Responsibilities
Lifestyle
Walton Scholars lifestyles should be in accordance with the Christian faith and comply with the standards of the Student Handbook. The basic rules can be summarized as follows:
- students are not allowed to use offensive language;
- students are not permitted to smoke;
- students are not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages, or use drugs while on or off campus;
- students are not allowed to possess tobacco products, alcohol or drugs while on or off campus;
- students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior in relationships with the opposite sex that reflects the moral standards of the university and the Walton International Scholarship Program.
Dating and Marriage
Students are not permitted to change their marital status during the term of the scholarship.
Chapel
The universities require students to attend the university chapel services. We hope scholars will enjoy this time of worship and fellowship and the chance to listen to Christian speakers from across the country.
Academic Performance (Grade Point Average)
Students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (B/C) or above, where A is the highest grade, F is the lowest and C is passing (see the catalog or visit the university web page for more details on the grading system).
Realizing that English is a foreign language for most students, the universities provide several opportunities for students to obtain some help with their English skills. Students will take an English test upon arrival on campus, and according to the score, they will be assigned to the proper English class. Students must be able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in written form. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the English courses that are offered and the help that is available. Students are encourage to take advantage of every opportunity to practice their English.
Summer
All Walton International Scholars are expected to return home after spring semester is completed. This allows students to maintain contact with their native country, family and friends. Readjustment with their home country will take place after graduation.
Completion of Degree Programs
The scholarship awarded by WISP grants the opportunity for a student to complete ONE bachelor's degree. Scholars are expected to complete this degree within eight (8) semesters of study. Students with previous university credits may be expected to complete their degree in less than four years.
Annual Agreement
Although the intent of the program is to provide the student up to a four-year scholarship, the scholarship agreement is for one calendar year. Each year students will be asked to re-commit to the WISP agreement. There may be changes from year to year. Each student is expected to abide by those changes.
Work and Study
During your first two years on campus, students are NOT allowed to work for pay. Their primary responsibility is to adapt to a new culture, improve their English skills, and achieve a good grade point average. We believe that these tasks will require each student's complete attention.
We want students to develop good study habits so that perhaps later on they can add additional responsibilities to their schedule. During the second year, students are expected to take part in some special experiences designed to help you obtain a more complete understanding of democracy and free enterprise.
Returning Home
Students will agree to a contract that obligates them both morally and legally to return to their home country after graduation or withdraw from school for any reason. Students are required to return home and live there for a minimum of one year for each school year at the university. The university shall not release diplomas or officially authenticated transcripts for students that violate contracts with the university.