FAQ

How many credits are required for graduation?

To qualify for an undergraduate degree at WPU, a student must earn a minimum of 120 credits in an authorized program of study to which one has been duly admitted and achieve a minimum of 2.0 © cumulative grade-point average and a 2.0 average in the chosen major. Due to requirements of accrediting agencies, some majors may require more than 120 credits and a GPA greater than 2.0 in the major for retention and graduation. Students are expected to be familiar with major and other degree requirements. Interdisciplinary programs or honors programs may also have unique requirements.

When should I declare a major?

Students in good academic standing may apply to declare or change one or more majors while attending their first semester at William Paterson University.

What is a Leave of Absence?

To be eligible for a leave of absence students must be in good academic standing, unless an exception is made by the Dean of Students. Continuing students must have an overall GPA of 2.00 or better. (New first-semester students are considered in good academic standing upon admission).

There are two types of leaves of absence:

A. Military Leave of Absence (MLOA): Students whose military obligations make it difficult or impossible for them to be successful in their academic program. For purposes of granting a MLOA, a military obligation is defined as (a) deployment, (b) mobilization leading to deployment, or (c) attendance at a military school or college.

B. Medical / Mental Health Leave of Absence: Students who must interrupt their studies temporarily due to physical or psychological conditions. Leave of Absence must be requested prior to the start of the term. See the semester calendar for specific start dates.

To request a complete withdrawal or apply for a leave of absence, you MUST go to WPCONNECT at the student services tab and file the necessary information prior to the start of the semester.

1. The online form is located on WPConnect under WP Enrollment Forms header.
2. Semester dates are published on the semester calendar.

Leave of Absence may not exceed two years for enrollment purposes. Students who fail to return from the approved leave of absence will be considered a complete withdrawal and will be required to re-apply to the University after a period of two years.

Students who receive federal Direct Loans will need to return before the end of the 180 day leave of absence time limit. Failure to return before the end of the 180 days will be considered a withdrawal for financial aid purposes related to reporting to the clearinghouse by the Office of the Registrar.

When a student on LOA is ready to enroll in courses, they must meet with an advisor in the Advisement Center to receive guidance on appropriate courses and the process for re-enrollment.

How do I withdraw from a class? What, if any issues do I encounter for doing so?

Students adjust their schedules for various reasons, but these adjustments should only be made during the add/drop period (http://www.wpunj.edu/registrar/calendars/). Dropping courses may have a negative impact on your academic path.

Students are encouraged to consult with their assigned advisor first before withdrawing from a course. There may be implications with financial aid. For more information visit the following link: (https://www.wpunj.edu/studentaccounts/refund-policies.html/)

1. Dropping below 15 credits may jeopardize your ability to graduate in a timely fashion.
2. Student must complete at least 30 credits per academic year in order to earn the 120 credits required for graduation.
3. Dropping courses can jeopardize your eligibility for financial aid. (https://www.wpunj.edu/financial-aid/satisfactory-academic-progress/sap-appeal-policy/).

Once you have consulted with your advisor and you're ready to drop from the course, you may take the following steps:

1. In WPConnect, go to the Student tab.
2. Click on My Registration > Add / Drop Courses
3. Click on Register for Classes
4. Select current semester
5. Use your Pin for the current semester
6. You'll see a page and on the right it will say "Summary" with a list of your classes.
7. Click on the dropdown menu next to the course that you wish to drop.
8. Hit "Submit" or "Save"

I received a Navigate Flag. What does that mean?

Navigate flags are an academic warning system, used to identify students at risk of academic difficulty or failure.  This flag is designed to facilitate students’ utilization of campus resources and improve academic success and persistence toward degree completion. The assigned advisor will reach out to the student and discuss an academic plan along with follow up to improve academically.

What happens if I am placed on academic probation?

William Paterson University expects all matriculated undergraduate students to maintain a cumulative grade point average (hereafter referred to in this policy as "GPA") of at least 2.0.* The basic principle of this policy, therefore, is that any student whose GPA falls below 2.0 is no longer in good standing. Academic standing will be computed at the end of the first semester at which time the student has accumulated a total of 12 attempted credits, and every semester thereafter. As academic standing is a serious matter, it is important that all students set as a priority and succeed in the achievement of the 2.0 GPA or better at the conclusion of each semester.  

*Students are advised that admission to, continuation in, and graduation from majors requiring a GPA higher than 2.0 is dependent upon achievement of that higher GPA.

The University is committed to helping you improve your academic performance so that you may return to good standing and make progress toward your degree. To that end, I strongly advise you to do the following:

1. Meet with your advisor, as soon as possible, to discuss your academic plan and next steps. Continue to meet with your advisor on a monthly basis throughout the semester.
2. Take advantage of the tutoring and counseling services the University offers, which are designed to help you achieve success in your classes.
3. Consider taking summer classes.

What is SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress)?

Students receiving financial aid need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0, a 67% completion rate, and graduate in a maximum time-frame of 180 attempted credits.  Expunged grades as well as grades earned for remedial coursework are included when financial aid SAP is calculated.

Financial Aid regulations in reference to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) have become stricter over the last 3 years.  If you are a financial aid recipient, here are some important things to know about Satisfactory Academic Progress:

1. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
2. Students must maintain a 67% completion rate for all coursework.
3. A student is eligible to receive funding up to 180 attempted credits (maximum time frame).
4. Students have the right to appeal but must show extenuating circumstances: such as the death of a relative, injury or illness of the student or family member, or other extenuating circumstances.
5. Students must submit supporting documentation.  Appeals will not be reviewed without documentation.
6. Expunged grades are included in the financial aid  SAP calculation for both GPA and completion rate.
7. Remedial credits are counted in the financial aid SAP calculation.

For additional information about Financial Aid and the SAP regulation please visit: http://www.wpunj.edu/financial-aid/satisfactory-academic-progress.html.