Academic Renewal
Q: What is Academic Renewal?
A: Academic renewal prevents the voided coursework from counting toward graduation and the computation of the grade point average; however, the voided coursework will remain a part of the transcript. Qualified undergraduate students must not have attended any accredited college or university for at least two previous years and must have a cumulative grade point average, since readmission, of at least 2.0 (with no grade below “D”), computed at the end of the term in which the student completes a minimum of 12 semester hours of courses numbered 100 or above.
The student must petition the Registrar in writing to request academic renewal, indicating whether one semester or all previous coursework is to be voided. No student may declare academic renewal more than once.
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Attendance Policy
Q: What is the university class attendance policy?
A: Registration in a course obligates the student to be regular and punctual in class attendance. Faculty may establish specific requirement for attendance, and those requirements are usually specified on the course syllabus. Students who cease attending class are expected to report to the Office of the Registrar to initiate withdrawal procedures. Withdrawal deadlines are published each semester in the Registration Guide.
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Auditing a Course
Q: How long do I have to change a class from credit to audit?
A: You can sign up to audit a class without special permission prior to the first day of the term. After that time, the instructor must grant permission for you to audit a class by signing the course audit form. You should obtain this form in the Office of the Registrar, complete the form, obtain the instructor’s signature, and return the form to the Office of the Registrar prior to the deadline for changing from credit to audit, printed in the Academic Calendar in the Registration Guide.
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Blackboard
Q: How do I access Blackboard?
A: To access Blackboard, go to http://ecourses.wku.edu/.
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Cancelled Courses
Q: The University has cancelled a course in which I am enrolled. Do I have to drop the course?
A: You do not need to drop the course. Once the course is officially cancelled in the student information system, the Office of the Registrar will drop the course from your schedule. If you desire to replace this course, you should process the registration prior to the deadline printed in the Academic Calendar in the Registration Guide.
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Catalog Distribution
Q: How do I receive an undergraduate catalog?
A: All new students (beginning freshmen and transfer students) are given a catalog when they report for the Academic Transitions Program (ATP).
If you are a returning student, you may purchase a current catalog in the University Bookstore. The cost is $3 per copy.
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Catalog Term/Year
Q: What is my catalog term/year?
A: A student's catalog term/year is based on when the student entered Western Kentucky University as a degree-seeking student. An iCAP student should follow the undergraduate catalog that coincides with his catalog term/year.
Q: Can my catalog term/year be changed?
A: Students should consult an advisor before changing a catalog term/year. Changing a catalog term/year will affect all degree requirements (major, minor, and general education).
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Change in Major
Q: How do I change my major?
A: Information regarding changing your major may be found at http://www.wku.edu/advising/.
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Credit Hour Limits
Q: How many semester hours can I take in a semester?
A: Spring, Fall—Undergraduate students may register for 19 hours without special permission. To register for 20-21 semester hours, you must have a 3.3 g.p.a. To register for more than 21 semester hours, you must appeal to do so. See Marleen Murphy in the Office of the Registrar.
Winter—A student is permitted to enroll in a maximum of four semester hours.
Summer—A maximum of three semester hours in Session M, six semester hours in Session A and six semester hours in Session C. A student is permitted to enroll in only one three-week course within a five-week session (Session A or C). Registration for 15 hours requires enrollment in the entire 13-week summer term.
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Degree Certification
Q: How do I know if I have met the degree requirements to graduate?
A: Students who began WKU prior to Fall 2005 are required to file a degree program. After filing an undergraduate degree program and Application for Graduation, your degree program will be audited by the Office of the Registrar to assure that you are fulfilling your degree requirements. You will be notified of deficiencies.
Students who began WKU as degree-seeking students Fall 2005 or later will use iCAP (www.wku.edu/icap). iCAP reports are assessed through TopNet. After filing an Application for Graduation, your iCAP report will be audited by the Office of the Registrar to assure that you are fulfilling degree requirements. You will be notified of deficiencies.
