt of an official transcript from each institution. WWU does not have a limit on the number of credits that can be transferred in; however, every student must meet all degree and residency requirements.
Transfer transcripts are evaluated on a face-value, course-by-course basis by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer credit for courses taken at institutions operating on a semester system are computed to equivalent quarter credits. (To convert semester to quarter credits, multiply by 1.5. For example, a student who earns 30 credits at an institution on a semester calendar would have earned 45 quarter credits at WWU.) Acceptance of any credit does not imply that major or university requirements have been satisfied. Therefore, in order to graduate, students may be required to complete more than the minimum number of credits necessary for a particular degree program.
Direct Transfer Agreement
A student who has completed a DTA associate degree from a Washington State community or technical college with 90 transferrable credits and a 2.0 GPA will have completed the general studies (general education) requirements for a four-year degree at WWU except for the following:
- Must have 4 credits of college-level mathematics (a course with a Mathematics prefix numbered above 099). This could be completed at the CC or WWU
- Must complete 10 credits of general studies religion courses at WWU as outlined in the standard transfer policy for students from a non-Seventh-day Adventist, regionally accredited college/university
A student who has completed an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) associate degree from an Oregon State community or technical college with 90 transferrable credits and a 2.0 GPA will have completed the general studies (general education) requirements for a four-year degree at WWU except the following:
- Must complete 10 credits of general studies religion courses at WWU as outlined the standard transfer policy for students from a non-Seventh-day Adventist, regionally accredited college/university
Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Transcripts received from foreign institutions will be evaluated on an individual basis. In most instances, the student will be required to request an official evaluation from a WWU approved foreign credentialing education service. Accepted courses will be issued a pass/fail grade and will not be calculated into the cumulative GPA for graduation.
Nursing Credits
WWU does not directly transfer in nursing courses from another school of nursing but uses a process of validation of previous nursing education to give advanced placement to RN’s with an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing.
Military Credits
Two quarter credits of the general studies physical education requirement will be waived for students eligible for VA benefits. Students who provide an official accredited military transcript listing Basic Training may be awarded a maximum of 6 quarter credits of physical education. The remainder of the transcript will be evaluated as other accredited transcripts. No credit will be awarded for specialty training or vocational programs.
Science Credits
Transfer science courses must be from the major’s courses at the granting institution to be accepted toward the major or minor in that science discipline at WWU. Transfer science courses may, however, be accepted as cognates or general studies courses.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
Regular university credit may be awarded by successful completion of an Advanced Placement (AP) examination. These tests are graded on a scale of 1 to 5. Credit will be established upon receipt of an official College Board transcript and in accordance to the WWU articulation policy. Credit accepted will be on a pass/fail basis.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
WWU grants credit for selected undergraduate college CLEP courses. These exams may not be repeated and must be taken prior to the student’s completion of a total of 45 quarter hours of college-level credit (90 quarter hours of college-level credit for the Modern Languages examination). Credit accepted will be on a pass/fail basis.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
Students who engaged in college-level study in high school through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program can obtain credit toward a WWU degree on the basis of their performance on the standard and higher level IB exam. Students should submit an official IB transcript to the Academic Records Office for evaluation. All IB evaluations will be in collaboration with the appropriate WWU department. Credit accepted will be on a pass/fail basis.
Courses Receiving No Credit
The university reserves the right to deny credit for courses that are not compatible with those offered in its baccalaureate degree programs. Some general categories of courses that never receive transfer credit include the following:
- courses below college level (usually numbered below 100)
- remedial English (e.g., reading, vocabulary development, grammar, speed reading, or any courses that are preparatory to an institution’s first freshman composition course)
- mathematics courses considered below college level, including basic math and beginning and intermediate algebra
- courses providing instruction in English as a second language (100-level or above)
- more than one iteration of a course
- courses with duplicate subject content
- coursework earned at an institution that did not hold at least candidacy status with its regional accrediting association when the coursework was taken
- courses offered for continuing education units
- non-academic or vocational-technical courses
- work or life experience
Alternative Credit Options
WWU recognizes that students who have independently achieved college-level proficiency on the basis of work experience and study may receive credit for what they already know by challenging, validating, or waiving comparable classes offered by the university. All options require a formal approval process and a fee will be charged as listed in the WWU Financial Bulletin. For examination request forms, contact the WWU Academic Records Office.
- Challenge Exams
A challenge examination is a university-prepared or standardized examination which, if successfully completed, will yield regular university credit. The student must take the examination before enrolling for further study in the field of the examination. The challenge examination may not be repeated and must be taken prior to the final quarter of residence. Grades will be issues in the same manner as the university course. (Certain university classes may not be challenged.)
