WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL PARTNER HANDBOOK
WHAT’S INSIDE! 2 Senior Year Timeline 3 Admissions Application 4 Application Process 5 NACAC Waiver Form 6 Visit WKU 7 Mahurin Honors College 8 Housing 9 Living Learning Communities 10 Affording College 11 Cost of Attendance 12 Student Financial Assistance 13 Net Price Calculator 14 WKU Scholarships 15 Topper Orientation Program 16 Restaurant Group 17 Meal Plans 18 Parking and Transportation Services 19 Get Involved 20 M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 21 Hilltopper Basics 22 Colonnade Program 23 Credit By Exam 24 Meet Your Admissions Counselor
ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST
For more information on completing these tasks visit: www.wku.edu/admissions/timeline
Apply to WKU
Send us your scores and transcripts
Visit campus and attend events
Apply for housing
Complete FAFSA
Register for TOP
Sign up for M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan
Accept scholarship and financial aid
START CLASS
APPLY TO WKU
The WKU application for admission can be found at wku.edu/apply or via the Common App.
Have at least a 2.00 unweighted high school GPA
TO BE ADMITTED, A STUDENT MUST:
Students with a 2.00 - 2.49 unweighted high school GPA must achieve a Composite Admission Index (CAI) score of at least 60.
Students with a 2.50 unweighted high school GPA or greater are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission purposes
Students admitted to WKU may be placed in an appropriate academic support program based on academic needs at the time of admission. They will be notified regarding any academic placement by the appropriate office.
Students who have between a 2.00-2.49 unweighted high school GPA and achieve the required CAI score will be admitted to WKU via the Summer Scholars Program.
Some scholarships and academic programs may still require submission of an ACT or SAT score to determine eligibility.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
A complete admissions application includes:
ADMISSIONS APPLICATION - Students must complete an admissions application at wku.edu/apply.
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT - To be considered official documents, WKU can receive transcripts from services like Parchment or via email directly from the student’s guidance counselor. While official electronic transcripts are preferred, they can also be mailed to the Office of Admissions at 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11020; Bowling Green, KY 42101-1020.
ACT/SAT SCORES - (if unweighted cumulative GPA is between 2.0-2.49)
ACT/SAT scores can be sent by the testing agency or included on the official high school transcript.
APPLICATION FEE/VERIFICATION OF FEE WAIVER ELIGIBILITY - Students are required to submit the $50 application fee before the application can be processed. If a student qualifies for a fee waiver, WKU must receive verification of the need from the school counselor. We have included a copy of the Fee Waiver form on the next page.
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NACAC WAIVER FORM
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VISIT US
There’s no place like The Hill. Campus tours are led by current WKU students, with a variety of tours offered. Choose from a walking tour or bus tour, and personalize your visit with add-ons specific to your interests. To schedule a daily campus tour or register for a WKU event, visit wku.edu/visitwku. Day-on-Campus Group Tours are also available. If you’re interested in bringing a group of students to campus, check out wku.edu/visitwku/groupvisit.
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MAHURIN HONORS COLLEGE
The Mahurin Honors College at WKU is designed to function as a small, highly selective college, while providing students with resources and opportunities of a large, robust university.
Students who meet the Mahurin Honors College requirements are invited to schedule a VIP visit by submitting a visit request online. The Mahurin Honors College offers personalized campus tours twice daily. For more information or to schedule a personalized tour, visit wku.edu/honors/visit.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
l Student must first apply and be admitted to WKU before applying to the Mahurin Honors College
l The Mahurin Honors College application can be found at wku.edu/honors
l The priority application deadline is December 1st
l The Mahurin Honors College uses a holistic application review process. The following components are considered for admission:
l Strength of Writing Samples
l Level of Involvement
l Academic Quality
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HOUSING
Living on campus at WKU gives students the unique opportunity to live in a community with people from down the road to across the globe.
Live-in staff members help students build an amazing community so that they not only leave WKU with a degree, but also with memories and friendships to last a lifetime.
All incoming students should submit a housing application. The housing application opens on December 1st and has a priority deadline of March 31st.
