Winter Session FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Winter Session have advising holds?

No, there are no advising holds for Winter Session, but be sure to let your academic advisor know if you plan to take a Winter Session course.

What course materials will I need?

Information is available in the Schedule of Classes, on The Bookie website, and in your myWSU Student Center. Find more information on Global Campus’ Textbooks page.

Where do I purchase required textbooks?

Students may order Winter Session textbooks online on The Bookie website or purchase them at The Bookie store on the Pullman campus. Online orders should be placed no later than two weeks before the course start date, to allow adequate time for required materials to arrive before classes begin.

Will exams be proctored?

Winter Session courses offered through Global Campus may require virtual proctoring. To find out if a course requires proctoring, visit the course “More Information” page which can be found on the schedule of classes website. If your course requires proctoring, visit the Global Campus Proctoring Service website for information on requirements.

When will access to my course space open up in Canvas?

Canvas course spaces are scheduled to be opened by the Monday prior to the first day of the Winter Session. When your course space opens, you can begin preparing for the course by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and schedule, and by ensuring you have all required materials. Submission of assignments prior to the first day of class is not recommended. Course spaces are accessed through canvas.wsu.edu.

When is tuition due?

Tuition due dates for the 3-week and 6-week winter sessions can be found on the Dates and Deadlines page.

Besides tuition, are there any other fees?

Courses may have media fees. In the Schedule of Classes, find your Winter Session course and section in the Global Campus, Fall term. Select the More Info link listed with the course to see if there are any fees. If information is not yet listed, please check back.

Can I receive financial aid for Winter Session?

For financial aid purposes, Winter Session is considered part of fall semester. This means that WSU students may be eligible for loans (Stafford, PLUS or private) for Winter Session, depending on the financial aid already awarded to them for the academic year.

Students can apply for loans by submitting a revision request for “special fees” to have a budget adjustment to increase their total cost of attendance. Once the revision request is processed, students will be awarded any remaining eligibility in the form of Stafford or PLUS loans. If a student does not have any remaining eligibility in the form of Stafford or PLUS loans they have the option to seek a private loan to pay for Winter Session.

Note: Students must be approved for a private loan by their lender at least 10 business days before the start of the session to ensure private loan funds are delivered to their account by the Winter Session tuition due date.

Contact the Office of Student Financial Services, 380 Lighty, 509-335-9711, financialaid@wsu.edu, for more information.

How do I drop a Winter Session course?

Up until the first day of classes – you can drop your course in your myWSU Student Center; select Manage Classes, then Drop Classes. Select the course, then follow the instructions provided.

From the first day of classes through the drop period – you must send an email to online.registrar@wsu.edu. Include your name, WSU ID#, and course you wish to be removed from.

Find the “Last day to drop with refund” and the “Last day to withdraw (W), no refund” dates on the Dates and Deadlines page.

Is participation in the Winter Session required to complete my degree?

No, participation in a Winter Session course is not required. Rather, these courses are provided as an opportunity to decrease time to degree or enrich the educational experience.

Can I use tuition waiver exemptions to cover the cost of Winter Session courses?

Winter Session course fees cannot be paid by tuition waiver exemptions as these courses are self-sustaining (not funded by state funds) and fully dependent on fees to cover the cost of instruction. Fee waivers authorized under RCW 28B.15.910 apply only to state supported courses.

Can WSU staff take courses using the tuition waiver?

No. Because these courses are self-sustaining, they would not be eligible for the tuition waiver.