- Validation Exams
Students who have transcripts from non-accredited colleges and/or transcripts showing nontransferable college courses may request to take validation examinations in courses which are comparable to those offered by WWU. Credit will be awarded on a pass/fail basis.
- ASE Exams
Based on successful completion of a standardized examination, students with current National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification will be granted automotive credit as listed in the WWU bulletin. Credit will be awarded on a pass/fail basis.
Transfer Credit by Examination
Credit earned by examination at other colleges or universities may be transferred provided such credit meets the guidelines used by WWU for credit by examination.
WWU Transcript
The online evaluation is not an official transcript. The official WWU transcript – which is sent to other institutions, employers, etc. – does not include the transfer GPA or a detailed listing of the transfer credit that WWU awarded; it merely lists the other colleges the student has attended, and the total number of transfer credit awarded by each college. Transfer grades are not included in the WWU GPA.
Cumulative GPA
Candidates for the baccalaureate degree with the appropriate GPA, both overall and for credit earned at WWU, will be awarded the degree with appropriate distinctions as outlined in the university bulletin.
Residency and Degree Requirements
The university’s policies governing transfer student degree completion stipulates the following:
Residency Requirements:
1. At least 40 of the last 45 credits before degree completion must be WWU credits.
2. A minimum of 25% of the requirements in each major and minor must be WWU credit.
3. At least nine upper-division credits in the major and three upper-division credits in the minor be completed at WWU.
Degree Requirements:
1. At least 60 credits in courses at the 300 or 400-level be completed for overall degree requirements.
2. A minimum of 96 credits be from a 4-year institution.
3. All transfer transcripts be on file in the Academic Records Office prior to the end of the final quarter in residence to avoid delay in graduation.
4. Student meets all degree requirements.
Pre-approval for Transfer Credit
Before taking courses out-of-residence it is advisable to complete a Transfer Course Approval Request form to ensure proposed credits satisfy requirements needed. Forms are available in the Academic Records Office or online
here.
Appeal of Transfer Credit Evaluation
If a student questions the evaluation of their transfer credits they may appeal to the Registrar. The student may be requested to submit a syllabus of the course(s) in question and/or any other documents that may support the appeal. Forms are available in the Academic Records Office or online here.
If resolution is not met in consultation with the Registrar, the student may petition Academic Standards Committee for a review of their request.
University Credit Options for High School Students
High school students and their families should thoughtfully consider the options available to receive credit towards a university degree. Well-designed dual enrollment programs can improve high school achievement, increase university graduation rates, and potentially reduce the cost of a higher education degree. Dual credit courses go on a student’s permanent university record, so it is important that the student is ready for the demands of a university class. Withdrawing from a class taken for dual credit could impact high school graduation. Parents and students should carefully consider the value and risks of any such course before enrolling.
Walla Walla University offers three pathways for high school students to earn college credit. These options are available to accredited local and NPUC high school students. WWU is a member of the NACEP and bases its program on the NACEP standards. NACEP is the only national accrediting body for dual enrollment programs.
Three Options:
- College Provided Faculty (CPF)
- Online course, synchronous or asynchronous, taught by WWU faculty
- Can count as dual enrollment or early university credit
- NACEP standards require that CPF courses be identical in rigor, numbering, and processing, as all other courses provided by the university
- Students are responsible for discounted tuition, course fees, textbooks and course supplies, per course requirements
- Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)
- Dual enrollment courses taught at a participating NPUC high school by university-approved high school teachers as a partnership between relevant WWU department and each high school
- NACEP standards require that participating high school teachers have the same qualifications as the university has for its adjunct professors
- Dual enrollment courses at the high school extend over an entire semester. This can convey a false sense of the pace compared to a quarter-system university course
- High School Enrichment (HSE)
- On-campus face-to-face WWU courses
- This program is for qualified high school students from the local Walla Walla area who wish to take a course on the WWU campus
- Can count as dual enrollment or early university credit
- Students are responsible for discounted tuition, course fees, textbooks and course supplies, per course requirements
Student Qualifications and Requirements:
- Be enrolled at a local or NPUC high school and have junior or senior status
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.25 or higher
- Obtain permission from the academy principal/vice principal/registrar prior to enrollment
- Maintain a WWU GPA of 2.0 or higher to remain eligible for future courses through the WWU dual enrollment program
- Complete placement examinations for some WWU courses (such as Math) and receive an acceptable placement score in addition to satisfying the general criteria above
- Be enrolled in a maximum of eight university credits per high school semester (16 credits per year)
Advantages:
- Save time and money by earning credit for both high school and university at a 90% discount of the per-credit WWU tuition rate, though course specific fees remain the same for all students
- Qualify to receive academic advising from WWU to avoid earning college credit that may not count toward a desired degree
- Receive university-level courses, during high school, from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective
Disadvantages:
- Course instruction will be at the university level, requiring roughly two hours of homework outside of class for every hour in class
- Students will begin an official college/university transcript that will positively or negatively impact future financial aid and academic standing based on course performance
- Students who obtain a term GPA below a 2.0 will go on academic warning and will be required to enroll in GNRL 102: On Course their first quarter as a regular WWU student
- Once a course has begun, there is no refund
Other Information:
- Withdrawal: A student who stops attending a course from any of the above programs is not automatically dropped from the class
- To withdraw from a CPF or HSE course, a student must submit a Change of Registration form. The instructor, advisor and the Academic Records office must approve the request before the class is dropped.
