Overview

Washburn University created the Center for Student Success and Retention (CSSR) in July 2011, in order to better support the successful transition of students into and through their first-year of studies. Students and, therefore, the Washburn Community of Learning continue to benefit from the creation of the CSSR because First-Year student retention is increasing. The CSSR and the initiatives that come out of it are changing success outcomes well beyond the first year for students. On this page, you can learn about our activities. 

First-Year Experience

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/first-year/index.html

Plass Learning Resources Center
(785) 670-1942

First-Year Experience (FYE) supports the academic, social, and personal transitions of all first-year students. Through collaborative efforts with faculty, staff, and peer educators, we empower and support first-year students by providing intentional courses, programs, and services that promote success and persistence in college. The Washburn FYE program seeks to help students begin the process of becoming information literate to promote student success in the Information Age.

First-Year Experience initiatives include the iRead common reading program, success skillshops, the first-generation student mentoring initiative, and special programs for first-year students. FYE is involved in New Student Orientation, Welcome Week, and Convocation. Beyond programmatic efforts, the First-Year Experience offers a series of success courses.

WU 101 The Washburn Experience - First Year Experience Course

This course is designed to help students develop the vital skills necessary to successfully transition into Washburn University by focusing on topics such as: information literacy, academic honesty and success, college reading and writing, campus involvement, and others that promote student success at Washburn.

Additional courses which may assist students in achieving success at the university include:

Office of Academic Advising

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/advising/index.html

Plass Learning Resources Center
(785) 670-1942

The Office of Academic Advising serves as a resource for high quality academic advising for the entire Washburn community. Academic Advising provides services and referrals to first-year, exploratory, prospective, transfer, probationary, and reinstated students. Academic Advising oversees both the Passport for Success (see below) and the Academic Fresh Start Program. Professional advisors assist exploratory students with academic questions, provide information about university policies, regulations, and services, assist students with course selection, and guide students in the exploration of majors. Advisors are available in Plass Learning Resources Center for daily drop-in times and appointments--Students use the Navigate App to schedule or call (785) 670-1942. Extended hours offered during the regular semester. Visit the Office of Academic Advising's website for more information.

Passport for Success & Ignite Programs

Washburn University, which historically prizes access to postsecondary education, continues to develop pathways that meets students where they are in their individual preparation. Students admitted by exception to regular admission are required to participate in either the Passport for Success program or The Ichabod Ignite program. Both programs are collaborative efforts between the Center for Student Success, University Library, Academic Affairs, Student Life, and Enrollment Management at Washburn University.

These programs consist of coursework, activities and services across a student’s first two years of study at Washburn University that are designed to put them on the path to college success. Instead of rejecting students, these initiatives allow students to enroll in 4 carefully chosen courses, 12-credit hours that work toward graduation, and they are designed to develop their academic ability and success behaviors.

• Advisor approved course selection and scheduling, leading to approved associate degree.
• Limit on number of semester hours: 12 credit hours per semester during their first year, with recommended summer classes to maintain 30 credit hours per year. (Exceptions granted by advisor approval.)
• Mandatory multi-session per semester advising: These three academic advising sessions will include academic assessment, program and degree planning.
• Enrollment in WU 101 The Washburn Experience during first semester of attendance.
• Enrollment in WU 115 Academic Enhancement course as directed by advisor.
• Participation in study skills, career planning, test taking and other seminars offered by the University Tutoring & Writing Center.
• Tutoring as needed.

Students will be contacted by their assigned advisor at the beginning of each term.  For more information, please email advising@washburn.edu.

University Tutoring and Writing Center

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/student-life/tutoring-writing-center/index.html

Plass Learning Resources Center

Students are encouraged to maximize their success by utilizing tutoring services provided through the University Library. The University Tutoring and Writing Center offers support for students seeking assistance with writing and other specific courses. All services are free of charge. Visit the University Tutoring and Writing Center's website for more information. 

Center for Testing and Prior Learning

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/center-student-success/testing/index.html

Plass Learning Resources Center

The Academic Testing office administers placement tests for new students, proctors exams for Washburn students who are concurrently enrolled in a distance education course at another college and serves as a testing center for a number of national standardized testing programs. Visit the Center for Testing and Prior Learning's website for more information.

