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8.0.0 Academic Life & the WWC Degree

Jump to information on:
8.1.0 Academic Advising
8.2.0 Vice President for Academic Affairs
8.3.0 Academic Honesty
8.4.0 Academic Honors and Awards
8.5.0 Competency in College Composition
8.6.0 Academic Policies and Regulations
   8.6.1 Student Responsibility
   8.6.2 Academic Calendar
   8.6.3 Registration and Course Load
   8.6.4 Waiting Lists for Registration
   8.6.5 Adding and Dropping Courses
   8.6.6 Withdrawing from a Course
   8.6.7 Leave of Absence
   8.6.8 Institutional Withdrawal
   8.6.9 Medical Withdrawal
   8.6.10 Administrative Withdrawal
   8.6.11 Pass/Fail Grades
   8.6.12 Independent Study
   8.6.13 Incomplete Grades
   8.6.14 Contested Grades
   8.6.15 Repeating Courses
   8.6.16 Grade Reports
   8.6.17 Class Attendance
   8.6.18 Classification
   8.6.19 GPA (Grade Point Average)
   8.6.20 Probation and Suspension
   8.6.21 Guidelines for Academic Probation and Suspension
   8.6.22 Conditions of Academic Probation
   8.6.23 Readmission
   8.6.24 Institutional Withdrawal and Refund Policy: Federal Return of Funds
   8.6.25 Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
   8.6.26 Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
   8.6.27 Residence
   8.6.28 Credit Hours and Grade Point Average
   8.6.29 Triad Education Program
   8.6.30 Degree Candidacy
   8.6.31 Post Baccalaureate Study
8.7.0 Other Academic Programs
   8.7.1 Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
   8.7.2 Study Abroad
   -  8.7.2-1 Short-Term Study Abroad Courses
   -  8.7.2-2 Term-Length Study Abroad Courses
   -  8.7.2-3 Other Study Abroad Options

Academic Affairs

Paula K. Garrett, Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the College Ext. 2083
Susan Huey, Administrative Assistant, Ext. 2083
Laursen
http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~academic/academic_affairs_main/academic_affairs_inside.php

Office of the Registrar

Christa Bridgman, Registrar, Ext. 2086
Marion Yeager, Registrar Assistant, Ext. 2086
Laursen
http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~registrar/

8.1.0 Academic Advising

Incoming students are offered a web of support that includes the first-year or transfer adviser, first-year seminar instructor, and peer group leader, who also serves as the first triad adviser. In the course of the seminar and during separate advising sessions, advisers will assist the student in determining academic goals, developing a program of study, and making the proper course selections to pursue this program. These discussions both encourage participation in the breadth of a liberal arts and triad education and position the student toward major aspirations and vocational goals. In the second semester, the first-year or transfer adviser will help the student affiliate with an academic program based on the student's chosen or probable major. The student will make the transition toward an adviser within that academic program.

The academic, triad, and personal support afforded by the advisers allows students to have a realistic understanding of their interests and abilities, as well as the academic, work, and service responsibilities at Warren Wilson College. The advisers can also serve as a resource, referring students to support services when needed. Even with advisers, however, each student is personally responsible for meeting and monitoring progress toward the requirements for graduation established by the College in general and by the major department. A list of requirements is available in the College Catalog and/or through the department involved.

8.2.0 Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Vice President for Academic Affairs reports directly to the President and is responsible for the development and quality of the College’s academic programs and for overseeing efforts to integrate the Triad of Academic Study, Work, and Service. The Vice President for Academic Affairs works closely with various constituents: leaders of the faculty, including the Associate Dean for Faculty, chairs of fine arts and humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, and department chairs; administrative leaders of other areas of the College, and members of various committees, many of which include students. The Vice President for Academic Affairs has primary responsibility for the faculty, including overseeing the annual evaluation process and recommendations for new and continuing appointments.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs is also responsible for the execution of policies developed by the faculty, ensuring that students and staff are informed of policies and procedures and determining that they are administered in a fair and uniform manner. Although the College provides a wide range of staff to consult with students on a variety of issues, questions, and problems, the Vice President for Academic Affairs makes decisions on student appeals in academic affairs and may be consulted accordingly. However the Vice President for Academic Affairs only receives complaints/grievances exclusively regarding academic matters except where other matters require the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ involvement.