- To withdraw from a CEP course, a student must contact the high school principal or registrar (as the academic advisor) who will then inform the WWU Academic Records Office.
- WWU ID card: HSE students will be issued an ID card which can be only used at the library, gymnasium, and WWU events that are free to WWU students. The card cannot be used for charging at the University Bookstore, Express, cafeteria, campus clubs, etc.
Other Academic Policies
CHANGE OF MAJOR/MINOR AND ADVISOR. Students who wish to declare or change a major/minor are required to complete a Change of Major/Advisor form online through myWWU. If the declaration of major requires the selection of a new advisor, the student is required to consult with the Director of Academic Advisement for a new advisor assignment. Students are assigned a secondary advisor for the chosen minor, and the student is expected to consult with the advisor to insure appropriate course selection. Students who are pursuing secondary education certification must consult with the certification officer in the School of Education and Psychology.
FINAL EXAMINATIONS. All students are expected to take final examinations as scheduled. Requests for exceptions are to be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration three weeks prior to the close of the quarter. A fee is assessed for each out-of-schedule examination; see the Academic Fees section of the Financial Bulletin.
TRANSCRIPTS. Requests for transcripts may be made online. A processing fee will be charged (see Financial Bulletin). More information on ordering official transcripts is available at wallawalla.edu/transcripts.
Classification of Students
FRESHMEN. Students who have met the University's entrance requirements and have completed less than 45 quarter hours are classified as freshmen.
SOPHOMORES. Students who have completed a minimum of 45 quarter hours with a grade-point average of at least 2.00 are classified as sophomores.
JUNIORS. Students who have completed a minimum of 90 quarter hours with a grade-point average of at least 2.00 are classified as juniors.
SENIORS. Students who have completed a minimum of 136 quarter hours with a grade-point average of at least 2.00 are classified as seniors. Seniors who can complete all degree requirements during the current school year are eligible for class membership.
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS. Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree and are registered for work which does not ordinarily apply toward an advanced degree are classified as postgraduates.
GRADUATE STUDENTS. Students who have been accepted into one of the graduate programs are classified as graduate students.
NONMATRICULATED STUDENTS. Individuals ineligible for regular admission or who do not intend to matriculate in an academic program at Walla Walla University are considered nonmatriculated. (See Admission to the University: Nonmatriculated Admission).
DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS. Students who are currently enrolled as a junior or senior in secondary school, have a high school GPA of 3.25 or higher, and who have permission from their high school principal or vice principal, may register for selected Walla Walla University courses. In some cases, students must also successfully pass placement examinations. Dual credit students are not eligible for financial aid. Please see Dual Enrollment Policies in the Academic Information and Policies section of this bulletin for more details.
Academic Integrity Policy
An integral part of the mission of Walla Walla University is to prepare its students to be responsible individuals with Christian values. The University expects all members of its community to have integrity, including a steadfast adherence to honesty. Faculty have a responsibility to foster integrity by example and instruction. Students have a responsibility to learn, respect, and practice integrity.
All acts of dishonesty are unacceptable, including cheating, plagiarism, forgery, misrepresentation, falsification, prohibited collaboration, and prohibited use of files. Departments or schools may have specific criteria for behavior and skills suitable to their disciplines which will be communicated to students, typically in course syllabi.
Any violation of the academic integrity policy will result in disciplinary action. Teachers and administrators will follow approved guidelines which are available upon request in the office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration or online at: wallawalla.edu/academic-integrity.
