Quad Cities Campus
Newly Accepted Students to Western Illinois University-Quad Cities

You can call yourself a
Fun Fact: Western Illinois is the only public school in the U.S. that has permission through the Department of the Navy to use the United States Marine Corps official seal, mascot (the bulldog) and nickname, The Fighting Leathernecks.
Now that you have been accepted to Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, there are a few things you need to be sure to do to prepare for the start of your first semester. Below is a step-by-step guide on what you should do now that you are accepted.
Step 1 - Activating Your Student Accounts
You have 2 students accounts that will be your navigational tools through your Western education: ECom and STARS.
Your ECom Account
Your ECom account grants you access to:
- A Google Apps account (which includes access to Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, etc.) with unlimited storage space
- 1GB of storage space for web pages and/or personal files on a backed up, local network drive
- Access to services requiring use of an ECom username/password (i.e. computer labs and WesternOnline)
Your Student/Alumni Records System (STARS) Account
The Student/Alumni Records System (STARS) provides students, alumni, and employees with access to their university records from 3:00 a.m. to midnight (CST), seven days a week.
Step 2 - Meet Your Academic Advisor and Schedule an Appointment
Make an Appointment Today!

One of the ways WIU-QC implements its core values is by offering professional advisors. The Advisors are trained and experienced in advising and committed to it full time. WIU-QC students appreciate the professional attention to their unique individual needs.
Meet Your Academic Advisor Questions? Phone: (309)762-1988
Step 3 - Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Apply Now!

Over 75% of Western students receive financial assistance and/or scholarships!
- Apply for Financial Aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
- Apply for Scholarships
Questions? Contact call (309)762-9080
Step 4 - Attend Student Orientation
Find What You Need

Plan to attend a new student orientation. Orientation sessions are scheduled prior to the beginning of the Fall and Spring terms of each year. Notification of available dates will be mailed and emailed to you so please check your mailboxes!
Additional information and online registration available now.
Note: You will need to activiate your ECom account to access your WIU email account. Please refer to Step 1 for activation instructions.
Step 5 - Ordering Your Textbooks
Find Out How
1. By Telephone:
Order your textbooks directly from the WIU Union Bookstore toll free at 1-800-338-6369.
2. Online:
Order your textbooks online directly from the WIU Union Bookstore at books.wiu.edu with the same delivery choices as the telephone orders.
3. Textbook Rental:
See bookstore.wiu.edu/ for more information on rental of select titles.
Step 6 - Stay Connected
Many Ways to Connect
There are many social media outlets that will keep you in touch with everyday activities here at WIU-Quad Cities.

You can also find upcoming events and learn about student activities in the Student Life section of our website.
Connect with us: