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Student Success

Academic Advisement

Academic Advisement is an important part of a student’s progress through a chosen program of study at WWU. Academic advisors assist students in their consideration of life goals and in developing an educational plan to meet those goals. Academic advisors provide students with information about career options, academic policy, procedures, resources and programs. Specific attention is given to appropriate placement and satisfactory academic progress. If a student fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress, the academic advisor works with the student to develop a plan to achieve academic success.

All degree seeking undergraduate students are assigned an academic advisor to assist them in making the most of their university experience. Preprofessional students are assigned academic advisors who are familiar with specific professional programs.

Student Athlete Academic Attendance and Success Policy

INTRODUCTION. The athletics program is a valuable feature of Walla Walla University.  The program provides an opportunity for students to challenge themselves physically, to develop leadership skills, to achieve an academic degree, and to grow spiritually within a supportive Seventh-day Adventist environment.  The program also provides extracurricular opportunities for the university and for athletes to represent the university as they engage in competitions.

The university desires each athlete to achieve their academic and personal goals.  Academic success is impacted by student engagement and course attendance, and athletes will miss some course sessions to participate in athletics.  This policy provides guidance for students, instructors and athletics personnel to work together to support student success.  In some instances, it may not be possible for a student to participate in athletics due to academic requirements such as clinical experiences, activity courses, courses with significant group interactions, field courses, student teaching, etc. which cannot be rescheduled.

GUIDELINES

  1. Athletes may not miss more than 20% of regular course sessions in a single course due to athletics.
  2. Athletes may not miss regular course sessions for practices.
  3. Coaches may not penalize athletes for missing practices due to attendance of regular course sessions.
  4. Athletes may not miss regular class sessions prior to 2 hours before a home competition.
  5. Athletes may not miss regular class sessions prior to 30 minutes before departure for away competitions
  6. Competitions may not be scheduled during final examinations.
  7. Athletes who believe they are not receiving reasonable academic adjustments or support should contact the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) or the Athletics Program Director (APD).
  8. Exceptions to these guidelines may be made with approval by the APD and the Associate Academic Vice President for special circumstances such as championship play.

STUDENT ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Meet with academic advisor as early as possible to plan course enrollments to minimize absences.
  2. Provide instructors a complete list of regular course session which will missed due to athletic events within the first week of the course.
  3. Notify instructors in advance of any conflicts due to athletic events with the completion of assessments (quizzes, exams, etc.) and make arrangements to complete them.
  4. Complete and submit all assignments (homework, reports, etc.) by the same deadline as other students unless otherwise approved by the instructor.

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Reasonably support and accommodate student athletics and their academic success.
  2. Check university email for notifications of when an athlete will miss a regular class session.
  3. Do not penalize athletes for missing a regular class session due to athletic program activities beyond what occurs for other students missing classes for other excused reasons (illness etc.).
  4. Submit academic progress reports as appropriate for athletes.
  5. Notify the Student Success Coordinator and APD if an athlete is struggling academically or personally.
  6. Check the online athletics schedule and team rosters for information if needed.

Compliance concerns regarding instructors should be referred to the Associate Academic Vice President and the APD.  Concerns involving a student should be referred to the Vice President for Student Life and could result in the discontinuation of membership in the athletics program and athletics scholarships.


Academic Probation

The probation policy and conditions are intended to enhance the probability of academic success. Students should be aware that many types of financial aid are dependent on academic success or adequate academic progress. Students may become ineligible for financial aid for either poor academic performance (GPA) or for lack of academic progress (not successfully completing enough credits). Student Financial Services may be consulted for detailed information.

CALCULATION OF GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) FOR PROBATION. For academic probation consideration, the GPA includes all Walla Walla University courses as well as the default grade of all Walla Walla University courses with a grade of Incomplete. Grades in remedial courses (courses numbered 001-100) or transfer courses do not count in the probation GPA calculation.

ACADEMIC WARNING. A student whose Walla Walla University cumulative and previous term GPAs are 2.0 or higher, but whose current term GPA is below 2.0, receives a warning notification from the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration. A warning notification is also sent to the student’s academic advisor. Freshmen and sophomore students who go on academic warning who have not previously enrolled in and successfully completed GNRL 102 On Course with a C- or above, will be required to enroll.

