WKU Counselor Guidebook 2022-2023

WHAT’S

APPLY TO WKU

The WKU application for admission can be found at wku.edu/apply.

Have at least a 2.00 unweighted high school GPA

TO BE ADMITTED, A STUDENT MUST:

Students with a 2.00 - 2.49 unweighted high school GPA must achieve a Composite Admission Index (CAI) score of at least 60.

Students with a 2.50 unweighted high school GPA or greater are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission purposes

Students admitted to WKU may be placed in an appropriate academic support program based on academic needs at the time of admission. Students will be notified regarding any academic placement by the appropriate office.

Students who have between a 2.00-2.49 unweighted high school GPA and achieve the required CAI score, will be admitted to WKU via the Summer Scholars Program.

Some scholarships and academic programs may still require submission of an ACT or SAT score to determine eligibility.

APPLICATION PROCESS

A complete admissions application includes:

ADMISSIONS APPLICATION - Students must complete an admissions application at wku.edu/apply.

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT - To be considered official documents, WKU can receive transcripts from services like Parchment or via email directly from the student’s guidance counselor. While official electronic transcripts are preferred, they can also be mailed to the Office of Admissions at 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11020; Bowling Green, KY 42101.

ACT/SAT SCORES - (if unweighted cumulative GPA is between 2.0-2.49) ACT/SAT scores can be sent by the testing agency or included on the official high school transcript.

APPLICATION FEE/VERIFICATION OF FEE WAIVER ELIGIBILITY - Students are required to submit the $50 application fee before the application can be processed. If a student qualifies for a fee waiver, WKU must receive verification of the need from the school counselor. We have included a copy of the Fee Waiver form on the next page.

NACAC WAIVER FORM

VISIT US

There’s no place like The Hill. Campus tours are led by current WKU students, with a variety of tours offered. Choose from a walking tour or bus tour, and then personalize your visit with add-ons specific to your interests. To schedule a daily campus tour or register for a WKU event, visit wku.edu/visitwku. Day-on-Campus Group Tours are also available. If you’re interested in bringing a group of students to campus, check out wku.edu/visitwku/groupvisit.

STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

A college degree is an investment that provides a lifetime of value, and at WKU, a college education may be more affordable than you think.

FINANCIAL AID

Grants do not have to be repaid and may be awarded based on financial need.

LOANS

The 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1, 2022 at studentaid.gov. Completing the FAFSA early gives students the best opportunity to qualify for various forms of financial assistance, though submissions are continuously accepted. Be sure to include WKU’s federal student code, 002002 on the FAFSA.

GRANTS

Loans must be repaid, so be sure to only borrow what is needed. There are many types of loans available to assist with covering the cost of college including Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student loans as well as a federal Parent PLUS loan and private loans.

Through both federal and state aid, students may be eligible for up to fulltuition coverage at WKU!

guarantees a last-dollar

if any cost of tuition remains after all gift aid has been applied, for firsttime, first-year freshmen from Kentucky who receive Pell Grant assistance and have at least a 3.0 cumulative unweighted high school GPA.

IMPORTANT

SCHOLARSHIP

WKU is committed to making higher education affordable and accessible for all students. That’s why over 80% of our first year students receive a scholarship

TOPDOLLAR

The TopDollar Scholarship Portal is one convenient way to apply for scholarships at WKU. In addition to the scholarships that are awarded by the University based on academic merit, there are numerous scholarships that are awarded by the College Heights Foundation through private funds established by alumni and friends, academic departments or programs throughout the University, or by community organizations and professional associations. Learn more about the types of scholarships that can be applied for via TopDollar at wku.edu/topdollar.

TopDollar scholarships have a priority deadline of February 1st, though applications are continuously accepted.

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NET PRICE CALCULATOR

WKU offers an online tool that allows students to estimate the cost of attendance and potential financial aid awards.

By completing a simple form about the student’s background, plans for housing while in school, and family finances, you can receive information on estimated costs and awards.

AFFORDING COLLEGE

PAYMENT PLANS THROUGH TUITION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: - If you have a student/parent who is looking into a payment plan as an option at WKU, there are fall and spring semester payment plans they can sign up for through Tuition Management Systems (TMS). Students and/or parents can get more information about TMS by visiting wku.afford.com or calling 800-722-4867. Here they can get more information on payment plan options, free education payment counseling, and the many ways that we can help make college more affordable.

BILLING - All university billing is electronic, with students receiving account statements through their WKU email address. Students can add a billing email address to their account if they would like additional notification of their bill to other inboxes by updating their Personal Information on TopNet.

