WKU Fight Song Nothing brings a roaring crowd to their feet like the WKU fight song. As a part of the WKU Spirit, your challenge is to learn the words to this spirited song and actually “Stand Up and Cheer” every time the fight song is played! Stand up and Cheer
WKU SPIRIT: HISTORY & TRADITIONS
Stand up and Cheer For dear old Western For today we raise The red and white Above the rest Rah-rah-rah Our team is fighting And we’re bound to win the fray We’ve got the team We’ve got the steam For this is dear old Western’s day
WKU Creed The WKU creed has become a living guideline of values for Hilltoppers to follow. An honor code of all those who call the Hill their home, the Creed is proudly displayed in residence halls and across campus as a constant reminder of the aspirations of WKU students and their commitment to academic excellence. Western Kentucky University is a community dedicated to learning, where ideas are offered, examined and discussed. As a member of this community, I have both a personal and shared responsibility to participate actively in university life by: practicing personal and academic integrity; seeking unity by respecting the dignity of all persons; celebrating and embracing diversity; encouraging freedom of expression; acting in accordance with basic principles of citizenship; preserving and appreciating the natural beauty of the campus; enriching all aspects of life through the educational process; and by embracing the ideals expressed on the university seal: “Life More Life” and “The Spirit Makes the Master” by pursuing growth and a life of excellence.
Welcome to WKU. The WKU Spirit has a different meaning for each and every Hilltopper, yet the rich traditions unique to “The Hill” are common to all members of the WKU family. This year’s calendar is dedicated to some of WKU’s most revered traditions – old and new. It provides the WKU family with an opportunity to bridge generations of Hilltoppers by reflecting on our rich history, and looking to the future. Most importantly, it’s a call to action. Hilltoppers everywhere can help preserve our unique identity by sharing it with others and living the traditions we love!
WKU SPIRIT:
COACH EDGAR A. DIDDLE In 42 seasons (1922-64) as WKU’s head basketball coach, E.A. Diddle led WKU to 32 conference championships. His teams also played in 11 postseason tournaments, became the first team from the South to participate in the Olympic Trials and won an amazing 759 games!
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
4
9
10
11
16
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18
*WKU On Demand is nonsemester based, allowing students to register any day of the year, finish their course in as little as 7 weeks or take as Day and evening 24 23 long as 9 months. Registration classes begin. Late 30 31 periods noted refer to periods registration penalty in which course credit will be of $50. awarded. All other dates noted are applicable to semesterFirst bi-term based classes only (web, faceclasses: Last day Last day to register to-face and IVS), and do not to receive 50% for a full-time apply to on demand courses. refund. course load. Visit wku.edu/ondemand for more information. **Visit: wku.edu/bursar/refund_policy.php
Tuition and fees deadline for students who registered through August 2.
25
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
2
August 31: Full semester classes: last day to add a class. Last day to drop a class without a grade. Last day to change a class from audit to credit. Last day to receive 100% refund for a class. (Refer to Tuition and Fee Refund Policy).
AUGUST 2015
1 WKU On Demand fall registration period begins*
5
6
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12
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19
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Residence halls open at 8:00 a.m.
26
First bi-term classes: last day to add a class. Last day to drop a class without a grade. Last day to change class from audit to credit. Last day to receive 100% refund for a class.
27
Residual funds disbursement will be made to students through Higher One/WKU Debit Card. Note: Enrollment changes, outstanding holds or additional charges on your acct. could result in a delay in release of your residual funds.
1 28
29
First bi-term classes: $50 Schedule Change Fee begins.
WKU reserves the right to make changes to these calendars. Please visit wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars/ to view updated information.
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
SEPTEMBER 2015
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
7
WKU was founded in 1906 and moved to “the Hill” on February 4, 1911. The top of the hill is 232 feet above nearby Barren River Lake, which borne the nickname “Hilltoppers.”
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
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2
3
Tuition and fees deadline for students who registered August 3-16. Full semester classes: $50 Schedule Change Fee begins. First bi-term: Last day to receive any refund.
6
HILLTOPPERS
Classes dismissed for Labor Day. Full semester classes: last day to receive 50% refund.