8.3.0 Academic Honesty

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.10 Academic Honesty.

8.4.0 Academic Honors and Awards

A Dean’s List is prepared and posted at the end of each semester. It recognizes those full-time students who achieve a Quality Point Average of 3.75 or greater with no grades of incomplete. At the end of each school year, the Scholar Certificates or Scholar Awards are presented to the top 5% of each class based upon cumulative grades through the first semester and term three of that year. A Senior Plaque is awarded to the graduating student who has maintained the highest cumulative grade average in his or her four years at Warren Wilson College. The Alton F. Pfaff Cup is presented to the member of the graduating class who in the opinion of the faculty and staff most clearly approaches the ideal student with respect to academic and work improvement, citizenship, and contribution to the enrichment of the College community. Other academic honors and awards are presented through the various departments.

8.5.0 Competency in College Composition

All students must demonstrate competency in college composition by successfully completing (C- or better) the courses College Composition I and College Composition II. Students enroll in College Composition I in their first year and College Composition II in their second or third year. Transfer students may, upon approval of the Registrar and the Director of Undergraduate Writing, fulfill the College Composition I requirement through appropriate performance in an acceptable composition course taken at the previously attended institution. Students seeking such credit should make a transfer credit request at the Office of the Registrar. Academic credit toward the CCI requirement may be granted to enrolled students who receive scores of 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Test in English Language and Composition. Students seeking such credit should contract the Director of Undergraduate Writing who will request that the student submit a portfolio of expository writing.

8.6.0 Academic Policies and Regulations

8.6.1 Student Responsibility

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.01 - Student Responsibility.

8.6.2 Academic Calendar

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.02 - Modular Academic Calendar.

8.6.3 Registration and Course Load

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.03 - Registration and Course Load.

8.6.4 Waiting Lists for Registration

Because classes often fill rapidly, students should not assume that the courses of their choice will be open. Instead, students should make every effort to register as early as possible and, upon finding a course that is full, sign the class waiting list. Students should note, however that instructors are responsible for all decisions regarding class waiting lists. Instructors may determine if space is available and which students, if any, on a waiting list may be enrolled in the class. Students should attempt to contact the instructor of a full course in order to find out the likelihood of adding the class. Students on waiting lists are advised to attend class on the first day.

8.6.5 Adding and Dropping Courses

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.04 - Adding and Dropping Courses.

8.6.6 Withdrawing from a Course

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.06 - Withdrawing from a Course.

8.6.7 Leave of Absence

Steps for taking a Leave of Absence from Warren Wilson College:

A Leave of Absence will only be granted to students who are in good academic and social standing.
A Leave of Absence can be taken for two consecutive semesters.
Application forms for Leave of Absence are available at the Office of the Registrar.
Students are required to fill out the form in its entirety and pay a $300 deposit to Accounting by the last day of their current academic semester. Forms submitted past the due date will not be accepted.
The student will retain his/her current Warren Wilson email address and access to Campus Web. It is strongly suggested that the student contact Computing Services prior to departure to be removed from the All-L email list.
Students on a Leave of Absence have the opportunity to pre-register with the current student body. The Office of the Registrar will contact the student several weeks prior to registration. Official registration communication will only be attempted via the student’s Warren Wilson email address.
Students should contact the following offices during pre-registration or shortly thereafter: Financial Aid, Work Program, and Residential Life. Students on Leave of Absence do not retain priority as it relates to housing reclaim or room sign up.
Students are able to enroll in other academic programs during their Leave of Absence. It is strongly recommended that all academic programs be reviewed with the Registrar prior to enrollment or departure.

