Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Registration is done through the Indigo Portal. On the left of the screen, you will select "Registration" and the term for which you would like to register.

• 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.

What is the last day I can add or drop a course?

The last day to add or drop a course without penalty is the first Friday of the term. You can review the Academic Calendar for specific term dates.These dates are also published in "The Translation."

How do I withdraw from my current or future courses?

You can withdraw through your Indigo Portal. On the left side, you will select "Administrative Services," "Forms," "Withdraw from Carey." Be sure to select the correct term!

We understand circumstances arise. If we can help, please reach out to the WCU Student Success Center.

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

You should withdraw 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.

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 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.

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.

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.)

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 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 on the Office of the Registrar page in the drop downs.

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?

Contact your advisor for your degree application.

Download the form, then list the courses required for your degree (shown on your WCU transcript in your student portal). You, your advisor, and your dean or department chair must sign the application. Your advisor will then email your application to the Office of the Registrar before the application deadline.

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

Make sure your WCU account is paid before the end of the term, or you will not receive your diploma due to unpaid fees.

Do I have to pay a fee?

While there is not a degree application fee, there is a $50 late fee if you miss the first deadline.If you miss the final deadline, you must wait and participate in the next scheduled graduation ceremony. Please check with the school calendars for the dates of the deadlines.

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 degree 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. You will receive a text message and an email to your student email address with a link and instructions on how to claim your digital diploma. Physical diplomas are mailed via Parchment, and you should receive it 4 to 6 weeks after issuance.

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.

Where can I order my cap and gown?

The WCU Bookstore on the Hattiesburg Campus has most regalia in stock for same day pickup. It is not guaranteed that your specific regalia is available, so please contact them at 601-318-6123.

You can also order it online to be shipped to you. Undergraduate and graduate regalia needs to be ordered at least 4 weeks prior to commencement to ensure timely delivery. Doctoral regalia should be ordered 12 weeks before commencement.

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. You can only participate in the ceremony once per degree!

Can I request a transcript by phone or email?

No. All transcript requests must be ordered through Parchment, our transcript vendor.

What is the fee for having a transcript processed?

Transcripts are $11.50 per copy; however, currently enrolled students may access an unofficial transcript from their student portals free of charge. 

Can I have a transcript faxed?

No, transcripts are not approved to be faxed.

Can my transcript be sent electronically?

Yes. Transcripts can be sent electronically, and most recipients prefer it! Be sure to check with their preferred method before submitting a transcript order.

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.

How can I apply for VA educational benefits?

Apply online for benefits through the VA, and contact the VA Certifying Official for your campus:

Hattiesburg and Baton Rouge: va@wmcarey.edu; 601-318-6195

Tradition: Amanda Knesal, akneasal@wmcarey.edu; 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) 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).