Program Support
WPWP Programs to be phased out by the Spring 2013 term. Download a PDF with more information.
The advice and counsel of WPWP program representatives is available for course selection, clarification of academic policies, and other administrative issues. Appointments can be made by e-mailing WPWP or calling 215.746.3149.
Students should also contact a program representative to
- withdraw from a course after the drop deadline
- request course substitutions
- convert from Non-Certificate/No-Major status into a certificate program (will be considered only for non-certificate/no-major students accepted before Spring 2011)
- transfer from one certificate program to another
- request temporary inactive status or a leave of absence
Minimum Grade Requirements
All courses in the WPWP certificate programs earn academic credit, and students will receive a grade and a permanent record on their transcripts. The following are the minimum grade requirements for certificates:
- In order for a course to count towards a certificate, a student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in certificate courses is required for graduation. If a student completes all courses for the certificate and does not have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the student may retake a course in which a C or better was not achieved or take an additional WPWP course which can be included in the certificate GPA calculation.
- Students may retake any course in which they achieve an unsatisfactory grade. They must register for the course, pay the full fee, and meet all class requirements for attendance and assignments. The original grade remains on the student's official transcript but is not figured into the GPA for the purposes of certificate completion.
- WPWP courses may not be taken pass/fail.
We encourage any students who have concerns or questions about meeting these requirements to speak with a program representative.
Code of Academic Integrity
Students enrolled in WPWP courses and programs are expected to adhere to the University of Pennsylvania's Code of Academic Integrity.
Course Sequence
Students must observe the following policies regarding the order in which key courses should be taken for each WPWP certificate program. The remaining courses may be taken in any order the student desires. A student who wishes to alter the course sequence requirements must submit a petition form to the WPWP office prior to registering for the course. Students currently enrolled in WPWP can find petition forms on Wharton Direct; other students must contact the WPWP office.
- Business Essentials Certificate — Management 411 first; Management 423 last
- Marketing Certificate — Marketing 411 first
- Human Resource Management Certificate — Management 422 first
- Finance and Accounting Certificate — Accounting 411 first
- Entrepreneurship Certificate — Management 411 first; Marketing 453 fifth; Management 406 last
Pre-Requisite Requirements:
Students are strongly discouraged from enrolling in courses if pre-requisites have not been met. Requests to waive a pre-requisite will be considered if there is evidence of course work in the required subject area, with a grade of a B or better. Requests must be made in writing and submitted to WPWP. Requests should include evidence of prior study (transcript with grade) and syllabus of the course is recommended. Work experience will not be considered for pre-requisite waiver.
Transfer Credits
WPWP does not accept transfer credits or give credit for life experience. However, students who have previously completed a course they believe to be equivalent to a course required for a certificate may petition to substitute the required course for another WPWP course. This should be done at the outset of the student's program, in consultation with a program representative (see "Substitutions" below).
Substitutions
Students who have previously completed a course they believe to be equivalent to a course required for a certificate may petition to substitute the required course for another WPWP course. Substitutions must be requested in advance, at the outset of the student's program. Substitutions will not be approved retroactively.
Students will need to submit VIA EMAIL a description of the course taken issued by the academic institution where they studied. Evidence of a B grade or better must be indicated on the student's official transcript from this institution. In addition, the email should include the course to be substituted and the requested replacement course. Email requests should be sent to wharton-wpwp@wharton.upenn.edu
Students interested in taking WPWP courses in addition to those required for the certificate can do so by registering for the course through Penn Portal. Additional courses do not count toward the certificate course requirements unless approved by the WPWP office. Students who wish to take a course outside of WPWP can do so with the permission of an advisor from the department in which the course is offered. Students also must obtain permission from a WPWP program representative. Courses outside of WPWP will not count toward a certificate.
Transfer of Courses
Between Certificates
A maximum of two courses counting towards one certificate may be counted towards a second certificate.
Transfer of Courses from "No-Major" Status
This option is only available to students registered as "No Major" students prior to Spring 2011.
Students who wish to convert from "Non-Certificate/No-Major" status into a certificate program may count a maximum of two WPWP courses taken under non-certificate status toward the certificate. To qualify, however, courses must comply with the certificate sequence requirements.
Auditing Courses
WPWP courses cannot be attended on an audit basis.
Attending non-WPWP Classes
WPWP students are not permitted to enroll in Wharton undergraduate or graduate courses. Students may enroll in courses at Penn outside of Wharton, but these will not count towards a WPWP certificate. Students must obtain written permission from the WPWP office prior to enrolling in courses. It is advised that students contact the teaching school to learn if there are additional requirements prior to registration.
