Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Student Services
General
Resources
Admissions
What are the basic admissions requirements?
Basic admissions requirements include the following:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with an appropriate major (preferably education for most majors – see specific requirements for the program to which you are applying),
- Strong undergraduate record,
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate degrees completed,
- Two recommendations – these may fulfilled by having the recommender complete the Wilkes’ recommendation form or write a letter. Letters must be current and pertain to fitness for graduate study. One recommendation should be from your current supervisor.
Most programs also require a copy of your state teaching certificate, but students should refer to the specific requirements for the program to which they desire admission.
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I’m pretty sure my documents are all in, but I haven’t heard anything. What do I do?
If it has been at least three weeks since all of your documents were mailed and you have not heard anything regarding your application status, you should contact Graduate Admissions at 800-945-5378, ext. 4236. It is possible that items never arrived. If it is official transcripts or letters of recommendation that are missing, you may want to follow up with the individuals or institutions who were sending them.
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How do I know if Wilkes has received all of my paperwork?
Currently, only those students that applied online can manage their admission status online. These students can log in to the admissions page where they applied using the log in they created and view the status and items received. Wilkes anticipates being able to allow this feature for all students in the future.
All students may contact the Student Service Center at 800-945-5378, ext. 2000 to learn if all items have been received and find out the status. However, students are encouraged to wait at least two weeks after having sent items to Wilkes before contacting us to see if we received it.
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Admissions has received all of my documents - when will I get a decision?
Once your file is complete it is sent to the department for review. On average it takes 2-4 weeks for you to receive a decision letter in the mail from the Graduate Studies department. If, after four weeks you still have not received a decision letter, please contact the Graduate Education office at 800-945-5378, ext. 4236.
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Student Services
What is a WIN and why do I need it?
The WIN (Wilkes Identification Number) is your student ID that you use for the entire time you are associated with Wilkes. The University no longer uses Social Security numbers as the primary identifier. New students are sent a letter from the Student Service Center, which contains their Wilkes ID number and their email account information usually within two weeks of their application being processed.
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I’ve lost or forgot my WIN, what do I do?
If you do not know your WIN you must contact the Help Desk at 1-866-264-1462. They will ask a series of questions verifying information before they send you your WIN. General office staff members are prohibited from giving this information out over the telephone or through email.
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What is the portal and how do I access it?
The portal, or MyWilkes as it is also called, is a secure online site that allows students, faculty, and staff members to access the university services they need 24/7. Students are able to view grades, get unofficial transcripts, pay tuition, register for classes, as well as a variety of other things. You can log in from any computer as long as you know your Wilkes email user name and your password. The portal can be accessed from any page in the Wilkes web site under ‘Quick links’ or by clicking on any yellow “MyWilkes” button that you see. For security reasons, always remember to log out before leaving the computer and close the browser window.
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How do I get a transcript?
Students may view their academic transcript and print an unofficial copy online through the MyWilkes portal under the Student Services tab. Official transcripts must be requested in writing. You can obtain the form from the Registrar/Recorder channel on the Student Services tab or go to the Registrar/Recorder transcript area of our site to download the transcript request form.
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How do I print or see my grades?
How do I make a payment?
How do I get a receipt for payment?
Students may take advantage of the web for these services. Students, who know their email log in and password, can easily log into the MyWilkes portal and click on the Student Services tab to view grades, make payments and obtain receipts. For specific questions related to these areas, please contact the Student Service Center at 800-945-5378, ext. 2000.
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General
How long do I have to complete my degree requirements?
Satisfactory completion of all requirements for a master’s degree is to be done within six calendar years of date of initial application.
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I have been taking classes as non-degree but now want to enroll in a degree program, what do I need to do?
If you've been taking courses as a non-degree student but now want to enroll for the master's degree, you must submit a new Wilkes graduate application as a degree-seeking candidate. You don't need to re-pay the application fee. However, you must send us the required official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of your teaching certificate (if applicable to the program). Please see the admission requirements for the program to which you are applying in the most recent Graduate Bulletin or that program's web page.
