Wooster Plus Program

The pandemic has disrupted both academic and co-curricular experiences for college students across the country. The College of Wooster seeks to support our students by providing the fullest Wooster experience possible in this difficult time, and through the Wooster Plus Program, has focused on creating flexibility for students and families.

The Wooster Plus Program provides the opportunity for students to complete their studies at Wooster in a ninth or tenth semester, tuition free. Students will need to complete all graduation requirements by May 2025.

The conditions for eligibility are below.

Eligibility

The Wooster Plus Program is available to any Wooster student who:

• Was enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking Wooster student for both the fall and spring semesters of the 2020-21 academic year;
• Completes eight semesters of study at Wooster (or, for transfer students, complete eight semesters of study with at least the last four semesters at Wooster) with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and enrolls in the Wooster Plus Program in the fall and/or spring semester during the academic year immediately following their eighth semester; and,
• Has not yet completed degree requirements to graduate from Wooster at the end of their eighth semester.

During the Wooster Plus Program, students must

• Enroll full-time (at least three courses per semester) in Wooster courses.
• Live on campus.

The Wooster Plus Program will provide a full-tuition scholarship for up to two semesters of study during the fifth year, minus any federal, state, or institutional grants or scholarships for which the student ordinarily qualifies. Students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal or state grants. Other costs, including mandatory fees, room, and board are the responsibility of the student. Federal student and parent loans may be available, subject to aggregate loan limits.

Petitions are accepted at any time after the student has completed course enrollment for their eighth semester. However, the priority deadline is January 26 for fall semester and September 2 for spring semester. These deadlines will allow students to participate in the room selection process for the following school year.

Ready to submit a petition? Please fill out this form.

FAQs

Athletics Eligibility and Compliance

• Student-athletes should consult with their coach and/or the athletic director regarding eligibility requirements.
• Student-athletes taking part in a spring sport may choose to take their ninth semester in the spring. However, they would NOT then be permitted to participate in any manner with the team during the fall semester preceding unless they were enrolled full-time for that semester (three courses).

Advising

• Students are required to work with their academic advisors to determine appropriate course selection and to ensure that they will have additional courses that must be completed during the ninth and tenth semesters to fulfill degree requirements.
• Students will be required to submit an academic plan and meet with the Dean for Curriculum and Academic Engagement, who will review and approve all Wooster Plus Program academic plans. Interested students should complete this form.
• Students must be enrolled full-time (three or more courses per semester) to be eligible for the Wooster Plus program. Students could participate in the Wooster Plus program if they meet the eligibility requirements, wish to take three or more courses (at least two of these credits must be graduation requirements), and live on-campus.  However, there are also other approaches to making up one or two courses.)  Students needing less than two courses for graduation, should contact the Dean for Curriculum and Academic Engagement, who will be able to provide support in finding approaches that might meet their individual needs in a different way.
• Due to immigration regulations, international student eligibility will be determined by the Registrar’s Office, registrar@wooster.edu, in consultation with Hannah Thomas, International Student Services, at hthomas@wooster.edu.

Financial Aid

• The Wooster Plus Program will provide a full-tuition scholarship for up to two semesters of study during the fifth year, minus any federal, state, or institutional grants or scholarships for which the student ordinarily qualifies. To receive Wooster Plus financial aid, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, or the College must have approved an appeal to reinstate financial aid.
• Students who ordinarily qualify for federal and state aid must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal or state grants.
• Other costs, including mandatory fees, room, and board are the responsibility of the student.
• Federal student and parent loans may be available—subject to aggregate loan limits—and requires part-time attendance. Check with the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@wooster.edu or 330-263-2317 to confirm your eligibility.

Campus Housing & Dining

• Students enrolling in the Wooster Plus Program will be required to live on campus and elect a dining plan. Students should follow the regular undergraduate housing-selection timeline and procedures.