13
14
15
Full semester classes: last day to receive any refund for the 2015 fall semester.
20
21
First bi-term classes: last day to drop a class with a W. Last day to change a class from credit to audit.
22 Last day to file for change in residency for fee assessment purposes for the 2015 fall semester.
23 First bi-term classes: 60% point.
Last day to apply for 2015 December graduation.
Deadline to receive balance of registration fees, including late payment fees.
27
*Tuition/fees deadline for those registering Aug. 4-17
28
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**Visit: wku.edu/bursar/refund_policy.php
1
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
GHOSTS OF WKU Among the most popular stories told about the history of WKU are our vivid ghost stories. Passed down through the years, some of these stories are sad tales of lives lost too soon, while some are mere speculative superstitions or campus sightings of spirits.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
OCTOBER 2015
Fall Break
4
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SATURDAY 2
3
Fall Break
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14
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Classes resume Priority registration for 2016 winter term begins.
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13 First bi-term classes: Final examinations
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19 Second bi-term classes: last day to add/drop class or change from audit to credit.
20 Second bi-term classes: $50 Schedule Change Fee begins
First bi-term classes: Final examinations
Full semester classes: last day to drop a class with a W; last day to change from credit to audit
21
Second bi-term classes begin
22
First bi-term final grades due by noon.
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Second bi-term classes: last day to receive any refund
Second bi-term classes: last day to receive 50% refund
Last day for 100% refund*
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Full semester classes: 60% point of the fall semester.
*Visit: wku.edu/bursar/refund_policy.php
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
31
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
SUNDAY
MONDAY
NOVEMBER 2015
1
*WKU On Demand is nonsemester based, allowing students to register any day of the year, finish their course in as little as 7 weeks or take as long as 9 months. Registration periods noted refer to periods in which course credit will be awarded. All other dates noted are applicable to semesterbased classes only (web, faceto-face and IVS), and do not apply to on demand courses. Visit wku.edu/ondemand for more information.
2
TUESDAY 3
HILLTOPPER SPORTS Men’s Basketball has made six appearances in the NCAA tournament in the past 15 years! In 2002, WKU Football won the I-AA National Championship, and in 2009, the football program officially moved to the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A).
WEDNESDAY 4
Priority registration for 2016 spring semester begins.
8
9
THURSDAY 5
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 6
7
13
14
Second bi-term classes: last day to drop a class with a W. Last day to change a class from credit to audit.
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Last day students may remove an incomplete from the 2015 spring or summer term.
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Second bi-term classes: 60% point.
22
Thanksgiving break begins.
29
30
1
2
WKU On Demand Fall registration period ends* Classes resume.
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
DECEMBER 2015
1
*WKU On Demand is nonsemester based, allowing students to register any day of the year, finish their course in as little as 7 weeks or take as long as 9 months. Registration periods noted refer to periods in which course credit will be awarded. All other dates noted are applicable to semesterbased classes only (web, faceto-face and IVS), and do not apply to on demand courses. Visit wku.edu/ondemand for more information.
BIG RED Big Red, WKU’s athletic mascot, is a red, furry blob created by WKU student Ralph Carey in 1979. Big Red can be best described as the Spirit of Western!
WEDNESDAY 2
THURSDAY 3
13
7
8
9
Final examinations.
Final examinations.
Final examinations.
14
15
SATURDAY 4
5
Roster freeze date (No late adds or withdrawals for extenuating circumstances will be processed after this date.)
WKU On Demand spring registration period begins*
6
FRIDAY
10 Final examinations.
11 Final examinations.
12 2015 Fall Commencement
16
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Final grades due by noon.