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Diplomas
Q: When can I expect to receive my diploma?
A: Diplomas are mailed approximately six weeks following commencement.
Q: I graduated but have not yet received my diploma. What could be the problem?
A: The diploma is mailed to the address you provided on the Application for Graduation unless you subsequently updated the address in the Office of the Registrar. Diplomas are not issued if the student has outstanding obligations such as unpaid accounts, parking fines, unreturned books to the library, etc. Contact the Office of the Registrar at (270) 745-5411 to check on the status of your diploma.
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Directory Information
Q: What is student directory information?
A: "Student directory information" includes the student's name, address, e-mail address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, enrollment status (including full-time, part-time, not enrolled, withdrawn and date of withdrawal), degree and awards received and the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the student.
Q: How can I restrict my directory information?
A: When you want any part of the directory information to remain confidential, you must complete an official request form within the first five days of class of each school term. You can obtain the form in the Office of the Registrar or access the form online at http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/forms.html
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E-Mail Accounts
Q: How do I receive a WKU e-mail account?
A: If you are a new student you will have a WKU e-mail address automatically assigned once you have registered for classes.
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Enrollment Verification
Q: How do I obtain enrollment verification?
A: To gain access to the free Student Self-Service site for enrollment verification, go to TopNet at http://topnet.wku.edu/. Login and select Student Records, then Enrollment Verification/National Student Clearinghouse. Enter the required information. Click Login. Follow directions. When finished, Logoff.
Q: I have an insurance form that must be signed by a campus official. Where do I go?
A: Take your form to the Office of the Registrar, 217 Potter Hall. The form will be completed while you wait and returned to you.
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Fee Payment
Q: I have questions about tuition and fee payment.
A: Information about fee payments may be found at http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/FinAdmin/Billings&Receivables.htm
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Grade Changes
Q: How can I find out if a grade change was done?
A: After the instructor initiates the grade change, it is submitted to the department head for approval, and then submitted to the Office of the Registrar for processing. You may also review your transcript on TopNet.
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Grades
Q: Are grades mailed to me at the end of the term?
A: Grade reports are not mailed. If you need an Official Grade Report, you may obtain one through TopNet by following the steps below. The date final grades and cumulative grade point average will be available on TopNet will be printed in the Registration Guide each term. To access your final grades, follow the steps below:
1. Access TopNet at http://topnet.wku.edu/.
2. Enter User ID and PIN. Login
3. Select Student Services, then Student Records.
4. Select Final Grades. Enter the desired term.
5. If Official Report is needed click Obtain Official Grade Report.
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iCAP
Q: What is iCAP?
A: iCap is an acronym for Interactive Curriculum and Academic Progress. Students who entered the 2005 fall semester and thereafter can obtain personalized, interactive audits displaying progress toward a selected degree. An audit shows all the requirements needed to fulfill a major, minor or concentration and displays the transfer and WKU courses that have been used to satisfy those requirements. Students can run "What-If" audits to compare their coursework against other majors.
Q: How do I access my iCAP report?
A: To access your iCAP report, log in to TopNet. Under Student Services, select iCAP. If you are eligible to run an audit, you will be promoted to follow the on screen instructions. For more information on iCAP or to view a tutorial, visit www.wku.edu/icap.
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Late Registration Fee
Q: Why am I charged a late registration fee?
A: Students are strongly encouraged to register prior to the first day of the term. Ample opportunity is provided for registration prior to the opening of the term. Students who are unable to register in advance are given an opportunity to register during the first six days of the term, but will be assessed a late registration penalty of $50. Refer to deadlines in the Registration Guide.
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Name Changes
Q: How do I change my name on my student records?
A: You must complete a “Student Identification Change” form. You may pick up the form in the Office of the Registrar, Potter Hall 228. You may also access the form online at http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/forms.html. The form may be mailed or faxed to us for processing. You must be currently enrolled, and we will need a copy of your new Social Security card showing the new name.
Q: Will the processing of a name change also change my name on my e-mail account or Blackboard account?
