International Programs and Exchanges University of Washington
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Advising and Academic Matters

Advising

An adviser is a University of Washington staff member who gives advice and information on specific programs and services available to students at the UW. There are many different kinds of advisers on the UW campus. In fact, while at the UW, you will probably meet with more than one, each of whom will be able to help you with a different aspect of your studies. In order to better understand where and to whom you should go for advising, please see the adviser explanations below.

Exchange Matters

Your International Program & Exchanges (IPE) contact is Tina Wong, the International Exchange Student Advisor in the Office of Global Affairs. She can answer questions about the terms and conditions of your exchange, the payment of your UW tuition, and a host of other matters. Please feel free to contact her anytime. Her office is located in 459 Schmitz Hall and her email is tinawong@u.washington.edu. If your exchange is through an academic department, the departmental advisor will be your main contact for exchange issues.

Visas and Legal Matters

The Office of International Students & Scholars (ISS) at the University of Washington monitors University compliance with the federal immigration laws governing the University's J-1 Exchange Visitor & F-1 Student programs. Your adviser at ISS will give advice and information about your visa, social security, taxes and health insurance. Please visit an ISS adviser with questions about your legal status in the United States, and remember, you will be required to check in at the ISS (459 Schmitz) as soon as you arrive at the UW.

Culture

The Foundation for International Understanding through Students (FIUTS) is an organization at the UW that is designed to help you adjust to life and living at the UW and in the U.S. FIUTS can help you transition into US society, connect with the local Puget Sound Community and make connections with Americans. Please visit the FIUTS office in HUB 302B for information about membership, events and programs like weekly Wednesday Lunch and trips and tours.

Academic Departments

The various academic departments on campus each have advisers who can provide more information on the various courses and programs that are offered by their department.

Academic Matters

Exchange students are registered at the UW in non-degree status. Academic departments make every effort to accommodate exchange students in appropriate classes, however this is not always possible. At times, UW degree-seeking students experience difficulty getting the classes they want or need as well. Departments have high demand for certain courses; sometimes departments must give priority to graduating students who need to fulfill UW degree requirements. Departmental advisors can often suggest a substitute course that will be useful to you.

Colleges, Schools & Departments

The University of Washington has a variety of colleges, schools and departments from which to take classes. However, there may be some areas of study which are not open to exchange students, particularly in the health sciences and law. If you have any questions regarding course restrictions, please contact Tina Wong.

http://www.washington.edu/home/departments/departments.html

Course Catalog

The Course Catalog provides a description of all UW courses, however, it should be noted that not all courses are offered every quarter.

Time Schedule

The Time Schedule lists the courses offered for a given quarter.

Course Registration

(Please See Predeparture/Arrival section for specific instructions)

Required Course Load

Visiting exchange students are required to take a full course load, which is a minimum of 12 credits per quarter for undergraduate students or 10 credits per quarter for graduate students. Your tuition waiver will cover you through 18 credits per quarter.

Exchange students may be allowed to register for less than a full-time course load their final quarter of study. For more information, please refer to the FINAL QUARTER REDUCED ENROLLMENT FORM(available in our office).

Academic Restrictions

Please note: Access to courses in Computer Science, Psychology, Art, Architecture, Communications, Sociology, and Law, Society, & Justice is extremely competitive and difficult. You may be limited to courses outside these majors due to enrollment constraints. Also, studio classes and professional programs are generally not open to exchange students. Courses in education, law and health sciences are generally graduate level and are not open to undergraduate students.

You may enroll in all other courses on a space available basis, provided you have satisfied prerequisites for those courses. Departmental advisors and/or instructors may ask to see your transcript to verify that you have completed these requirements. At any time during the process, the IPE would be happy to assist you in contacting departmental advisors if needed.

Although we will do our best to assist you in getting the classes you wish to take, if you have major requirements that must be satisfied during your exchange period, you may wish to reconsider your candidacy to the UW. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.

Academic Expectations

Be aware of University policies, regulations, and deadlines regarding adding and dropping courses, changing from a numeric grade to credit/non-credit, specific class attendance requirements and assignment due dates. The course syllabus give instructor's policies and requirements. Exchange students are also responsible for knowing the academic requirements and policies of their home universities that apply to them while studying abroad.

Each instructor sets the requirements and policies for his/her class and states them in the course syllabus given to each student at the beginning of the quarter. Most instructors expect students to attend class. Attendance and participation may be part of the final grade. Instructors are required to hold office hours outside of class time. Do not hesitate to visit your instructors if you need help with coursework or would just like to further discuss issues brought up in class. Many professors encourage and enjoy student interaction. Communication early in the quarter is especially important if you are having difficulties in a course. If for some reason you do not intend to continue taking a class, you must formally drop the course.

Official Transcript

You may view your grades via your MyUW page. However, some universities abroad require an official transcript to transfer credits. At the end of your last quarter at the UW, we suggest that you order an official transcript either in person or via MyUW: http://www.washington.edu/students/reg/transcripts.html

Please note: the UW will not automatically send transcripts to your home university. Transcripts must be ordered directly by the student.

Grading System

The UW uses a numerical grading system, from 0.0 to 4.0. For a more detailed explanation, please visit: http://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/front/Grading_Sys.html

Course Numbering System