Grading System
The grade-point average is computed by totaling the grade points of all courses taken at Walla Walla University and dividing by the total quarter hours for which grades are received. Only the best grade of a repeated course will be calculated in the grade-point average. Default grades of Incompletes are included in the grade point calculation. The AU, IP, NC, S, W, X, and Z are disregarded in computing the grade-point average. Once a course grade has been recorded, students may not submit additional coursework.
A report of grades is available on the WWU website for students at the end of each quarter. Classes taken for 0 credit may only be graded S/NC.
The following grades are used:
| A |
4.0 |
C+ |
2.3 |
D |
1.0 |
| A- |
3.7 |
C |
2.0 |
D- |
0.7 |
| B+ |
3.3 |
C- |
1.7 |
F |
0.0 |
| B |
3.0 |
D+ |
1.3 |
S/NC |
0.0 |
| B- |
2.7 |
|
|
|
|
In place of grades, the following symbols are used:
| I |
Incomplete |
| |
An Incomplete “I” is a temporary grade which may be given at the instructor’s discretion to a student when illness, necessary absence, or other reasons beyond the control of the student prevents completion of course requirements by the end of the academic term.
|
| |
Incomplete grades may be given only in the following circumstances:
-
The student’s work to date is passing;
-
Attendance has been satisfactory through at least 50% of the term;
-
A documented illness or injury, death in the family, or other extenuating circumstance legitimately prevents completion of required work by the due date;
-
The incomplete is not given as a substitute for a failing grade;
-
The incomplete is not based solely on a student's failure to complete work or as a means of raising his or her grade by doing additional work after the grade report time;
- The student initiates the request for an incomplete grade before the end of the academic term.
Appropriate grades must be assigned in other circumstances. An X grade may be recorded for students who cease attending class within the first 50% of the course at the instructor’s discretion.
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| |
The following procedures for incomplete grades apply:
- Students who receive an incomplete grade in a course need not reregister for the course in order to remove the “I.”
- An Incomplete is not to be assigned where the normal practice requires extension of course requirements beyond the close of a term, e.g., thesis or project type courses.
- Faculty must enter a default grade which will appear on the transcript should the expiration deadline lapse without further action on the part of the student.
- A default grade should reflect the final grade status of the student without considering any additional work.
- The value of the default grade, entered with the incomplete, will be calculated into the student GPA and considered for purposes of determining academic standing, federal financial aid eligibility, athletic eligibility, or other purposes. The GPA will be recalculated only when the final grade is recorded.
- The course work may be completed while the student is not enrolled unless the student has been dismissed from the university.
- Submission of all required work is due to the instructor the following term (excluding summer session) by the deadline set by the instructor, no later than Friday of Week 7.
- Only in extenuating circumstances will extensions be granted beyond seven weeks. Forms for extension requests can be found on the WWU website. Extension requests must be approved by the Associate Vice President of Academic Administration. Forms are available online.
- Incomplete grades may be replaced with final letter grades prior to the expiration deadline by the faculty of record through myWWU.
- Graduating students must complete all outstanding incompletes six weeks prior to graduation.
|
| |
|
| I* |
Standing Incomplete |
| |
Final grade for coursework not completed within appropriate timeframe. |
| |
|
| IP |
In Progress |
| |
IP grading is a temporary grade that may be assigned if a student has completed a minimum of 50% of the required coursework. IP grades may be assigned to preapproved courses such as Internship, Research, Thesis, Seminar, or other courses that extend beyond regular grading periods. If a final grade is not submitted within three terms (excluding summer) after the original enrollment term, the IP will automatically become an IP* (standing IP). Requests for time extension beyond the one-year deadline must be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration prior to the end of the one-year deadline. With appropriate approval an IP grade can be extended for a maximum of two years from the original enrollment term after which the student must reregister for the course. |
| |
|
| IP* |
Standing In Progress |
| |
Final grade for coursework not completed within appropriate timeframe |
| |
|
| S/NC |
Satisfactory/No Credit |
| |
Indicates that credit earned was satisfactory (C or better) or that the credit was not earned because performance did not meet the minimum standards for a satisfactory grade. Some professional schools calculate the NC mark as an F grade when computing the grade-point average. |
| |
|
| W |
Official Withdrawal |
| |
Courses dropped during the first week of the term will not appear on the student's record. Courses dropped thereafter will appear on the permanent record with a W. |
| |
|
| X |
Unofficial Withdrawal |
| |
Indicates that the student discontinued class attendance prior to the fifth week, mid-term, but failed to withdraw officially. |
| |
|
| Z |
Administrative Withdrawal |
|
|
| AU |
Audit |
GRADE ERRORS AND CORRECTIONS. Grades will be processed and posted online for viewing at the close of each quarter. Upon viewing grades via the secured website, the student should carefully check the accuracy of the courses recorded, quarter hours, and grades. Grades may be changed only if an error has been made in calculating or recording the grade. Students will have until the last day to drop classes during the next regular quarter to report any discrepancies to the Academic Records Office.
