Minimum Credits

I. Scope

This policy applies to William & Mary as a whole university, including the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (the university).  It applies to all degree programs and certificate programs offered by the university.

II. Purpose and Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to establish minimum “William & Mary credit” requirements for awarding of William & Mary degrees.

III. Definitions

William & Mary Credit means course credit delivered by William & Mary faculty whose credentials and other qualifications have been determined to appropriately qualify them to provide instruction for their assigned courses or by qualified faculty employed by other institutions of higher education (national or international) with which William & Mary maintains formal joint program agreements.  The courses may be taught on premises, online, or at other locations. 

IV.  Policy

At least 50% of the minimum number of credits counting towards the student’s undergraduate degree or certificate must be William & Mary credit in order for the student to be awarded that William & Mary degree or certificate.

At least 33% of the minimum number of credits counting towards a student’s graduate degree or certificate must be William & Mary credit in order for the student to be awarded that William & Mary degree or certificate.

Programs and primary academic units (schools) may establish more stringent requirements regarding the percentage of credits that must be William & Mary credit. In such cases, these requirements and a valid rationale for using these requirements in lieu of the minimums required by this policy must be approved by the Dean and must subsequently be published in the university catalog(s) and made available to students and prospective students.

V.  Procedure

The curriculum committees in each school or faculty shall ensure the application of this policy in all catalog entries.  The university registrar’s office shall collaborate with deans’ offices to ensure enforcement of this policy at the time of degree conferral each term.

VI. Enforcement; Complaints, Grievances, or Appeals

Appeals to academic policy must be made via established university procedures.

VII. Authority and Amendment, Implementation

This policy is approved by the Executive Leadership Team in accordance with the Policies & Procedures on Creating and Maintaining Whole University Policies.