Visit wku.edu/housing for more information.
AMENITIES IN RESIDENCE HALLS
l Wi-Fi
l Ethernet Access
l Air Conditioning
l Elevators*
l Vending Machines
l Ice Machine
l Laundry Room with Free Laundry
l Closet
*In most halls
COMMUNITY AREAS
l Study Room
l Community Lounges
l Theatre Room*
l Kitchen on Every Floor*
l Lobby
l 24-Hour Security and Information Desk
MOVABLE FURNITURE
l Adjustable XL
Twin Bed
l Desk
l Desk Chair
l Dresser
l Trash Bin
l Recycling Bin
l Window Blinds
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LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES
In addition to our standard housing assignments, WKU also offers Living Learning Communities (LLCs). In a WKU LLC, students with similar academic or social interests live together on a residence hall floor and participate in activities tailored to their specific majors or interests.
Most WKU LLCs are housed within the First Year Village. The First Year Village encompasses residence halls on the south end of campus, where focused first-year programming takes place. These halls utilize space in a way that enables deep faculty and peer engagement that connects directly to student success.
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AFFORDING COLLEGE
PAYMENT PLANS THROUGH TUITION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - Students and/ or parents interested in payment plan options may be eligible for fall or spring payment plans through Tuition Management Systems (TMS). Get more information on payment plan options, free education payment counseling, and making college more affordable by visiting wku.afford.com or call 800-722-4867.
BILLING - All university billing is electronic, with students receiving account statements through their WKU email address. Students can add a billing email address to their account if they would like additional notification of their bill to other inboxes by updating their Personal Information on TopNet.
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COST OF ATTENDANCE
IN-STATE STUDENT COST PER YEAR
TUITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM COST PER YEAR
OUT-OF-STATE STUDENT COST PER YEAR
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Tuition (Full-time status taking between 12-18 hours) $11,436 Housing rates for freshmen eligible residence halls with double occupancy $5,632 - $8,172 On-Campus Meal Plan $3,626 - $4,954 Books and supplies* $576 - $864 Parking Pass (for Housing) $50 - $275 Application Fee $50 Housing Application Fee $75 Topper Orientation Program (TOP) Fee $75 M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Fee** $135 Total $21,655 - $26,036
Tuition (Full-time status taking between 12-18 hours) $14,136 Housing rates for freshmen eligible residence halls with double occupancy $5,632 - $8,172 On-Campus Meal Plan $3,626 - $4,954 Books and supplies* $576 - $864 Parking Pass (for Housing) $50 - $275 Application Fee $50 Housing Application Fee $75 Topper Orientation Program (TOP) Fee $75 M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Fee** $135 Total $24,355 - $28,736
Tuition (Full-time status taking between 12-18 hours) $27,000 Housing rates for freshmen eligible residence halls with double occupancy $5,632 - $8,172 On-Campus Meal Plan $3,626 - $4,954 Books and supplies* $576 - $864 Parking Pass (for Housing) $50 - $275 Application Fee $50 Housing Application Fee $75 Topper Orientation Program (TOP) Fee $75 M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Fee** $135 Total $37,219 - $41,600
STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Department of Student Financial Assistance is here to help students every step of the way. For more information visit wku.edu/financialaid.
STUDENT GUIDE FAFSA
Students should complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA is set to open this winter. Completing the FAFSA early gives students the best opportunity to qualify for various forms of financial assistance, though submissions are continuously accepted. Students should be sure to include WKU’s federal student code, 002002 on your FAFSA.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Fill out FAFSA
Get scholarship offer & accept scholarships
$
Get official aid offer in spring
Meet with a Financial Aid counselor once you receive your aid offer
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NET PRICE CALCULATOR
WKU offers an online tool that allows students to estimate their cost of attendance and potential financial aid awards.
By completing a simple form about the student’s background, plans for housing while in school, and family finances, they can receive information on estimated costs and awards.
.0 +
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SCHOLARSHIPS
WKU is committed to making higher education affordable and accessible for all students. That’s why over 90% of our first year students receive a scholarship.
here for scholarship information.
