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Suggestions for Struggling Students

Some students at WVU may have difficulty obtaining the 2.0 grade point average required for graduation, the number of credits needed or difficulty completing specific requirements for their chosen degree and major. We have developed a list of tips for you to consider if you are facing these issues.

  • Meet with your adviser regularly so that he or she can help you
    • Your adviser can answer your questions and direct you to resources.
    • If you don’t think your adviser is willing to help, you can request an adviser change from your major department.
  • Review your academic record
    • Consider why you received any failing grades and what you can do to avoid these outcomes.
    • If a significant life event interfered with your ability to complete a semester’s work, you may request a retroactive withdrawal from the Assistant/Associate Dean of the college you were a major in during that semester. These requests can only be made for one year after the end of the semester.
  • Be sure to D/F repeat courses when you are eligible
    • D/F repeats may only be done during a student’s first 60 hours of attempted courses.
  • Make wise decisions about dropping courses
    • Courses can be dropped online through STAR. Please check the add/drop dates on the registrar's website.
    • Dropping courses can help prevent D’s and F’s on your transcript, but may also slow your progress toward your degree.
  • Carefully plan your courses for upcoming semesters
    • Work with your adviser when you meet prior to pre-registration to determine what courses you still need to take to fulfill graduation requirements.
    • Consider taking fewer credit hours per semester.
  • Review your life and career goals and trajectory toward degree completion
    • Discuss with your adviser (and friends and family members, as appropriate) whether or not you are making progress toward an appropriate goal.
  • You may be struggling because you are in the “wrong” major, but you may need assistance in coming to that realization.
    • Keep in mind that career counseling is available to students through the Career Services Center and the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services.
    • Consider alternative degrees or majors
    • If you are having difficulty choosing a major, have changed majors frequently, or are not making progress in a particular major, alternatives such as the Multidisciplinary Studies (MDS) degree or the Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree may be appropriate options.
  • Consider getting help
    • Your adviser can help you find tutors in subjects that you find difficult.
    • The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services can help you with personal issues.
    • The Office of Disability Services can help if you have medical or learning disabilities,
    • Veterans may benefit from resources on the WVU Military Veterans website.
    • If you have drug or alcohol concerns, you can go to the Carruth Center or to the Student Assistance Program.
  • Consider other ways to complete your degree requirements.
    • You might benefit from taking some of your courses during the summer, through online delivery, or at other colleges and universities.
  • When appropriate, consider leaving WVU (either temporarily or permanently).
    • WVU is not a good fit for all students. Some students may thrive at another type of institution. In addition, some students are not yet ready for college (and some may never be), and would be better off doing something else at this point in their lives. Don’t be afraid to consider these options.