8.6.8 Institutional Withdrawal

A student establishes an academic record once there is a registration for courses recorded by the Registrar. In order to avoid receiving a grade of F in an uncompleted course(s) a withdrawal from the college must be filed. Students need to begin the process of an official withdrawal by contacting the Dean of Students (learn more by visiting the College Catalog, 1.06.1 “Institutional Withdrawal Policy”). The date of the withdrawal will be the date that the College is notified of your intent to withdraw. This may be verbal notification, but written notice is preferred. The Dean of Students notifies all relevant offices including the Registrar of an official withdrawal. The Registrar will inform instructors and the academic advisor. Regular refund policies apply and are outlined in Chapter Four of this Handbook. Resident students are expected to leave campus within three days of the withdrawal date. Grades will be recorded as “W” if the withdrawal is before the end of the fourth week in a term course or before the end of the ninth week for a semester class. If the withdrawal is after that point, the Registrar will contact the instructors and they will assign a “W” if the student is passing the class at the time of withdrawal or a “WF” if the student is failing. Should any grade be recorded as a WF, the Scholastic Standards Committee will review the record at the end of the semester. Students submitting an official withdrawal are eligible to apply for readmission and should do so through the Admissions Office.

If a student stops attending classes without completing an official withdrawal, an unofficial withdrawal date will be set at the midpoint of the semester. If a student does not pass at least one of the classes attempted, the midpoint of the semester will also be set as the unofficial withdrawal date, since the College cannot assume that classes were attended. Charges will not be adjusted in the case of an unofficial withdrawal; however federal grants and both student and parent loans will be pro-rated as outlined by the federal return of funds policy (see Chapter Four: Financial information). Students with an unofficial withdrawal are eligible to apply for readmission and should do so through the Admissions Office. It is advisable to present course work completed successfully at another institution as part of the readmission process.

8.6.9 Medical Withdrawal

A student, or a parent or guardian acting on the student’s behalf when the student is unable, may request a medical withdrawal when illness, injury or a significant personal situation occurs that makes it impossible for the student to continue with classes. A medical withdrawal may be used in response to matters of both physical and mental health. To be recorded as a medical withdrawal, documentation from a licensed medical practitioner must be submitted to the Dean of Students outlining the nature of the illness or injury and confirming that the student would not be able to complete course work as a result. Medical withdrawals will be dated according to the date that the college was notified of the intent to withdraw. As with official withdrawals, resident students are expected to leave campus within three days of the withdrawal date. The regular refund policies outlined in chapter four of this document apply. Medical withdrawals can be recorded up to the last day of class for the semester and are never retroactive.

In the case of a medical withdrawal, all grades are recorded as “W” regardless of the time in the semester and as with official withdrawals all relevant offices and professors will be notified.

A student may also be required to take a medical withdrawal at the request of the College when a student’s illness or associated behaviors present a risk to the safety of the student or others or are significantly disruptive to the community. The Dean of Students in consultation with medical professionals will make the determination of when a mandatory medical withdrawal will be required.

Students who have taken a medical withdrawal are eligible to apply for readmission and must do so through the Admissions Office. Students are strongly encouraged to take a full semester away from the college to address the medical issues before seeking to return. Depending on the situation and the time in the semester that the withdrawal takes place this may be a required condition of the withdrawal/readmission. Students who leave on a medical withdrawal will be asked to submit confirmation that they have addressed the medical condition and are ready to return to full participation in the educational program of the college. This may require documentation from a licensed medical practitioner. To be considered for the fall semester, apply by February 15. To be considered for the spring semester, apply by October 15. All acceptances will be based on space available.

8.6.10 Administrative Withdrawal

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.05 - Administrative Withdrawal.

8.6.11 Pass/Fail Grades

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.07 - Pass/Fail Grades.

8.6.12 Independent Study

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.08 - Independent Study.

8.6.13 Incomplete Grades

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.09 - Incomplete Grades.

8.6.14 Contested Grades

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.11 - Contested Grades.

8.6.15 Repeating Courses

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.12 - Repeating Courses.

