Updates for Prospective Undergraduate Students
Updated July 1, 2020
We have a Response Team connecting daily to monitor the changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19, and to provide frequent updates to the community through our COVID-19 response page.
Below are some updates regarding our response:
Visiting Campus
WNE’s campus is open. Whether you would like to visit in person or prefer one of our virtual visit opportunities, we have a variety of options to allow you to explore our spectacular campus. Details and registration can be found at visit.wne.edu.
- Individual Campus Tours (in-person outdoor only tours, one family per tour)
- Remote Campus Tours
- Virtual Tours
- Student-led Video Tours
Visitors are also welcome to take self-guided walking or driving tours of campus. Simply help yourself to a Walking or Driving Tour map located in the foyer of the Delbridge Welcome Center. Additionally, you can view the recording of our virtual Accepted Students Day online at www.wne.edu/virtual.
Most of our Transfer events are still taking place. Due to COVID-19, all Transfer events that are scheduled during the month of April will be happening virtually. Visit our website to register for an event or to speak to a counselor via phone or video chat.
Standardized Tests
Starting immediately, we are test optional for all programs so you will not need to submit test scores. This policy will continue for next year’s seniors who may have missed their test date this spring. If you originally applied indicating that you were planning to submit test scores, but are no longer able to take the test, please contact your Admissions Counselor so we can change your application to Test Optional. We can work through your individual questions on a case-by-case basis.
AP Examinations
Western New England University is aware that 2020 AP Examinations were taken in an online format. The University will continue to honor our current Policy on Awarding AP Credit, which can be found here for any past and future AP Examinations taken online. Your official AP Score Report needs to be sent to Western New England University from the College Board in order to receive credit. Score reports for courses taken during a student’s senior year are received by Western New England University in early to mid-July if they are requested at the time the examination is taken.
Pass/fail grades on transcript
For high school students, any “pass” grade will count towards meeting a student’s graduation requirement and will not be calculated into the student GPA. Pass/fail grades will not have any impact on a student’s academic merit scholarship. Please contact your personal Admissions Counselor with specific transcript questions.
For transfer students, if you earn a grade of Pass, Credit, or Satisfactory this semester, that will satisfy the grade requirement to transfer those credits. This also applies to courses at WNE which require a specific grade to transfer, such as Mathematics and English requirements, and courses which are prerequisites. We are committed to evaluating all pass grades for course work without prejudice for all students in our undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools.
Financial Concerns
We know that the outbreak of COVID-19 has brought uncertainty to many families around employment and income. Please know that we understand these circumstances, and we encourage you to discuss your family’s specific situation with your Enrollment Services Coordinator.
May 1st Deadline
We have extended our preferred deposit date to June 1, or up to August 15 if arranged with your Admissions Counselor. However, starting in May we will have unique programs such as weekly check-ins with your WNE Orientation Group Leaders and access to our peer tutors for help with your high school work available to deposited students as well as those that work with us to indicate their desire to commit the WNE. Once you deposit, you are an official WNE student.
Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR)
SOAR has gone virtual giving you more flexibility to participate in dynamic programming and new ways to get to know your classmates, make new friends, and meet the people in your WNE network of support. Each week throughout the summer you will get a preview into life as a first year Golden Bear, learn about important resources on campus, and get tips on how to make a smooth transition to life as a WNE college student. Learn more.
Support Services
Our student support services are still providing online and over the phone support to our students during the COVID-19 pandemic. These services include the Academic Success Center, Student Disability Services, Counseling Services, and more. Check out all the services that we are offering! If you would like to connect with a representative of one of these offices, click on one of the offices above.
Once you deposit, you are an official WNE student and will have access to all of our support services. Starting in May we will have unique programs such as weekly check-ins with your WNE Orientation Group Leader and access to our peer tutors for help with your high school work available to deposited students as well as those that work with us to indicate their desire to commit the WNE.
Summer Courses
If you were accepted with the conditional of having to take a course prior to enrolling, as long as the course you are planning to take is from a regionally accredited institution, it will satisfy your provision. We highly recommend that you connect with your Admissions Counselor before you begin your course to ensure that it will meet your provision.
International Students
We are still accepting both undergraduate and graduate applications for fall 2020. Unfortunately, we are unable to welcome new graduate students on campus to begin for the summer 2020 entry term. As an accepted student, you may either start your coursework online or defer your entry term to Fall 2020. If you decide to begin your coursework online, please contact Rachael Lamson at rachael.lamson@wne.edu.
We will still be issuing I-20s for students looking to begin courses in the Fall 2020 entry term. Students will need to check the US Consular’s office to determine the availability of visa interviews, which varies by country.
WNE offers many different ways that you can fulfill your proof of English proficiency through Internet based testing. Please visit our English proficiency webpage for more information.
You can email Rachael Lamson at Rachael.lamson@wne.edu or Emilee Smith at Emilee.smith@wne.edu or reach out via our WhatsApp number at +14137821787 with any questions.
Contacts
- Admissions Counselor: Available Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. via phone or anytime via email or text. You can find the email and phone number for your personal Admissions Counselor here.
- Enrollment Services: Available Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. via phone at 413-796-2080. You can email questions anytime to finaid@wne.edu. You can find out who your specific Enrollment Services Coordinator is here.