Scan
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TOPPER ORIENTATION PROGRAM
From information sessions with current students called TOP Guides to academic advising and class registration, TOP prepares students for taking the next step as they prepare to make the Hill their home.
For a student to confirm their attendance at WKU, they will need to register for TOP.
TOP registration opens in early Spring. Check out wku.edu/top for up-to-date registration information and answers to frequently asked questions.
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RESTAURANT GROUP
Students can fuel their climb to the top at over 20 on-campus restaurants and cafes. Whether they are picking up a snack with a friend at a grab and go location or debating ideas with a professor over a meal at a full-service restaurant, affordable meal plans and versatile dining options ensure that great food and great company is always just steps away.
Students can fuel their climb to the top at over 20 on-campus restaurants and cafes. Whether they are picking up a snack with a friend at a grab and go location or debating ideas with a professor over a meal at a full-service restaurant, affordable meal plans and versatile dining options ensure that great food and great company is always just steps away.
HERE ARE SOME DINING CHOICES
ON WKU’S CAMPUS
*Restaurant options are subjecttochange
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MEAL PLANS
A WKU meal plan is a convenient and cost efficient way for a student to eat on campus using their WKU ID.
All students living on WKU’s campus participate in a meal plan. Meal plans are made up of meal swipes/value meals and meal plan dollars. The amount of swipes and dollars allotted depend on the student’s selections.
MEAL SWIPES/VALUE MEALS:
Meal swipes can be used in Fresh Food Company and Hilltopper Hub for an all-youcare-to-eat meal or snack. They can also be used in all other locations with the exception of Starbucks, Spencer’s Coffee, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Java City to purchase a preset ‘Value Meal’. The student will use their WKU ID to ‘swipe’ or ‘use a meal swipe’ to purchase a Value Meal at these locations.
MEAL PLAN DOLLARS:
The Meal Plan Dollars associated with each Meal Plan are for the student to use at dining locations if they want something other than the Value Meal options, to purchase a meal for a friend, or to use at our two on campus convenience stores. Students will save 11% on applicable purchases using the Meal Plan Dollars associated with the Meal Plan.
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For a full list of dining options visit: wku.edu/dining
CHOICES
PARKING
All students at WKU are welcome to bring their car to campus but will need to purchase a parking pass. All parking spots on campus are clearly marked and parking availability is dependent upon the type of parking pass purchased.
Parking passes are available for purchase beginning in late spring or early summer.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
WKU also offers a variety of transportation services, including the most popular, Topper Transit. A variety of transit services are provided for the WKU community. Service is FREE to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Three fixed day service routes move passengers from point to point around campus.
On Saturdays, an off-campus route (Green Line Shopping Shuttle) is used to transport passengers to and from area shopping centers.
TOPPER TRANSIT
Para-transit service is provided at no charge for disabled passengers and requires registration with PTS. All Topper Transit buses are ADA and wheelchair accessible.
You can download the iWKU app to track Topper Transit shuttle locations to hop on and take a ride.
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GET INVOLVED
Check out wku.edu/sao for a glimpse at all the student activities that WKU has to offer and be sure to reach out to the Office of Student Activities with any questions about getting involved. You can find their contact information in the campus directory at the back of this book.
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Scan here for a list of registered student organizations.
M.A.S.T.E.R. PLAN
Students can experience the Hilltopper spirit one week early at M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan.
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is WKU’s transition program for all new undergraduate students and is designed to help them smoothly transition to their new life as a Hilltopper.
AT M.A.S.T.E.R. PLAN STUDENTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
LEARN AND PRACTICE WKU TRADITIONS
MEET FACULTY AND STAFF IN THEIR COLLEGE
MEET THEIR NEW HILLTOPPER FRIENDS
GET ACCLIMATED TO CAMPUS
MOVE-IN ONE WEEK
EARLY
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR M.A.S.T.E.R. PLAN, VISIT WKU.EDU/MASTERPLAN
CLIMB WITH US!
HILLTOPPER BASICS:
Upon admission to WKU, students are assigned a WKU ID number, NetID, and a TopperMail. These will be used to access different WKU accounts throughout a student’s time on the Hill. Students can also download the iWKU app for account information at the touch of a button.
