FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Academic Advising and Enrollment
Transfer Issues
How Can I...?
Where Can I...?
What do I do if...?
What Is...?

Academic Advising and Enrollment

TRANSFER ISSUES

• How do I transfer my credit from another institution?
  Contact the transcript office from the institution you attended and request your transcripts be sent to the Registrar's Office, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455.

• I am planning to transfer to WIU. How can I be sure that the classes in which I am currently enrolled will transfer for credit and apply to my degree?
  If you are attending an Illinois Community College, you may check the following website to see how your courses will transfer to WIU: http://www.student.services.wiu.edu/admissions/info/transfer/CCHS/artind.asp If you are attending a non-Illinois 2-year or any 4-year school you may contact the Transfer Admissions Office at Western Illinois University (309) 298-3110.

• I did not do well in my first college classes. Do I have to tell WIU that I have taken college level course work at another school?
  Yes. You will sign a form when you apply that states you have provided all information regarding previous enrollments.

• I have an Associates Degree. Will I be required to take any lower division course work at WIU?
  This will depend on the major you select to pursue at WIU. Some majors require very specific general education requirements; especially Elementary, Early Childhood and Special Education. You will need to work with the advisor in your major to determine if additional courses will be required.

• How can I find out if my grades from another school have been transferred to WIU?
  If you are enrolled at WIU, you may sign on STARS and check the transcript screen to see if the credit is there. If not, call the Admissions Office to verify that your paperwork has been received.

• Who can help me if I have questions about my course evaluation? Questions regarding the way transfer courses are evaluated should be addressed to the Transfer Credit Evaluation Office in the University Admissions.

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HOW CAN I . . .?

• Change my school or home address?
  You may sign on STARS, go to the comment screen, and type in your new address. Be sure to indicate whether this new address is for school or home and include your phone number. You may also complete the Change of Address form in the Registrar's Office (Sherman 110) or the Student Assistance Center in the University Union.

• Change my major?
  Make an appointment to see the academic advisor in the major in which you plan to pursue. They will assist in you completing the required change of major form. See list of Majors and Advisors
  
  
• Activate my ECOM account (WIU e-mail system)
  Go to Stipes Hall room 126 and tell assistant you need to activate your ECOM account; present student identification card; be ready with a password . It is very important for ALL WIU students to be sure they have an activate ECOM account. Most professors and campus offices will use this email address to communicate with
  
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WHERE CAN I . . .?

• get an official transcript?
  The Registrar's Office, Sherman Hall 110. Transcript Request

• get my PIN reset, activate my ECOM account?
  Academic Computing Center, Stipes 126 with valid ID. ECOM
  
• find out about campus jobs?
  Office of Financial Aid, Sherman Hall 127 or on the WIU website
  
• get a copy of my WARD report?
  on STARS or from your academic advisor
  
• find out about what jobs I can get with my major, file my credentials or get help preparing resume?
  Career Services Office, Sherman Hall 116
  
• apply for financial aid?
  Office of Financial Aid, Sherman Hall 127
  
• apply for scholarships?
  University Scholarship Office, Sherman Hall 308, Financial Aid Office, Sherman 127, COEHS Dean's Office, Horrabin Hall 76, your major department office or academic advisor.
  
• get help with academics?
  Your class instructors can assist with subject materials, test preparation, and tutors who can help you with individual classes. All you have to do is ask! Visit your instructors during their posted office hours. Many academic departments have tutorial centers, achievement centers, or skill/performance laboratories staffed to assist you in addition to the times your instructors are available in their offices. You will need to contact individual departments for specific location and times. Tutorial service is also offered through UAASC Academic Services Program in Olson Hall 248..
  
• Get help with study habits, personal problems, etc.?
  The University Counseling Center (2nd Floor, Olson Hall) offers services for students who are faced with personal, academic, or career decision-making concerns. Throughout the year, counselors offer a wide array of educational life enhancement programs on subjects such as time management, self-esteem, sexual assault prevention, etc.
  
