Distance Learning Calendar

WKU Fight SongNothing brings a roaring crowd to their feet like the WKU fight song. As a part of the WKU Spirit, your challenge is to learn the words to this spirited song and actually “Stand Up and Cheer” every time the fight song is played!

Stand up and Cheer

Stand up and Cheer

For dear old Western

For today we raise

The red and white

Above the rest

Rah-rah-rah

Our team is fighting

And we’re bound to win the fray

We’ve got the team

We’ve got the steam

For this is dear old Western’s day

WKU CreedWhile there is no need to prick your finger and sign the creed with blood, the WKU creed has become a living guideline of values for Hilltoppers to follow. An honor code of all those who call the Hill their home, the Creed is proudly displayed in residence halls and across campus as a constant reminder of the aspirations of WKU students and their commitment to academic excellence.

Western Kentucky University is a community dedicated to learning, where ideas are offered, examined and discussed. As a member of this community, I have both a personal and shared responsibility to participate actively in university life by: practicing personal and academic integrity; seeking unity by respecting the dignity of all persons; celebrating and embracing diversity; encouraging freedom of expression; acting in accordance with basic principles of citizenship; preserving and appreciating the natural beauty of the campus; enriching all aspects of life through the educational process; and by embracing the ideals expressed on the university seal: “Life More Life” and “The Spirit Makes the Master” by pursuing growth and a life of excellence.

The WKU Spirit has a different meaning for each and every Hilltopper, yet the rich traditions unique to “The Hill” are common to all members of the WKU family.

This year’s calendar is dedicated to some of WKU’s most revered traditions – old and new. It provides the WKU family with an opportunity to bridge generations of Hilltoppers by reflecting on our rich history while looking to the future. Most importantly, it’s a call to action. Hilltoppers everywhere can help preserve our unique identity by sharing it with others and living the traditions we love!

Welcome to WKU.

Distance Learning is a unit of Extended Learning & Outreach.

WKU SPIRIT: HISTORY & TRADITIONS

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Classes begin


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*WKU On Demand is non-semester based, allowing students to register any day of the year, finish their course in as little as 7 weeks or take as long as 9 months. Registration periods noted refer to periods in which course credit will be awarded. All other dates noted are applicable to semester-based classes only (web, face-to-face and IVS), and do not apply to on demand courses. Visit wku.edu/ondemand for more information.

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COACH EDGAR A. DIDDLEIn 42 seasons (1922-64) as WKU’s head basketball coach, E.A. Diddle led WKU to 32 conference championships. His teams also played in 11 postseason tournaments, became the first team from the South to participate in the Olympic Trials and won an amazing 759 games!

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Last day for 100% refund**

Residual fundsdisbursement

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First bi-term classes:$50 Schedule Change

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First bi-term classes:last day to receive

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**Visit: www.wku.edu/bursar/refund_policy.php

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Last day to registerfor full-time course load*

Full semster classes: last day to add/drop classes or change from audit to

credit. Last day for 100% refund**

*Tuition/fees deadline for those registering Aug. 4-17 **Visit: www.wku.edu/bursar/refund_policy.php

Deadline to receive balance of registration

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HILLTOPPERSWKU was founded in 1906 and moved to “the Hill” on February 4, 1911. The top of the hill is 232 feet above nearby Barren River Lake, which borne the nickname “Hilltoppers.”

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*Tuition/fees deadline for those registering Aug. 4-17 **Visit: www.wku.edu/bursar/refund_policy.php

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Last day to apply for December 2014

graduation

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Second bi-term classes:last day to add/drop class or change from

audit to credit.

Last day for 100% refund*

Second bi-term classes:$50 Schedule Change

Fee begins

First bi-term classes:Final examinations


Classes Resume

Priority registration for Winter 2015 begins

*Visit: www.wku.edu/bursar/refund_policy.php

GHOSTS OF WKUAmong the most popular stories told about the history of WKU are our vivid ghost stories. Passed down through the years, some of these stories are sad tales of lives lost too soon, while some are mere speculative superstitions or campus sightings of spirits.

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Fall Break

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HILLTOPPER SPORTSMen’s Basketball has made six appearances in the NCAA tournament in the past 15 years! In 2002, WKU Football won the I-AA National Championship, and in 2009, the football program officially moved to the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A).

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Second bi-term classes:last day to drop a class with a W; last day to change from credit to

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Last day to remove grade of incomplete

from the 2014 spring or summer term.

Thanksgiving Break Thanksgiving Break

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Final examinations Final examinations


WKU On Demand spring registration

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Classes resume

Winter BreakWinter Break

Winter Break Winter Break


BIG REDBig Red, WKU’s athletic mascot, is a red, furry blob created by WKU student Ralph Carey in 1979. Big Red can be best described as the Spirit of Western!