Withdrawal Policies
The specific dates that apply to drop/withdraw/refund policies are included in the WPWP Academic Calendar. Deadlines posted on this calendar supersede any deadlines posted elsewhere by other schools or departments at Penn.
In general, courses may be dropped during the first two weeks of the term in spring and fall, and during the first week of a summer session with a full refund. A 50% refund will be given for courses dropped in the third through fifth weeks of the spring and fall terms and in the second week of a summer session.
After the fifth week of the spring and fall terms and after the second week of the summer sessions, students may withdraw from courses at any time until the withdrawal deadline, which is published in the WPWP Academic Calendar.
Students must complete a Course Withdrawal Request form, which includes signed permission from the instructor. This form can be found on Wharton Direct. A "W" will appear on the transcript. Students who withdraw from a course will incur full financial obligations.
The following exceptions are in place:
- A 50% refund will be given to students withdrawing because of illness. Such withdrawal requests must include a physician's letter stating clearly that the student has been disabled by an injury or illness arising after the beginning of classes and is unable to continue class work.
- A full refund will be given to students withdrawing due to military service. Such withdrawal requests must include a copy of military orders or a signed affidavit from the military member's commanding officer that confirms the military orders and dates of the assignment.
Incomplete Policies
At the discretion of the instructor, students may arrange to receive a grade of "Incomplete" or "I" and complete coursework after the term ends. The deadline for instructors to turn in revised grades for all "Incomplete" grades is one month after the first day of the following semester. After that date, all "I" grades are automatically converted to "F." It is at the instructor's discretion to set a deadline for completion of coursework that allows the instructor adequate time to review the student's work and submit a grade by the deadline.
Time Limitations
All students will be expected to complete their required course work by Spring 2013. (2013A). Students are expected to enroll in courses each semester to achieve this goal. No WPWP Courses will be offered after the Spring 2013 term. Courses from outside WPWP will not be accepted as replacement course for certificate requirements.
Students who anticipate a challenge in complying with this policy should contact a program representative immediately.
Inactive Status
Students who do not enroll in courses for more than two consecutive terms, excluding summer terms, will be considered inactive and will be required to contact the WPWP office to be reinstated to active status. All students will be expected to complete their required course work by Spring 2013. (2013A). No WPWP Courses will be offered after the Spring 2013 term.
Courses from outside WPWP will not be accepted as replacement course for certificate requirements
Information for Penn Students
No undergraduate students may enroll in WPWP courses.
Penn graduate students enrolled in other programs may enroll in WPWP courses on a space-available basis. Students must meet the WPWP entrance requirements of an earned bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and at least three years of work experience. When applying to the program, they must submit:
- Permit Request form from the WPWP office
- Current résumé
- Written approval from home school advisor
- Evidence that all prerequisites for the requested course have been satisfied
Once approval is granted from the WPWP office, WPWP will assign a permit to register for courses. Students must claim and register for courses within 24 hours, per University policy.
Information for Penn Employees
Penn employees (staff and faculty) are expected to submit all application material as required for all WPWP applicants. If you are Penn Alumni, the application fee is waived. University of Pennsylvania employees may be eligible for Penn's Tuition Benefit. Penn employees are encouraged to contact their HR department to confirm tuition eligibility and to review the tuition benefit website for procedures and detailed information.
Program Closure
The final certificate class was accepted for the Spring 2011 term (2011A). All students currently enrolled in a certificate will be expected to complete their required course work by Spring 2013. (2013A). No WPWP Courses will be offered after the Spring 2013 term. The final certificates will be conferred to enrolled certificate students in May 2013. Certificates will not be conferred retroactively, you must be enrolled in a certificate program by 2011A to be conferred a certificate.
Students who wish to take individual credit-bearing courses may apply and enroll up until the Spring 2013 end date of the program. However, only students enrolling in a certificate program before 2011A will be conferred a certificate.
Students who wish to take individual credit-bearing courses must apply and fulfill WPWP admission requirements. Please be advised individuals applying for individual courses will not be conferred a certificate or alumni status.
Courses from outside WPWP will not be accepted as replacement course for certificate requirements.
WPWP courses will continue to be scheduled based on enrolled students program/certificate needs as well as enrollment trends. We will do our best to keep you informed of changes to courses offerings as the program proceeds. Course offerings maybe subject to change based on enrollment and demand.
