Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy a parking pass, and where can I park?
All motor vehicles, including motorcycles and motorbikes, parked on College property must be registered with Parking Services located at 201 Ukrop Way. This registration can also be accomplished at the Watermen's Hall Registration Desk for those individuals at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science campus. The operator of each vehicle will be issued an appropriate decal or permit. The purchase of a decal entitles individuals to park only in those areas designated fjor the respective decal. The purchase of a decal does not guarantee a specific parking space. Decals are effective for the school year which runs from date of issue through August 31 of the following calendar year. Temporary permits are issued as necessary for durations appropriate with their purpose.
How do I register for classes?
The Office of the University Registrar coordinates registration for new students. Transfer students will register up to a maximum of 11 credit hours during the pre-registration phase prior to arriving on campus. When you come to campus for New Student Orientation, you will have the opportunity to adjust your schedule and register for additional credits. Continuing students are invited to register for their courses in April for the fall semester and in November for the spring semester. Registration priority is based on academic classification. Complete registration instructions apply to October for the spring semester and in March for summer school and fall semester.
What is the minimum number of credit hours to be considered a full time student?
Students at the College of William and Mary are expected to remain enrolled full-time throughout their academic career. A full-time degree student must register for at least 12 and not more than 18 credits each semester. The normal load for a student planning to graduate with a degree in four years is 15 academic credits per semester, or 30 credits each academic year.
Will my GPA from my previous institution transfer with me?
No. Transfer grades do not affect degree requirements, grade point average or class rank.
Can I withdraw from a course at any point in the semester?
After the add/drop period, students may withdraw with a grade of "W" from a course through the ninth week of classes. The exact deadline is available on the semester combined calendar. Students who withdraw from one or more courses must maintain a course load of at least 12 credits and must follow procedures established by the Office of the University Registrar. No other withdrawals are permitted without the approval of the Committee on Academic Status. Petition forms are available in the Office of the Dean of Students. Students without an approved underload who withdraw below the 12 credit hour minimum will be put back into the class(es).
What happens if I can't take a final at the scheduled time?
Final examinations are rescheduled or deferred only for extraordinary and compelling reasons. Except in narrowly defined circumstances, changes in the examination schedule are not allowed. Students should not assume that a request is approved until they receive written approval from the appropriate dean. Individual faculty members may not grant permission to reschedule or defer a final examination.
Requests to reschedule a final examination within the examination period should be filed with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, located in Ewell Hall, Room 124. Requests may be made when a student has three scheduled final examinations in three consecutive exam periods on consecutive days, when there is a conflict between a student's scheduled examinations or when a student wishes to take an examination with a different section of the same course.
All other requests for exceptions to the examination schedule are considered as requests to defer a final examination. These requests should be filed with the Office of the Dean of Students, located in the Campus Center, Room 109, and may be made on the basis of illness or other extenuating circumstances (such as a death or other family emergency, conflict with a religious holiday or participation in activities by a student representing the College). Final examinations that are deferred will be scheduled for the beginning of the following regular semester.
What assistance can I receive for my disability needs?
Disability Services works cooperatively with students to develop self-advocacy and to create a network of on and off campus resources. Student needs and concerns are addressed on a case-by-case basis and eligibility for services is determined by thorough review of each individual's diagnostic information. Services and accommodations for students with documented disabilities are intended to provide equal educational opportunity through programmatic access to the William and Mary campus community.
Will I be eligible for on-campus housing?
The Office of Residence Life is able to provide housing to only a limited number of transfer students. The spots available are generally awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each spring, returning students who plan to live on campus must pay a $200 non-refundable deposit in order to be eligible to participate in the annual Room Selection Process. Details regarding this process are available from any Residence Life staff member and are accessible on the Residence Life website each spring.
How many students transfer to William and Mary each year?
Over the years, the number of transfer students entering William & Mary has increased substantially. In the fall of 2007, 192 of the 1346 (14.2%) new students were transfers. This percentage has increased in each of the last four years.
What are the GER requirements?
Undergraduate students are required to fulfill the seven General Education Requirements (GERs). GER courses must be either three or four credit courses, except for courses used to fulfill GER 6, which can be one, two, three or four-credit courses. A single course may fulfill, at most, two GERs and may also be used to fulfill major, minor and/or proficiency requirements. Courses used to satisfy GERs may not be taken Pass/Fail except for those courses designated by the College as Pass/Fail courses, such as physical activity courses in the Department of Kinesiology.
I need help with time management, test prep and note taking. Where can I find this?
The Academic Support program of the Dean of Students Office is a place where students at the College of William and Mary can receive assistance in achieving their academic goals. The Office provides the services and resources necessary for students to be successful within and outside the classroom.
How do I become involved on campus?
The Office of Student Activities is a great resource for becoming engaged with the campus. This office is the hub for clubs and organizations, Greek life and programming board. The Office of Community Engagement is the place to get involved in community service and service learning.
What are ways to make friends and develop a social network on campus?
Become involved! Sign up for clubs and service trips, apply for leadership positions and take full advantage of every opportunity available on campus.
How can I become a Transfer Student Mentor?
The Student Mentor Program (SMP) maintains an open membership to all qualified rising Juniors and Seniors enrolled at the College. New mentors are selected via an online application process, which includes a minimum Grade Point Average qualification and a review of applicants' student conduct and/or honor records by the Dean of Students Office. After a candidate has been approved for membership in the SMP as a Student Mentor, they are required to participate in training session(s) during the spring semester and sign the Student Mentor Contract pledging their commitment to fulfilling their obligations to their assigned mentees. Signature of the contract signifies official admittance into the organization.
Am I eligible to study abroad?
Yes with compliance to W&M degree requirements, you are eligible to study abroad. Join the more than 600 W&M students who study overseas every year, and spend a summer, semester, or full academic year on the program of your choice. Click on the links below to find out more about the programs we offer, how to prepare for study abroad and how to get the most of your time overseas.