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Winter Break

Final examinations Final examinations Final examinations 2013 Fall Commencement

See wku.edu/registrar for details

Roster freeze date

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Winter Break

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Winter Term classes begin

MLK Day (University closed)

Spring Term classes begin

WKU ALUMNIWKU alumni turn heads, inspire and lead. The list is long, and includes film director John Carpenter; president of the Baltimore Ravens, Chester Hurdle; U.S. astronaut, Terrence Wilcutt; and actors such as, Michael Rosenbaum, Matt Long, and David Schramm.

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Winter Term final exams

Dates listed beginning 1/1/15 are not all inclusive. For a complete winter, spring, and summer calendar, please visit: www.wku.edu/registrar/academic_calendars.

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WKU ONLINEWKU leads the way among four year institutions in the state of Kentucky in distance learning options and support services. The first online course at WKU was offered in 1998. We now have more than 70 online programs, 1700+ semester-based web courses, and over 100 on demand courses.

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Spring Break Spring Break

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WKU FACULTYFormer NFL player (Vikings and Bears), Terry Obee, is a professor of Sports Management at WKU.

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WKU FACULTYLegendary WKU Baseball Coach Joel Murrie currently teaches PE 343: Baseball Coaching as an online On Demand course.

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Spring Termfinal exams


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Memorial Day(University closed)


WKU SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM & BROADCASTINGThis School boasts 26 Pulitzer Prize winners among its alumni and faculty while WKU students consistently place near the top of the overall William Randolph Hearst Competition and have finished first in 19 of the past 21 years in the photojournalism category of that contest. The School features the Mountain Photography Workshops, Imagewest -- one of the nation’s few for-profit, student-run advertising and public relations agencies, the WWHR national award-winning student radio station and professional television and photography studios.

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CommencementWeekend

CommencementWeekend


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WKU ON DEMANDWKU is the only 4 year institution that continues to offer self-paced, non-semester based courses in the state of Kentucky.

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WKU DISTANCE LEARNINGWKU’s support for distance learners has earned the university national recognition.

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WKU The Spirit Makes The Master

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TIME MANAGEMENT TIPWrite out your goals and expected time commitments. This will be helpful in avoiding stress and over-scheduling yourself.

Refer to the Guide on Setting Goals and making a schedule atwww.studygs.net/schedule.

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Student SupportCampus OfficesThere are a number of offices that you may need to contact from time to time. Here’s a quick list of critical departments:

Registrar OfficeThe Registrar Office manages class registration, grades, assessment of graduation requirements and officially awards your degree once requirements have been met. If you need a transcript, have a question about your degree program, or your rights to privacy, the Registrar’s Office can help you find the answer. Call: 270-745-3351, Email: [email protected], Visit: www.wku.edu/registrar. Bursar’s OfficeThis office, also known as billings, is where you will find information on tuition due dates, refund deadlines, current tuition rates, and any associated fees. The Bursar’s Office can assist you with any questions you may have regarding balance due, final due dates, reinstatement after drop for non-payment, etc. They also provide easy access to online payments, including payment plan options. Call: 270-745-6381, Email: [email protected], Visit: www.wku.edu/bursar. Financial AidFinancial Aid processes all your financial aid paperwork, can answer questions regarding status of your financial aid, award dates, and connect you with resources to help you manage your expenses. Keep in touch with them to ensure that you’ve turned in all necessary information, and check your email often, as they communicate primarily through email. Call: 270-745-2755, Email: [email protected], Visit: http://www.wku.edu/financialaid. Center for Career and Professional DevelopmentThe Center for Career and Professional Development offers customized support for distance learners. They will assist you with resume and cover letter writing, help you polish your interview skills, and connect you with resources to help you start a new career or find an internship. In addition to the various on campus workshops pertaining to resume writing, and cover letters, the Career Services team offers webinars, individual Skype sessions, and email services. Call: 270-745-3095, Email: [email protected], Visit: www.wku.edu/career. WKU OnlineWKU Online connects students with opportunities to earn college credit in a web format on a semester-based calendar. With more than 70 graduate and undergraduate degrees available online and over 1,700 courses offered each academic year, you’re sure to find what you need. WKU’s support services for distance learners are nationally recognized, so you can also rest assured that you will have access to services designed to help you succeed. For the most current schedule of classes and a list of online degree programs visit our website at www.wku.edu/online or call 270-745-5173 for more information.

WKU On DemandWKU On Demand provides students the opportunity to earn college credit when and where it is convenient for them. There are more than 100 courses available in an on demand format. Courses are delivered by web, email or print. Students can take up to nine months to complete their coursework or study at an accelerated pace and finish in as little as seven weeks! The flexibility of on demand courses allow students to easily arrange their study time around other obligations and make it possible to continue taking courses while off-campus, during semester breaks, on vacation, or when looking for a better balance between work/home/school. Visit the website at www.wku.edu/ondemand.