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1
2
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WKU ALUMNI WKU alumni turn heads, inspire and lead. The list is long, and includes film director John Carpenter; president of the Baltimore Ravens, Chester Hurdle; U.S. astronaut, Terrence Wilcutt; and actors such as, Michael Rosenbaum, Matt Long, and David Schramm.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
JANUARY 2016
1
2
University Closed
3
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7
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9
Winter Term classes begin
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Winter Term final exams
MLK Day (University closed)
24
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31 Spring Term classes begin
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
30
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
SUNDAY
MONDAY
FEBRUARY 2016
1
TUESDAY 2
WKU ONLINE WKU leads the way among four year institutions in the nation for distance learning degree programs and student support services, receiving top national rankings in 7 areas in 2015! We now have more than 90 online degrees and certificates, 2000+ semester-based web courses, and over 100 on demand courses. To learn more, visitwku.edu/learn/dl.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
3
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
4
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Classes Begin
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27
3
4
5
MLK Day (University closed)
21
22
23
24
Final Examinations
28
29
Classes Begin
1
2
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
MARCH 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
6
TUESDAY
7 Spring Break
WKU FACULTY Former NFL player (Vikings and Bears), Terry Obee, is a professor of Sports Management at WKU.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
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12
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
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31
1
2
Second bi-term begins
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28
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
APRIL 2016
SUNDAY
*WKU On Demand is nonsemester based, allowing students to register any day of the year, finish their course in as little as 7 weeks or take as long as 9 months. Registration periods noted refer to periods in which course credit will be awarded. All other dates noted are applicable to semesterbased classes only (web, faceto-face and IVS), and do not apply to on demand courses. Visit wku.edu/ondemand for more information.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WKU FACULTY Legendary WKU Baseball Coach, Joel Murrie currently teaches PE 343: Baseball Coaching as an online On Demand course.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 1
2
3
4
5
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29
30 WKU On Demand spring registration period ends*
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
SUNDAY 1
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WKU SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM & BROADCASTING
This School has a national award-winning history. It counts 26 Pulitzer Prize winners among its alumni and faculty. WKU students consistently place near the top of the overall William Randolph Hearst Competition and have finished first in 19 of the past 21 years in the photojournalism category. The School features the Mountain Photography Workshops, Imagewest (one of the nation’s few for-profit, student-run advertising and public relations agencies), and WWHR, the national award-winning student radio station and professional television & photography studios.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
MAY 2016
WKU On Demand summer registration period begins*
*WKU On Demand is nonsemester based, allowing students to register any day of the year, finish their course in as little as 7 weeks or take as long as 9 months. Registration periods noted refer to periods in which course credit will be awarded. All other dates noted are applicable to semesterbased classes only (web, faceto-face and IVS), and do not apply to on demand courses. Visit wku.edu/ondemand for more information.
8
Final Examinations
Final Examinations
Final Examinations
Final Examinations
Final Examinations
Commencement Weekend
Commencement Weekend
15
16 May Session Classes Begin
17
18
19
20
21
Final Grades Due by Noon
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
Memorial Day (University closed)
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
WKU SPIRIT:
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
JUNE 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
5
TUESDAY
WKU ON DEMAND WKU is the only 4 year institution that continues to offer self-paced, non-semester based courses in the state of Kentucky.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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30
1
2
June I Session classes begin
12 June II Session classes begin
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
WKU SPIRIT:
WKU DISTANCE LEARNING WKU’s support for distance learners has earned the university national recognition.
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
JULY 2016
1
*WKU On Demand is nonsemester based, allowing students to register any day of the year, finish their course in as little as 7 weeks or take as long as 9 months. Registration periods noted refer to periods in which course credit will be awarded. All other dates noted are applicable to semesterbased classes only (web, faceto-face and IVS), and do not apply to on demand courses. Visit wku.edu/ondemand for more information.
2
Independence Day observed (University closed)
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
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28
29
30
Independence Day observed (University closed)
10
July I Session classes begin
July II Session classes begin
17
24 31 WKU On Demand Summer Registration Period Ends*
Dates listed beginning 1/1/16 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.
WKU
NOTES
The Spirit Makes The Master
TIME MANAGEMENT TIP Write out your goals and expected time commitments. This will be helpful in avoiding stress and over-scheduling yourself. Refer to the Guide on Setting Goals and making a schedule at studygs.net/schedule.
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Student Support Campus Offices
There are a number of offices that you may need to contact from time to time. Here’s a quick list of critical departments:
Registrar Office
The Registrar Office manages class registration, grades, assessment of graduation requirements, and officially awards your degree once requirements have been met. If you need a transcript, have a question about your degree program, or your rights to privacy, the Registrar’s Office can help you find the answer. Call: (270) 745-3351, Email: registrar@wku. edu, Visit: wku.edu/registrar.