ACADEMIC PROBATION AND DISMISSAL. Students must show satisfactory academic performance by maintaining a term and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. At the end of each term, students' academic performance is reviewed. Students are automatically placed on academic probation if their performance places them in one of the two categories described in the following paragraphs. Probationary status is communicated to them in writing by the Associate Vice Present for Academic Administration. A warning notification is also provided to each student’s academic advisor. After the fourth day of the term, a student’s probation status does not change for that term even if a subsequent grade change is submitted or an Incomplete is finished.

Students on academic probation have one term in which to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement. During that term, they must comply with the conditions listed in the following section, “Conditions of Academic Probation.” At the end of the term, each student’s performance will again be reviewed.

A student is automatically placed on probation when:
  1. The student’s cumulative grade point average for courses taken at Walla Walla University, including default grades for Incompletes, is below 2.00.
    The student is placed on probationary status for the ensuing term, at the end of which the student must earn a term GPA of at least 2.3 (C+ average). A student who meets this requirement may continue on academic probation for the following term. When the cumulative GPA reaches 2.0, the student returns to regular status. If neither a 2.3 term GPA nor a 2.0 cumulative GPA is achieved during the probationary term, the student is automatically dismissed from the University. The Associate Vice President for Academic Administration notifies the student of the dismissal and process of potential appeal.
  2. The student’s term GPA at Walla Walla University, including default grades for Incompletes, is below 2.0 for two consecutive terms, even though the cumulative GPA is above 2.0.
    The student is placed on probationary status for the ensuing term, at the end of which the student must earn a term GPA of at least 2.0. A student who meets this requirement returns to regular status. If a 2.0 term GPA is not achieved during the probationary term, the student is automatically dismissed from the University. The Associate Vice President for Academic Administration notifies the student of the dismissal and process of potential appeal.
A student dismissed for academic reasons may, following at least six months’ absence from the University, apply for readmission by contacting the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration. Convincing evidence will be required to demonstrate the student’s commitment and potential for academic success.

CONDITIONS OF ACADEMIC PROBATION. Academic probation entails the following conditions to assist a student in improving academic performance:

  1. The student must meet in person with the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration within the first three days of the term to remove the probation hold.
  2. The student must complete an Academic Plan for Success form.
  3. Students must also meet with the Student Success Coordinator and their mentor to discuss the completed form by the second week of the quarter.
  4. Non-freshman students will be required to participate in a special mentoring program. A fee for this service will be charged to the student’s account. See the Academic Fees section of the Financial Bulletin. 
  5. Enrollment is limited to 13 quarter credits. Students are advised to repeat courses with a grade less than C. Students with Incompletes should consider further reducing their academic load.
  6. Freshmen and sophomore students who go on academic warning or academic probation who have not previously enrolled in and successfully completed GNRL 102 On Course with a C- or above, will be required to enroll.
  7. Courses outside the University, such as correspondence or online classes, are not permitted.
  8. Participation in the university Athletics Program, Adventist Colleges Abroad, or multiday trips that necessitate missing other classes is not permitted.
  9. Extracurricular activities which necessitate class absences are not permitted.
  10. The student is not permitted to hold office in any student organization or serve as a student missionary or taskforce worker.
Note: A student receiving financial aid must also meet satisfactory progress standards adopted by Student Financial Services. See the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy in the Financial Bulletin for details.

Health and Wellness Center

COUNSELING SERVICES. The Counseling and Testing Center (C&TC) provides counseling services for WWU students free of charge for a maximum of 10 sessions during the academic year. Counseling services are available for students during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Counselors can help with a variety of challenges, such as: anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, substance use, stress and time management, loss and grief, and career uncertainty. All sessions are confidential.

Applications for counseling services are available online via the student portal. Please visit our website to find options for mental health support during the summer. We begin processing applications for counseling at the start of Fall Quarter.

