Frequently Asked Questions
Select a Topic
- Registration
- Withdrawal
- Reenrollment
- Grades
- Academic Probation
- Holds
- TutorZone
- Study Skills
- Other Available Resources
Have any other questions? We are here for you! Please contact us at [[academicwellbeing]].
Registration
I have only been able to register for 16 credit hours. How can I register for more classes?
Students can register for up to 16 credit hours until the final add/drop period when the credit hours are raised to 18. Students wishing to pre-register for 17 or 18 credit hours in a fall or spring semester must meet both of the following criteria:
- need no more than two full-time semesters of coursework to graduate.
- need 33 or more credit hours in the final two semesters to graduate with the necessary 120 credit hours OR need 17 or more credit hours in the final semester in order to graduate with the necessary 120 credit hours.
If you meet both criteria, complete this form (with Degree Evaluation) by noon on the Friday before the start of primary cart-building for registration. Don't hesitate to contact the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
How do I register for more than 18 credit hours?
Students may request to overload to 19 credit hours through the Office of the University Registrar. The request form will open two weeks prior to the start of the semester, however, changes to maximum credit hour limits will be processed no sooner than the day before classes begin. The form will remain open through the last day of classes.
The late add and late change to variable credit course hours forms both include a way for the student to request an overload to 19 credit hours should they need to do so in addition to their late add or late change to credit hours. As long as the student selects that option in those forms, this separate request form is not needed for those cases.
Eligibility Criteria for University Registrar Office ReviewThe Office of the University Registrar may review requests from students who wish to overload to 19 credit hours as long as the student meets the following criteria:
- The student is not in their first semester as a degree-seeking student
- The student is not carrying any incompletes
- The student is in good standing and has a 3.00 or above cumulative GPA
Students who do not meet the above criteria but wish to overload, or those students who wish to request an overload for more than 19 credit hours, may petition the Committee on Academic Status (CAS).
I am graduating next semester and only need nine credit hours to graduate. How do I register for fewer than 12 credit hours?
Graduating seniors that need fewer than 12 credits to graduate should contact [[registrar]].
I need to add/drop a class, but it is after the add/drop period. How do I do that?
Requests for late adds/ late drops will be processed by the Committee on Academic Status (CAS). Please review and complete the petition if you are seeking a late add or a late drop. Petitions to drop classes are rarely approved except under circumstances beyond a student's control. Questions about the petition process may be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Withdrawal
I have decided not to return to William & Mary. How do I withdraw from the university?
You will need to complete the online withdrawal form.
I have decided to take a semester off. How do I do that?
You will need to complete the online withdrawal form.
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Grades
How do I arrange for an incomplete in a class?
Incompletes are arranged between the student and the professor.
How do I sign up to take a class as a pass/fail?
Students with questions about the pass/fail policy should contact [[registrar]]. Students seeking an exception to the pass/fail policy should submit a petition to the Committee on Degrees.
Does withdrawal from a course negatively affect my transcript and future acceptance in graduate school programs?
No, as long as it is not a pattern of withdrawals over numerous semesters.
If I fail a class for a second time, does it count double?
Yes.
What is reflected on my transcript if I fail a class at W&M and retake it?
Both the failing and second grades appear on your W&M transcript and are calculated into your cumulative grade point average.
What can I do if I believe a professor has given me the wrong grade? Can it be changed?
There is a grade review procedure outlined in the college Course Catalog. If, after the grade review process, it is found the grade was incorrect, a change will be made to your transcript.
How do I calculate my grade point average?
Refer to the grade calculation procedure outlined on the Academic Wellbeing website.
Do transfer grades from another school factor into your grade point average at W&M?
No, only the credits transfer.
Academic Probation
I am on academic probation. I have completed courses for which I previously received a grade of incomplete or a grade change, and I believe this will change my academic status. What should I do?
As soon as the grade posts to your transcript, notify the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs at [[academicaffairs]] and the office will initiate a review of your record. Complete this process within the first six weeks of the semester.
I received a letter stating I must participate in the ASPIRE program. When will I receive more information?
The ASPIRE Blackboard site will be open by the first day of classes. Complete information about the program and expectations for the upcoming semester will be available on the site.
Can I participate in a study abroad program while on academic probation?
No.
Can I be placed on academic probation more than once?
Yes.
How does probation affect my scholarship?
Each scholarship is different. You will have to speak to the person managing the scholarship or your financial aid counselor.
Holds
I have a hold on my account for Student Verification. How can I get the hold lifted?
Go to personalinfo.wm.edu and update your contact information. After you submit the update, the hold will automatically lift from your account.
TutorZone
What should I do if no tutors are available for the course I am taking?
Send an email with your request to [[tutorzone]]. The TutorZone staff will work with you to find a tutor or additional resources. We cannot promise that we will be able to find a tutor for every course.
How do I pay for tutoring sessions?
All tutoring is now free with the support of the Parent Fund! Students will not be charged for tutoring sessions.
I want to become a tutor in the TutorZone. How do I apply?
We have concluded our Fall 2024 hiring process and will be reopening the application for Spring 2025 tutors in October 2024.
Study Skills
What is the suggested amount of time to study per week?
Multiply your credit hours by two, and you should have the total needed study hours. This includes all study tasks: reading, writing papers, revising notes, building study guides, working problems, course reviews, etc.
What time of day is the best for studying?
Every student is different; however, students who decide to view studying as if it were a job and therefore do most of their academic work between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. tend to be on top of their academic work and have more free time for personal pursuits.
What is the best technique for studying for exams?
Reviewing course material regularly throughout the semester and maintaining a file of study guides for each course. Take advantage of any tutoring or review sessions offered for your course.
Ultimately, each student needs to try a variety of study methods to find the strategy that works best for you, but organization and using your resources is always helpful.
I want to learn to manage my time more effectively. Is there a resource available?
Yes, you may schedule a free, one-on-one time management consultation through the TutorZone.
Other Available Resources
How can I get tested for a possible learning disability?
Make an appointment with Student Accessibility Services for a consultation.
Where do I go if I am facing significant challenges with my mental, physical, and social health?
Make an appointment with Care Support Services.