Bursar’s Office
This office, also known as billings, is where you will find information on tuition due dates, refund deadlines, current tuition rates, and any associated fees. The Bursar’s Office can assist you with any questions you may have regarding balance due, final due dates, reinstatement after drop for non-payment, etc. They also provide easy access to online payments, including payment plan options. Call: (270) 745-6381, Email: billings.receivables@wku.edu, Visit: wku.edu/ bursar.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid processes all your financial aid paperwork, can answer questions regarding status of your financial aid, award dates, and connect you with resources to help you manage your expenses. Keep in touch with them to ensure that you’ve turned in all necessary information, and check your email often, as they communicate primarily through email. Call: (270) 745-2755, Email: fa.questions@wku.edu, Visit: http://wku.edu/financialaid.
Center for Career and Professional Development
The Center for Career and Professional Development offers customized support for distance learners. They will assist you with resume and cover letter writing, help you polish your interview skills, and connect you with resources to help you start a new career or find an internship. In addition to the various on campus workshops pertaining to resume writing, and cover letters, the Career Services team offers webinars, individual Skype sessions, and email services. Call: (270) 745-3095, Email: careerhelp@wku.edu, Visit: wku.edu/career.
WKU DL Testing Centers
WKU DL Testing Centers provide proctored testing services to students taking semester-based web and on demand courses. A faculty exam request must be submitted by the professor before students may schedule an exam. Exam registration procedures are available via the web at wku.edu/testing. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call (270) 745-5122 or email dltesting@wku.edu for assistance.
Student Resource Portal (wku.edu/online/srp) WKU’s student support services for distance learners are nationally recognized as being among the top in the country. It is our goal to provide excellent academic support, up-to-date university information, and keep you connected to WKU. WKU has dedicated distance learning staff who are on-call to answer questions, introduce you to Blackboard, and assist you in navigating the admission and course registration process. In addition, you have one-click access to support across campus through the Student Resource Portal (SRP). The SRP connects you to the online services you need, when you need them! Here’s a list of what you will find in the SRP for Fall 2015:
Student Support • • • • • • • • • •
Academic Calendar General Education Requirements Undergraduate Degree Requirements Graduate Degree Requirements Orientation for Online Learners Regional Campus Centers Road to Success Webinar Series Student Complaint Process Online Tutoring Online Writing Center
Technology Services • • • • • • • •
Account Setup Blackboard Login Software Center Email Login Technology Support Technology Requirements myWKU Login TopNet Login
WKU Online
WKU Online connects students with opportunities to earn college credit in a web format on a semester-based calendar. With more than 70 graduate and undergraduate degrees available online and over 1,700 courses offered each academic year, you’re sure to find what you need. WKU’s support services for distance learners are nationally recognized, so you can also rest assured that you will have access to services designed to help you succeed. For the most current schedule of classes and a list of online degree programs visit our website at wku.edu/online or call (270) 745-5173.
WKU On Demand
WKU On Demand provides students the opportunity to earn college credit when and where it is convenient for them. There are more than 100 courses available in an on demand format. Courses are delivered by web, email or print. Students can take up to nine months to complete their coursework or study at an accelerated pace and finish in as little as seven weeks! The flexibility of on demand courses allow students to easily arrange their study time around other obligations and make it possible to continue taking courses while off-campus, during semester breaks, on vacation, or when looking for a better balance between work/home/school. Visit the website at wku.edu/ondemand or call (270) 745-4158 for more information.
Exams (tips and procedures)
• • • • •
ACCUPLACER Exam Improve Test Scores Managing Test Anxiety DL Testing Centers Testing Tips
Library Services • • • • • • • • • • • •
Contact WKU Libraries Finding Articles Finding Websites Movies & Music Tips for Getting Started Writing Resources Quick Start Guide CEBS Research Guide CHHS Research Guide GFCB Research Guide OCSE Research Guide PCAL Research Guide
Helpful Hints • • • • • • • • • • •
Communicating Online Calculating Cost FAQ Get the Most from your Textbook Get the Most from your Syllabus GPA Calculator Khan Academy Scholarship Search Learning Effectively Succeeding Online Tools for Online Learners
Quick Links • • • • • • • •
Admissions Adult Learner Services Career Services Financial Aid Health Services Military Students The WKU Store Tuition & Fees
Did You Know?