A: No. Once your name has been changed through the Office of the Registrar, you will need to contact IT Helpdesk at (270) 745-7000 to update your e-mail account and/or your Blackboard account.
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Priority Registration
Q: If I do not register on my scheduled date, when can I register?
A: You may register without penalty any time after your assigned date to register up through the day prior to the first day of the term. There may, however, be periods of time when the system is down for maintenance.
Q: Do I have to see my advisor before I register?
A: All undergraduate degree-seeking students are required to see an advisor until 90 hours are earned and an Application for Graduation has been filed in the Office of the Registrar. After you have been advised, the advisor will release your advising hold. Provided you have no other obligations with the university, you will be permitted to register on your assigned date.
All associate degree-seeking students must see an advisor unless they have earned at least 48 hours and have filed an application for graduation in the Office of the Registrar.
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Registration Holds
Q: If I have an obligation (hold) with the University that cannot be cleared prior to my registration date, what do I do?
A: All obligations with the University that prevent registration should be cleared prior to your registration for classes. If you believe your situation justifies an exception, you should contact the area that initiated the obligation and explain your situation. Any alternative arrangement should be made with the obligating office.
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Repeated Courses
Q: How will I know when my repeat has been processed?
A: Your first attempt is indicated as excluded if an "E" is in the "R" column of your transcript. You may view this on your student transcript by going to TopNet. Go to http://topnet.wku.edu/ and Login.
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Restricted Courses
Q: TopNet will not let me register for a course I need. It tells me the course is restricted. What do I do?
A: Some courses have been restricted by the offering department for specific reasons. For registration in one of these courses, you should contact the academic department offering the course. Explain your need for the course. If your need is deemed appropriate for admission to the class, a restriction override will be placed in the registration system for you. You should then be permitted to register via TopNet.
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Schedule Change Fee
Q: When am I charged a fee for changing my registration schedule?
A: You are charged a schedule change fee of $20 per class to withdraw from a course after the drop period for that term (full or bi-term). If you should process a schedule exception appeal to add a course, you will also be charged this $20 fee.
Q: If my original registration for the term takes place after the sixth class day, am I charged both a late registration fee of $50 and a schedule change fee of $20 per class to register?
A: If you register after the deadline for adding a course, a schedule exception appeal must be approved by the instructor and department head and reviewed by the Dean. If approved, you will be charged only the late registration fee of $50. After your original registration date, any changes made will be subject to the $20 schedule change fee.
Q: I do not believe I should have to pay the schedule change fee. How do I appeal the charge?
A: The Tuition/Schedule Change Fee Appeal Committee will review your schedule change and determine if the fee assessed to you is appropriate. You should obtain the form and directions for submitting an appeal to this Committee from the Office of the Registrar, second floor, Potter Hall. Be sure to include all documented information with your appeal.
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Schedule Changes
Q: When can I make schedule changes to my registration?
A: Schedule changes for full-semester courses (drops or adds) can be made at any time through the first six days of the term. Drops made during this time will not be reflected on your academic record. Course withdrawals after the sixth class day will be recorded with a grade of “W” and will be reflected on your academic record. Refer to the Academic Calendar in the Registration Guide for the deadline to add, drop, or withdraw from a full semester course.
Schedule changes for bi-term courses can be made at any time through the first three days of the term. Drops made during this time will not be reflected on your academic record. Course withdrawals after the third class day will be recorded with a grade of “W” and will be reflected on your academic record. Refer to the Academic Calendar in the Registration Guide for the deadline to add, drop, or withdraw from a bi-term course.
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TopNet PIN
Q: How do I change my PIN?
A: Go to http://topnet.wku.edu/. Select TopNet Login. Enter your WKU ID and PIN. Click Login. From the Main Menu, select Personal Information. Select Change your PIN. Enter Old PIN, Enter New PIN; Re-enter New PIN. Click Change PIN.
Q: How do I create my TopNet PIN?