A therapist will contact students via WWU email to schedule a counseling appointment after they complete the Counseling Application, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 surveys, and sign the Privacy form.

Questions concerning counseling can be directed to our email at: counseling@wallawalla.edu

HEALTH CLINIC. Columbia County Health has contracted with the university to offer on campus medical services to our students. The clinic will be open Monday-Thursday from 9am-5:30pm (PST) by walk-in or appointment. To schedule an appointment call (509) 382-8349.

TESTING SERVICES. The Counseling and Testing Center (C&TC) is the official testing center for most standardized tests administered on campus. These tests are given on dates specified in advance by the testing companies, and most require advance registration. Many of these tests require a fee paid by the student directly to the testing company. Registration information is available at the Testing Center. Tests administered at C&TC include:

  • Area Concentration Achievement Test ACAT (Art majors)
  • College-Level Exam Program (CLEP)
  • Correspondence/Distance Learning Tests
  • Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
  • International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP)
  • Major Field Test (MFT)
  • Math Placement tests – offered to WWU students only
  • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
  • National Evaluation Systems (NES)
  • Nursing
  •  Washington Educator Skills Test (WEST-B and WEST-E)

FEES AND SCHEDULING. Questions related to testing fees can be directed to the Counseling and Testing Center at (509) 527-2147 or testing@wallawalla.edu. 

Students may email the Counseling & Testing Center to schedule testing appointments.

Discover Program

Students who have not chosen a major are eligible to participate in the Discover Program. Services include a career fair, informational sessions, and specialized advising in choosing two exploration courses in their top areas of interest. In addition, students will be placed in core general classes that will apply to a broad scope of degree requirements. They may also register for CDEV 210 Career Development, which provides career testing and practice setting goals, job readiness training, informational interviews, and job shadowing.

Strategies for Success Program

The Strategies for Success Program is designed to encourage and support student success by providing educational tools and practices for early academic engagement. Strategies for Success is required for any incoming first-time freshman that enters with a high school GPA less than 3.25. Students in the program will be enrolled in designated general studies classes, a non-college-level math class if appropriate, and GNRL 102 On Course; be placed with a specialized academic advisor and mentor, and be assigned as a pre-major in their chosen academic discipline. Students may also be required to join the Strategies for Success Program if their first or second quarter WWU GPA is less than 2.0. Continued participation will be evaluated on a quarterly basis subject to the student’s academic and student life progress. If the University has not received a high school transcript by Wednesday of JumpStart week, the student will automatically be placed in the Strategies for Success Program.

GNRL 102 ON COURSE. On Course provides strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life. Enrollment in On Course is required for:
  1. All freshmen who enter with a high school GPA less than 3.25.
  2. Freshmen and sophomore students who go on academic warning or academic probation and have not previously enrolled in or successfully completed the course with a C- or above.
  3. Transfer students with a college transfer GPA less than 2.5.

Student Development Center

Located in the Lower Level of Village Hall
Walla Walla University, 204 S. College Ave., College Place, WA 99324
General e-mail and phone number: (509)-527-2313 | student.development@wallawalla.edu | wallawalla.edu/sdc

The Student Development Center (SDC) houses Career Development Services, Internship Services, Employer Relations, Disability Support Services, and Peer Tutoring. The SDC provides free services to current students, helping students to progress academically and personally to achieve their educational goals.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. Deciding on and developing a career path are very important parts of one’s educational experience. The staff at the Student Development Center are dedicated to providing students with a multitude of experiences and resources that will enable them to make informed career decisions. The staff also provides comprehensive career planning to students and alumni. These services include career advising, career assessments, internship coordination, graduate school personal statement support, job and internship searches, job shadow resources, LinkedIn evaluations, mock interviews, and résumé and cover letter assistance.

Career Coaching and Assessments. Students can take assessments and meet with a career counselor to look at what they've done so far, and what they might like to do to determine their true interests. Once a student has conducted research, they are encouraged to create a list of short and long-term career goals. This includes professional networking and counseling.

Career Events. Various events are hosted and coordinated through Career Services, such as in-person and virtual job fairs, networking meet-ups, career and professionalism panels, career workshops, graduate school fairs and visits, and professional etiquette workshops.