Achievement Recognition
DEAN'S LIST. Each quarter Walla Walla University recognizes its top academic achievers by publishing the Dean’s Lists*, which are maintained by the associate vice president for Academic Administration.
Undergraduate students who have earned at least 15 credits** during the quarter are recognized on the following Dean’s Lists, based on their term GPA:
- The Dean’s List recognizes students with a 3.500–3.749 term GPA.
- The Dean’s List of Distinguished Students recognizes students with a 3.750–4.000 term GPA.
Please note: According to our FERPA guidelines, students who have elected to block the release of directory information by providing written notification to the University Registrar will not be included on these public lists.
Any questions about these lists should be directed to the office of the associate vice president for Academic Administration.
*Eligibility for inclusion on the Dean’s Lists will not be recalculated in the event of a grade change after the first week of the following quarter.
**A minimum of 15 credits does not include remedial or experiential courses; courses graded Satisfactory (S), In progress (IP), or Incomplete (I); and not-yet-graded courses taken through Acadeum.
GRADUATION WITH HONORS. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree with the appropriate GPA, both overall and for credits earned at Walla Walla University, will be awarded the degree with the following honors distinction:
| 3.500 - 3.749 |
cum laude (with distinction) |
| 3.750 - 3.899 |
magna cum laude (with great distinction) |
| 3.900 - 4.000 |
summa cum laude (with highest distinction) |
The WWU Records office calculates Graduation with Honors based on the following:
- Combined GPA of all courses taken (transfer GPA(s) plus WWU GPA), and
- WWU only GPA.
WWU will award the distinction based on the lower of the two above.
Credit by Examination
Walla Walla University recognizes that students who have independently achieved college-level proficiency on the basis of work experience and study may receive credit for what they already know by challenging or validating comparable classes offered by the University. (Certain university classes may not be challenged.)
APPLICATION FORMS. A current student wishing to obtain credit by examination must apply. Permission from the chair of the department in which the course is offered and permission of the course instructor are required. The application form for challenge and validation examinations is available online. A student must have approval for an exam prior to taking an exam. Fees for these examinations are listed under the heading Examination Fees in the Academic Fees section of the Financial Bulletin.
RESTRICTIONS. The following restrictions apply to all credit earned by examination:
- A student must have an approved examination application on file in the Academic Records Office before credit by examination can be recorded on the permanent record.
- A student must be currently enrolled before credit by examination can be recorded on the permanent record.
- Credit by examination may be earned only if a student has not already earned credit in a similar course, or taken advanced courses.
- Grades are issued as on normal test scores, and all grades are recorded on the permanent record of the student.
- Examinations may not be repeated.
- Repeat course work and F grades are not open to credit by examination.
- Students may not take challenge examinations on courses they have audited.
- Examinations must be taken prior to the last 3 weeks of any quarter.
- CLEP examinations must be taken prior to the student's completion of a total of 45 quarter hours of university credit. (90 quarter hours of college-level credit for the Modern Languages examination).
CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS. A challenge examination is a university-prepared or a standardized examination which, if successfully completed, will yield regular university credit. The student must take the examination before enrolling for further study in the field of the examination. The challenge examination may not be repeated and must be taken prior to the final quarter of residence. Labs may be challenged by permission of school/department.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATION (CEEB). Regular university credit may be established by successful completion of an Advanced Placement (AP) examination. These tests are graded on a scale of 1 to 5.