A: Go to http://topnet.wku.edu/. Select TopNet Login from the menu. Follow instructions for a first-time user. Enter your full student ID. Tab down and enter the last six digits of your ID. Click Login. On the next page re-enter the last six digits of your ID (TopNet will tell you your PIN has expired) and tab down to the next box. Enter a six digit number that you can remember. Keep this PIN confidential.
Q: I have forgotten my PIN. How do I access this information so that I can use TopNet?
A: Follow the directions on the TopNet home page under Forgot My PIN. A new PIN will be assigned for you and you can then change the PIN to a number more familiar to you.
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TopNet URL
Q: How can I find TopNet?
A: The URL for TopNet is http://topnet.wku.edu/.
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Transcripts
Q: Can WKU fax my transcript?
A: We do not fax transcripts.
Q: How can I obtain my official transcript?
A: Students may request an official transcript through TopNet. Information on how to obtain official transcripts, as well as the online form, may be found on the Registrar’s web site. The address is www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/transcript.html
Q: How long does it take to receive my transcript?
A: Normally, transcripts will be mailed from our office within two working days of receiving the request.
Q: I have taken classes at another college. Have you received my transcript?
A: You may check on TopNet to see if the credits are on your record. If the credits are not showing, check with the other college to verify the official transcript was mailed and to what department it was sent. Please allow ample time for mailing and processing. If you have further questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 270-745-3351.
Q: How can I view my unofficial transcript?
A: Unofficial transcripts are available online for students enrolled from the Summer of 1990 until present. This information can be found on the Registrar’s Web Page www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/transcript.html.
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Transfer Credit Equivalency
Q: I plan to take a course this summer at another college. How will the course transfer to WKU?
A: You can look this information up on the following website: www.wku.edu/Info/Admissions/transfer4.htm, then click Transfer Credit Equivalency. If you do not find your school, you may contact the Office of the Registrar for instructions.
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Tuition Refund Appeal
Q: I had to withdraw from a course, making a difference in my enrollment status. How do I appeal for a refund in tuition?
A: There is a Tuition/Schedule Change Fee Appeal Committee to review your change in enrollment status to determine if a refund is appropriate. You should obtain the form and directions for submitting an appeal to this Committee from the Billings and Receivables Office, second floor, Potter Hall. Be sure to include all documented information with your appeal.
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Visiting Student
Q: I am a student at WKU but I want to take courses this summer closer to my home. I need a visiting student letter verifying that I am in good standing at WKU. How do I request this document?
A: If the course (s) you plan to take applies toward general education and you are in good academic standing, you should contact the Office of the Registrar, 2nd floor Potter Hall or 270-745-3351. In addition, if the course (s) you plan to take applies toward your major/minor, you need to receive written confirmation from the academic department of your major/minor that the course (s) will apply toward your graduation requirements. A letter of good standing can then be prepared for you by the Office of the Registrar. If you are on academic probation, you will need to contact the Office of Undergraduate Advisement and Retention for the visiting student letter.
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Withdrawal from a Course
Q: How do I withdraw from a course?
A: To withdraw from a course, you should adhere to the withdrawal dates printed in the Registration Guide for the current term. You may process your withdrawal by going to http://topnet.wku.edu/.
Q: If it is past the deadline and I have a need to withdraw, what procedure do I follow?
A: Students are expected to adhere to the withdrawal deadlines. If you believe your situation would justify an exception to the withdrawal policy, you should obtain a schedule exception appeal form from the academic department offering the course and process this form according to the directions on the form.
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Withdrawal from the University
Q: How does withdrawal from the university affect my academic record?
A: If you withdraw after the “W” period begins and prior to the deadline, a grade of “W” will be recorded on your academic record. The “W” grade will not be reflected in your overall grade point average. If you find a need to withdraw after the deadline and obtain the permission to do so from the instructor, department head and dean, you will be given a grade of “W” or “F”. If an “F” grade is recorded, this grade will be reflected in your cumulative grade point average.