COST OF ATTENDANCE

IN-STATE STUDENT COST PER YEAR

Tuition (Full-time status taking between 12-18 hours)

$11,112

Housing rates for freshmen eligible residence halls with double occupancy $5,465 - $8,330

On-Campus Meal Plan $3,454 - $4,680

Books and supplies* $576 - $864

Parking Pass (for Housing) $50 - $275

Application Fee $50

Housing Application Fee $75

Topper Orientation Program (TOP) Fee $50

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Fee** $135

Total $20,967 - $25,571

TUITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM COST PER YEAR

Tuition (Full-time status taking between 12-18 hours)

$14,136

Housing rates for freshmen eligible residence halls with double occupancy $5,465 - $8,330

On-Campus Meal Plan $3,454 - $4,680

Books and supplies* $576 - $864

Parking Pass (for Housing) $50 - $275 Application Fee $50

Housing Application Fee $75

Topper Orientation Program (TOP) Fee $50

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Fee** $135

Total $24,159 - $28,763

OUT-OF-STATE STUDENT COST PER YEAR

Tuition (Full-time status taking between 12-18 hours)

$27,000

Housing rates for freshmen eligible residence halls with double occupancy $5,465 - $8,330

On-Campus Meal Plan $3,454 - $4,680

Books and supplies* $576 - $864

Parking Pass (for Housing) $50 - $275

Application Fee $50

Housing Application Fee $75

Topper Orientation Program (TOP) Fee $50

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Fee** $135

Total $36,927 - $41,531

HOUSING

WKU housing is more than “just a place to live,” it’s an immersive academic experience. Living on campus at WKU gives students the unique opportunity to live in a community with people from down the road to across the globe.

full-time students are required to live on campus for two years.

a list of exemptions to this policy and student eligibility, check out wku.edu/housing/apply/requirement-exemptions.php.

AMENITIES IN RESIDENCE HALLS

Wi-Fi

Ethernet Access

Air Conditioning

Elevators

Vending Machines

Ice Machine

Laundry Room with Free Laundry

Closet

COMMUNITY AREAS

Study Room

Community Lounges

Theatre Room

Kitchen on Every Floor

Lobby

24-Hour Security

Information Desk

MOVABLE FURNITURE

Adjustable XL Twin Bed

Desk

Desk Chair

2-Shelf Bookcase

Dresser

Trash Bin

Recycling Bin

Window Blinds

LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES

In addition to our standard housing assignments, WKU also offers Living Learning Communities (LLCs). In a WKU LLC, students with similar academic or social interests live together on a residence hall floor and participate in activities tailored to their specific majors or interests.

Although each LLC has unique opportunities, they all share the same vital purpose and goal: nurturing and developing a prosperous Hilltopper student to become engaged with other students and faculty throughout campus.

All incoming students should submit a housing application. The housing application opens in late fall and has a priority deadline of March 31st. There is a $75 housing fee that is due when submitting the housing application.

Visit wku.edu/housing for more information.

RESTAURANT GROUP

Students can sample food from over 20 on-campus restaurants and cafes, or eat the same thing every day -- the choice is theirs! Versatile and affordable meal plan options ensure that great food is always just steps away.

options

MEAL PLANS

A WKU meal plan is a convenient and cost efficient way for a student to eat on campus using their WKU ID.

All students living on WKU’s campus participate in a meal plan. Meal plans are made up of meal swipes/value meals and meal plan dollars. The amount of swipes and dollars allotted depend on student selections.

MEAL SWIPES/VALUE MEALS:

Each location with the exception of Starbucks, Spencer’s Coffee, and Einstein Bros. Bagels have preset ‘Value Meals’ made for students with a meal plan. The student will use their WKU ID to ‘swipe’ or ‘use a meal swipe’ to purchase a Value Meal at these locations.

MEAL PLAN DOLLARS:

The Meal Plan Dollars associated with each Meal Plan is for the student to use at dining locations if they want something other than the Value Meal options, to purchase a meal for a friend or to use at our two on campus convenience stores. Students will save 11% on applicable purchases using the Meal Plan Dollars associated with the Meal Plan.

PARKING

All students at WKU are welcome to bring their car to campus but will need to purchase a parking pass. All parking spots on campus are clearly marked and parking availability is dependent upon the type of parking pass purchased.

Parking passes are available for purchase beginning in late springearly summer.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

WKU also offers a variety of transportation services, including the most popular, Topper Transit. A variety of transit services are provided for the WKU community. Service is FREE to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Three fixed day service routes move passengers from point to point around campus.

On Saturdays, an off-campus route (Green Line Shopping Shuttle) is used to transport passengers to and from area shopping centers.

TOPPER TRANSIT

Para-transit service is provided at no charge for disabled passengers and requires registration with PTS. All Topper Transit buses are ADA and wheelchair accessible.

You can download the MyWKU app to track Topper Transit shuttle locations to hop on and take a ride.