• get help with my writing skills?
  The Writing Center, Simpkins Hall 341, 298-2815
  
• find services for students with disabilities?
  The Disability Support Services (DSS) office is located in Seal Hall, room 117 298-2512. DSS provides reasonable accommodations when needed to make programs and activities accessible for WIU students with disabilities (i.e., physical, visual, hearing, learning, chronic health). Any person desiring accommodations in the area of academics, housing, auxiliary aids, or University-sponsored activities or events should contact DSS well in advance of intended enrollment. WIU publications will be made available in alternative format upon request.
  
• find services/assistance for nontraditional students?
  OASIS(Organization of Adult Students for Interaction and Support) is an organization established specifically for nontraditional students. Contact 298-3284 for additional information.

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What do I do if . . .?

• I need to withdraw from the University?
  A student may withdraw from the University and receive a W for each course in which he/she is doing passing work at the time of the withdrawal. A failing grade will be recorded for any course the student is not passing if the University withdrawal is made after the first nine weeks of the term. Students who are withdrawing from the University should first consult with the Office of Student Development and Orientation, Seal Hall 301. A student who wishes to withdraw from all courses must do so officially before the beginning of final examinations. The last day for total University withdrawals for the summer terms shall be the day before the last day of class in each session.

• I need to drop a course?
  Log into your STARS account to drop a class. On the drop down menu under the Registration tab you will see a list of courses you are currently taking. Click on the drop button to the right of the screen next to the class you want to drop. Verify that the class has been dropped by checking your schedule. There are deadlines for dropping a class. If you are unsure of the dates, check with the Office of the Registrar or your advisor. See the official University policy about withdrawing from a class.

• I have credit for courses taken at another higher education institution?
  Contact the institution and request for an official copy of your transcript to be sent to the WIU Registrar's Office .

• I get a grade I don't think I deserve?
  Go talk to your instructor! If you are unable to remedy the situation, set up an appointment with the instructor's department chair to file a grade appeal within the first three weeks of the semester following the term in which the student received the grade in question.

• my advisor isn't available?
  If you need immediate attention, another advisor may be able to assist you. The Director of the COEHS Advising may also be able to assist if the issue involves a deadline.

• I've been sick for a week and haven't been to class?
  As soon as you can, contact all of your instructors either in person, on the phone, or e-mail. The most important thing is to keep everyone informed so that you can keep up and your instructors will be aware of your situation.
  
• I've had a death in the family or other emergency and need to leave campus?
  As soon as possible contact all of your instructors in person, on the phone or email. If time does not permit making contact with these individuals you may call the Student Development and Orientation Office or your academic advisor for their assistance. It is your responsibility to make contact with the instructors as time permits.

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WHAT IS . . .?

• CAGAS?
  CAGAS is the acronym for Council on Admissions, Graduation, and Academic Standards. It is responsible for reviewing, recommending and evaluation policies in those areas. CAGAS is composed of ten faculty and two student members. It meets weekly during the Fall and Spring semesters and several times during the summer. Questions involving CAGAS should be directed to the Registrar's Office, Sherman Hall 110, 298-1208.

• a WARD report?
  Western's Audit of Requirements for Degrees (WARD) is an automated record reflecting a student's academic progress toward degree completion in his/her declared major. By considering Western's work, transfer courses, and courses in progress, this analysis provides timely information on a student's progress toward meeting degree requirements. Students may view their WARD report through STARS. The Registrar's web site provides more information about WARD Reports.
  
  
• an Incomplete?
  A temporary symbol of I (Incomplete) for a course may be given only when a student, due to circumstances beyond his/her control, has been unable to complete the course requirements within the official limits of the term. The circumstances must be documented to the instructor's satisfaction, and the student should make arrangements with the instructor to complete the requirements of the course before the end of the tenth week of the next semester in which the student is enrolled. If the I is not removed by that time, it will automatically become an F.
  
  The permanent grade which replaces the I will be used to calculate honor points and determine the student's academic standing and progress toward the degree. Any changes in the student's status resulting from the assignment of the permanent grade become effective at the time of the change from I to the permanent grade.

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