Frequently Asked Questions

Are there specific classes my student must take for the STEPS program?

The STEPS program is designed to provide added support to incoming freshmen who, based on their ACT scores, are placed in developmental or enhanced English courses and required to take a reading course. If your student scored less than an 18 on the English and less than 20 on the Reading sections of their ACT he/she is required to complete these courses with a grade of C or better. Developmental courses do not count toward a Bachelors or Associates degree.

What is the typical course load for a student in a retention program?

A student taking 12-18 hours in a semester is considered a full- time student. We suggest that students who are required to participate in a retention program enroll in no more than 15 hours.

How do students register for classes?

Continuing students register for classes on TopNet.

Enter User ID and PIN

Select Student Services

Select Registration

Select Register/Add/Drop Classes

Enter the desired term

What is a STEPS major?

Students in the STEPS program are listed as a 225 STEPS major for their first two semesters. Their major will be changed to their area of study at the end of their first academic year. Throughout their first academic year, STEPS students will still meet with an advisor from their intended field of study.

What must a student do to continue at the University?

Please refer to the Academic Standing and Grade Information page for further information regarding continued enrollment at WKU.

I was academically dismissed from school. What do I need to do to return to WKU?

A student dismissed from the University by the University Academic Probation Committee may appeal the decision to the Executive Appeals Committee. This committee will consider continued enrollment only after a written appeal has been submitted to the Director of the Academic Advising & Retention Center. If the Executive Committee approves an appeal, the student will be permitted to register for an additional semester on academic probation with conditions determined by the Executive Committee at the time of approval. Detailed operational procedures followed by the University Academic Probation Committee may be obtained from the Academic Advising & Retention Center in the Student Success Center, DUC Annex A330. If the student chooses to sit out for a full calendar year OR is denied continued enrollment by the Executive Appeals Committee, the student must reapply for admission.

How do I change my major/minor/advisor?

To change your major, minor, or advisor you must go to TopNet.

Log in to TopNet
Enter User ID and PIN
Select Student Services
Select Student Records
Select Change Major/Minor/Concentration/Advisor
Enter the desired term

Follow the directions given at this site and, if directed, take the form to the specified departments for signatures. Finally, take the form to the AARC located within DUC A330 for processing. The intent of this new form and process is to improve accuracy and efficiency. All students may use this form except:

Graduate students
Undergraduate students with a Degree Program on file. They will be directed to the Office of the Registrar to discuss the steps for changing a program of study after the degree program has been filed.
Undergraduate students pursuing MORE than two majors will be directed to the Academic Advising & Retention Center.

How can I find out if a grade change was processed?

After the instructor initiates the grade change, it is submitted to the department for approval, and then submitted to the Office of the Registrar for processing. Students will be notified by mail once the grade change has been processed. Students may also review their transcript on TopNet.

Are grades mailed to me at the end of the term?

Grade reports are not mailed. If students need an Official Grade Report, they may obtain one through TopNet. The date that final grades and cumulative grade point average will be available on TopNet will be printed in the Registration Guide each term. For students to obtain their final grades, they should access TopNet for their official grade report.

If I have an obligation (hold) with the University that cannot be cleared prior to the registration date, what do I do?

All obligations (holds) with the University that prevent registration should be cleared prior to the student's registration for classes. If the student believes their situation justifies an exception, they should contact the area that initiated the obligation and explain the situation. Any alternative arrangement should be made with the obligating office.

How do I know when a repeated course has been processed?

The student's first attempt is the only one excluded from a students GPA. However, all attempts remain on the transcript. This is indicated by an "E" in the "R" column on the transcript. Students may view this on their student transcript by going to TopNet.

When can I make schedule changes to my registration?

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 the student's academic record. Course withdrawals after the sixth class day will be recorded with a grade of "W" and will be reflected on their 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 the student academic record. Course withdrawals after the third class day will be recorded with a grade of "W" and will be reflected on their academic record. Refer to the Academic Calendar in the Registration Guide for the deadline to add, drop, or withdraw from a bi-term course.

If it is past the deadline and I need to withdraw, what procedure do I need to follow?

Students are expected to adhere to the withdrawal deadlines. If the student believes their situation would justify an exception to the withdrawal policy, the student should obtain a Schedule Exception Appeal Form from the Office of the Registrar or the academic department offering the course.

Do I need approval to take a course at another university?

Yes, it is recommended that you seek approval before taking the course(s). The Office of the Registrar can tell you whether the course will count toward General Education. If the course is for a major or a minor, the credit must be approved by the Department Head for that major/minor. You may obtain a Transfer Approval Form in the Office of the Registrar, Potter Hall room 216.