Section 3: Advising and Registration

WKU Classes: Advising and Registration

Academic advising is essential to fulfilling the teaching and learning mission of WKU and staying on track toward your degree. It is required for all degree-seeking students.

Each student is given a priority registration window that is based on last name and student classification (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). Be sure to note when your registration window opens (this can be found in the Registration Guide) and be ready to register!

 

Getting Ready To Register

Being ready to register when your registration window opens is key to getting in the classes you need! Here are a few tips on how to ensure you're ready for priority registration:

• Schedule an Advising Appointment: Advising is your first step! You will schedule a meeting (phone, online or in-person) with your advisor. Scheduling early is important. Your advisor's calendar may fill quickly. Most advisors allow students to schedule the appointment through TopNet using the Advising Calendar. Simply login, select Student Services, click on Registration and choose Schedule an Advising Appointment. If you need to meet by phone or through email, please note that in the comments section. 
• Prepare For Your Advising Session: Your advisor will help you navigate degree requirements and choose courses that both count toward your degree and compliment your career goals as you move toward graduation. He/she is also a great resource in learning about the processes and policies at WKU. If you need your advisor's contact information it can be found in TopNet under Student Services > Registration > View Advisor Information. However, it is also your responsibility, as a student, to understand degree requirements. Major requirements can be found in the university catalog in your College section; overall academic requirements, including Colonnade requirements, academic performance and related information is located under Academic Information in the catalog.  
• Create a "Plan B" Course List: There will be classes you are required to take in a certain time frame; other classes will offer some amount of flexibility in time and/or topic. Be sure to create a back-up list of options, just in case one of your classes are full. 

 

Registration

Once you have been cleared for registration by your advisor and your registration window has opened, you will be able to register for classes in TopNet.

• Login to my.wku.edu and select TopNet from the menu on the left side of the page.
• Click the "Student Services" tab at the top of the page, select "Registration," then "Register/Add/Drop Classes." Next you will select the term for which you are registering. You may register using the 5 digit CRN for the class(es), which is listed in the schedule of classes, or you may search for courses to add.

Registration Tip

As you search through the Schedule of Classes, please pay special attention to the campus location listed. 

You may also find it helpful to review the Registration Guide for the upcoming semester. The Guide is available on the Registrar's Office website in the left hand column. The Guide provides information on priority registration dates, tuition and fee information, the academic calendar and more! 

 

Schedule Planner

WKU has improved the course registration process with a new software, Schedule Planner! Schedule Planner works with TopNet and allows you to plan your coursework for the upcoming term(s) by providing various scheduling options that fit your busy life.  No more will you have to hunt and peck through a long course list to find classes. Schedule Planner will optimize your course selections and schedule needs then send you to TopNet to register for your selected schedule.. Watch the video below to learn how to make the most of Schedule Planner.

Watch the video here to learn how to make the most of Schedule Planner or download step-by-step instructions here. 

 

Advising & Career Development Center

ACDC provides a wide range of academic services to undergraduate students. The advising office coordinates academic advising activities among undergraduate colleges and academic departments for undergraduate students. Career Services at WKU helps students and alumni identify and reach their career and employment goals, helps employers access an educated and highly trained workforce, and supports faculty and staff by providing opportunities to increase student learning and skill development.

Click here to learn more about the ACDC and the services they provide.

 

General Education Requirements

The Colonnade Program is a set of general education requirements for all students seeking the baccalaureate degree at Western Kentucky University.  It is an integral part of the undergraduate curriculum that both complements and supports the students’ preparation in their major field or specialization.  To view the requirements and course options, click here.

 

Change of Major or Advisor

Baccalaureate degree-seeking students must declare a major before earning junior status.  Associate degree-seeking students must declare a major before earning sophomore status.  A Change of Major form is accessible to students in TopNet under the Student Services/Student Records menu. 

 

Drop/Add

Schedule changes (drop/add) may be necessary following a student’s initial registration.  Students should use TopNet to process schedule changes on the dates listed in the appropriate registration guide.  If possible, add before dropping courses. (This may not be possible in time-conflict or overload situations.)  Refer to the Academic Calendar for dates affecting 1st and 2nd bi-term classes.

 

Tuition and Fee Payment

Registration in a course obligates the student to pay for the course and fulfill course requirements.  If you register and decide not to attend, you MUST withdraw from all classes prior to the first day of classes on TopNet or notify the Office of the Registrar of your withdrawal in writing; otherwise, you will owe tuition and late payment fees and receive ‘F’ grades.  

 

Class Attendance Policy

• Registration in a course obligates the student to be regular and punctual in class attendance.
• Students who, without previous arrangement with the instructor or department, fail to attend the first two class meetings of a course meeting multiple times per week or the first meeting of a class that meets one time per week MAY be dropped from the course.
• Nonattendance for a web-based course shall be defined as failure to log onto Blackboard or other instructor-designed websites within one week of course start date without previous arrangements with the instructor or department.
• Instructors may drop a student for nonattendance only during the regular drop/add period of the term.
• Nonattendance does NOT release students from the responsibility to officially drop any course for which they have enrolled and choose not to complete.

 

Notification of Rights - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.  This means only you and WKU faculty/staff have access to your educational records.  Even your parents cannot access your records unless you give consent.  These rights can be viewed in the Registration Guide.  Questions pertaining to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be directed to Jennifer Hammonds. Her office is located at 238 Potter Hall and her office number is 270-745-5432.

Next