INTERNSHIP SERVICES. Internship support and job shadowing integrates academic learning within a work environment. Students may receive academic credit for pre-arranged work experience. (See listing under specific departments/schools for credit and grading applicable to the major.) Internship Services monitors students’ progress, while the internship advisors evaluate learning objectives and assign grades.

For more information, contact career@wallawalla.edu; (509) 527-2664; or visit their website.

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES. Walla Walla University is committed to providing educational opportunities and access to programs and services to qualified individuals who have a documented disability in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended, and Washington State laws. The Disability Support Services (DSS) office is here to advise and assist with student’s disability-related needs, determine eligibility for various support services, and arrange academic adjustments and other accommodations.  

Examples of accommodations are: testing accommodations, scribes for exams, readers for exams, books in alternative format, texts in accessible format, assistive technology, and accessible classrooms and housing.

To request accommodations, students should fill out the request on Accommodate will be the online database and upload documentation from a qualified provider. This is found at www.wallawalla.edu/dss. If you need further assistance, please email dss@wallawalla.edu or phone (509) 527-2366. 

PEER TUTORING. The Student Development Center offers drop-in tutoring free of charge to current students at Walla Walla University during posted hours. Tutoring is offered to students taking classes in the areas of business, mathematics, engineering, languages, science, and writing. The writing center helps students with papers assigned for any class.

Student Success Center

Kretschmar Hall, Room 214
Phone number: (509) 527-2715

The Student Success Center plays a key role in cultivating strategies and skills that promote student success at Walla Walla University. This is executed through three areas: the freshman mentoring program, probation mentoring, and intensive outreach.

MENTOR PROGRAM. The Mentor Program focuses on individualized encouragement and support as students transition to college life. Mentors deliver a Freshman Experience curriculum that encourages a balanced life of academic, spiritual, and social practices. The student experience is enriched by participation in organizations sponsored by the University, community service involvement, and developing their connections with faculty, staff, and other students. Mentors assist students in setting and achieving academic and career goals by encouraging personal ownership and responsibility and strengthening their time management and study skills. They also aid students in identifying the causes and solutions to specific challenges they may face, including effectively using campus resources. All freshmen are required to participate in the Mentoring Program. A fee is assessed for this program; see the Academic Fees Section of the Financial Bulletin.

PROBATION MENTORING. The Probation Mentoring program focuses on developing accountability and coaching students in order to improve their academic performance. The probation mentors first meet with the student and the Student Success Coordinator to discuss the student’s Academic Plan for Success form. Probation mentors then meet with students and promote progress towards the goals outlined in their Academic Plan for Success. The student also benefits from the mentor actively facilitating connections with campus resources, addressing factors such as class attendance, completion of course work, and communication with professors. Probation mentors work with students to address the factors that led the student to be on academic probation, such as class attendance, completion of course work, communication with professors, etc. A fee for this service is charged to the student’s account. See the Academic Fees section of the Financial Bulletin.

INTENSIVE OUTREACH. The Student Success Center collaborates with professors and instructors to provide intensive outreach to students who are not meeting academic benchmarks outlined in course descriptions. The Student Success team coordinates outreach and support for students who are identified as struggling with class attendance, homework completion, or other external/internal forces that negatively impact a student’s academic performance. This outreach is carried out by the Student Success Coordinator, a masters-level case manager, as well as the trained freshmen and probation mentors. The Student Success team works with students to identify the presenting issue, examine strengths and challenges, develops relevant goals, and connects them with necessary services.

University Experience (JumpStart)

All freshmen are required to attend the JumpStart Program (University Experience class), which takes place the week prior to the beginning of Autumn quarter classes. The JumpStart Program focuses on topics and activities that will help students make a successful transition to the university academically, socially, and spiritually. JumpStart includes regular orientation information, financial clearance, course placement, academic advisement, and finalization of the registration process. Students who successfully complete the JumpStart Program receive one elective credit. A fee is assessed for this program; see the Academic Fees Section of the Financial Bulletin.