Additional Academic Services

The Harlan J. Koca Mathematics Enrichment Program Tutor Center

The Math Lab is a peer tutoring facility located in the Plass Learning Resources Center for students in the following courses:

No appointment is necessary. Please visit https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/arts-sciences/departments/mathematics-statistics/mathtutor.html for more information.

Departmental Advising/Tutoring

Academic advising for students with a declared major are advised through their academic department. Students should consult with their department for further information about departmental tutoring.

Supplemental Instruction in the Sciences

Students completing science courses should contact their instructor regarding supplemental instruction opportunities.

International Student Services

Washburn Website: International Student Services
Email: international@washburn.edu

Plass Learning Resources Center, Room 220

Baili Zhang, Director of International Student Recruiting
Heidi Staerkel, Associate Director, International Programs
Michala Stokes, International Student Advisor

International Student Advisors

International student advisors are involved in the preliminary acceptance of international students, aid the students in preparation of their academic programs, counsel them regarding how to maintain their visa status, and maintain contact with them during their academic careers. Call (785) 670-1051 or email international@washburn.edu for more information.

Undergraduate Admission

A complete application includes the following:

1. A completed on-line Washburn University International Application form.
2. Recent (within two years) iBT TOEFL, IELTS or DuoLingo English Test (DET) score report. Go to English Proficiency Requirements for more details.
3. Completed Financial Disclaimer form and original financial supporting documentation of the student’s/sponsor’s ability to finance studies while in the U.S.
4. Official transcripts of completed secondary education and of any university-level course work. University-level course work must be evaluated by either Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES) if obtained from outside the U.S. The grades of university-level international courses will be listed on the Washburn University transcript as CR (grade of A,B, or C), P (grade of D), or NC (grade of F) and the grade point average earned in international college course transfer work will not be calculated in the cumulative GPA at Washburn University.
5. Copy of passport ID page.

Note: Refer to University Requirements Common to all Associate and Bachelor Degrees sections for further information.

International Transfer Student Admission (from another U.S. school to Washburn)

In addition to the aformentioned admissions materials, a  completed transfer application includes the following:

1. A completed Washburn University Transfer Eligibility form, completed by the applicant and an international student advisor at the current school.
2. A copy (pages 1 and 2) of the student's current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (page 1).
3. Official transcripts of all university-level work, sent to Washburn University directly by the issuing school/language program.
4. A copy of the student’s current visa, and passport ID page.

Intensive English Program Admission

A complete application includes the following:

1. A completed on-line Washburn University International Application form or a Washburn University Application for degree or non-degree seeking students already living in the US.
2. Official English test score (such as Duolingo English Test, iBT TOEFL, or IELTS) for IE course placement. Submit the Duolingo English Test score directly to WU from the Duolingo Website. Send other scores to international@washburn.edu or with admission documents.
3. If attending on an F-1 or J-1 visa, a completed Financial Disclaimer form and original financial supporting documentation of the student's/sponsor's ability to finance studies while in the U.S and a copy of passport ID page.

Transcript Requirement

Applicants must provide original transcripts which should have detailed addresses of the issuing schools for verification. If originals cannot be submitted, attested certified copies of transcripts must be sent to Washburn by the issuing school.

All university-level foreign transcripts must be evaluated by ECE or WES. A “course-by-course” report is required and must be submitted by the evaluation service to Washburn University directly.

English Proficiency Requirement for Undergraduate Studies

Students whose native language is not English must meet Washburn’s English Proficiency Requirement. Some undergraduate programs have additional English proficiency requirements which must be met for program admission.

Please note: Students who cannot meet the above guidelines will be placed in the Intensive English classes by the staff of the program based on their English proficiency test scores, transcripts, and other evidence. They must enroll in and successfully complete the required IE courses as early as possible.

Transfer students must also fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement.

Full-time students in the IEP (Level I or II) are not eligible to take other academic courses. Students in Level III or needing only part-time enrollment in IEP can take other academic courses.

For graduate program applicants, please refer to the academic department for the English proficiency requirement, as this varies by graduate program.