PARENTS
How do students make changes to their major/minor/advisor?
Students can make changes to their program via the online Undergraduate Academic Program Change form.
Changes can take from 7-10 Business days to be processed. Students will receive an email when the change is complete.
How do I register for classes?
BW students register for classes using the Student Planning Tool software that can be accessed from the My Records home page. If you need a refresher on how to use the Student Planning tool you can watch a video HERE.
You can also schedule an appointment with the Office of Academic Advising and Retention via Navigate to learn more about using the Student Planning Tool. Instructions on how to make an appointment can be found HERE for mobile users and HERE for computer/laptop users.
How do I withdraw or take a leave from BW?
If you want to withdraw from all classes for the semester, you can find the "Semester Withdrawal/Leave of Absence" form in Forms Central HERE. Fill out all fields on the form and submit. Watch your BW email for instructions on how to make an appointment for an Exit Interview; it’s a simple 5-minute phone call. The interview is required before your withdrawal can be fully processed.
Where do I go to drop a class?
First, check the BW Academic Calendar for Add/Drop and withdrawal deadlines for each semester.
If you want to withdraw from a class and it's before the Add/Drop deadline, you can use the Student Planning tool to add or drop courses (without marks on your transcripts). After the Add/Drop deadline, you will need to complete a "Class Withdrawal Form" which can be found HERE.
Please note: It is highly recommended to check with an advisor before withdrawing from courses. If you are a full-time student, make sure that removing courses does not drop you below 12 credits for the semester as this will impact financial aid, residential housing, and athletic eligibility. You can schedule to meet with the Office of Academic Advising via Navigate or contact us using advising@bw.edu. Instructions on how to make an appointment can be found HERE for mobile users and HERE for computer/laptop users.
Where do I go to add a class?
If you are unable to add the course in the Student Planning Tool, you should complete an Add form and email it to Registration and Records at registrar@bw.edu. You can find the Add forms online HERE. This form is a fillable PDF that you complete and email to Registration and Records.
If you have questions or need help you can email Academic Advising at Advising@bw.edu. You can also make an appointment using Navigate. Choose Academic Advising as the "Care Unit". Specific directions on making an appointment using Navigate can be found HERE for mobile users and HERE for computer/laptop users.
Who should I talk to before dropping or adding a class?
You should start with your assigned Faculty Advisor. You can find their contact information in the Student Planning Tool by going to Plan and Schedule and clicking on the Advising tab. Your advisor will be listed with a clickable link to their email.
If you can't reach your advisor you can email Academic Advising at Advising@bw.edu or you make an appointment using Navigate. Choose Academic Advising as the "Care Unit". Specific directions on making an appointment using Navigate can be found HERE for mobile users and HERE for computer/laptop users.
How do waitlists work at BW?
If a class is filled, students can join the waitlist in the Student Planning Tool. If a spot becomes available, the system will automatically send an email notification indicating that a seat is open. Students have 24 hours to register for the class via the student planning tool. Failure to register within this timeframe will result in moving to the back of the waitlist line. It is imperative that students check their BW email daily to ensure they can take advantage of any available class seats.
Can I plan out the classes I have to take to graduate in 4-years?
Yes! It's recommended!
The timeline feature of the student planning tool allows you to plan out classes for future semester in an easy to read format. If you need help with planning courses in your major you can use the "Sample Course Plan" button at the top of your My Progress page. You can watch a video on Sample Course Plans HERE.
If you need a refresher on the basics and other features of the Student Planning Tool you can watch this VIDEO.
How do I find my registration time?
You can find your registration time in the student planning tool. You can watch this quick 1 ½ minute video that demonstrates this and other important registration information by clicking HERE.
How do students take courses at another institution and transfer them back to BW?
Instructions on the process students should use can be found HERE.
Students can utilize the Transfer Course Search tool in Student Planning to access a partial list of colleges/universities frrom which BW accepts transfer credit. If an institution or course is not listed, please send the course description and syllabus to the Registrar's Office for Department Chair review.
Note: Students can transfer up to 60 credits from a 2-year community college and an unlimited amount from 4-year institutions. Keep in mind that all BW residency requirements must be met. These include 45 credits completed at BW, 40% of the major completed at BW, and 6 credits of the minor completed at BW.
How can I find who my Faculty Advisor is?
You can see who your assigned Faculty Advisor is in the Student Planning Tool. You can watch this quick 1 ½ minute video that demonstrates this and other important registration information by clicking HERE.
How many credits is Full-time versus part-time?
Students must be registered for at least 12 credit hours to be considered Full-time. Waitlisted courses do not count towards your credit status.
Students registered for 11 or less credit hours are considered part-time.
Why can’t I login to MyRecords?
If you are having trouble logging in to any Baldwin Wallace system, contact the IT Help Desk at (440)826-7000 or visit the IT Help page.
PARENTS
Can I see my student’s grades and/or schedule?
BW does not offer a system whereby parents/guardians can access their student's grades or other education records. Under a student's FERPA rights, parents/guardians do not have access to their son or daughter's education records unless financial dependency is verified by the Office of Registration & Records. Students may approve parent/guardian inquiry access during the semester check-in process. Students may also provide their "My Records" log-in information to a parent/guardian, to allow access to their student account, but are not obligated to share that information. Students can grant billing access to their parent/guardian through the "My Records" module. Students may release info to third parties by filling out the Release of Education Records Form.