Academic Forgiveness Policy

This Academic Forgiveness policy provides a second opportunity to any former WC student, who has experienced past academic difficulties, to have a fresh cumulative grade point average. The policy is designed for undergraduate students who have demonstrated that they can be successful at WC.

Eligibility

1. A student must have been absent for at least three calendar years. 
2. A student must complete one semester of academic work and maintain a minimum semester Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0.

• ​A student who meets these eligibility requirements may request Academic Forgiveness for up to two semesters.  Any courses within the two semesters with grades of C- or lower may be requested to be Forgiven. 
• Forgiven courses remain on the transcript with the grade and credit earned to reflect academic history; however, grade points are removed so the previous grades are excluded from the computation of the student’s cumulative GPA.
• Student transcripts list “Academic Forgiveness Granted (date)” in the semesters where Academic Forgiveness is approved
• While the grade points are not tabulated, Forgiven courses may fulfill requirements as stipulated in programs of study requirements or as electives.
• Grades of C or higher are not altered and are used toward degree requirements as applicable.
• Students follow graduation requirements listed in the catalog at the time of re-entry, not in the catalog the student initially matriculated.  
• Students may request Academic Forgiveness only once during their academic career.
• There is no guarantee that the Academic Forgiveness policy will be recognized by any other college or university.

Considerations:

• The granting of Academic Forgiveness does not supersede a suspension or dismissal policy. Any suspension or dismissal that occurred in the past shall remain recorded on the student’s permanent record.
• Re-admission into any program is not automatic. Granting of Academic Forgiveness may not supersede admissions requirements, which may require a specific minimum grade point average based on all coursework.
• A student interested in pursuing Academic Forgiveness must complete an Academic Petition form and submit it to the Committee on Academic Standing and Degrees.
  • Students wait to submit an Academic Petition until they have earned a minimum of 12 credits, but not more than 32 credits earned since re-admission.

The Academic Petition must include:

1. A statement of the projected benefits if allowed back into the WC under provisions of the Academic Forgiveness.
2. A summary of events explaining the academic record during the student’s previous attendance at WC.
3. Any supporting documents outlining the unusual circumstances should be included.
4. Any recommendation letters from employers that support the student’s development and successes from the time the student departed from WC.
5. A letter from an academic advisor or other faculty member describing positive academic progress and the potential for academic success.

Academic Forgiveness may have impact on financial aid; students should contact the Financial Aid office to understand their situation.