Graduate Students: Degree Completion Checklist
The Importance of Your WKU Email
This checklist provides information regarding the process and procedures to follow as a graduate degree-seeking student. Prior to the end of the final semester, all necessary academic records must be on file in the Graduate School office (e.g., official transcripts for transfer work, Form C, course changes, Form D, Form E, etc.). All coursework must also be submitted by the last day of Finals Week for a given term. All forms referenced below are available at wku.edu/graduate/documents.
Your WKU email is the primary way for your professor, and other staff members at WKU to reach you. It is important that you check your email several times a week to stay up-to-date on the latest information. Did you know, even when you email your professor through Blackboard, their reply goes to your WKU email – not Blackboard! If you find it easier to forward your email to the account you use most frequently, you can do so very easily by looking under “Options” once you’ve logged in. All students are automatically issued a TopperMail email account within 24-48 hours after their initial course registration. You do not get an email account upon admission to the University, you must register for classes first. You should access your email using your TopperMail email address (aka Windows Live ID) at webmail.wku.edu. If you need to look-up your email address or reset your password, you may do so by following instructions at wku.edu/it/ accounts/email.
Program of Study (Form C) For certificate programs, master’s and doctorate Students must submit a Program of Study to the Graduate School within the first semester, or prior to earning 12 credit hours of course work (inclusive of transfer credit). The degree program is developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate program advisor. Students who list thesis/specialist project/dissertation courses (599, 699, 799) on the Program of Study must also specify research committee members and topic selection on page two of this form.
Career Counseling through The Center for Career and Professional Development
Program of Study Change Form
It’s never too late (or too early) to polish your job search skills and improve your personal brand! WKU’s Center for Career & Professional Development provides FREE, professional assistance in a multitude of areas including: resume writing and review, practice interviews, general career counseling, and tips to be successful. Career counselors can also help you examine your career path and look for employers who could use your skill set. Here are a few of the services offered: Resume Writing and Review Resumes are normally the first impression you are making on an employer. It is not simply a list of your accomplishments, but should be an intriguing display of why you are the best candidate for the position. Distance learners are welcome to email resumes to CareerHelp@wku.edu. Critiques are usually completed within 48 business hours. Walk in and scheduled appointments are also available by calling (270) 745-3095 or by coming to WKU’s Bowling Green campus. The Career Services team is located at Downing Student Union (DSU) A230. Career Counseling When meeting with a counselor you can expect to engage in a confidential, friendly and motivating personal exchange that will get you focused on your professional growth. Walk in appointments last no more than 10 minutes, while scheduled appointments can range from 10 minutes to an hour. Career counseling sessions can be conducted over the phone, via email or through Skype or FaceTime for distance learners who cannot visit in person. Our goal is to help address your career issues in a way that is most convenient for you. Practice interviews are an opportunity for students or alumni to have a “trial-run” interview with a career counselor. Interviews can take place by phone, through Skype, FaceTime or in person, and will give you a chance to enhance your skills, build your confidence, and get personalized feedback before the real interview. How do they work? You will call the office at (270) 745-3095 to make an appointment for your practice interview at least 48 hours in advance. You also need to send your resume, cover letter, and a job description to the counselor via email to allow them to properly prepare. Based on your resume and job description, the counselor will ask questions that are commonly asked in interviews. This will give you a chance to practice answers and get a feel of how you sound aloud. Most practice interviews are recorded to give people an accurate picture of how they perform in an interview, however you can choose to decline that service.
This form is used to substitute, add, or delete courses from your program of study that is on file and must be signed by you and your advisor before being sent to the Graduate School. If you are substituting a transfer course from another institution, an official transcript from that university must be sent to the Graduate School.