| Discipline |
Exam |
Minimum Exam Score |
WWU Course(s) |
WWU Credits |
| Biology |
AP |
5 |
BIOL 141, BIOL 142, BIOL 143 |
12 |
| Biology |
AP |
4 |
BIOL 141, BIOL 142 |
8 |
| Chemistry |
AP |
5 |
CHEM 141, CHEM 142, CHEM 143, CHEM 144, CHEM 145, CHEM 146 |
12 |
| Chemistry |
AP |
4 |
CHEM 141, CHEM 142, CHEM 144, CHEM 145 |
8 |
| Chemistry |
AP |
3 |
CHEM 141, CHEM 144 |
4 |
| Computer Science A |
AP |
3 |
CPTR 141 |
4 |
| Computer Science Principles |
AP |
4 |
CPTR 141 |
4 |
| English Language and Composition |
AP |
4 |
ENGL 121 |
3 |
| Literature and Composition |
AP |
4 |
ENGL 121 |
3 |
| French Language and Culture |
AP |
5 |
FREN 101, FREN 102, FREN 103 |
12 |
| French Language and Culture |
AP |
4 |
FREN 101, FREN 102 |
8 |
| French Language and Culture |
AP |
3 |
FREN 101 |
4 |
| German Language and Culture |
AP |
5 |
GRMN 101, GRMN 102, GRMN 103 |
12 |
| German Language and Culture |
AP |
4 |
GRMN 101, GRMN 102 |
8 |
| German Language and Culture |
AP |
3 |
GRMN 101 |
4 |
| United States History |
AP |
4 |
HIST 221, HIST 222 |
8 |
| United States History |
AP |
3 |
HIST 221 |
4 |
| Calculus AB |
AP |
5 |
MATH 171, MATH 172 |
8 |
| Calculus AB |
AP |
3 |
MATH 171 |
4 |
| Calculus BC |
AP |
5 |
MATH 171, MATH 172, MATH 273 |
12 |
| Calculus BC |
AP |
3 |
MATH 171, MATH 172 |
8 |
| Spanish Language and Culture |
AP |
5 |
SPAN 101, SPAN 102, SPAN 103 |
12 |
| Spanish Language and Culture |
AP |
4 |
SPAN 101, SPAN 102 |
8 |
| Spanish Language and Culture |
AP |
3 |
SPAN 101 |
4 |
CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL. Walla Walla University recognizes A Level and AS Level curriculum as a challenging academic program that provides excellent preparation for university study.
In general, up to a full year of quarter credits may be granted for A Level exams with a passing grade. AS Level exams with a passing grade may be awarded half the credit allowed for the A Level course. A Level or AS Level exams credits are awarded on an S/NC grading basis.
Credits will be awarded with equivalencies for specific WWU courses as available. Non-WWU equivalency exams may be applied as general elective credit. See below for further information about WWU course designations. Other exams not listed below may be considered for credit by contacting the WWU Academic Records Office.
Credit awarding policies are reviewed on a regular basis and are subject to change.
Exam Equivalencies
| Discipline |
Exam |
Minimum Exam Score |
WWU Course(s) |
WWU Credits |
| Chemistry |
A Level |
C |
CHEM 141, CHEM 142, CHEM 143, CHEM 144, CHEM 145, CHEM 146 |
12 |
| Computer Science 9608 |
A Level |
B |
CPTR 141 & CPTR 280 |
8 |
| Computer Science |
AS Level |
B |
CPTR 141 & CPTR 280 |
8 |
| English Literature |
A Level |
B |
Credit may be granted for A-Level examinations upon review. |
|
| French – Language |
A Level |
C |
FREN 101, FREN 102, FREN 103 |
12 |
| German – Language |
A Level |
C |
GRMN 101, GRMN 102, GRMN 103 |
12 |
| History 9389 |
A Level |
B |
HIST 399 |
4 |
| History 9489 |
A Level |
C |
HIST 399 |
4 |
| Mathematics 9709 |
A Level |
C |
MATH 121, MATH 122, MATH 171, MATH 172 |
16 |
| Mathematics Further |
A Level |
C |
MATH 121, MATH 122, MATH 171, MATH 172, MATH 239, MATH 274 |
24 |
| Physics |
A Level |
B |
PHYS 211, PHYS 212, PHYS 214, PHYS 215 |
8 |
| Physics |
AS Level |
B |
PHYS 211, PHYS 214 |
4 |
| Psychology |
A Level |
C |
PSYC 130 |
4 |
| Psychology |
AS Level |
C |
PSYC 130 |
4 |
| Sociology |
A Level |
C |
SOCI 204 |
4 |
| Spanish – Language |
A Level |
C |
SPAN 101, SPAN 102, SPAN 103 |
12 |
| Spanish – Language |
AS Level |
C |
SPAN 101 |
4 |
| Spanish – Literature |
A Level |
C |
SPAN 399 |
4 |
COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP). Walla Walla University grants credit for selected undergraduate college courses. For dates and specific information, candidates should consult the Counseling and Testing Department in the Health and Wellness Center (testing@wallawalla.edu or (509) 527-2147), which administers these computer-based tests by appointment. These tests may not be repeated and must be taken prior to the student's completion of a total of 45 quarter hours of college-level credit (90 quarter hours of college-level credit for the Modern Languages examination). Credit will be granted on a pass/fail (S/NC) basis..
