Frequently Asked Academic Questions (FAQ)
- What is WSU's academic honesty policy?
- Does WSU give academic progress reports?
- Who qualifies for academic recognition?
- What is Blackboard?
- How does WSU define a full-time student?
- How can I appeal a grade I received?
- How are graduation honors figured?
- What is a myWSU ID?
- What is the withdrawal/drop policy?
- Who is on campus to help me succeed?
- What are the General Education requirements for WSU?
- I want to take only one undergraduate class at WSU, where do I start?
1. What is WSU's academic honesty policy?
See the Policy Statement in the Student Academic Integrity section of WSU’s Policies and Procedures Manual.
Additional helpful links: Academic Integrity Handbook and Academic Integrity Flowchart
2. Does WSU give academic progress reports?
Instructors are strongly encouraged to provide early and regular assessments of student performance and to make grades available using the Blackboard LMS. While there is not formal submission of mid-semester grades, that information should be provided to students on Blackboard. Students should pay close attention to assignment grades, seek help from instructors and support offices as needed, and speak to their advisor when considering withdrawing from a class.
3. Who qualifies for academic recognition?
These policies pertain to undergraduate students only. Semester honors are based on the WSU grade point average. The Dean’s Honor Roll is composed of students enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of graded work who achieve a grade point average of 3.500 or higher for a semester. Students enrolled in 6 through 11 hours of graded work per semester who achieve a grade point average of 3.500 or higher will receive Academic Commendation. “Graded work” means any coursework for which the grade generates credit points -- see the Undergraduate Catalog.
4. What is Blackboard?
The vast majority of courses utilize Blackboard, a Web-based Course Management System. Students participating in courses using Blackboard will be required to have Internet access. Several computer labs on the main campus and at outreach locations provide access during certain hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Students new to learning online are highly encouraged to complete the introduction to Learning Online at https://www.wichita.edu/learningonline.
5. How does WSU define a full-time student?
As a general rule, a student taking 12 credit hours is considered a full-time student.
For graduate students, 9 graduate credit hours are considered a full load. (Graduate
students who hold a 20 hour per week graduate assistantship position are considered
full-time if they are enrolled in 6 or more credit hours. Graduate students taking
all or a majority of courses which carry undergraduate credit must meet the 12-credit-hour
requirement to be certified as full-time students.)
During the summer session, 6 credit hours of enrollment are considered full-time for
international undergraduates and graduate students. Summer full-time for domestic
undergraduates remains 12 hours.
Visit www.wichita.edu/timestatus for all current and previous terms time statuses.
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6. How can I appeal a grade I received?
The faculty at Wichita State has established a procedure to resolve disputes arising out of the classroom through the Court of Student Academic Appeals. The court hears appeals from students who feel they have been treated unfairly in grading. The court is designed to help resolve differences that cannot be settled in the framework of the student-faculty relationship and offers an important safeguard for students. Students should make every effort to resolve the problems with the instructor before filing an appeal. If resolution is not reached, any student may use the appeal procedure. Forms are available in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in 109 Morrison Hall. The general procedure is explained to students when they pick up the form. The appeal must be filed within one semester after the grade is assigned (excluding summer).
7. How are graduation honors figured?
Graduation honors are based upon BOTH the WSU cumulative grade point average and the overall cumulative grade point average. Degrees are conferred with distinction upon students who have shown excellence in scholarship. The minimum standard for graduating summa cum laude is cumulative grade point averages of 3.900; the minimum standard for graduating magna cum laude is cumulative grade point averages of 3.550; and the minimum standard for graduating cum laude is cumulative grade point averages of 3.250. Any graduation honors listed in the commencement brochure are based on GPAs at the end of the previous term and are not guaranteed to be awarded. Honors on the graduation transcript and diploma will be based on GPAs after the student’s final semester.
8. What is a myWSU ID?
Each student is identified on the University’s computer files by a unique set of numbers and letters, called “myWSU ID.” Students are also identified on computer files by the 16 digit ISO number from their Shocker ID card. That number is not related to their myWSU ID, and students must have an ISO number to access certain services.
9. What is the withdrawal/drop policy?
When you drop a class in the first 10 business days of the semester (or equivalent period for shorter classes), it does not appear on your permanent academic record. Drop a class the 11th business day through the tenth week and a “W” grade appears on your record with no impact on your grade point average. The last day of the tenth week is the last day to drop a 16-week course. A “W” grade merely indicates that you were enrolled in the course and officially withdrew.
10. Who is on campus to help me succeed?
Click here to view the resources available to you as a student at WSU.
11. What are the General Education requirements for WSU?
Click here to view the General Education requirements.
12. I want to take only one undergraduate class at WSU, where do I start?
Students can be admitted to the University as a non-degree seeking student. Your options include high school guest, college guest or an open admission student. Click here to visit the Admissions webpage for admission requirements.