Student Resource Portal (www.wku.edu/online/srp) WKU’s student support services for distance learners are nationally recognized as being among the top in the country. It is our goal to provide excellent academic support, up-to-date university information, and keep you connected to WKU. WKU has dedicated distance learning staff who are on-call to answer questions, introduce you to Blackboard, and assist you in navigating the admission and course registration process. In addition, you have one-click access to support across campus through the Student Resource Portal (SRP).

The SRP connects you to the online services you need, when you need them! Here’s a list of what you will find in the SRP for Fall 2014:

Technology Services• Account Setup• Blackboard Login• Software Center• Email Login• Technology Support• Technology Requirements• myWKU Login• TopNet Login

Helpful Hints• Communicating Online• Calculating Cost• FAQ• Get the Most from your Textbook• Get the Most from your Syllabus• GPA Calculator• Khan Academy• Scholarship Search• Learning Effectively• Succeeding Online• Tools for Online Learners

Exams (tips and procedures)• ACCUPLACER Exam• Improve Test Scores• Managing Test Anxiety• Testing Services• Testing Tips

Library Services• Contact WKU Libraries• Finding Articles• Finding Websites• Movies & Music• Tips for Getting Started• Writing Resources• Quick Start Guide• CEBS Research Guide• CHHS Research Guide• GFCB Research Guide• OCSE Research Guide• PCAL Research Guide

Quick Links• Admissions• Adult Learner Services• Career Services• Financial Aid• Health Services• Military Students• The WKU Store• Tuition & Fees

Student Support• Academic Calendar• General Education Requirements• Undergraduate Degree

Requirements• Graduate Degree Requirements• Orientation for Online Learners• Regional Campus Centers• Road to Success Webinar Series• Student Complaint Process• Online Tutoring• Online Writing Center

WKU DL Testing CentersWKU DL Testing Centers provide proctored testing services to students taking semester-based web and on demand courses. A faculty exam request must be submitted by the professor before students may schedule an exam. Exams may be scheduled via the web at www.wku.edu/testing. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call 270-745-5122 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Did You Know? The Importance of Your WKU EmailYour WKU email is the primary way for your professor, and other staff members at WKU to reach you. It is important that you check your email several times a week to stay up-to-date on the latest information. Did you know, even when you email your professor through Blackboard, their reply goes to your WKU email – not Blackboard! If you find it easier to forward your email to the account you use most frequently, you can do so very easily by looking under “Options” once you’ve logged in.

All students are automatically issued a TopperMail email account within 24-48 hours after their initial course registration. You do not get an email account upon admission to the University, you must register for classes first. You should access your email using your TopperMail email address (aka Windows Live ID) at www.webmail.wku.edu. If you need to look-up your email address or reset your password, you may do so by following instructions at www.wku.edu/it/accounts/email.

Career Counseling through The Center for Career and Professional DevelopmentIt’s never too late (or too early) to polish your job search skills and improve your personal brand! WKU’s Center for Career & Professional Development provides FREE, professional assistance in a multitude of areas including: resume writing and review, practice interviews, general career counseling, and tips to be successful. Career counselors can also help you examine your career path and look for employers who could use your skill set. Here are a few of the services offered:

Resume Writing and ReviewResumes are normally the first impression you are making on an employer. It is not simply a list of your accomplishments, but should be an intriguing display of why you are the best candidate for the position. Distance learners are welcome to email resumes to [email protected]. Critiques are usually completed within 48 business hours. Walk in and scheduled appointments are also available by calling 270-745-3095 or by coming to WKU’s Bowling Green campus. We are located in Downing Student Union (DSU) A230.

Career CounselingWhen meeting with a counselor you can expect to engage in a confidential, friendly and motivating personal exchange that will get you focused on your professional growth. Walk in appointments last no more than 10 minutes, while scheduled appointments can range from 10 minutes to an hour. Career counseling sessions can be conducted over the phone, via email or through Skype or FaceTime for distance learners who cannot visit in person. Our goal is to help address your career issues in a way that is most convenient for you. Practice interviews are an opportunity for students or alumni to have a “trial-run” interview with a career counselor. Interviews can take place by phone, through Skype, FaceTime or in person, and will give you a chance to enhance your skills, build your confidence, and get personalized feedback before the real interview.

How do they work? You will call the office at 270-745-3095 to make an appointment for your practice interview at least 48 hours in advance. You also need to send your resume, cover letter, and a job description to the counselor via email to allow them to properly prepare. Based on your resume and job description, the counselor will ask questions that are commonly asked in interviews. This will give you a chance to practice answers and get a feel of how you sound aloud. Most practice interviews are recorded to give people an accurate picture of how they perform in an interview, however you can choose to decline that service.