Thesis/Specialist Project/Dissertation (Form G)
You must submit your thesis/project/dissertation by the date listed at wku.edu/graduate/students/thesis/deadlines. php. The thesis/project/dissertation must be in final form and approved by all members of your committee. During any semester/summer term in which the thesis/project/dissertation is being actively pursued or is submitted, you must be enrolled in graduate course work or Maintaining Matriculation (600 for thesis; 700 for specialist project; 800 for dissertation).
Comprehensive Exam (Form E)
The comprehensive examination and/or thesis must be satisfactorily completed. The major advisor must be contacted regarding the scheduling of the written/oral examination. Written comprehensive exam applications can be obtained from your department of study. The Form E is a report to the Graduate School verifying successful completion of the comprehensive exam and must be submitted by the program advisor.
Application for Graduation
This application should be submitted on TopNet with the appropriate fee for the degree at least one semester prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If you wish your name to appear in the commencement program, you must submit the Application for Graduation fee by the deadline printed in the schedule bulletin.
Incomplete Course Work
If any course work remains incomplete at the time of expected degree completion, a student will not be permitted to graduate until the grade changes are available from the Registrar’s Office. If you have questions concerning the completion of your degree, please contact The Graduate School by email at graduate.school@wku.edu or by calling (270) 745-2446. * Students seeking teacher certification or rank change should contact the Office of Teacher Certification for further requirements by phone at (270) 745-4300 or by email at teacher.certification@wku.edu.
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Undergraduate Students: Degree Completion Checklist Review of iCap and Completion of Paperwork
Students should review their iCAP (or degree program if applicable), to assure the following requirements have been met: • • •
• • • •
Includes 54 hours (minimum) in major and minor combination, 48 unduplicated. Includes 42 upper-division hours (300 or above). Includes 25% of the minimum number of semester hours earned in residence (at WKU), with at least 16 hours completed in residence after the semester in which 90 cumulative hours have been earned for baccalaureate degrees and 12 hours completed in residence during the last half of the student’s program for associate degrees. Includes one-third of hours in major and in minor earned in residence (at WKU). Includes one-half of hours in major and in minor at the upper-division level (300 or above). Includes minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours earned in courses numbered 100 or above for a baccalaureate degree and 60 unduplicated semester hours for an associate degree. Achieved a minimum GPA of 2.0 must be in each of the following areas prior to graduation: overall cumulative (all college level courses attempted) excluding developmental courses, overall in major and minor courses, and overall in WKU coursework in major and in minor.
Graduation Approval All candidates for a baccalaureate degree are expected to make formal application immediately after attaining senior status (90 hours earned). Associate degree candidates should apply at least one semester in advance of the date on which the degree is to be conferred. The application may be obtained through TopNet; a $50 fee is required. For students who have applied for graduation and have paid the graduation fee, the Dean’s office of the students’s first declared major and Degree Certification will review the student’s iCAP. Students will be notified via their WKU email account of any potential problems regarding progress toward their degree. All exception forms must be completed, all incompletes must be removed, all transfer credit received and all WKU On Demand courses finished by the end of the term in which the degree is to be awarded. Failure to comply could result in postponement of the graduation date. The student must, in all cases, be primarily responsible for meeting the requirements for graduation. Application for Graduation The Application for Graduation is available on TopNet under Student Records.
WKU Online
Knicely Conference Center, Suite 120 2355 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 Call: 888-4WKUWEB (1-888-495-8932) (270) 745-5173 Email: learn.online@wku.edu Visit: wku.edu/online
WKU On Demand
Garrett Conference Center 101 1906 College Heights Blvd. # 21084 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Call: 800-535-5926 (270) 745-4158 Email: ondemand@wku.edu Visit: wku.edu/ondemand
DL Testing Centers
Main Campus Garrett Conference Center 108 1906 College Heights Blvd. #61084 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Call: (270) 745-5122 Email: dltesting@wku.edu South Campus 2355 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 Room C240 Call: (270) 745-2953 Email: sctc@wku.edu Visit: wku.edu/testing
wku.edu/learn/dl WKU is a regionally accredited university. Western Kentucky University is an equal opportunity institution of higher education and upon request provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. wku.edu/eoo