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Frequently Asked Questions
 Is it important that a higher education institution be accredited?
Will all my previous college credits transfer to WSU?
How quickly can I earn my degree through Distance Degree Programs?
Can I get a list of the courses I will need to take for a distance degree?
Do I ever have to come to campus to finish my degree through DDP?
What is the difference between being admitted and registering?
Are Distance Degree Programs students eligible for financial aid?
Will financial aid pay for flexible enrollment courses?
How do I receive financial aid?
As a Distance Degree Programs student, can I take flexible enrollment courses and will they count toward my degree?
Do I automatically receive my textbooks when I register?
Is the Students Book Corporation part of WSU?
Does WSU have a student government for Distance Degree Programs students?
When calling, how can I be sure to talk to someone who can help me?
How do I get e-mail or Internet access?
Can I get a WSU e-mail account?
How do I know my course work was received by DDP?
Can I get an extension for a flexible enrollment course if I don't complete it in one year?
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Is it important that a higher education institution be accredited? |
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Yes, it is very important. The accreditation status of a higher-education institution influences how courses
and degrees from an institution are regarded by other institutions (especially for transferability and admission
to graduate programs) as well as potential employers. Full accreditation by a reputable, recognized accrediting
organization indicates that an institution's programs have been reviewed and judged to meet high standards of
accountability. Washington State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association
of Schools and Colleges, the regional accrediting association. To view more information about WSU's accreditation
please vist WSU's Accreditation Web site. WSU is also a
member of the National University Continuing Education Association and is listed in the official publications of
the U. S. Office of Education and the State Department of Public Instruction.
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Will all my previous college credits transfer to WSU? |
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Possibly. Transferability of credits is determined by the WSU Office of Admissions and is generally dependent on (1) whether the institution where you took the credits was accredited and (2) whether or not a course was considered to be academic in nature. If the institution was not accredited at the time of your enrollment or the course was not academic in nature, the credits will not transfer.
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How quickly can I earn my degree through Distance Degree Programs? |
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This varies since it is dependent on the number of credits you transfer into a program and the time you are able to commit. We recommend students register for no more than four courses per semester; the majority of students take two. Semester-based courses, as the name suggests, are offered in a semester time frame; they are not intended to allow completion in less than 15 weeks. Although flexible enrollment courses are offered in a more flexible time frame, it is not realistic to expect to complete one in less than three months.
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Can I get a list of the courses I will need to take for a distance degree? |
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What you will need to take depends on your transferable credits and your goals. During the admission process, the Office of Admissions evaluates your transcripts and prepares a transfer credit report (TCR) which identifies the transferable credits and the WSU general education requirements (GERs) they fulfill. a DDP academic adviser evaluates your TCR and, in consultation with you, prepares a study plan to maximize your existing credits and to help you work toward graduation requirements and your personal education goals.
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Do I ever have to come to campus to finish my degree through DDP? |
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No, but we encourage you to visit the Pullman campus, especially for DDP-sponsored events such as our annual fall open house and, of course, graduation ceremonies. More information about these events may be found on the Associated Students of WSU-Distance Degree Programs (ASWSU-DDP) Web site (www.aswsu-DDP.wsu.edu/).
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What is the difference between being admitted and registering? |
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A Students enrolling in all distance learning courses must register for the courses by completing a DDP registration form. However, only students enrolling in semester-based courses must apply for admission to WSU. Students registering for flexible enrollment courses do not require admission status, therefore, they do not need to apply for admission.
- Degree-seeking students new to WSU must submit a “WSU Undergraduate Application for Admission” as a transfer student or “WSU International Student Undergraduate Application for Admission,” have official copies of their transcripts evaluated by the WSU Office of Admissions, and pay the $35 application fee.
- Former WSU students not continuously enrolled (i.e., not enrolling in at least one new course fall and spring semester) must complete a “Former Student Undergraduate Application for Admission” which requires no fee and transcripts only for those courses taken since the original WSU enrollment.
- Non-degree-seeking students (those taking a semester-based course for personal interest or for credit toward a degree at another institution) must submit a “Non-degree Student Application for Admission” which requires neither a transcript evaluation nor a fee.
 WSU Application Forms
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Are Distance Degree Programs students eligible for financial aid? |
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Financial aid is available to eligible degree-seeking Distance Degree Programs students, however, the types and
quantity of aid available and the criteria for qualifying vary greatly. Financial aid information is available on
the WSU Financial Aid Web Page (http://www.finaid.wsu.edu). DDP's Financial Aid Information Web page highlights some
issues that directly impact DDP students. Contact the DDP financial aid adviser for more information.
