If you are pursuing a baccalaureate degree, you are expected to make satisfactory progress toward the attainment of that degree and are expected to enter a major and graduate after completion of a reasonable number of credits.
The 105-Credit Rule
You must declare a major by the time you have earned 105 credits, which is about one quarter into your junior year. If you aren't able to declare your intended major by that time a hold will be placed on your registration. Transfer students who enter with 105 or more credits are expected to declare a major before their second quarter at the UW, or obtain an extension from an adviser.
To remove the hold, you either have to declare a major or seek a "premajor extension."
To request a premajor extension, you must meet with an adviser either in the UAA Advising, Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity Counseling Services, or in the department to which you wish to gain admission.
You will be granted a premajor extension if your adviser decides that you are pursuing a reasonable goal, are taking appropriate courses and other steps toward your intended major, and have a good chance of gaining admission to your intended major.
You will receive a warning letter from the University as you approach 105 credits, if you have not yet declared a major. If you complete 105 credits and are still coded premajor, you will not be able to register for the next quarter. To avoid registration delays, meet with the appropriate adviser at least one quarter before you complete 105 credits.
The 210-Credit Rule
The UW expects that students should graduate by the time they have completed 30 credits beyond the credits required for their degree; since most degrees require 180 credits, that means you should plan to graduate with no more than 210 credits. For most UW majors, if you have not submitted a graduation application or graduated by the time you are in the quarter in which you will earn 180 credits, a hold will be placed on your registration until you and your department adviser submit either a graduation application or a petition outlining your plan to graduate within two quarters. Depending on your major, the plan must be approved by your department or your college. For more information, visit the Registrar's page. The satisfactory progress policy is currently under revision; please consult your adviser for the most current information about the satisfactory progress policy.
Postbaccalaureate Students
Postbaccalaureate students are expected to be either preparing for admission into a degree program, seeking an additional baccalaureate degree, or working toward a certificate. If you are admitted as "postbaccalaureate undeclared," you must declare a major by the time you have earned 30 credits beyond your last degree. Once a degree objective has been declared, you must make progress toward that degree as evidenced by courses satisfactorily completed. College advisers may grant extensions beyond the 30-credit limit.
Excessive Course Repeats and/or Drops
The Committee on Admissions and Academic Standards may terminate your enrollment if you have demonstrated lack of academic progress as evidenced by excessive course repeats, course drops, or University withdrawals and cancellations. You may be reinstated with the approval of your college and the Committee. EOP students may be reinstated in consultation with the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity.