8.6.16 Grade Reports

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.13 - Grade Reports.

8.6.17 Class Attendance

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.14 - Class Attendance.

8.6.18 Classification

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.15 - Classification.

8.6.19 GPA (Grade Point Average)

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.16 - GPA (Grade Point Average).

8.6.20 Probation and Suspension

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.17 - Probation and Suspension.

8.6.21 Guidelines for Academic Probation and Suspension

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.17 - Probation and Suspension.

8.6.22 Conditions of Academic Probation

College Catalog cross-reference: 2.3.18 - Conditions of Academic Probation.

8.6.23 Readmission

College Catalog cross-reference: 1.04.18 - Readmission.

8.6.24 Institutional Withdrawal and Refund Policy: Federal Return of Funds

College Catalog cross-reference: 1.06 - Withdrawal and Refund Policy.

The Warren Wilson College Withdrawal and Refund Policies are established to provide fair and equitable treatment to finances of both the student and the College. Since Warren Wilson makes financial commitments on behalf of each student at the time of enrollment, those costs will be shared with the student as explained in the following policies. These policies will be applicable for official or unofficial withdrawals. However, please note that costs are not pro-rated for withdrawals due to suspension or expulsion for administrative, work or disciplinary reasons occurring at any time within a semester. Refer to Chapter Four: Financial Information for more details.

8.6.25 Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

Annually, Warren Wilson College informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This Act was designed to protect the privacy of education records, establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Office (FERPO) concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act. Local policy explains in detail the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with the provisions to the Act. Copies of the policy are on file in the Office of the Registrar.

8.6.31 Post Baccalaureate Study

Warren Wilson College graduates who wish to complete studies in an additional major subject may do so by completing the requirements (including prerequisites) of that major. Each department will determine the required GPA. Grades for studies in the second major will be recorded on the student’s transcript, but not averaged with those earned for the BA or BS.

8.7.0 Other Academic Programs

8.7.1 Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~mfa/newwebsite/homepage.php

The Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers is a full-time, four-semester, low-residency graduate program in creative writing (fiction and poetry). This nationally-acclaimed program, named as #1 by Poets and Writers magazine and in the top 5 in the country by Atlantic Monthly, has been associated with the College since 1981.

Each January and July, students and faculty meet on the Warren Wilson campus for ten intensive days of workshops, lectures, classes, readings, and individual conferences. During the residency, each student designs a five-month semester project with his or her faculty supervisor. Students devote 25 hours a week to their graduate study during the rigorous non-resident semester, submitting creative and critical work to their faculty supervisor every three weeks.

The MFA faculty includes some of the nation’s most accomplished writers and teachers—among them, state poets laureate, recipients of Guggenheims and Fulbrights, winners of National Book Awards and Pulitzers. Residency lectures and readings by the faculty are open to the public.

Warren Wilson undergraduates have the opportunity to interact with a visiting member of the MFA faculty each year who returns to serve for a week as writer-in-residence. The College also offers an annual MFA Residency Class each January, in which select students participate in a course that parallels and builds upon the residency experience.

8.7.2 Study Abroad

http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~studyabroad/

College Catalog cross-reference: 1.09.3 - International Programs Office: Study Abroad Opportunities.

Warren Wilson College encourages students to study abroad and offers special funding support. Study Abroad Program student qualification is based on Warren Wilson residency, academic credit hours (minimum 2.5 GPA), good standing in academics, work, service and student life, and the acceptance of program rules, regulations and orientation provisions. No student is required to participate in the Study Abroad program. A student with 60 credit hours from Warren Wilson College who has met residency and other conditions may begin formal application for the program in a prescribed manner. Transfer students need to inquire about their status. The International Programs Office offers stated program options and identifies specific international sites as part of the program. The options and sites change from year to year. Program fees are required. Details are available in the International Programs Office.

