General Catalog – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I know who my advisor is?
- What should I do if I'm having trouble deciding on a major?
- In what ways are classes here similar to or different from those at high school?
- In what ways are classes here similar to or different from those at community college?
- To help plan my class schedule, how can I find out when and how frequently the courses I need are offered?
- How will I know what my tuition is for each semester?
- Where do I pay my tuition? What options exist for payment?
- What kind of financial aid is available?
- Where do I get the books that are required for my classes?
- What is required to establish residency in the state of Washington for tuition purposes?
- How can I arrange for parking? Is there a fee?
- Who is eligible to use the child care facility on campus?
- As an undergraduate, are there opportunities to work with professors on their research or to do independent study in an area of special interest?
- What is an internship and what value does it have?
- What kinds of jobs are available for students with a degree in my major? What starting salarly can I expect with this kind of degree?
- If I'm interested in a job on campus, where can I find out what opportunities exist?
How do I know who my advisor is? 
Incoming freshmen receive advising at ROAR (Registration, Orientation, Advising and Resources). Most freshmen are initially advised through the Student Resource Center (SRC) and move to a department academic coordinator or faculty advisor at a later date. At the time of admission transfer students new to WSU are assigned an academic coordinator either in the SRC or in their major department. Contact the SRC at 360-546-9155 if you have questions about who your advisor will be. Graduate student advisors are assigned by the major department.
What should I do if I'm having trouble deciding on a major?
Many students find it difficult to choose between two or more options that seem to be good preparation for their career goals. To help you reach a decision, talk with an advisor in the Student Resource Center (SRC). The advisor can discuss your career interests, as well as your skills and strengths to identify an appropriate program of study. The advisor can also compare your degree options side by side, so you can see what requirements would remain for you to complete. A career counselor can assist in identifying a major that is a fit with your skills and interests. The counselor may recommend and interpret a career assessment. You may also utilize career services at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career or call 360-546-9155.
In what ways are classes here similar to or different from those at high school?
Similar to high school, students pursuing a bachelor's degree take courses in a variety of subjects: English, math, science, social science, humanities, and more. These courses make up the foundation of your bachelor's degree program. However, this is where the similarities end. College students will specialize in an area of study known as their "major." College classes move at a much faster pace and topics are covered in much greater depth than in high school. In order to manage the workload, time management skills and study skills are critical for your success. Class schedules are also different. You are typically in class 12-18 hours per week, which may not seem like a lot of time compared to a high school schedule. However, for every hour of in-class time, an average of 2-3 hours of homework, reading, and/or studying are required outside of class. It is important that you keep up with assigned work, as your courses may have only 2-3 tests in a semester with your final grade being based on these results. Your professors will not always check completed homework and will assume you can perform the same tasks on tests. It will be your responsibility to be proactive about your education and contact your professor before you fall behind or need help.
In what ways are classes here similar to or different from those at community college?
The semester system is quite different from the quarter system that many community colleges follow. Semesters allow more time between class meetings to keep up with reading and assignments. There are more weeks in a semester to cover the course material in greater detail. Most, but not all, classes at WSU Vancouver meet twice weekly, for about one hour and fifteen minutes each session. The semester lasts 16 weeks (15 weeks of class and 1 week for final exams), rather than the typical 11 weeks in a quarter. Most courses will require a considerable amount of reading, some writing assignments, preparation for exams, and perhaps group or individual projects. Pace yourself accordingly.
To help plan my class schedule, how can I find out when and how frequently the courses I need are offered?
The catalog identifies courses required to complete your degree. If the specific information you need is not in the catalog, talk with your faculty advisor or the academic coordinator. Several academic departments have tentative future class schedules on their websites.
How will I know what my tuition is for each semester?
Tuition and account information is available on the Web. Costs are based upon level of study (undergraduate or graduate) and residency status (Washington resident versus non-resident). Approximately one week before each semester begins, tuition charges will be posted to your account. You can view your account activity through myWSU.
Where do I pay my tuition? What options exist for payment?
Payment can be made by credit card or electronic check through myWSU. You also can pay in person with check, cash, or credit card by coming to the cashier's station in the Student Services Center.
