The Cornerstone Program is an initiative designed to provide support for first-year students at WKU. You’ll collaborate with faculty, staff, and peers during the program to develop crucial academic skills.

First-year students who placed into two or three supplemental courses and obtained an unweighted high school GPA below 3.0 are required to participate. Course placement is based on the unweighted high school GPA or standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, etc.) that you submitted with your admission application. Refer to the college readiness website for more details.  

Yes! You’re required to participate if you placed into two or three supplemental courses in mathematics, reading, or writing, and obtained an unweighted high school GPA below 3.0. Refer to the college readiness website for more details.  

The Cornerstone Program incorporates a one-time orientation, supplemental courses, and conversations with an academic advisor during 5th Week Check-In. Review the program requirements section above for more details.

Students will participate in the program orientation and Fifth Week Check-In during their first semester at WKU. Students will complete the supplemental courses during their first two years.

You’ll receive additional information during the Topper Orientation Program (TOP) and a few weeks prior to the start of the fall or spring semester.

Submit an updated official high school transcript or standardized test scores to the Office of Admissions. Depending on the situation, some or all of the required parts of the Cornerstone Program may be waived.

Please email cornerstone@wku.edu to discuss options and next steps.

The Cornerstone Program provides support, accountability, and community. During the program, you’ll develop crucial academic skills and learn about a variety of campus resources. You’ll also collaborate with faculty and staff who can support your transition and answer questions as needed.

Please email cornerstone@wku.edu or call 270-745-5065 with questions.