Q: |
Which calendar does DWU follow? |
A: |
The traditional academic programs follow the semester system.
There are two semesters (fall and spring), a May term, and summer
sessions that begin in
June and July. |
|
Q: |
What is the average course load and unit requirement to be
a full-time student? |
A: |
The average course load of an undergraduate is 12-16 units
per semester. An undergraduate is considered full-time if enrolled
for 12 or more units and part-time if enrolled for fewer than 12
units. |
|
Q: |
What is the unit-hour limitation? |
A: |
Any unit over 16 is considered an overload. Special permission
must be secured from the student’s advisor and dean before
a student is allowed to register for more than 18 units. Registration
for over 16 units incurs additional tuition. |
|
Q: |
How many hours per week are recommended for studying? |
A: |
Generally speaking, students should plan to spend two to three
hours studying outside of class per week for each unit enrolled.
For example, if a student is enrolled in a three-credit class,
he/she should plan to spend at least six to nine hours studying
per week outside of class.
For most non-laboratory classes, students
are in class for approximately one hour per unit of credit. For
example, if a student is enrolled
in a three-unit history class, he or she will spend approximately
three hours in the classroom.
|
|
Q: |
What is meant by “Good Academic Standing”? |
A: |
A student in good academic standing is one who is making satisfactory
academic progress as defined by the General Catalog and who has
met all of their financial obligations to the University. |
|
Q: |
When do continuing students register for classes? |
A: |
Registration for continuing students takes place during the
preceding semester for any given fall or spring semester on designated
dates. A student is not considered registered until tuition and
fees have been paid and the proper forms have been filed with the
registrar. |
|
Q: |
How is the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated? |
A: |
The grade point average is determined by adding
quality points, which are assigned to each semester unit of credit,
and then dividing the sum by the total number of semester hours
earned. For example, a grade of A in a 3-unit course will generate
12 quality points (4.0 X 3 = 12 quality points). So if a student
earned four A’s in 3-unit courses, he/she will have a 4.0
GPA (48/12 = 4). As an exception to this rule, non-letter grades
will not affect a student’s GPA. Quality points are assigned
to each semester unit of credit as follows:
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|
Q: |
Is Pass-Fail grading an option at DWU? |
A: |
Students are permitted to enroll in specified courses on a
pass-fail option basis. The objective is to encourage students
to widen their academic horizons by enrolling in courses of interest
without the burden of competing with students in the major. General
education curriculum and major requirement courses may not be taken
pass/fail. |
|
Q: |
May I have access to my student’s grades? |
A: |
Families may not have access to their student’s grades
without the written permission of their student. The Federal Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, also known
as the Buckley Amendment, provides students with significant rights
of access to their educational records – including grades – as
well as protects the privacy of student records. Students may gain
access to any written academic records directly concerning them.
There are some records of parents to which a student has no right
of access. The Act entitles students to the privacy of their records.
Only material classified as directory information, as defined in
the general catalog, can be released without student consent. This
permission must be filed in writing. If students give reasonable
notice, they can have part or all of their directory information
withheld. |
|
Q: |
What is the Dean’s List? |
A: |
The Dean’s List is a list of students achieving high
scholarship for a given semester. To be eligible, a student must
be enrolled full-time for 12 units or more of course work graded “A” through “F” and
achieve a 3.5 or better. |
|
Q: |
How does a student qualify for academic honors at commencement? |
A: |
To be considered for Commencement Honors, a student must have
completed at least 60 units of academic course works graded “A” through “F” at
DWU and have a minimum DWU grade point average of 3.85 for Summa
Cum Laude, 3.75 for Magna Cum Laude, and 3.50 for Cum Laude. |
|
Q: |
What can be done if my student and his or her on-campus roommate
have a problem? |
A: |
At the beginning of the year, roommates are encouraged
to complete a roommate contract that is designed to foster healthy
relationships. At this time, roommates discuss such topics as
visitation,
study time, quiet hours, personal property, and housekeeping.
