INFORMATION FOR
Please note: The following information is provided to assist students in resolving commonly encountered issues. While we strive to post the relevant information, it is likely that not every conceivable situation is covered. In other words, the fact that a policy is not mentioned here does not necessarily mean that no such policy exists. Students are always encouraged to address questions to their academic advisor or the Associate Dean.
For other important academic rules of the University that are not covered here, please visit Policies A to Z on the Web pages of the Provost's Office and Academic Regulations on the Web pages of the Office of Registration Services.
Taking Courses Outside of WPUQ: Can I take a course at another institution?A: Possibly, but it depends on a number of factors. They are:- Only students in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 2.0) can take courses elsewhere.- Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at William Paterson University.- At least one half of the Disciplinary Course credits taken to complete a major must be earned at WilliamPaterson University.- The maximum semester load mentioned below applies to both courses taken at William Paterson University and elsewhere.- If a student has failed a course at William Paterson University, the only way to exclude the failing grade from GPA calculations is by retaking the same course at William Paterson University with a passing grade.
If a student meets all these conditions, they should contact their academic advisor for guidance about the process to get a Visiting Student Authorization approved.
Residency RequirementsQ: Is there a limit on how many business courses I can transfer in?A: Yes. At least one half of the Disciplinary Course credits taken to complete a major must be earned at William Paterson University.
Semester LoadQ: How many credits can I take in a Fall or Spring semester?A: The normal limit is 19 credits. Students whose overall and major GPAs are 3.0 or higher can get permission from their Department Chair and College Dean to take up to 23 credits per semester. Please note that tuition and fees above the full-time flat rate will be charged for credits above 19 (see http://www.wpunj.edu/studentaccounts/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate.html for details).
Q: How many credits can I take in the Summer session?A: The limit is 4 courses / 14 credits. Additionally, courses should be scheduled so that no more than two courses run concurrently. Please note that it is not possible to get permission to take more credits than that.
Q: How many credits can I take in the online Winter session?A: The limit is one course in the 3-week session. If a student takes one course in the 6-week session, they can take one additional course (either in the 3-week or the 6-week session). Please note that it is not possible to get permission to take more credits than that.
InternshipQ: I already have a job that is related to my major. Can that count as an internship?A: No. One of the requirements of an internship is that it is a new work experience.
Second DegreeQ: How many courses do I need to take to earn a second undergraduate degree?A: In order to earn a second undergraduate degree, a student (i) must meet all major requirements as well as prerequisites and (ii) must take at least 30 new credits. Please check with the respective Department Chair or the Associate Dean if you have any questions about how these requirements apply to your individual situation.
CommencementQ: I am taking my last credits in the Fall semester. Can I "walk" in May Commencement?A: No. Students who complete their last degree requirements in the Fall semester are eligible to participate in the following year's Commencement.
Q: I am taking my last credits in the Summer. Can I "walk" in May Commencement?A: It depends. A student can get permission to "walk" in May Commencement if they are scheduled to graduate in August and are enrolled for the last requirements in the Summer. If a student meets these conditions, they should submit their request via the "Summer Graduates: Request to walk in May Commencement" link in the Graduation section in WP Connect after they have registered for the last summer course(s).
