College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Humanities (CASSH)

How do I go about changing my major/minor or adding a major/minor?

• If your first major is in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities or you are changing to a major in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities fill out the online change of program/plan form

When can I change my major/minor or add a major/minor?

• Any time except during a period of time just before and during registration. You can turn in your change plan during that period and we will process it as soon as registration is closed. In the meantime you should use the "what if" feature in your Student Center as well as the catalog to understand your degree requirements.
• Students who are academically ineligible or who are on probation cannot change their plan. They need to wait until they are back in Good Standing.

My Major has an admissions requirement. Can I still declare it as a major?

• Students can declare any major, however, as part of some programs there will be a separate admissions process. For example, Education programs require that you apply to get accepted in order to advance through their field experiences.  You can declare an Education major at any time, just realize that the admissions process is also a necessary step. The Psychology Major is a bit different, it requires that you complete an online tutorial before you declare yourself a Psychology major. Psychology majors must take the online tutorial and then meet with an advisor in Psychology prior to declaring a Psychology major - see their website for details.

Who can help me choose a Major/Minor?

• If you are undeclared the best place to go is the Academic Advising Center. The advisors in the AAC specialize in helping students choose their path of study. They can also help you choose a minor that will fit well with your Major.
• If you would like to speak with a faculty member in a particular department feel free to contact that faculty member via email or his or her office. Faculty members should post office hours outside of their office door. You can also contact the department ADA to find out if there is a particular faculty member in charge of helping inquiring students.
• If you're interested in a Major/Minor that is located in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities contact the Dean's Office in 235 Morris Hall (785-5454) and ask to make an appointment with an advisor. 

What is the difference between a BA and a BS?

• A BA stands for Bachelor of Arts. After you choose a BA you need to choose a BA track. You can choose either a Humanities, Fine Arts, or Language track. Your choice will determine your College Core requirements. 
• A BS stands for Bachelor of Science.
• The main difference between the two is that for a BA you need to obtain at least the 102 level of a language (and 202 if going for the Language track). With the BS you need an extra Lab science.
• Note: Some degrees require either a BA or a BS - you may not have a choice.

I received a letter saying I was suspended. What does that mean?

• If your semester GPA was low or your cumulative GPA was too low it triggers an automatic suspension status. See this page from the catalog for GPA requirements.
• You can appeal your suspension. If your appeal is accepted you will be placed on probation. If your appeal is denied or you do not appeal you will not be able to continue to attend UWL.

How do I appeal my suspension status?

• Your suspension letter will direct you to instructions for the appeal. Write the appeal to your college dean's office. It can be an attached word document or in the body of an email. In it explain why your GPA was low, what you are doing to improve your performance, and what you plan to do in the future to make yourself a more successful student.

What happens if my appeal is denied?

• If your appeal is denied you may request a final appeal to the Committee on Academic Policies and Standards (CAPS). This committee meets once during the week prior to the beginning of the semester. If you miss this opportunity, you must satisfy the one semester period of suspension. If CAPS accepts your appeal, you will be placed on Probation and may attend UWL that semester. If CAPS denies your appeal, you must satisfy the one semester period of suspension. To return in a future semester, you must submit a written appeal to the Dean's office. After satisfying the suspension period, approval of your written request for readmission is greatly improved.
• Work with your Dean's office to put together a CAPS appeal.

How and when can I drop a course?

• You need to refer to the "Important Dates and Deadlines" web page. If you want to drop or add a course within the first week of the semester you can do it via WINGS - no signatures are required. To add a course after the first week at least one signature is required as well as a trip to Records and Registration. You can drop a course up to one week after midterm. You can drop a class via WINGS (no signature required) up to the tenth day of classes. If you drop after the tenth day there will be a "W" on your transcript. You will need a signature from your instructor or advisor (try to get the instructor's signature). You can pick up add/drop forms in many locations but for sure in 138 Wimberly Hall.
• To add a course after the first week you need signatures from both the instructor and the chair of the department your course is offered from. 
• For adds and drops pay attention to financial considerations. Will dropping a course bring you below 12 credits? Will adding a course put you above 18? Contact the Financial Aid office if you have questions about your aid.
• Depending on when you drop a course you may still have to pay partially or fully for the credits. See the "Important Dates and Deadlines" web page for details. Also, check with financial aid because it could affect your financial aid package.

How do I add a course?

• If it is within the first week of the semester you can do it from WINGS. During the second week instructors can give you permission to add a course through WINGS.  After the second week you need the instructor and Chair's signature. Add/Drop forms can be found at 138 Wimberly Hall. Turn in the form at Records and Registration (117 Graff Main Hall)

The course I want is closed but I need to get into it. What can I do?

• Every course/department has a separate process. The first step is to contact the instructor. In some cases they can complete an electronic override which allows you to sign up for the class via WINGS.

Can I take more than 18 credits?

• Under exceptional circumstances it is permissible to take more than 18 credits. You will need to get an override signed in the Dean's office. Factors that will be taken in to consideration include need and GPA. Keep in mind that any credit in excess of 18 credits will cost more money.
• The same applies for anyone wishing to take more than 12 credits in the Summer or more than 3 credits over Winter Intercession.

I need to take two classes that overlap in time. Can I still sign up for them?

• You need to have both instructors sign an override and then you need to take that form to the Dean's office (138 Wimberly Hall) for a signature. Then you turn it in with Records and Registration (117 Main Hall).
• Requests should be reasonable. Do not expect an instructor to allow you to be consistently late for class or to be able to leave early every day. Time conflict overrides should be used in exceptional circumstances.

I think I am ready to graduate soon, what do I do?

• The semester prior to graduating you should apply to graduate in your WINGS student center. It is located in the same drop down menu as your Academic Requirements (AR) report).
• You should also contact the Dean's office (138 Wimberly Hall, 785-5454) and ask them to perform a credit check. They will let you know if you are on track.
• Before classes begin every semester the Academic Services Directors (ASD) in the Dean's office complete a credit check of all students who have applied to graduate. If they find that you have not registered for the right courses or lack sufficient credits to graduate they will contact you via email. Hopefully you will be able to alter your schedule in time for classes to begin.
• At any time in your career at UWL if you have any questions regarding degree completing contact the Dean's Office (138 Wimberly Hall, 785-5454). While your faculty advisor can also check your status, the Academic Service Directors in the Dean's office are the folks who will complete your official degree verification when you are all done with your coursework. 

Can I participate in the May commencement ceremony if I am a summer graduate?

• Yes.  Also, you may participate in the December ceremony if you plan on being a Winter Intercession graduate.

• General information about commencement can be found here.