A number of subject-matter examinations are offered by CLEP. Students obtaining the scaled scores established by the following departments will receive credit toward that basic requirement. Students wishing credit in courses other than those listed below should consult the appropriate department chair.
| Discipline |
Exam |
Minimum Exam Score |
WWU Course(s) |
WWU Credits |
| Accounting (Financial Accounting) |
CLEP |
50 |
ACCT 201 |
4 |
| Biology |
CLEP |
54 |
BIOL 141, BIOL 142, BIOL 143 (does not count toward biology major and professional schools) |
12 |
| English (College Composition with Essay) |
CLEP |
50 |
ENGL 121 |
3 |
| History (American History) |
CLEP |
60 (either or both exams) |
HIST 221 (test on early colonization to 1877), HIST 222 (test on 1865 to present) |
4 or 8 |
| Mathematics (College Mathematics) |
CLEP |
55 |
MATH 105 |
4 |
| Mathematics (Precalculus) |
CLEP |
55 |
MATH 117 |
5 |
| Mathematics (College Algebra) |
CLEP |
55 |
MATH 121 |
4 |
| Mathematics (Calculus) |
CLEP |
55 |
MATH 171 |
4 |
| Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish) |
CLEP |
50-54 |
FREN 101, GRMN 101, or SPAN 101 |
4 |
| Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish) |
CLEP |
55-60 |
FREN 101 and FREN 102, or GRMN 101 and GRMN 102, or SPAN 101 and SPAN 102 |
8 |
| Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish) |
CLEP |
61 |
FREN 101, FREN 102, and FREN 103; or GRMN 101, GRMN 102, and GRMN 103; or SPAN 101, SPAN 102, and SPAN 103. |
12 |
| Psychology (Introductory Psychology) |
CLEP |
50 |
PSYC 130 |
4 |
| Psychology (Human Growth and Development) |
CLEP |
50 |
PSYC 215 |
4 |
| Sociology |
CLEP |
50 |
SOCI 204 |
4 |
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE. Credit is awarded for International Baccalaureate (IB) standard and higher-level examinations with a score of 4 or higher. Please see the equivalency chart below. Other exams not listed below may be considered for credit by contacting the WWU Academic Records Office.
| Discipline |
Exam |
Minimum Exam Score |
WWU Course(s) |
WWU Credits |
| Chemistry |
HL |
7 |
CHEM 141, CHEM 142, CHEM 143, CHEM 144, CHEM 145, CHEM 146 |
12 |
| Chemistry |
HL |
6 |
CHEM 141, CHEM 142, CHEM 144, CHEM 145 |
8 |
| Chemistry |
HL |
4 |
CHEM 141, CHEM 144 |
4 |
| Chemistry |
SL |
4 |
CHEM 105 |
5 |
| English A: Language and Literature |
HL |
4 |
ENGL 121 |
3 |
| English A: Language and Literature |
HL |
6 |
ENGL 121, ENGL 122 |
6 |
| English A: Literature |
HL |
6 |
ENGL 204 |
4 |
| Physics |
HL |
5 |
PHYS 211, PHYS 212, PHYS 214, PHYS 215 |
8 |
| Physics |
SL |
5 |
PHYS 201, PHYS 202, PHYS 204, PHYS 205 |
8 |
| Psychology |
HL |
3 |
PSYC 130 |
4 |
VALIDATION EXAMINATIONS. Students who have transcripts from non-accredited colleges and/or transcripts showing nontransferable college courses may request to take validation examinations in courses which are comparable to those offered by Walla Walla University. Upon successful completion of the examination(s), the student will be given credit as specified.
TRANSFER CREDIT BY EXAMINATION. Credit earned by examination at other colleges or universities may be transferred provided such credit meets the guidelines used by Walla Walla University for credit by examination.
Repeat Courses
Students may register up to a maximum of three times for any course in which a grade is recorded on the transcript (includes grades A-F, X, I, IP, S, NC, and W). A course may not be repeated if the original grade earned was a B or better. Academic credit may be earned only once. The best grade will be computed in the overall grade-point average, though all grades remain on the permanent academic record. A repeat course must be taken as a regularly offered class. Challenge examinations and independent or directed study are not allowed for repeat course work.
Students should typically not repeat any course with a grade of C or better. Some programs have specific policies for repeated classes and minimum course grades. Students should consult with their academic advisor before repeating any class.
Financial aid is not available for any course taken more than two times total. Repeating any course is subject to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy and may result in a student not earning sufficient credits to maintain financial aid eligibility (see a financial counselor in Student Financial Services).
