Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Records
Q: Where can I find a list of deadlines for adding, dropping courses, etc.?
A: The calendar is published at the front of the academic graduate and undergraduate
catalogs. A more specific list of “Guidelines for Dates” is posted for each term on the
WCU web page on the Registrar’s site. All deadlines are at 5:00 p.m. unless
otherwise stated.
Q: How do I change my major?
A: You may pick up a form for “Change of Major” in the Registrar’s Office or the office of your academic dean. Fill it out, and get signatures from your academic advisors for your old major and your new one with date of change. Return the form to the Registrar’s office for data input.
Q: How long do I have after the first day of classes to add a class?
A: Classes can be added for five days in a normal ten-week term. Classes can be added for two days for five-week term courses and until noon of the first day for one-week courses.
Q: How long do I have to drop classes?
A: Classes can be dropped for ten-week courses for five days without a penalty.
One week terms must be dropped by noon of the first day for a refund. Dropping courses of other terms should be checked in the Business Office for penalties and fees.
Q: Is there a charge for dropping an individual course late?
A: Yes. When your approved drop slip is processed after the first five days, you will be charged a late fee.
Q: What is the difference between dropping a class and a withdrawal?
A: A drop is for one course and a withdrawal is withdrawing from all of your courses and the university.
Q: What do I do if I haven’t been there in a while and I want to return to WCU?
A: If you are an undergraduate, have been out one trimester or more, you must re-apply in the Admissions Office. If a graduate student, contact the office of Graduate Admissions.
Q: How long do I have to appeal a grade?
A: Course and grade appeals must be initiated on the appropriate form within 30 working days of the beginning of the subsequent term unless the student does not enroll, in which case initiation must be within 120 calendar days. The Grade Appeal Form must be picked up in the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs.
Applying for Graduation
Q: What do I have to do to apply for graduation?
A: You must apply for your degree before the application deadline. These dates are October 15 for the February (New Orleans) and May graduations and March 31 for the August graduation. There is a $50.00 graduation fee plus fees for your cap and gown. You will be fitted and pay for your cap and gown in the bookstore. Make sure your account is paid by the posted deadline, or you may not receive your diploma, due to unpaid fees.
Q: What if I miss the deadline?
A: If you miss the first deadline, you have thirty days to pay a late fee of $50.00 (plus the original $50.00 fee for a total of $100.00). If you miss the second and final deadline, you must wait and participate in the next scheduled graduation ceremony.
Q: Can I cancel my application, and will my money be refunded?
A: You can cancel your application. Your money will roll over to apply when you do actually graduate.
Degrees and Diplomas
Q: When will I get my diploma?
A: Diplomas will be given out in Tatum Court outside the Registrar’s Office immediately following each graduation ceremony. Should there be any problems with grades or fees, the diploma will be held until the problems are cleared.
Q: When will my degree be posted?
A: A degree statement will be posted on your transcript by the end of the week following graduation ceremonies.
Graduation Ceremony
Q: When and where do I pick up my regalia (cap and gown)?
A: A letter will be sent to each graduate before the ceremony with details. The regalia should be picked up from the bookstore prior to the ceremony. Beginning with the May, 2008, ceremony, regalia will be purchased by the graduates and will not have to be returned.
Transcripts
Q: What information does the Registrar’s Office need to process a transcript?
A: A form to request a transcript can be picked up in the Registrar’s Office, accessed online and downloaded and mailed, faxed or taken into the office to request a transcript.
If you cannot access the form online, you can fax or mail the following information to the Registrar’s Office: your full name, your social security number, the date of your attendance at William Carey, daytime phone, cell number, address where the transcript should be sent, your method of payment (check, VISA, MC, or DISCOVER…we do not accept AMERICAN EXPRESS), and your signature (required!). There is a twenty-four to forty-eight hour turnaround upon receipt of your request for the transcript to be processed.
Q: Can I request a transcript by phone or email?
A. No. We must have your signature. If you email your request, you must scan it in to provide your signature.
Q: What is the fee for having a transcript processed?
A: Transcripts are $5.00 per copy.
Q: Can I have a transcript faxed?
A: Yes, but a faxed transcript is NOT an official transcript, and there is a $10.00 fee for faxing an unofficial transcript.
Q: Why is a faxed transcript unofficial?
A: The type of paper used for official transcripts is tamper-proof and copy-proof. It will not fax.
Q: Is the first copy of my transcript free?
A: No. All transcripts are $5.00 per copy. However, currently enrolled students may request an advisor’s transcript from their advisors free of charge. These are unofficial copies.
Q: If I buy several copies, will I get a discount?
A: No.
Q: Can my parents or friends request or pick up a transcript for me?
A: No, not unless you provide them with a written, signed letter giving them permission to pick up your transcript.
Q: Can my transcript be sent electronically?
A: Not at the present time.
Q: Have you ever had problems with credit card fraud or misuse of credit card information when ordering transcripts?
A: No. Our credit card machine and fax are in secured locations away from public view and accessibility.
Q: Do you still have records from the early 1900’s?
A: Yes.
Veterans Assistance
Q: How can I apply for VA educational benefits?
A: Contact the Registrar’s Office at 601-318-6195. The office is located in Tatum Court on the WCU campus.
Q: How can I check the status of my monthly VA checks or find out how many months remain on my eligibility?
A: Call the VA toll-free automated number 1-888-BILL1 (442-4551).
Q: Where are Montgomery GI Bill checks mailed?
A: The checks can be mailed directly to you, or you can choose to have your checks automatically deposited into a checking account or savings account.
Q: How do I verify my monthly enrollment to the VA?
A: The verification can be done by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE): https://www.gibill.va/wave/default.cfm or by using an automated system 1-877-823-2378.
Q: If I am in the National Guard or Reserves and receiving the GI Bill, can I get additional educational assistance?
A: Check with your Education Service Officer at your unit to see if you are eligible for Tuition Assistance (TA), kickers, or State Education Assistance Program (SEAP).