Welcome
Thank you for your interest in WKU. Our online courses and programs offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing students who cannot participate in a traditional classroom setting to continue their education in a way that will fit their lifestyle. Online courses are equally as rigorous as face-to-face courses. However, with online courses you may find that time management and the ability to work independently becomes increasingly important. On this page you will find information on application and registration procedures, as well as information on setting up your account, and important tips to help you prepare for your online class. As on online student you have access to number of resources from many different areas of the university, designed to help you succeed.

If you would like to see a schedule of upcoming courses please refer to the Course Availability section of the Distance Learning website.

If you would like to learn more about online learning visit the links below, call us toll-free at 
888-4WKUWEB (888-495-8932) or email us at reachu@wku.edu.

Signing up for an Online Course
In order to take an online course, you must first be admitted to the university. Students can apply online at www.wku.edu/admissions.html. Additional materials are required. Please refer to the information below.

Current WKU Students: As a WKU student you can register for online courses just as you would for main campus courses.

Beginning Freshman: You will apply as a beginning freshman if you have not attended a college or university after high school graduation. Records Needed: An official high school transcript (no faxed transcripts accepted) and ACT or SAT scores. Note: Students over 21 years of age may take the ACCUPLACER in lieu of the ACT exam. For more information or to schedule the ACCUPLACER exam call 270-780-2550.

Transfer Students: You will apply as a transfer student if you have attended one or more colleges or universities since high school graduation, but have not attended WKU. Records Needed: An official transcript from each college attended (No faxed transcripts are accepted. Transcripts without the official seal or those marked unofficial cannot be used). If you have fewer than 24 semester hours of college credit earned, you must also submit your high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores.

Visiting Students: You will apply as a visiting student if you are a seeking a degree from another college wishing to attend WKU for one term only. Records Needed: Transient permission form (This form will be sent to you by the Office of Admissions upon receipt of the application and processing fee) or a letter of good standing from your home institution.

Graduate Students:  If you wish to earn a graduate degree you must submit the following materials, in addition to the application: official undergraduate transcripts, official GRE scores and a copy of your current teaching certificate when applicable. The application and all supporting materials need to be received in Graduate Studies by the dates listed below to ensure adequate time for departmental review.

If you would like to take fewer than 9 credit hours and are not ready to begin a program of study, you may do so by applying as a non-degree seeking student, and submitting your official undergraduate transcripts.

Application Deadlines for Graduate Students
Fall Semester: June 15
Spring Semester: November 15
Summer Term: Contact Department

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Before the Course Begins

1. Set up your study space.
2. Check your connections and technology equipment; make sure everything is in good working order. If you have questions regarding the type of computer needed to take an online course visit http://www.wku.edu/online/technical.html or call 1-888-4WKUWEB.
3. Make sure you have your books and supplies ready.
4. Create a study schedule – designate time during the day or week that you will be “at school.” One of the most challenging things online students face is time management. Beginning the course(s) with a set schedule that works best for you not only helps you manage your time effectively, but also helps ensure that you don’t fall behind in the course. 

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Navigating the Virtual Campus
Once you have been admitted to WKU, you will need to set up your TopNet account, register for courses, set up your WKU email account, review Blackboard (the course delivery system and order your books. Please see additional details below:

1. Creating your TopNet Account:  TopNet is the WKU student registration and information system. TopNet is where you will go to register for courses, check your financial aid status, view your transcripts, etc. The first time you login to TopNet you will be asked for your Student ID number (which will be assigned to you upon admission) and PIN. Your PIN will be the last six digits of your SSN. You will be prompted to change your PIN during your initial login. Below is a link to TopNet and a link to a TopNet video tutorial. You can also look up your WKU Student ID number from this webpage: http://topnet.wku.edu

2. Setting up your WKU Email Account: Upon admission you will receive a WKU email account. You will need to set-up this account as soon as possible. This email account is very important, and will be listed as your primary email with the university. This account is used to provide you with information on your course(s), billing and financial aid, and also serves as a point of contact for WKU faculty and staff. Go to http://webmail.wku.edu to get started.

3. Familiarize yourself with Blackboard (Bb) by completing the online tutorial. You can access additional tutorials from the Information Technology website.
   
   
   

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When your Course Opens in Blackboard

• Read the course syllabus
• Ask/post questions for areas you are unclear about
• Add key dates for assignments, tests and set reading goals
  (i.e. “Read chap. 1-2 by 1/28) to your Study Schedule to help stay organized and manage your time.
• Know what is due and when – add these items on your Study Schedule
• Check with your professor to see if your online course requires proctored exams. If it does, talk with your professor about approved locations in your area (i.e. Public Libraries, Community Colleges, WKU’s Online Center, etc.). Remember, it is your responsibility to schedule a location for your exam if proctored exams are required. 
  

Visit the different locations in your Blackboard course to familiarize yourself with the course layout and structure

• Using your syllabus as a guide, identify what you need for the course, where the course materials, assignments, and tests are.
• Explore links and supplemental materials your instructor has posted
• Review the course requirements for posting to the discussion board
  
  

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Succeeding in an Online Environment

Creating the Online You and Building Good Relationships

• Who you are is conveyed through what and how you write – consider your tone, and be mindful of how something will “read” another person, take note of grammar/spelling.
• Personalize your messages – address one another by name, sign yours.
• Be clear and ask for clarification. Without the side of verbal intonation or physical cues, clear feedback, descriptions, and directions become even more important. If you are unsure of another person’s meaning or wording, ask for clarification.
• Write to others as you wish to be written to. Practice respect, openness, and don’t forget your sense of humor.

Tips for Success

• Stay organized and on schedule
• Take notes as you read
• Read and review materials regularly
• Keep open and frequent communication with your peers and instructor, and ask questions when you need to
• Break large projects into chunks
• Prepare well in advance for exams

Support

We're here to help you succeed by offering the support you need as a distance student. Even though you're not on campus, you have the same access to technical support, library services and much more. Click here to learn more.

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Academic Calendar
Our Distance Program follows the traditional academic calendar, with established start and completion dates. Academic Calendars can be found on the Registrar's Webpage at http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/acad_calendar.htm.

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