WKU ID:
A WKU ID, also called an 800 or 801 number, is a nine digit number. Students should keep this number in a secure location, as they will use it throughout their time at WKU.
WKU NETID:
The NetID allows single sign-on access for WKU email (TopperMail), TopNet, and Blackboard.
TOPPERMAIL:
Information about a student’s Toppermail account will be shared with them in the days following their admission. This will serve as the main point of contact with professors.
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COLONNADE PROGRAM
The Colonnade Program is the name of WKU’s distinctive General Education curriculum. WKU has adopted the Colonnade Program to ensure that each student possesses certain academic skills, a breadth of human knowledge, and an appreciation for the diversity of ideas and perspectives that exist in the nation and world.
The Colonnade Program is far more than introductory courses that students pursue before completing coursework in their majors or minors. Instead, the Colonnade Program is truly a core, a common intellectual and academic experience shared by every student in every program of study. Moreover, the Colonnade Program is dynamic. Everyone learns in stages, and the Colonnade Program curriculum is designed to help students as they progress from their first semester to graduation.
For more information about Colonnade requirements and approved courses, check out www.wku.edu/colonnade.
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CREDIT BY EXAM
Credit may be earned at WKU through the following examination programs:
l American College Testing Program (ACT)
l Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
l College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
l Departmental examinations developed by WKU departmental faculty committees
The credit hours earned through these examinations will count toward graduation but will not be used to compute grade point averages since a letter grade will not be given.
For more information on equivalency credits, check out catalog.wku.edu/undergraduate/academic-information/credit-examination/.
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MEET YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR
We are here to be a resource for you and your students. An Admissions Counselor is assigned to every school district to serve as a direct contact for you. Each of our Admissions Counselors offer first-hand experience with a personalized touch. Our counselors frequently travel to meet with students, their families, and school counselors. They also keep regular office hours to meet students’ individual needs.
TO
FIND YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR, SCAN HERE:
OR VISIT: WWW.WKU.EDU/ADMISSIONS/COUNSELORS
NOTES:
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WKU CAMPUS RESOURCES
ACADEMIC ADVISING
www.wku.edu/advising academic.advising@wku.edu
(270) 745-5065
ADMISSIONS www.wku.edu/admissions admission@wku.edu
(270) 745-2551
CAMPUS OPERATOR/DIRECTORY www.wku.edu
(270) 745-0111
CAMPUS TOURS www.wku.edu/visitwku tours@wku.edu
(270) 745-2551
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER www.wku.edu/career careerhelp@wku.edu
(270) 745-3095
HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE www.wku.edu/housing hrl@wku.edu
(270) 745-4359
INTERCULTURAL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CENTER www.wku.edu/isec isec@wku.edu
(270) 745-5066
MAHURIN HONORS COLLEGE www.wku.edu/honors honors@wku.edu
(270) 745-2081
MEAL PLANS/RESTAURANT GROUP wku.edu/dining wkurg@wku.edu
(270) 745-2416
OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE www.wku.edu/financialaid fa.help@wku.edu
(270) 745-2755
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
www.wku.edu/transportation transportation@wku.edu
(270) 745-2361
STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY
RESOURCE CENTER (SARC) www.wku.edu/sarc sarc.connect@wku.edu
(270) 745-5004
STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
www.wku.edu/sao sao@wku.edu
(270) 745-2459
TOPPER ORIENTATION PROGRAM
www.wku.edu/top top@wku.edu
(270) 745-4242
TUITION AND BILLINGS
www.wku.edu/bursar billings.receivables@wku.edu
(270) 745-6381
WKU POLICE
www.wku.edu/police
(270) 745-2677
Office of Admissions
Potter Hall 117
1906 College Heights Blvd #11020
Bowling Green, KY, 42101 - 1020
Phone: (270) 745-2551
Email: admission@wku.edu
WKU SCHOOL PARTNER HANDBOOK
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs and employment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or marital status. www.wku.edu/eeo WKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
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