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Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Students

What is the cost of obtaining a transcript?
A one-time, non-refundable charge of $7 billed at the time of admission to the degree program that entitles you to an unlimited number of transcripts. After paying this fee, students may request as many transcripts as desired without paying an additional fee. Transcripts may be requested on STARS, on the Registrar's web site, or by writing a letter to the Office of the Registrar.
What is the cost for the Instructional Enhancement Charge?
Students will be assessed a $30.00 per semester hour instructional enhancement charge for all courses designed Internet (I and IC), Correspondence (C), and Extension site (E). This distance learning instructional enhancement charge is applicable only to new students, students who re-enroll at the University under new Cost Guarantee programs (i.e. future new student cohorts and students who do not maintain continuous enrollment), and non-degree graduate students.
How Much is Tuition?
You can obtain the actual cost of tuition by viewing the Business Services Tuition Calculator.
How Much is the Prior Learning Portfolio Fee?
$30 is billed for each course request when accepted for evaluation.
What is the fee for Non-Collegiate Training Courses?
$30 is billed when accepted for evaluation.
Is There a Time Limit for Completing the BOT/BA Degree Program?
The BOT/BA degree program does not have a time limit to complete the graduation requirements. It is expected that you will make steady progress by taking courses, passing proficiency exams, or working on a prior learning portfolio. The time needed to complete the degree program will depend on the number of hours you bring into the program and the number of hours you earn each semester. For example, if you enter the program with an associate of arts or an associate of science degree, you will normally have to earn 60 or more semester hours with 40 semester hours from a senior institution. This is equivalent to two years of full-time attendance at a university. A successful prior learning portfolio, military credit, or proficiency examination credit may speed your progress. An analysis of recent BOT/BA graduates' transcripts found that the average graduate earned one semester hour of credit per month of enrollment in the program. You may earn credit at a faster or slower pace. From this statistic, you may be able to target your own graduation date.
How can I find out more about the Degrees at a Distance program for the fire service?
The best way to find out more about this program is to contact our office. We look forward to talking to you about this program and will send you an informational packet in the mail at your request. An overview of the program is available online at http://www.wiu.edu/botdegree/distance/.
What is the difference between Independent Study and Online courses?
Independent Study courses are print-based, correspondence courses. You will complete all work on your own using a course guide for guidance and mailing the work to the instructor. Most Independent Study courses have at least one exam that must be proctored (additional information about Testing). Instructors may have specific due dates for assignments and exams. These courses also have a built in extension time, so you have about six months to complete course requirements, provided that you have met all assignment deadlines set by the instructor. Online courses are accessed using the Internet and allow for electronic submission of assignments, although some Online courses require at least one proctored examination (for more information see “Testing” section below). You will consult the course website in place of a course guide, although you will still need to order textbooks and other materials. These courses run for either 8 (Summer) or 16 (Fall and Spring) weeks with no extensions. Online courses contain deadlines within the semester for completion of assignments and exams.
How long do I have to complete my course?
All of our courses begin at the same time as regular on-campus classes.
  • Fall – Mid-August
  • Spring – Mid-January
  • Summer – Early-June
Online courses must be completed by the end of the regular on-campus semester (16 weeks for Fall and Spring, 8 weeks for Summer). All materials are due to the instructor by Monday of on-campus finals week.

Independent Study courses have a built in extension – provided that you have met all interim deadlines set by the instructor – so that you have about 6 months to complete the course. The final deadlines are;
  • March 1 for Fall
  • August 1 for Spring
  • Decemberfor Summer of each year.