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Will financial aid pay for flexible enrollment courses? |
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Financial aid may be able to help pay for your flexible enrollment course
tuition/fees. Flexible enrollment courses for which you receive financial aid must be completed within the
semester of enrollment or the credits will show as deficient credits for satisfactory academic progress.
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How do I receive financial aid? |
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You must apply for financial aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) each academic year, which begins fall semester, for which you wish to receive aid. You can apply online (fafsa.ed.gov), or request a print form from DDP, and submit the completed form by mail. The financial aid process can take several months to complete even if you are eligible to receive aid. Start at least three months before you will need aid (if at all possible, it is best to apply in January or February for the upcoming fall semester), provide all information, and respond quickly to any requests for information.
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As a Distance Degree Programs student, can I take flexible enrollment courses and will they count toward my degree? |
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For most programs, yes. Most students enroll in a combination of WSU flexible enrollment and semester-based courses, and courses from other National Universities Degree Consortium (NUDC—see page ?) institutions to complete their bachelor's degrees. However, no more than 25 percent of the credits for a WSU BA or BS degree may be completed through flexible enrollment courses. (This limit does not apply to WSU semester-based and to most NUDC credits.)
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Do I automatically receive my textbooks when I register? |
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No. You order your textbooks and course guides from the Students Book Corporation (SBC; “Bookie”).
You can do so in person at the store on the Pullman Campus (NE 700 Thatuna), via phone (800-937-4978, ext. 336), or online (www.wsuboookie.net). When ordering course materials, be sure to specify whether your course is semester-based or flexible enrollment, especially if the course is offered in both formats. (NOTE: Supplemental materials for which you pay additional fees to WSU are automatically sent to you by DDP upon registration.)
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Is the Students Book Corporation part of WSU? |
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No, the Students Book Corporation is a private, student-owned corporation.
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Does WSU have a student government for Distance Degree Programs students? |
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Yes. ASWSU-DDP, which stands for Associated Students of Washington State University-Distance Degree Programs, is the student government body established in 1998 to "specifically represent the unique and particular interests, needs, and welfare" of WSU's DDP students. ASWSU-DDP's Web site (www.aswsu-DDP.wsu.edu) provides the primary means of communication between ASWSU-DDP and its constituents. Links within the Web site provide more information about ASWSU-DDP, current activities, and student services access.
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When calling, how can I be sure to talk to someone who can help me? |
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Most DDP staff members have general knowledge about all aspects of DDP. However, questions about specific issues should be directed to staff who are familiar with those issues. Clearly and briefly stating your purpose for calling, including whether you are currently enrolled in a distance learning course or are a DDP student, will help the switchboard operator direct your call to a staff member in DDP or in another WSU office who can most likely help you.
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How do I get e-mail or Internet access? |
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E-mail and/or Internet access first requires access to a computer that has a modem or a direct ethernet connection (the hardware). If you have the appropriate hardware at home, you will then need to locate a local Internet service provider (ISP) who can connect you through their server and provide the communications software and instructions necessary to get you hooked up (see also next question). (Local providers also can give you the best information about minimum hardware requirements for adequate connectivity in your area.) The fees charged and services provided vary greatly. Since you will need to rely on your provider for technical support, it's a good idea to consider a provider's customer service record when choosing between local options. If you do not have the hardware or a connection to access the Internet from home, you may be able to use Internet-connected computers at WSU learning centers, local libraries, or other public access sites (e.g., “cybercafes”), but services provided and options available could vary.
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Can I get a WSU e-mail account? |
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DDP students can arrange to have an e-mail account with a WSU address or a WSU address (without a WSU account) which can be forwarded to a non-WSU account. This process depends on a number of variables and cannot be easily explained here; call DDP to find out where to go to get information.
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How do I know my course work was received by DDP? |
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Notification depends upon how you submitted your course work, according to the following:
- When work submitted via the Web Course Work Submission option is received by DDP, a notification e-mail message is sent to you (if DDP has your e-mail on record)—a notification e-mail is also sent when the course work is processed.
- When e-mailed work is received by DDP (directly or as a copy), a reply message is sent automatically to let you know your course work was received.
- When faxed or mailed work is received, no verification is returned.
Whether or not you receive notification of receipt, you can check the status of course work and other course work information online at any time. To do so, log in to My DDP and then select “view” next to the course. (NOTE: If you do not have Web access, you can call DDP and ask a staff member to check the course tracking information for you to verify receipt of your course work.) Please allow sufficient time for delivery of course work before checking.
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Can I get an extension for a flexible enrollment course if I don't complete it in one year? |
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You can request a six-month extension if you have completely approximately 25 percent of your course work, notify the DDP Office, and pay a $50 extension fee. (A one-year extension applied for enrollments before August 1, 1999.) Please contact DDP if you have questions about extensions or think an exception to the 25 percent completion is warranted.
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