Frequently asked questions.
Am I a Former Student returning?
Do I need to reapply for admission?
Can I complete my WSU degree without returning to campus?
If I decide to change majors how do I get an advisor in my new field of study?
Is there any type of evaluation of my credits that I can access?
What happened to the previous credits I earned as a WSU student?
Will WSU grant me academic credit for work experience I have completed since leaving WSU?
Will I be required to complete any new requirements that have been put in place since I left WSU?
What are the Writing Portfolio requirements?
Will I be required to return to campus in order to complete my Writing Portfolio?
Where can I get an application for graduation or change my graduation date?
Who can answer my questions about financial aid?
Am I a Former Student Returning?
If you were previously enrolled at Washington State University, you are considered a former student. If you only attended Summer Session at WSU, and applied through the Summer School Office, you will need to complete a regular admissions application, not a former WSU student application. If you were absent one fall or spring semester, you are still considered a currently enrolled student, and therefore do not need to re-apply.
Do I need to reapply for admission?
Yes. You will need to fill out the former student returning (FSR) application if you have not attended at least one consecutive pair of fall and spring semesters. You can access the online application, and will be required to provide official transcripts from all of the colleges you have attended since leaving WSU.
Can I complete my WSU degree without returning to campus?
Yes, that is possible. If the courses you need to graduate are offered through Distance Degree Programs, you can complete your WSU degree without returning to campus. Work with your WSU departmental advisor to determine the classes you need, and then contact Distance Degree Programs, or call 800-222-4978.
If I decide to change majors how do I get an advisor in my new field of study?
If your field of study has changed since you left WSU, contact the appropriate advising office: WSU Pullman Student Advising and Learning Center (1-888-978-7252), or the advising office at the campus where you plan to complete your degree. If your field of study is the same, contact your previous major department and let them know that you are interested in returning to complete your degree program. You can find the phone number of your major department by using the “Search Index A-Z” on WSU’s homepage.
Is there any type of evaluation of my credits that I can access?
Yes. If you were officially admitted to WSU the fall of 1997 or after, you can obtain a Degree Audit Report (DARS) that is a record of your progress toward your WSU degree. If you are not a certified major, you can press the “What If” button and select your proposed major. You can access your own DARS report by going to METRO.
What happened to the previous credits I earned as a WSU student?
The previous credits you earned as a WSU student will always be a part of your permanent student record.
Will WSU grant me academic credit for work experience I have completed since leaving WSU?
Generally no. WSU requires that you complete any type of work experience or internship under the guidance of your major department.
Will I be required to complete any new requirements that have been put in place since I left WSU?
Perhaps. All students are responsible for meeting the General Education Requirements (GERS) for graduation including those for the college and their major department. GERS are based on the date the student first enrolled in college after high school graduation. Check with your advisor to see what specific requirements you have left to complete.
I no longer have a copy of my to-do list that indicates the requirements I have left to complete. How can I get another copy?
You can request an updated copy from the previous major department you were working with before you left WSU. They will review your file and provide you with a list of the requirements that you need to complete for graduation.
What are the Writing Portfolio requirements?
Students are expected to complete the Writing Portfolio by the end of the first semester after completion of 60 credit hours. If you started your post-secondary education at a WSU-accredited institution during fall semester 1991 or later, you must complete the writing portfolio requirement. The Writing Portfolio consists of two parts: In Part I, students must submit three writing samples from three different courses, only one of which may be a composition course. In Part II, a writing exam is required, consisting of two “blue book” essays written during a single proctored, two-hour session. For further information, contact the Writing Assessment Office in CUE 303, 1-509-335-7959.
Will I be required to return to campus in order to complete my Writing Portfolio?
No. You can complete your Writing Portfolio at a distance through WSU’s Distance Degree Programs by calling 800-222-4978.
Students must also complete two writing-in-the-major courses. Check with your advisor to see what courses will fulfill this requirement. Students needing tutorial assistance with writing can access METRO.
Where can I get an application for graduation or change my graduation date?
You can obtain an Application for Graduation or make a date change through your major academic department, or academic advisor. The Application for Graduation is good for three years. After that time, it must be renewed and a new fee paid.
Who can answer my questions about financial aid?
You can apply for student aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or access WSU’s Financial Aid Web site. For additional information contact Financial Aid, 380 Lighty Student Services Building or call (509) 335-9711.