Beginning Fall 2008, VISA will not be accepted for any payments. The University will accept MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, with a 2.5% convenience fee added to the original charge. Tuition and mandatory fees must be paid in full by the end of the business day on the second Friday of the semester. After that date student accounts with unpaid tuition and mandatory fees will be assessed a 3% late payment fee. Additional late charges will accrue if tuition and mandatory fees are not paid by the posted deadlines.
The University does not offer installment payment plans.
What kind of financial aid is available?
Every year, more and more financial options become available to students. To find out how to take advantage of financial aid programs, go to an A-Z workshop offered by one of our financial aid counselors or review the section "Financing Your Education" in this catalog.
Where do I get the books that are required for my classes?
WSU Vancouver has an on-campus bookstore ("The Bookie") that stocks the books required by professors each term. Books for courses at the Cowlitz County Learning Center will be available in the Lower Columbia College campus bookstore. Both campus bookstores offer students the opportunity to sell books back to them at the end of each term.
What is required to establish residency in the state of Washington for tuition purposes?
A resident student is either financially dependent upon a parent or legal guardian who maintains a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington or is a financially independent student who maintains a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington for other than educational purposes. (The term "domicile" denotes a person's true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation.) Financial dependence or independence shall be determined by the amount and source of your finances and whether or not you have been claimed as a deduction on federal income tax forms in the calendar year immediately preceding the semester for which residency is sought. Visit futurestudents.wsu.edu/admission/residency.aspx for more information.
How can I arrange for parking? Is there a fee?
Parking permits or daily payments are required in all lots from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Annual and semester permits must be purchased at the Public Safety Office. Daily permits can be purchased at the cashier's station in the Student Services Center, the campus bookstore, and in the cafeteria. Monthly and ten-day parking permits are also available at the cashier's station. The rate is determined by the type of permit selected. For more information, see Parking and Traffic Regulations in the "Campus Resources" section of this catalog.
Who is eligible to use the child care facility on campus?
Openings are available for children of students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Child Development Program (CDP) enrolls children between the ages of three and five. A variety of full day schedule options are available; however, drop-in care is not provided. Students with a qualifying annual income may apply for scholarships to cover their children's tuition. To find out more, contact the CDP at 360-546-9722.
As an undergraduate, are there opportunities to work with professors on their research or to do independent study in an area of special interest?
Independent study and research participation options are available in most programs. Meet with your academic coordinator or faculty advisor to determine whether either is a good option for you. Then, make arrangements with the supervising professor to complete the registration process.
What is an internship and what value does it have?
An internship (also called a practicum or field placement) lets you earn college credit while working in a job setting that resembles your anticipated career choice after graduation. Each internship is individually arranged by a faculty member or department academic coordinator, in concert with a community member who supports the internship position at his or her workplace. An internship is an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience in your chosen field, to begin some professional networking, and to clarify expectations of the profession. Internship requirements vary from program to program, so it is important to check with your academic coordinator or faculty advisor about the requirements and possibilities in your major. You may also view available internships at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career.
What kinds of jobs are available for students with a degree in my major? What starting salary can I expect with this kind of degree?
Talk with your academic coordinator, faculty advisor, or career counselor. They can give you a good idea of what to expect. If you want to research this topic on your own, you will find the following Web site useful: www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career.
Additionally, Career Services provides information about salaries and career paths for WSU Vancouver majors. Schedule an appointment at 360-546-9155.
If I'm interested in a job on campus, where can I find out what opportunities exist?
WSU Vancouver Human Resources posts temporary job openings on the WSU Vancouver Website under Human Resources, Temporary Employment, at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/adm/hrs/HRSweb.html.
Departments that commonly offer student positions include the individual academic or administrative departments, individual faculty with research grants, physical plant, cafeteria, library, computer lab, and writing center. Some departments post their positions on campus bulletin boards.
Student employment opportunities are listed online at www.studentjobs.wsu.edu. Contact Career Services for assistance. Additional opportunities may be found on the WSU Career Link at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career/.