Identify Your Student Type

The undergraduate distance learning application for admission will prompt you to identify your
student type. Selecting the appropriate student type is crucial to linking you to pertinent requirements,
information, and policies. The student type is also an essential identifier that assists WCU with
accurate communication, tracking and reporting. Although the student type names may appear to be
self-explanatory, correct identification can be complex (i.e., is a high school graduate who graduated
from an early or middle college a freshman or a transfer?) To assist you in making the appropriate
student type selection, please review the following information:

Transfer from Another College: Select this student type if you have attempted any college courses
(other than WCU courses) since the summer after you earned your high school diploma. Exception:
If you previously have attempted courses at WCU as a degree-seeking student (as a freshman,
transfer, or former student), then refer to the Former WCU Student classification.

Former WCU Student: You are a re-enrolling or returning student if you wish to enroll at WCU to
earn an undergraduate degree, you have enrolled previously at WCU to earn an undergraduate
degree, and:

1. You were not in good academic or social standing when you ceased enrollment at WCU and
have missed one or more semesters at WCU (excluding summer) OR
2. You were in good academic and social standing when you ceased enrollment at WCU, you
did not complete your undergraduate degree, and you ceased WCU enrollment for three or
more consecutive terms, including summer (i.e., you were not enrolled for a consecutive
fall, spring, summer; a consecutive spring, summer, fall; or a consecutive summer, fall,
spring) OR
3. You completed or will complete the undergraduate degree in which you are enrolled but wish
to continue at WCU to pursue another undergraduate degree.
NOTE: If you were an undergraduate student in good standing who ceased enrollment prior to
graduating and you plan to return prior to missing three consecutive terms (one academic year), then
you are a “resuming student” as opposed to a “returning student” and you do not have to re-apply.
Contact the Advising Center for more information and to resume enrollment.
Exception: If you previously attended WCU under a non-degree seeking status (i.e., High School
Dual Enrollment, Transient, or Certification) and are now making application as a degree-seeking
student, this student type does not apply; refer to the First-time Freshman or Transfer from Another
College student types.

Transient/Visiting Student*: Select this student type if you are a student at another college or
university who wishes to attend WCU for a semester with the intent of using the WCU credit for a
degree or program at your home college or university.
WCU Teacher Certification*: Select this student type if you (1) are not pursuing an education
degree offered through WCU, but (2) you are working through the College of Education and Allied
Professions at WCU (i.e., N.C. TEACH at WCU or the WCU Teacher Licensure Office) in order to
gain teacher licensure/certification [Note: students pursuing AIG certification at the undergraduate
level should use this student type]. If you plan to earn an education degree through WCU while
gaining certification/licensure, then you need to select the appropriate student type (i.e., freshman,
transfer, former student) and the appropriate education program of study.
Non-WCU Teacher Certification*: Select this student type if (1) you are not pursuing a degree or
any kind of education-related certification through WCU, and (2) you are working directly with DPI,
a regional alternative licensure center, another university, or some other organization other than
WCU in order to gain teacher licensure/certification.

Certificate (non-teaching)*: Select this student type if (1) you are not pursuing a degree through
WCU and (2) you are pursuing a certificate that does not relate to certification/licensure within the
teaching arena (i.e., does not pertain to DPI or a regional alternative licensure center).

High School Dual Enrollment*: Select this student type if you desire to take a distance learning
course at WCU while currently enrolled in high school (i.e., Early College, College Express). If you
wish to make application as a First-time Freshman (degree seeking), you will need to complete a
separate, appropriate application for admission.

First-time Freshman: Select this student type if you (1) have completed or will have completed
your high school diploma before enrolling for the term for which you are making application, and (2)
you have not attempted any college courses since the summer after you earned your high school
diploma (i.e., high school students who take dual enrollment college courses, including WCU
courses, and who are making application to enroll at WCU after high school graduation are classified
as First-time Freshmen as opposed to Transfer from another College or Former WCU Students).

Special Student*: Select this student type if the other student types do not apply to you and you wish
to take undergraduate, distance, credit courses simply for personal enrichment or advancement rather
than to earn a degree or certificate at WCU (i.e., university employee taking a class of personal or
professional interest; senior citizen taking a course for enrichment).

*Note: Non-degree seeking student types are designed for students who are not pursuing a WCU
course of study leading toward an actual WCU undergraduate degree. These classifications may
affect access to particular courses or programs, eligibility for financial aid, or accessibility to certain
university services (i.e., assignment to official program advisors, evaluation of credits).

Questions
If you have questions regarding the most appropriate student type as it relates to the undergraduate
distance learning application for admission, please contact us at:

OFFICE OF ADMISSION DISTANCE & ONLINE PROGRAMS

102 Camp Building 138 Camp Building
Western Carolina University Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723 Cullowhee, NC 28723
(877) 928-4968 (866) 928-4723
admiss@wcu.edu distance@wcu.edu