Extension Course Work
Extension courses are offered by Walla Walla University on a limited basis. These off-campus courses provide opportunity for academic enrichment, acceleration, and continuing education.
The University accepts extension course credit from other institutions provided the institution offering the courses accepts similar credits toward a degree on its own campus.
Adventist Colleges Abroad
Walla Walla University, together with 13 other Seventh-day Adventist colleges in North America, founded the Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) organization in 1967. The ACA program allows students to immerse themselves in the culture and life of the host country and to become conversant in the language. Summer, quarter-by-quarter, and full-year opportunities are available. Presently, students may take courses at:
|
Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Rios, Argentina
|
(Spanish)
|
| Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen, Austria |
(German) |
|
Faculdade Adventista da Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
|
(Portuguese)
|
|
Salève Adventist University, Collonges-sous-Saleve, France
|
(French)
|
|
Istituto Avventista Villa Aurora, Florence, Italy
|
(Italian)
|
|
Sehmyook University, Seoul, Korea*
|
(Korean)
|
|
Escuela Superior de Español de Sagunto, Sagunto, Spain
|
(Spanish)
|
*Summer term only.
Course Evaluation and Credit Toward Degree
In keeping with typical regional accreditation standards, courses listed in the applicable ACA bulletin and taken while studying through an ACA program are considered in-residence and will be recorded on the WWU transcript. Courses will be evaluated based on content rather than course prefix. (For example, though a student enrolls in History of Italian Art at Villa Aurora with a HIST prefix, the course will be evaluated as an ART course at WWU based on its content.) WWU/ACA course equivalency information is available in the Academic Records office or online at: wallawalla.edu/adventist-colleges-abroad
College-Level ACA Program Participation Guidelines
To participate in ACA through WWU, a student
- must be an accepted WWU student and pay the $100 ACA processing fee prior to the application being submitted to ACA.
- College level students may enroll in an ACA program without prior WWU attendance; however, they must pay the $200 WWU enrollment fee and
- must meet the prerequisites set by ACA. See www.acastudyabroad.com for details
- must not be on academic probation
- may not enroll in more than 18 quarter credits per academic term without prior approval made in advance through Academic Standards
- should understand that by withdrawing from all ACA courses within a term, the student will be considered fully withdrawn from WWU, which may affect continuing financial aid and scholarship eligibility
- Should understand that they may lose WWU scholarship eligibility if they attend an ACA program for more than 3 terms, not including summer.
- must pay ACA tuition in full in advance, less subsidy and awarded financial aid
ACA Application Process
Students planning to study under the full-year program must pay a $100 processing fee and submit a completed ACA application to the Academic Records office by July 1. Applications may be obtained online at www.acastudyabroad.com.
Applicants must consult with their academic advisors, financial aid counsellor, and the ACA Coordinator prior to enrollment.
All applications and payments for tuition, room, and board are to be made through Walla Walla University. Any deviation from this schedule by students of Walla Walla University must be arranged in advance with the Office of Student Financial Services.
Students cannot plan on financial credit for work while residing in foreign countries. The student financial aid officer has information on grants and loans available to students for overseas study. Academic credit may be granted for these studies so that a student may be able to complete a full college year abroad.
Students wishing to study Spanish in either Spain or Argentina must have successfully completed 2 years of Spanish language in high school or one year of Spanish in college. There is no language prerequisite for the summer program in Spain, and no language prerequisite for all other language programs.
Academy/High School Student Participation
A student who has not yet earned a high school diploma but is seeking college-level ACA credit may be accepted as a WWU participant in a language program. Participation is limited to summer term only and a maximum of 9 quarter credits.
The following guidelines apply. The student must:
- be accepted as an incoming freshman at WWU and have paid the WWU enrollment fee; or
- have junior or senior status and pay a $250 WWU processing fee
- have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.25 or above
- submit a recommendation by the high school principal or vice-principal to participate in the program
- submit a WWU High School College Credit Application
- submit a completed ACA application to Academic Records
- meet the prerequisites set by ACA. See www.acastudyabroad.com for details
- Pay in full all fees, including tuition, room, and board to WWU prior to application being submitted to ACA.
ACA coursework will be recorded on the permanent university transcript, which may enhance or reduce acceptance to a specific university. Dual credit may be earned for both the high school diploma (at the discretion of the high school) and a university degree.
WWU will not bill subsidy. Parents may work directly with employer to determine subsidy eligibility. Some employers may pay in advance to help meet the payment-in-full requirement. Students are not eligible for financial aid until high school diploma is earned.