Resources for Your Students

There are resources throughout the University dedicated to helping distance learners succeed. Below are a few of the most utilized, but there are many more available. Visit the Virtual Student Resource Center to learn more.

• The Distance Learning Support Directory provides a comprehensive list of resources throughout the university designed specifically with distance learners in mind.
• Orientation for Online Learners provides an overview of distance learning at WKU. This orientation is available online at /online/orientation/index.php, and through Blackboard (Bb). There are two Bb orientations available designed specifically for graduate and undergraduate students, and include information such as research funding, Human Subjects Review Board Guidelines, etc., while the website orientation provides an overview not based on classification. The orientations will help students:
  
  
  • Gain a better understanding of Distance Learning as a whole
  • Understand the process of enrolling in a distance course
  • Learn about the functions of Blackboard
  • Learn new strategies for success in an online environment
  • Get acquainted with support available for distance learners at WKU
  Many advisors have elected to become organization leaders in the graduate or undergraduate orientation for distance learners, so they can add students to the group as needed. There are also guest accounts available that provide full access as well. For more information call (270) 745-5173.
• Library Tutorial. The library tutorial section of the website provides a comprehensive "Getting Started" guide for students. Topics such as identifying research topics, finding articles, finding websites and using style manuals are addressed.
• Online Community for Distance Learners. Distance learners have access to an online community designed specifically for them! The community serves as a place for distance learners to connect and interact with one another, as well as WKU faculty and staff. The community also serves as an information resource, providing helpful information on technology support, library services, succeeding in an online environment, the WKU and Bowling Green community, and more. In addition, the Office of Distance Learning regularly posts announcements of deadlines, due dates, registration and other useful information. If you would like to participate, you can self-enroll here. Please note: you must be logged into Blackboard to enroll.
• Blackboard Student User Workshop takes students through the basics of using Blackboard. Students may register at https://asaweb2.wku.edu/atech/trainingsite/index.php?fuseaction=calendar.online. Access to the workshop is granted immediately upon registration.
• Ask Your Librarianprovides easy access to a trained librarian through the Online Community. Roxanne Spencer, an Associate Professor in the Department of Library Public Services, is is here to help! So, if you have a question about research or just need some direction on the best place to start, just Ask Your Librarian!

  Students may post questions on the Discussion Board, in the thread titled, "Ask Your Librarian." Students are asked to allow 48 hours for a response. If the need is an immediate one, call the Helm-Cravens Library Reference Desk at (270) 745-6125, email web.reference@wku.edu, or contact a Library Liaison for subject specific questions. For quick tips, visit our Library Services webpage.

• Online Tutoring. The Academic Advising and Retention Center (AARC) provides online tutoring for many of the courses required to complete general education requirements. For more information visit their website.
• The Writing Center. Writers need feedback from readers to help refine their writing. The Writing Center can give you this feedback. Feedback is provided by email for distance students. For more information visit www.wku.edu/writingcenter/.
• College Heights Bookstore. Order your books and have them shipped directly to you, or just find out which textbooks are required for your course(s) at www.wkustore.com/ or by calling (270) 745-2466 or 800-444-5155.
• WKU ID Center. The WKU ID Center provides Student IDs for distance learners. Just fill out the ID Request Form, and send it to idcenter@wku.edu, or print the form and mail it in!