Graduate Students: Degree Completion ChecklistThis checklist provides information regarding the process and procedures to follow as a graduate degree-seeking student. Prior to the end of the final semester, all necessary academic records must be on file in the Graduate School office (e.g., official transcripts for transfer work, Form C, course changes, Form D, Form E, etc.). All coursework must be also be submitted by the last day of Finals Week for a given term. All forms referenced below are available at www.wku.edu/graduate/documents.

Program of Study (Form C) For certificate programs, master’s and doctorateThis form should be filed during the first 12 hours of course work. If the Graduate School office does not have this form on file prior to the completion of 12 hours, a registration hold will be put in place until the Form C is completed.

Admission to Candidacy (Form D)This form should be filed between 15 and 21 hours of completed course work for students pursuing masters and specialists degrees. Doctoral students should submit the Form D after completing the requirements to be admitted as a candidate for the degree.

Program of Study Change FormThis form is used to substitute, add, or delete courses from your program of study that is on file and must be signed by you and your advisor before being sent to the Graduate School. If you are substituting a transfer course from another institution, an official transcript from that university must be sent to the Graduate School.

Thesis/Specialist Project/Dissertation (Form G)You must submit your thesis/project/dissertation by the date listed at www.wku.edu/graduate/students/thesis/deadlines.php. The thesis/project/dissertation must be in final form and approved by all members of your committee. During any semester/summer term in which the thesis/project/dissertation is being actively pursued or is submitted, you must be enrolled in graduate course work or Maintaining Matriculation (600 for thesis; 700 for specialist project; 800 for dissertation).

Comprehensive Exam (Form E)The comprehensive examination and/or thesis must be satisfactorily completed. The major advisor must be contacted regarding the scheduling of the written/oral examination. Written comprehensive exam applications can be obtained from your department of study. The Form E is a report to the Graduate School verifying successful completion of the comprehensive exam and must be submitted by the program advisor.

Application for GraduationThis application should be submitted on TopNet with the appropriate fee for the degree at least one semester prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If you wish your name to appear in the commencement program, you must submit the Application for Graduation fee by the deadline printed in the schedule bulletin.

Incomplete Course WorkIf any course work remains incomplete at the time of expected degree completion, a student will not be permitted to graduate until the grade changes are available from the Registrar’s Office. If you have questions concerning the completion of your degree, please contact The Graduate School by email at [email protected] or by calling 270-745-2446.

Undergraduate Students: Degree Completion Checklist

Review of iCap and Completion of PaperworkStudents should review their iCAP (or degree program if applicable), to assure the following requirements have been met:

• Includes 54 hours (minimum) in major and minor combination, 48 unduplicated. • Includes 42 upper-division hours (300 or above).• Includes 25% of the minimum number of semester hours earned in residence (at WKU), with at least 16 hours completed

in residence after the semester in which 90 cumulative hours have been earned for baccalaureate degrees and 12 hours completed in residence during the last half of the student’s program for associate degrees.

• Includes one-third of hours in major and in minor earned in residence (at WKU).• Includes one-half of hours in major and in minor at the upper-division level (300 or above). • Includes minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours earned in courses numbered 100 or above for a baccalaureate

degree and 60 unduplicated semester hours for an associate degree. • Achieved a minimum GPA of 2.0 must be in each of the following areas prior to graduation: overall cumulative (all college

level courses attempted) excluding developmental courses, overall in major and minor courses, and overall in WKU coursework in major and in minor.

Graduation ApprovalAll candidates for a baccalaureate degree are expected to make formal application immediately after attaining senior status (90 hours earned). Associate degree candidates should apply at least one semester in advance of the date on which the degree is to be conferred. The application may be obtained through TopNet; a $50 fee is required. For students who have applied for graduation and have paid the graduation fee, the Dean’s office of the students’s first declared major and Degree Certification will review the student’s iCAP. Students will be notified via their WKU email account of any potential problems regarding progress toward their degree.

All exception forms must be completed, all incompletes must be removed, all transfer credit received and all on demand courses finished by the end of the term in which the degree is to be awarded. Failure to comply could result in postponement of the graduation date. The student must, in all cases, be primarily responsible for meeting the requirements for graduation.

Application for GraduationThe Application for Graduation is available on TopNet under Student Records.

Distance Learning

2355 Nashville RoadKnicely Conference CenterBowling Green, KY 42101

Call: 270-745-5173 or 888-4WKUWEBEmail: [email protected]: www.wku.edu/learn/dl

A unit of WKU Division of Extended Learning & Outreach

www.wku.edu/learn/dl

WKU is a regionally accredited university. Western Kentucky University is an equal opportunity institution of higher education and upon request

provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. www.wku.edu/eoo

Documents

Distance Learning Calendar