Section 2: Tools for Success

Your NetID and WKU ID

Upon admission, you were assigned a NetID. Your NetID is your "student pass" to a wide range of resources at WKU. As one of your first steps, you will look-up your NetID and set your password here (last name, DOB, and last four digits of your SSN are required).

NetID

Note: NetIDs are created once a user has a WKU ID.

The NetID is used for logging into Active Directory, Blackboard, TopNet, myWKU and may other various WKU Systems. It is accompanied by a NetID​ Password which is separate from all other accounts at WKU. Example: red01906 

WKUID

Note: WKUIDs are created for students once their application has been reviewed by the Admissions office. 

The WKUID is normally used for logging into TopNet and has it's own six digit WKU ID PIN. It may also be used for logging into an admissions application for a student that has already been accepted to WKU. Example: 800000000

 

WKU Student Email Account

Your student email account is of particular importance, since it is the primary avenue for communication between you and your professors. Detailed instructions for account set-up are provided below:

First time WKU Students: Your WKU email address will be assigned 24-48 hours after class registration. Please follow the steps below for first-time access to your account. 

1. Look up your Toppermail email address here.
2. Go to outlook.com/topper.wku.edu
3. In the Window Live ID field, enter your entire TopperMail address (example: joe.student123@topper.wku.edu) .
4. Enter your initial password which is the last 4 digits of your SSN + your 4 digit birth year (YYYY). (Note: if we do not have an SSN on file we will use last 4 digits of 800#). You will be forced to change your password the first time you login.

 

TopNet

TopNet is the student registration and information system at WKU and can be accessed through myWKU Portal. It will be one of your main online stops during your time at WKU. TopNet is where you will

• Register for your classes and change your class schedule (drop/add)
• View your financial aid status
• Accept financial aid awards
• Change your major and/or advisor
• View any holds on your account and learn how to resolve them

• Final grades and cumulative grade point averages will be available on TopNet.  To access your final grade:

  1. Access TopNet at topnet.wku.edu
  2. Enter WKU ID and PIN, Login
  3. Click Student Services, then Student Records.
  4. Click Final Grades.
  5. Enter the desired Term.

  Grade reports are not mailed.  If an Official Grade Report is needed, you may obtain one through TopNet by following steps 1-3 above, then click Obtain Official Grade Report.  

TopNet also houses all of your student contact information - allowing WKU faculty and staff to reach you, if needed.

 

Accessing Blackboard

Blackboard (Bb) is the Learning Management System used for online course delivery at WKU. Blackboard provides opportunities for online classroom interaction with your professor and fellow classmates. While each professor may choose the tools that lend themselves to specific learning outcomes for their course, there are also things that you can expect to find in your Blackboard course, such as the course syllabus, access to videos and other course materials and online discussions via the Bb Discussion Board. Bb is where you will submit assignments, take quizzes and stay up-to-date with important announcements. It's important to check Blackboard frequently (at least 3 times each week), as new assignments may be announced. Blackboard can be accessed at https://wku.blackboard.com or through the myWKU Portal, which is what we recommend.

Both Blackboard and myWKU require your NetID and password to login. 

New Blackboard Users: If you're new to Blackboard, you can access helpful video tutorials and guides by logging into Blackboard, and clicking the Help tab from the top Blackboard menu, then selecting "Blackboard Help for Students."

Here are a few direct links to videos that will answer some basic questions.

• Discussion Board Tutorial 
• How to Submit an Assignment 
• How to Submit a Group Assignment
• Using SafeAssign, an anti-plagairism tool 
• Creating a Blog Entry 
• Using the Email Feature in Blackboard 

 

iWKU App

If you have a smartphone, you should download the iWKU app. It has many important features that will make your life easier on The Hill. The app will give you access to:

• Your Class Schedule
• A Campus Map
• The WKU Bus Schedule
• Your Meal Plan or Dining Dollars Balance
• Computer Lab Traffic

You can go here for download instructions and to see all the features of the iWKU App.

 

WKU IT Services

Need assistance? Talk with the WKU IT Helpdesk! You can email or chat with them or call them at 270-745-7000. The IT Helpdesk serves as the initial point of contact for technology support and provides the first level of response for technology-related problems and questions. 

The Helpdesk is open extended hours to meet your needs, and is staffed with trained personnel to provide technical information and assistance.

The IT Helpdesk can assist with problems such as:

• Accessing the Internet
• Account access (TopNet, Blackboard, email, etc.)
• General hardware and software troubleshooting
• Student Computer Support through TopperTech, including software support, data backup and recovery, diagnostic testing, virus and spyware removal, and hardware support

In addition, discounts on software, hardware, and cellular devices are available through the IT Division at www.wku.edu/it. 

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