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How do I change my name?
Mail a copy of either a marriage certificate, social security card, divorce decree or other legal document to the Wilkes University Graduate Education Office and we will process your name change to be reflected on transcripts, grade reports, etc. Remember to provide your WIN on all correspondence with the University.
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How do I change my address?
Please contact us directly at the Graduate Education Office. Address changes are accepted by telephone (ext 4670, 4671 or 2016) or email (GradEd@wilkes.edu). Remember to provide your name and WIN when contacting the University.
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How do I change my major?
If you are a currently enrolled degree student, but want to change your major, you must submit a Change of Major Form, with your name and WIN#, indicating the new degree program in which you now wish to be enrolled.
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I need more time to complete my degree requirements, what do I do?
If an extension beyond the six-year limit is needed, a Program Extension Request Form should be completed and submitted along with a letter explaining the reason for the extension and a detailed plan of how and when you plan to complete the remaining courses.
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I want to get a second degree from Wilkes, what do I need to do?
If you have a previous Master's degree from Wilkes University, or are a currently matriculating graduate student and want to work toward a second major, you need to write a letter stating your intention to work on a second degree and submit an updated Wilkes Graduate Application indicating it is for a second degree. No additional application fees are required. Previously submitted recommendations and transcripts will be acceptable if you are a recent graduate. Students must also meet the admissions criteria of the second program as outlined in the current Graduate and Professional Studies Bulletin.
In some cases, students may count up to 12 credits from the first degree toward a second degree, but the program requirements must be similar in nature. All other bulletin and course requirements must be fulfilled. Students are highly encouraged to speak to the program coordinator of the new second program for advisement of courses that must be taken and a full transcript review.
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How do I know if my classes are cancelled because of inclement weather?
Wilkes on-campus class cancellation information is available on an inclement weather hotline at 800-945-5378, ext. 7669, on the web site, and on television (WBRE and WNEP). Cancellation of off-campus classes for inclement weather is determined by the host school/district. Instructors are strongly encouraged to establish a notification process so students are aware of last minute changes/cancellations due to weather.
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I think I am ready to graduate, what do I need to do?
You must register to graduate no later than 90 days prior to date of expected graduation. Graduations are processed in May, late August and January. The semester you are completing the last course for your Wilkes degree register for "Graduation-GRD OOOB", regardless whether you will be attending commencement. A graduation fee is added to that semester's Wilkes invoice and you are sent a mailing from the Student Service Center with additional paperwork required for your graduation approval clearance.
Of course, you must be officially "Accepted" into a master's degree program in order to graduate. If you have not received an official letter of acceptance contact Student Services at ext. 2000 to check the status of your application file. Otherwise, please contact your advisor prior to your intended last semester to obtain a preliminary graduation audit.
Graduates may participate in the next commencement ceremony held if desired, or your diploma can be mailed.
Note: The Financial Management Office is prohibited from signing any graduation clearance form until all outstanding tuition balance is paid in full.
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Resources
Do I get an email account?
All students receive a Wilkes email account and are expected to use it as their primary account while enrolled at the University. If you do not register for a class for the subsequent semester, your email account will removed at the end of the semester. If this occurs you will need to contact the Help Desk (1-866-264-1462) to have your account reactivated the next time you register for a course.
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How do I access the library online?
As a Wilkes student, you can access numerous databases, such as EbscoHost, Lexis-Nexis, CQ Electronic Library, and CCH Tax network for your research needs. Students should log in to the MyWilkes portal and click on the library tab to gain access to the wide range of resources that are available. Also visit the library web pages for more information.
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I’m taking classes on campus, where do I park?
Wilkes maintains parking areas around campus, and use of these facilities on weekdays until 4:30 p.m. is by permit only. Except for resident parking lots, these areas are open for graduate student parking on weekends, and after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, without a permit. Parking permits are issued on a varied schedule based on the applicant’s relationship with the University and the availability of parking spaces.
For information about the permit application process, please contact the Campus Support Services Department at ext. 2349. Click here for a list of on-campus parking locations.
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