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Course Overload Policy

Each academic program has a preferred sequence of classes which is intended to optimize learning first, and time-to-degree second.  Changes in a student’s course sequence are approved by the academic program Dean/Chair. The Dean/Chair will decide whether a student may be approved for a course overload.  

Please Note: MS Occupational Therapy students are not eligible for course overload. 

A student is in overload when one of the two conditions exists:

  1. a student's schedule exceeds 18 credits in a semester – or –
  2. a course(s) is added to a student's standard course sequence.

In addition to receiving approval from the academic program Dean/Chair, a student must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible for a course overload:

  1. Students must have a cumulative and previous term grade point average (GPA):
    1. Undergraduate students = 2.7 or above.
    2. Graduate students = 3.25 or above. MSOT students are not eligible for course overload.
  2. The student must have passed all courses with a “C-” or better.
  3. Have passed all core courses with a “C+” or better.
  4. Be in good standing with the University.
  5. Not be in his/her first term at WCU.

Program Deans/Chairs may consider additional factors in their review of overload petitions. Examples include previous educational performance, classroom seating capacity, absence of pre-requisite coursework, or other curriculum limitations. Students are encouraged to consult with their program Dean/Chair for details on limitations.

Once all the above requirements have been satisfied, an Overload Request form will be provided to the student. The signed Overload Request form must be submitted to the Financial Aid office so the student may receive counseling on the financial ramifications for the additional course(s). After this counseling, a financial aid representative will sign the Overload Request form, after which the student must submit the Overload Request form to the Campus Registrar for the final approval. The Campus Registrar must receive the Overload Request form with all required signatures within 72 hours of the initial request.

 

Please see Course Overload Policy Addendum.