M.A.S.T.E.R. PLAN

TOPPER ORIENTATION PROGRAM

TOP is a mandatory orientation program to connect students and families with the WKU community. From information sessions with current students to academic advising and class registration, TOP prepares students for taking the next step as they prepare to make the Hill their home.

To confirm attendance at WKU, students will need to register for TOP.

TOP registration opens in early Spring. Check out wku.edu/top for up-to-date registration information and answers to frequently asked questions.

MAHURIN HONORS COLLEGE

The Mahurin Honors College at WKU is designed to function as a small, highly selective college, while providing students with resources and opportunities of a large, robust university.

Students who meet the Mahurin Honors College requirements are invited to schedule a VIP visit by submitting a visit request online. The Mahurin Honors College offers personalized campus tours twice daily.

wku.edu/honors/visit

APPLICATION PROCESS:

l Student must first apply and be admitted to WKU before applying to the Mahurin Honors College

l The Mahurin Honors College application can be found at wku.edu/honors

l The priority application deadline is December 1st

The Mahurin Honors College uses a holistic application review process. The following components are considered for admission:

Strength of Writing Samples

Level of Involvement

Academic Quality

COLONNADE PROGRAM

The Colonnade Program is the name of WKU’s distinctive General Education curriculum. WKU has adopted the Colonnade Program to ensure that each student possesses certain academic skills, a breadth of human knowledge, and an appreciation for the diversity of ideas and perspectives that exist in the nation and world.

The Colonnade Program is far more than introductory courses that students pursue before completing coursework in their majors or minors. Instead, the Colonnade Program is truly a core—a common intellectual and academic experience shared by every student in every program of study. Moreover, the Colonnade Program is dynamic. Everyone learns in stages, and the Colonnade Program curriculum is designed to help students as they progress from their first semester to graduation.

For more information about Colonnade requirements and approved courses, check out www.wku.edu/colonnade.

CREDIT BY EXAM

Credit may be earned at WKU through the following examination programs:

l American College Testing Program (ACT)

l Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

l College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

l Departmental examinations developed by WKU departmental faculty committees

The credit hours earned through these examinations will count toward graduation but will not be used to compute grade point averages since a letter grade will not be given.

For more information on equivalency credits, check out catalog.wku.edu/undergraduate/academic-information/credit-examination/.

HILLTOPPER BASICS

WKU ID:

The WKU ID, also called the 800 or 801 number, is a nine digit number. Your student should keep this number in a secure location, as it will be used throughout the student’s time at WKU.

WKU NETID:

The NetID allows single sign-on access for WKU email (TopperMail), TopNet, and Blackboard.

TOPPERMAIL:

Information about the Toppermail account will be shared with the student in the days following admission. This will serve as the main point of contact with your student’s professors.

YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR

Everyone at WKU is here to be a resource for you and your students. Specifically, an Admissions Counselor is assigned to every school district to serve as a direct contact for you. Each of our Admissions Counselors offer first-hand experience with a personalized touch. Our counselors frequently travel to meet with students, their families, and school counselors. They also keep regular office hours to meet students’ individual needs.

WKU CAMPUS RESOURCES

ACADEMIC ADVISING www.wku.edu/advising academic.advising@wku.edu (270) 745-5065

ADMISSIONS www.wku.edu/admissions admission@wku.edu (270) 745-2551

CAMPUS OPERATOR/DIRECTORY www.wku.edu (270) 745-0111

CAMPUS TOURS www.wku.edu/visitwku tours@wku.edu (270) 745-2551

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER www.wku.edu/career careerhelp@wku.edu (270) 745-3095

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE www.wku.edu/housing hrl@wku.edu (270) 745-4359

INTERCULTURAL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CENTER www.wku.edu/isec isec@wku.edu

MAHURIN HONORS COLLEGE www.wku.edu/honors honors@wku.edu (270) 745-2081

MEAL PLANS/DINING SERVICES www.wku.edu/rg wkudining@wku.edu (270) 745-2416

OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE www.wku.edu/financialaid fa.help@wku.edu (270) 745-2755

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES www.wku.edu/transportation transportation@wku.edu (270) 745-2361

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCE CENTER (SARC) www.wku.edu/sarc sarc.connect@wku.edu (270) 745-5004

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS www.wku.edu/sao sao@wku.edu (270) 745-2459

TOPPER ORIENTATION PROGRAM www.wku.edu/top top@wku.edu (270) 745-4242

TUITION AND BILLINGS www.wku.edu/bursar billings.receivables@wku.edu (270) 745-6381

WKU POLICE www.wku.edu/police (270) 745-2677

Office of Admissions

Potter Hall 117

1906 College Heights Blvd #11020

Bowling Green, KY, 42101 - 1020

Phone: (270) 745-2551

Email: admission@wku.edu

Western Kentucky University