This page outlines procedures for students seeking to appeal education abroad credit decisions or request approval to participate in study abroad programs that are not affiliated with West Virginia University. Students are encouraged to contact Education Abroad with questions regarding these processes before submitting an appeal.
Appeal Process for Education Abroad Transient Credits
Students who wish to appeal decisions related to transient credit earned through an approved Education Abroad program may utilize the following procedures:
Appealing a Grade Received Abroad
Appeals regarding grades issued by a host institution must be submitted directly to the institution that awarded the grade. WVU cannot alter grades assigned by another institution.
Appealing the Conversion of a Host Institution Grade to the WVU Letter Grade System
Students who wish to appeal the conversion of a host institution grade to the WVU grading scale may email educationabroad@mail.wvu.edu with supporting documentation. Appeals will be reviewed in consultation with the Provost's Office.
Recommended documentation includes:
Course syllabus or syllabi
Information regarding the host institution's grading scale
Official grading conversion guidance provided by the host institution, if available
Appealing the Number of WVU Credit Hours Awarded
Students who wish to appeal the number of WVU credit hours awarded for coursework completed abroad may email educationabroad@mail.wvu.edu with supporting documentation. Appeals will be reviewed by the Office of the University Registrar.
Supporting documentation should include:
Official information regarding course contact hours
Any additional documentation provided by the host institution explaining course intensity or instructional delivery
Appealing for Pass/Fail Credit
Requests to convert letter grades earned abroad to Pass/Fail credit will be considered only in extenuating circumstances. Students seeking this exception may email educationabroad@mail.wvu.edu with supporting documentation. Appeals will be reviewed in consultation with the Provost's Office.
Supporting documentation should include:
A written statement explaining the rationale for the request
Documentation supporting the extenuating circumstances, when applicable
Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor regarding the potential impact of Pass/Fail grading on degree progression, GPA calculations, licensure requirements, financial aid, or future graduate and professional school applications.
Participation in Non-WVU Study Abroad Programs
Students wishing to participate in a study abroad program that is not affiliated with or approved by WVU must submit an Appeal to Participate in a Non-WVU Program at least four (4) months prior to departure.
The Office of Global Affairs will review the proposed program for:
Institutional accreditation and academic legitimacy; and
Health, safety, and risk management considerations.
If the appeal is denied, the Office of Global Affairs will provide the rationale for the decision.
If a program is denied because the institution or provider lacks appropriate accreditation, WVU cannot articulate transfer credit earned through that program.
If a program is denied because of health and safety concerns, students are encouraged to work with the Office of Global Affairs to identify alternative opportunities that align with their academic goals.
If the appeal is approved, students are responsible for:
Completing all application, enrollment, and payment processes directly with the program provider;
Submitting the required transient form prior to departure; and
Ensuring that official transcripts are sent to International Admissions upon completion of the program.
Students should be aware that institutional support from WVU and the Office of Global Affairs may be limited for programs that do not maintain a formal affiliation with the university.
Failure to submit an appeal prior to participation, or participation in a program after an appeal has been denied, may result in the following consequences:
Credits earned will not be articulated at WVU and will not apply toward degree requirements;
The student will not be considered enrolled at WVU during participation in the unapproved program; and
Students may not have access to university-supported resources typically available to participants in approved education abroad experiences.