FAQs
High School Eligibility
Is my high school already set up to participate in WSU Global Campus Running Start?
WSU Global Campus currently has agreements with the following schools: Colfax, Colton, Dayton, Gar-Pal, Pullman, Rosalia, St. John, and Tekoa. If your school is not listed, contact wsuglobal.runningstart@wsu.edu to get started.
How do I get my high school set up for WSU Global Campus online Running Start?
Email wsuglobal.runningstart@wsu.edu. The Running Start Coordinator will contact your high school to initiate a participation agreement. All Washington high schools are eligible to participate.
Getting Started
How do I apply to be a Running Start student?
- Meet with your high school counselor about pursuing Running Start.
- Submit the free application.
- After you receive your acceptance letter, confirm your admission.
- Questions? Email wsuglobal.runningstart@wsu.edu.
Do I need to send college transcripts or AP scores?
While not needed for admission, prior college credits and AP scores may satisfy course prerequisites. Email unofficial transcripts and AP scores to your WSU academic advisor for review. For more information, visit our page on how to acquire your AP scores.
Do I need to take English and Math Placement Exams?
Usually, yes. Placement exams are required for most Running Start students enrolling in English composition or math courses unless qualifying AP scores satisfy the requirement.
- If you plan to enroll in an English composition course (English 101 or equivalent), completion of the writing placement assessment is required prior to enrolling.
- If you plan to enroll in a mathematics course, completion of the math placement assessment is required. Learn more about the math placement exams.
If you have any questions, please email our Running Start advisor.
What is myWSU?
myWSU is your student portal for registering for courses, paying tuition and fees, accessing your WSU email, and accessing Canvas course spaces.
What email should I use?
After you’re admitted, set up and regularly check your official WSU email account. WSU faculty and staff communicate only through your WSU email. You can access your WSU email at office365.wsu.edu using your network ID and password. Your WSU email account also gives you free access to download and install up to five copies of Microsoft Office Suite products.
Where do I get my university ID card?
While not required, as a Global Campus student you can still request a CougarCard.
Advising & Support
Who is my WSU academic advisor and what is advising?
Running Start students work with two advisors:
- Your high school counselor helps you stay on track for high school graduation and assists you in completing Enrollment Verification Forms. Stay in regular contact with them regarding your progress while taking classes at WSU.
- Your WSU academic advisor helps you prepare for university courses, select classes, and register each semester. Meet with your WSU advisor once before each semester and reach out at any time you need support.
Where do I go if I need accommodations for my courses?
Please contact the WSU Student Accommodations and Disability Resources Center to discuss your accommodation needs. Be sure to let them know your course is online through the Global Campus.
- Phone: 509-335-3417
- Email: accommodations@wsu.edu
Registration & Enrollment
When does registration begin for Running Start students?
Registration for Running Start students opens seven days before the start of the semester. Please see the Academic Calendar for dates and deadlines.
How do I prepare for registration?
Some courses require prerequisite documentation before you can register. Math and English courses often require completion of the applicable placement exam.
Because prerequisite verification takes time, we recommend contacting the WSU Running Start advisor as soon as you know which courses you plan to take. Email, call, or schedule an appointment with your advisor.
If you need help finding and registering for courses, visit How to Find Courses and refer to the step-by-step tutorial for enrolling in courses in myWSU.
Can I start with just one class?
Yes, many students begin with one course to help them adjust to college expectations and online learning before taking a heavier course load.
Are there any credit limits per semester?
Running Start students may take between 2–21 credits per semester. For your success, your course load should be determined in consultation with your high school counselor and WSU academic advisor.
How do I register for classes?
After meeting with your WSU advisor and submitting an approved Enrollment Verification Form, you can register through myWSU on or after your registration date:
- Log in to myWSU using your NID and password.
- From your Student Homepage, select the Manage Classes tile.
- Click on Enrollment Dates to check when you are eligible to enroll.
- Review your Tasks by selecting the Tasks tile to ensure there are no holds on your account.
- Select Class Search and Enroll under Manage Classes and choose the term you want to enroll in.
- Use the search options to find classes by entering details like Campus, Subject, and Course Number.
- Review the Class Details, including prerequisites, fees, and meeting dates, to ensure the course fits your requirements.
- Add the desired class to your Shopping Cart by selecting the course and clicking Next.
- Validate your Shopping Cart to check for any enrollment issues by selecting the Validate button.
- On your enrollment date, go to Manage Classes, select Shopping Cart, choose the courses, and click Enroll.
- Confirm your enrollment by clicking Yes, and ensure the green checkmark appears to indicate successful registration.
If you wish to add a course at a later date, follow the instructions above. However, you will also need to submit a revised EVF.
Where can I find the current Running Start Enrollment Verification Form?
2026-27 Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (Digital)* (PDF)
2026-27 Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (Non-Digital) (PDF)
*Note: The digital signature functionality will not work in a web browser. Please download the form in Adobe Acrobat to utilize the e-signature feature.
How do I drop or withdraw from a class?
For information on how to find the deadlines for your course, drop or withdraw from a course, or withdraw from the current term, please see the instructions for how to Drop or Withdraw from Courses.
Course Format & Coursework
On what platform will I complete my online coursework?
Canvas is the digital platform used for courses at WSU. You will have access to your courses on the day they begin. Log in to Canvas at canvas.wsu.edu and read the syllabi and other information your instructors have posted.
Do I attend classes at a specific time?
Most Running Start courses and lectures are asynchronous, allowing you to watch lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule while meeting deadlines. Some instructors may schedule optional or required collaborative activities but will provide alternative arrangements if the set times do not work. Check your syllabus in Canvas for details and deadlines.
How will I take exams?
Most exams will be conducted in Canvas. Some courses require online proctoring approved by WSU Global Campus proctoring services. You can find more details in the course syllabus and Proctoring Services.
Where do I get textbooks and other required materials?
Students are responsible for obtaining required course materials, including textbooks. After registering for courses, order your textbooks. Learn more about textbooks.
Please note that some instructors may not post required materials until shortly before classes begin.
Costs & Payments
How do I pay tuition and fees?
As a Running Start student, your tuition is covered by state programs. However, some courses — especially those with lab or proctoring components — may require fees.
Fees will be posted in myWSU after the term begins. Select “Financial Account” on your myWSU home page to access fee details and submit payment. Visit our website for current tuition rates. For other important deadlines, check the WSU Academic Calendar.
Credits, Transcripts & Financial Aid
Will these credits transfer?
Credits earned through Running Start at the WSU Global Campus are accredited under the same standards as any WSU course. They may be applied toward a WSU degree at a later date or transferred to most other accredited colleges and universities, depending on the receiving institution’s policies.
How do I request an official WSU transcript?
You can order official WSU transcripts online.
How does Running Start affect future financial aid?
Running Start credits attempted, completed, and grade point average (GPA) may impact financial aid eligibility if you later enroll as a degree-seeking student. If you have questions about the impact of Running Start on your student aid or scholarship packages, check directly with the financial aid and scholarship offices.
How do I switch to degree-seeking status?
If you decide to pursue a degree at WSU Global Campus after completing your high school diploma, you will need to apply formally as a degree-seeking student.