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General Information -  New Freshmen

Prior to registering, all new freshmen will take the English placement test which is a 40-minute writing sample. Students are asked to read a quote and then write an essay explaining whether they agree or disagree with the quote and why. The mathematics department will do an initial placement into math courses using a student's math ACT score and the math courses completed in high school as guidelines. The mathematics department may recommend that a student take the math placement test (called COMPASS) to improve the placement level.  Refer to the Mathematics Department for the official procedure for placement.

Frequently asked questions about COMPASS testing as well as a practice exam. WIU and many of the community colleges offer the COMPASS exam.

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Be sure to visit this website frequently. Don't forget to also check your major department's page. New information is posted as soon as it becomes available.

E-Mail: All students need to make sure they activate and use their WIU e-mail (ECOM account). All offices on campus and most faculty will be utilizing this system to correspond with you. Special workshops will be held during Orientation Week. Check Orientation brochure for time and place. The University does not recommend the forwarding of WIU e-mail. Forwarding your mail removes the security protocols that are in place with the WIU accounts. Much of the information sent to you by the various offices on campus may contain personal/confidential material.

School Address: If you are not living in one of the University residence halls, it is very important for you to make sure you have filed your local school address and phone number with the Registrar's Office. Otherwise, all mail and phone calls will be sent to your home address. Changes can be processed through the "Comment" screen on STARS, in the Student Assistance Center of the University Union or the Registrar's Office (Sherman Hall 110).

Pre-registration for the next semester begins in November/April [spring/fall semesters]. The registration appointment day and time may be found by logging onto STARS. Pre-registration times are assigned by the Registrar according to the cumulative hours earned at the end of the preceding semester. Those students with the most hours have the opportunity to pre-register first and those with the least hours (freshmen) will pre-register last. All encumbrances must be cleared before you will be allowed to register.

You must plan your program for the pre-registration period with your Academic Advisor prior to registering on STARS. Do not wait until the pre-registration period starts to see your advisor, or you may miss your STARS pre-registration date. Freshmen should make their appointments by the end of October/March.

Course offerings for the semester may be viewed through STARS.

Scholarships: There are a number of university and departmental scholarships available to new incoming transfer and freshmen students. Be sure to also check the individual major department website for information and applications available through them.

Tutoring/Counseling: If you are having trouble with any of your courses or personal problems, be sure to check the services available through the University Counseling Center. Tutoring is also available through the University Advising and Academic Services and most academic departments. Check with the instructor for location and times available for that department's academic assistance center.