Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a list of deadlines for adding, dropping courses, etc.?

The calendar is available on the Catalogs and Course Schedules page and in the front of the academic graduate and undergraduate catalogs. These dates are also published in "The Translation."

How do I change my major (Undergraduates)?

“Change of Major/ Minor/ Concentration” forms are located on the student portal. The student should go to Administrative Services Forms Change of Major. This needs to be filled out by the student, then signed by the student and new advisor. It should then be emailed to regoff@wmcarey.edu.

This form and process will also be used for students who are adding a major, minor, or concentration.

How long do I have after the first day of classes to add a class?

How long do I have to drop classes?

Details about dropping courses should be checked in the Business Office. A schedule for penalties and fees is provided for each term. One week terms must be dropped by noon of the first day for a refund. A "drop fee" will be charged when hours decrease in number.

What is the difference between dropping a class and a withdrawal?

A drop will not appear on the transcript, and there will not be a fee for dropping; a withdrawal will receive a “W” on the transcript and fees will be applied. Review the Impact on Financial Aid information here.

What if I decide not to attend a term? How do I void my registration and avoid paying fees and/or penalty fees?

You should void your registration as soon as you know that you will not be attending. The earlier the better!

Campus Housing, Financial Aid and the Business Offices will be notified of your request to void. The request will then be received by the Registrar’s Office and your records will be updated accordingly. It will take 2 – 3 business days to see the changes in your Indigo Student Portal. To avoid charges, void requests must be submitted before the term begins. Contact the Business office for more information about fees 601-318-6127.

What do I do if I haven't been there in a while and I want to return to WCU?

If you have been out one trimester or more, you must re-apply in the Admissions Office.

How long do I have to appeal a grade?

Course and grade appeals must be initiated on the appropriate form within 10 working days of the beginning of the subsequent term. The Grade Appeal Form must be picked up in the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs.

How many hours toward a degree can I transfer to WCU from a junior college?

A maximum of 64 hours may be earned in a two-year college to be applied toward a degree at WCU requiring 128 hours. Those degrees requiring 120 hours limit the number of junior college transfer credits for that degree to 60 hours.

If I am a transfer student, when will my hours be evaluated for transfer credit at WCU?

You must be accepted, enrolled, complete in Admissions, and attending classes before your transcripts from other schools will be evaluated.

What if I want to take a course at another college/university while I am at WCU?

You must get a Letter of Good Standing from the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs for permission to take the course. When you have completed the course, an official transcript should be furnished to the Registrar's Office at William Carey. (Remember: your last thirty-two hours for a 128-hour degree and/or thirty hours for a 120-hour degree must be earned at WCU.)

While I am enrolled at WCU, how can I allow a third party (parents, spouse, etc.) to tend to business for me, such as picking up a transcript for me, inquiring about my finances, or having general questions that I might wish them to ask for me?

Once you are enrolled at WCU, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA) protects you with privacy of all your records except general directory information. To release information to a third party, you must sign the third party waiver (located in the student portal ) in the presence of a Business Office or Registrar's Office employee, who will also sign the waiver. Then the person(s) you name on the waiver will be allowed to discuss matters with WCU personnel concerning your records. This will cover both financial and academic records.

Is there a way that I can register for my classes online?

Yes. Registration is done through the Indigo Portal.

If you are a new student, your advisor will have to register you for your first term. You will also need to verify that you are eligible to register using the myStatus email messages. Some holds on your account may prevent online registration at any time. myStatus should explain any holds throughout your enrollment at WCU.

Once I register online, can I go in and make changes to my registration?

Yes, you may make changes without financial penalty during the two weeks of pre-registration and advisement for a term. After the two-week period, you may change your schedule, but some drop fees may apply.

How do I get WCU to verify the date I earned a degree?

All degree verifications from WCU are done through the National Student Clearinghouse. Details are available here.

How do I get enrollment verifications for lenders, insurance companies, etc., for current and past terms of my enrollment?

Enrollment verifications are also done through the National Student Clearinghouse. This form can be found on your Indigo Portal under Enrollment Verification.

What do I have to do to apply for graduation?

Application for Degree forms are posted on the Registrar's website for most degrees. If you do not find the application for your degree, you will have to see your advisor in your department.

Download the form, then list the courses required for your degree. You, your advisor, and your dean or department chair must sign the application. Your advisor will then your application for degree to the Registrar's office before the application deadline.

These dates are October 15 for February and May graduates and March 31 for the August and November graduates.

You will be fitted and pay for your cap and gown in the bookstore, and there will be a separate fee for this. Make sure your WCU account is paid by the posted deadline, or you will not receive your diploma, due to unpaid fees.

What if I miss the deadline?

If you miss the first deadline, you have to pay a late fee. If you miss the final deadline, you must wait and participate in the next scheduled graduation ceremony. Please check with the school calendar for the dates of the deadlines. These dates are posted in several places for your convenience, such as the Office of the Registrar’s page.

What if I would like to receive my diploma without walking in a formal ceremony or in November or February?

Walking in the graduation ceremonies is not required unless you are a doctoral student. We encourage students who finish in November or February to join us for the May ceremony.

Can I cancel my application, and will my money be refunded?

You can cancel your application, but no refunds are given.

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas are issued the week following the conferral date. Diplomas may be held if there is a hold on the student’s account.

When will my degree be posted?

The degree will be posted on your transcript by the end of the week following graduation ceremonies.

Am I allowed to decorate my cap or gown for the graduation ceremony?

William Carey University does not permit decorated caps or gowns of any kind. Those found with decorated caps will be instructed to remove the decorations or purchase a new cap from the Bookstore on site.

Am I required to participate in the graduation ceremony when I have earned my degree?

Walking in the graduation ceremonies is not required unless you are a doctoral student. We encourage students who finish in November or February to join us for the May ceremony.

When and where do I pick up my regalia (cap and gown)?

It is up to the student to order their regalia. The regalia will be mailed or picked up from the bookstore prior to the ceremony.

Can I request a transcript by phone or email?

No. All transcript requests are fielded through Parchment, our transcript vendor.

What is the fee for having a transcript processed?

Transcripts are $11 per copy.

Can I have a transcript faxed?

No, transcripts are not approved to be faxed.

Is the first copy of my transcript free?

No. All transcripts are $11 per copy. However, currently enrolled students may access an unofficial transcript from their student portals free of charge. (Students may also access their schedules and their accounts in the business office from their portals. Enrollment verification is also available for students on the portals.)

If I buy several copies, will I get a discount?

No.

Can my transcript be sent electronically?

Yes. Transcripts can be sent electronically. More information regarding this process is on the Registrar's website with instructions for ordering transcripts.

How can I apply for VA educational benefits?

Apply online for benefits through https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ and contact the VA Certifying Official for your campus: Hattiesburg: Jamie Walley (601-318-6008) Tradition: Amanda Knesal (228-376-8480)

How can I check the status of my monthly VA checks or find out how many months remain on my eligibility?

Call the VA toll-free automated number 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (442-4551).

Where are Montgomery GI Bill checks mailed?

For the previous chapters of the Montgomery GI Bill, the payments are sent to you directly by automatic deposit into your checking account or savings account. The Chapter 33 Post 9/11 Bill will pay tuition directly to the school. If you are eligible to receive a housing or supply stipend through the Post 9/11 Bill, those payments will be sent directly to the veteran.

How do I verify my monthly enrollment to the VA?

The verification can be done by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE): https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do or by using an automated system 1-877-823-2378.

If I am in the National Guard or Reserves and receiving the GI Bill, can I get additional educational assistance?

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).