WKU Online: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Newly admitted online students are required to complete the Orientation for Online Learners. The orientation is optional for visiting students. Note: Online students do not need to make an appointment or come to campus for the orientation. It is offered fully online through Blackboard at your own pace at no cost to you. Following orientation completion, it can take up to seven days to be assigned to an advisor.
If you applied but haven't registered for classes, email admission@wku.edu to request an update to your application (to be listed as a "web" student). Even if you do this, not all WKU programs can be completed online. If you have registered for classes, reach out to your advisor and notify them that you would like to take online classes (if available for your program).
After the Orientation for Online Learners, it can take up to seven days to be assigned to an advisor. Once assigned, this information will become available on TopNet. Watch our video tutorial on how to locate your advisor information. If your major is undeclared you may visit Academic Advising or call (270) 745-5065.
Course requirements for all majors are located in WKU's undergraduate and graduate catalogs. These can be found at wku.edu/registrar. However, you should still work with your advisor to make sure that the course you wish to enroll in meets graduation requirements and professional/personal goals. Your advisor will also help keep you on track by identifying ways to reduce overall number of hours required (for example, maybe one of your major courses can also be used to meet a colonnade requirement), and monitoring progress toward overall university requirements that fall outside your degree program.
Email the WKU Office of Admissions at admission@wku.edu to request a change of term. Be sure to include your full name and WKU ID number. Alternatively, you can also submit a Term Change Request Form. Note: If you are trying to defer your enrollment by a full year or more, a new application is required. Fall applications can be changed to Spring or Summer terms. Spring applications can be moved to Summer or Fall terms.
The Change of Major form is available to undergraduate students in TopNet under the "Student Services/Student Records" menu item. Read additional information and policies related to changing majors or contact the Advising & Career Development Center at (270) 745-5065 if you have any questions. If you are thinking about switching to a different program (but aren't sure if it can be completed online), see our list of WKU Online programs. You can also reach out to us for assistance at learn.online@wku.edu.
Web based courses are delivered in two ways: semester-based web (WKU Online) and on demand (WKU On Demand). WKU Online courses follow the same start and end dates as face-to-face classes, allowing 10 starting points during the academic year. These include: Winter Term, Spring (first and second bi-term), Summer (5 starting points) and Fall (first and second bi-term). Registration dates and most up-to-date start/end dates are availble in the Academic Calendar. On Demand web courses can be started any day of the year and finished in as little as 7 weeks but must be completed within 6 months of enrollment.
Yes, you may withdraw from a web-based course. Check the Academic Calendar for deadlines for registering and dropping courses. Please remember, if you are using financial aid to cover educational expenses, your award was based on your enrollment status (full-time/half-time). Dropping below this status could effect future financial aid eligibility.
Some instructors require that examinations for web-based courses be taken at a proctored site. This can be a college, university, community college or even a local library. For information and help in setting up a proctored exam or finding other testing locations visit the Distance Learning Testing Center.
WKU's web-based courses are financial aid eligible. Your award amount is based on several factors, and may or may not cover the entire cost of the term. On demand courses are subject to completion restrictions - federal financial aid requires that the course be completed within the term of enrollment. Additional information can be found at wku.edu/online/financial-aid.php or by contacting the Office of Financial Assistance at (270) 745-2755 or visit them online.
Your first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Even if you doubt your eligibility, apply. Approximately 90% of those who apply qualify for some form of aid. A step-by-step guide through the application process can be found at wku.edu/financialaid/applying/how-to-apply.php. You can also visit wku.edu/online/financial-aid.php for more information on how to get started.
Tuition payment options can be found at the Office of the Bursar website.
As a WKU student you have access to a variety of services designed to help you succeed at a distance, including WKU Library resources, Online Tutoring, Academic Advising, Career Services, Testing, and much more. These services can be accessed through the Student Resource Portal at wku.edu/online/srp.
Big Red Backpack is a course materials delivery program that lowers the cost of course materials and ensures students have their required course materials on the first day of class. All students, except for dual credit students and students whose books are paid for by the VA, will be automatically enrolled in the Big Red Backpack program.
Students have the option to opt-out of this program. Opting out means you will not receive access to your required course materials in a convenient package at a discounted rate. For more information, please go to https://www.wku.edu/bigredbackpack/.
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