The roommate contract gives each roommate an opportunity to voice
his/her
expectations of the other’s behavior. The contract represents
a signed agreement between the two, and is kept in the room and
with the resident advisor for future reference.
If your student
has a problem with his roommate, encourage your student to talk
to his roommate about any concerns and work towards
a resolution together. Often, problems are a result of something
that can be resolved through communication. Experience has shown
that the most difficult element of roommate conflict resolution
is for the student to initiate a discussion of conflict. Encouraging
your student to discuss concerns openly with her roommate will
help her to acquire skills in problem solving and conflict resolution
that will have life-long effects. In addition, your student’s
resident advisor has been trained to mediate roommate problems.
As a last resort, your student may consider a room change. Room
changes can only occur following the second week of classes.
This gives new roommates an opportunity to work out differences
or problems before initiating a change in residence. Room changes
later in the academic year will be considered only by consultation
with the residence life director.
|
|
Q: |
What are some ways to decrease my student’s homesickness? |
A: |
Although many students may not admit it, homesickness is a common
experience for new college students. It is not unusual for students
to struggle with feelings
of depression or loneliness as a result of homesickness during college. Continue
to write to your student even if she does not write back. Residence life staff
are available to offer support, a listening ear and suggestions to assist students
through this challenging time. In addition, the university’s counselor
is available to assist students when homesickness appears to be more serious. |
|
Q: |
What kinds of educational support services are available for
students? |
A: |
The academic transition from high school to college is not
always easy for students, even excellent students. Some students
who have always done well think they can put forth the same effort
in college and continue to do equally as well. This usually is
not the case. Students need to recognize that changes in study
habits, study time, and self-discipline may be necessary to ease
the transition. Some of the elements that contribute to a successful
transition are:
- Refine study habits
- Balancing study time and class time with
a satisfying social life
- Recognizing when help is needed and
getting it
- Approaching faculty members to request feedback on
assignments
- Learning to use the library and other academic support
resources
|
Q: |
Why should my student get involved on-campus? |
A: |
Involvement is time and energy invested both
inside and outside of the classroom. Becoming involved will increase
your student’s circle of friends, allow her to apply what
she is learning to actual experiences and broaden her perspectives.
It is fun, it is fulfilling, and it is important to the person
she is becoming.
Life outside of the classroom will contribute
significantly to your student’s collegiate experience.
A complete education combines time in the classroom with experiences
outside. While
the majority of DWU students work, those who get the most out
of college also plan time for involvement.
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|
Q: |
Are the residence halls a safe place to live? |
A: |
Although no campus is free of crime, DWU residence halls represent
an environment that is responsive to the safety concerns of students.
Students are encouraged to immediately report any suspicious activity
to the residence life staff members on duty. Access to the halls
and rooms is limited through a combination card and key system.
Students are prohibited from sharing their cards or keys with anyone
to help ensure the security of all residents. A variety of safety
and security programs are offered throughout the year to educate
students about preventing crime and responding to emergencies |
|
Q: |
What is the university’s policy on consumption
of alcohol on campus? |
A: |
DWU is a dry campus. Regardless of a person’s age, it
is illegal to consume alcohol in any area of the residence halls
or on campus, and to possess, use, or distribute illegal drugs.
Despite these best efforts and policies, it is not uncommon for
students experiencing life on their own to experiment with alcohol
and other drugs. The university community attempts to educate its
students about substance use and abuse. Facts concerning the affects
of use, both physically and psychologically, are discussed, and
students are encouraged to consider the consequences when making
choices to use substances. The entire DWU campus is tobacco free.
No smoking is permitted in any building or on the grounds. The
tobacco policy applies to smokeless tobacco as well. |
|
Q: |
My student will not be able to come home for every holiday.
Will students be able to stay in their residence hall rooms during
holiday breaks? |
A: |
The residence halls remain open for every school break except
for the winter break following fall exams. The residence halls
are closed during this time.
Students must secure alternative housing when the halls are closed. |
