Shared Content 2014-2015 > Academic Policies and Procedures > Course Overload Policy

Course Overload Policy

Course overloads occur when students enroll in more courses or credits than are typically prescribed within a program of study.  The Dean or Chair will decide whether or not a student may be approved for an overload.   Each academic program has a preferred sequence of classes which is intended first to optimize learning and, secondly, to optimize time-to-degree.  For undergraduate programs, a student is considered to be in overload when one of two conditions exists:

1. The schedule adjustment exceeds 18 units in a semester; or
2. The student initiates a schedule change which deviates in any way from the standard pre-scheduled preferred sequence of classes for any given academic program as established for the student by the university

For all programs (graduate and undergraduate), students must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered eligible for an overload:

1. Have a cumulative and previous term/semester grade point average (GPA) of
   1. Undergraduate students =  3.0 or above
   2. Graduate students = 3.25 or above
2. Have passed all non-core and/or prerequisite courses with a C or better.
3. Be in good standing with the University.
4. Not be in his/her first term at WCU.
5. Permitted only during the General Education Portion of the Program.
   1. Have not begun the Core portion of their program.  Students are not permitted course overloads or changes to course sequences once they begin the Core program.
6. Have not previously been granted a course overload.  Students are permitted only one course overload while attending West Coast University.

Program Deans/Chairs may consider additional factors in their review of overload petitions.  Examples include previous educational performance, classroom seating capacity, required 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 to 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.

Occasionally it may be required for a program Dean/Chair to adjust the sequence of courses on behalf of a student.  In these scenarios, the program Dean/Chair may approve these adjustments without it being considered an overload, however students must still:

1. Meet the minimum requirements as stated above
2. Not exceed 18 credits within a semester.  Any student exceeding 18 credits within a semester must follow all Course Overload procedures