Study Abroad offers a variety of short-term courses and semester and year length study abroad options. The college covers most student expenses in its Study Abroad courses. Examples of expenses possibly not covered include some meals, admissions to sites, events, entertainment, and pocket money. Certain Study Abroad courses may require greater student expense because of distance travel (e.g. Asia or Africa), length of time off campus (e.g. term-length programs), or costly locations (e.g. some major urban areas).

8.7.2-1 Short-Term Study Abroad Courses

Faculty and staff members lead courses targeting various parts of the world. The short-term Study Abroad course options are designed to meet international and experiential education interests as well as faculty and staff interests. These courses involve one semester of study on campus followed by travel on site normally conducted over summer or winter breaks. Academic credit varies and is assigned to the semester preceding travel.

8.7.2-2 Term-Length Study Abroad Courses

Similar to short-term Study Abroad courses, these courses spend more time in the field and carry more in depth academic and cross-cultural treatment as well as service opportunities. Term-length courses involving travel in India and Latin America (Chile, Guatemala & Mexico) have been popular in the past.

8.7.2-3 Other Study Abroad Options

Semester Abroad Opportunities
Warren Wilson maintains a number of institutional exchange agreements and other collaborative partnerships with institutions in a number of countries. These opportunities are competitive due to limited openings. Applicants to some programs are subject to approval from receiving institutions in addition to Warren Wilson College. Warren Wilson cannot guarantee semester abroad placements. International Programs staff is available to counsel students on the opportunities that are available as well as what programs might work best for specific interests and major areas of study.

External Study Programs
Eligible students who are interested in participating in certain U.S.-accredited pre-approved, external, international study programs such as SIT, CIEE, Living Routes, or similar reputable programs may be qualified to receive Study Abroad financial assistance. Contact the International Programs Office for conditions required in obtaining this benefit.

Internships
Certain academic cross-cultural internships may be approved as a Study Abroad Program experience. Details are available in the International Programs Office. It is the responsibility of the student to learn about the program and ascertain her/his qualifications. Students should begin planning their off-campus study one year in advance.

Other useful Study Abroad details include the following:

The International Programs Office (IPO) distributes timely information and public notice about these programs. Additional information is available in the IPO, on the International Programs website, and on bulletin boards.
The success of each Study Abroad course depends on faculty-staff leadership, student enrollment and travel viability. Similar to campus courses and pre-registration practices, Study Abroad course options are subject to change at any time and for a variety of reasons. Projected Study Abroad course options are not guaranteed.
In March of each year, students preparing to complete at least 60 credit hours from Warren Wilson College that semester may make initial program application and priority selections for the following year’s courses. While the program strives to meet student needs, students may not always receive their first choice course selections. Students will be informed of their initial, tentative placement in April.
In September of each year, students who completed the initial program application that took place in March, and who meet program requirements, may apply to the specific course that is presented to them by the IPO.
In October, remaining "space available" slots on Study Abroad courses are made available to students who did not participate in the initial program application in April and to students not immediately qualified for the Study Abroad Program. Students who are not yet qualified will bear the full financial burden of the field course. This will not affect their ability to take part in a future field course as a qualified WWC student.
Students must return to Warren Wilson College for at least one semester after the Study Abroad Program experience.
Students who are not in good standing with the college, including academic, work, service or social/conduct probation, in financial arrears, or who do not fulfill particular Study Abroad course or particular study abroad health provisions are not eligible to register nor to travel with the Study Abroad Program.
Appeal Process: A student on probation wishing to cite "exceptional special circumstances" for Study Abroad consideration will submit within one week of receiving notice of ineligibility or probation, a statement in writing to the Director of International Programs. Full burden of proof rests with the student. Once the case has been reviewed by the Director of International Programs, the course leaders and other WWC administrators, the student will be notified of the outcome and, if successful, any new requirement for participation.
Students participating in Study Abroad programs are subject to the policies and procedures outlined in the student code of conduct and violations may result in conduct action and cancellation of Study Abroad participation both before and during the travel portion of the course.
Program rules and regulations are subject to change.
It is the responsibility of the student to learn about the program. Students are welcome to visit International Programs Office with questions.