If you are graduating or need your grade at the end of the semester, all materials will need to be turned in by Monday of on-campus finals week.
What is the latest date to withdraw from the university?
Withdrawal dates and refund information can be found on the Registrar's Website http://www.wiu.edu/registrar/refunds.php
How do I request a transcript?
WIU assesses a one-time, non-refundable $7 transcript fee from first-time WIU students. After paying this fee, you may request as many transcripts as desired without paying an additional transcript fee. Request for transcripts must be submitted to the Registrar’s office in writing; telephone request cannot be honored. A written request should include your complete name, birth date, social security number, dates of attendance, complete address where the transcript is to be sent, and complete return address. Transcripts are not issued for persons under financial obligation to WIU. Send requests to: Registrar, Sherman Hall 110, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390
309/298-1891 or through the Registrar's Website.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
When weather conditions warrant and all WIU classes offered in the Quad Cities are canceled, announcements of class cancellations will be broadcast on local radio and television stations. When weather conditions in Macomb are bad, University cars may be grounded and faculty members who normally drive to the Quad Cities to teach may be unable to travel. Please call WIU-Quad Cities at 309/762-9481 for information on individual canceled classes. If you commute a long distance for classes, please use your best judgment about attempting to drive to class when you are experiencing severe weather.
How do I check what courses are being offered next semester?
All course offerings will be available online only through Course Search on STARS. You may access Course Search from the Registrar’s website.
Applying to the BOT/BA Degree Program
Each prospective student to the WIU Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts (BOT/BA) Degree Program must submit an application for admission to the Non-Traditional Programs office. Apply online at www.student.services.wiu.edu/admissions/bot/application/. Returning WIU students should use the "Board of Trustees Readmission Application." You can also download the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts (BOT/BA) Degree Program Application (PDF). To view and print the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts Degree Program application you need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
What if I don't meet the admissions requirements?
If you do not meet the admissions requirements, you may be considered for admission if:
  • You have been separated from higher education institutions for five or more years.
  • You submit a letter of explanation to the office of Non-Traditional Programs explaining past academic performance and why you should be admitted in to the Board of Trustees Degree Program.
How do I apply for admission if I've attended another college or university?
If you have attended other regionally accredited colleges or universities:
  • You must have a “C” average for all work attempted.
  • You must be in good standing at last college or university attended.
  • It must be at least five years since your scheduled high school graduation date.
  • Or you must have earned an accredited associate’s degree or successfully completed 60 semester hours of coursework at a regionally accredited institution.
How do I apply if I've never attended a college or university before?
If you have never attended college, you must hold a high school diploma from an accredited high school and must meet the following requirements:
  • Five years must have elapsed since your high school graduation date. AND
  • A cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale OR
  • An ACT/SAT composite score of 20/920, respectively.
Can I be admitted if I don't have a high school diploma?
If you do not have a high school diploma, you may apply for admission if you are at least five years beyond the normally accepted high school graduation date had you remained in high school and you must have passed the General Educational Development Test and received a high school equivalency certificate. Request that official transcripts from any college or university previously attended, the official high school transcript or the high school equivalency certificate be sent direct to Non-Traditional Programs, Horrabin Hall 6, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390. If you do not meet the admissions requirements, you may appeal to the BOT/BA Advisory Committee for admission. Download Appeal Form (PDF).
Can I be admitted even if I have a bachelor's degree?
Answer: Although people with bachelor's degrees from regionally accredited institutions cannot be admitted to the BOT/BA degree program, firefighters are the one exception. Firefighters who hold a bachelor's degree who would like to complete additional coursework through the Degrees at a Distance Program and attain a second bachelor's degree should the Non-Traditional Programs office by calling 309/298-1929 or by e-mailing NP-BOT@wiu.edu for more information.
Can I transfer to a different degree program once I'm admitted?
Admission to the BOT/BA degree program does not admit you to any other WIU degree program.
Do I have to fill out the entire application?
Withholding information requested in the application for admission or giving incorrect statements may render a student ineligible for admission or result in dismissal.
Can you transfer my transcripts?
The transcripts that are received from other institutions are for the purpose of admission to the BOT/BA degree program only and cannot be released to a third party.
Where should I send my transcripts?
Request that official transcripts from any college or university previously attended, the official high school transcript or the high school equivalency certificate be sent directly to Non-Traditional Programs, Horrabin Hall 6, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390.
How do I apply (for undergraduate, non-degree seeking students only)
Prospective non-degree seeking undergraduate students must first submit an application to the Non-Traditional Programs office as a non-degree seeking student at the following link: https://www.student.services.wiu.edu/admissions/bot/ application/index.asp?appType=NON. Once accepted, you are considered 'current student. To register for course work through the School of Extended Studies, current students may download the Request to Register for Courses form, complete it, and mail or fax it to the Office of the Registrar. Current students are also able to register online through STARS. Completing the Request to Register for Courses does NOT automatically admit a student into any degree program or the university. It does NOT guarantee a space in the course. Notification regarding your request to register for courses will be mailed to you.
What platform is used for online courses?
Westernonline is the only platform for online courses. Login requires your WIU ECOM username and password. If you use WIU's email, your ECOM username and password will be the same username and password. You can call our Helpdesk at (309) 298-2704 if you have forgotten your ECOM username or password.
What about advising?
Each student in the BOT/BA degree program is assigned an advisor. Students living in and around the Quad Cities area are assigned an advisor based at the WIU-Quad Cities campus. All other students are assigned an advisor based in Macomb, Illinois. The advisor's role is to assist you in your efforts toward earning the BOT/BA degree. Your advisor is willing to assist you in making those decisions that are right for you. Whenever you have a question about your progress toward the degree, you may contact your advisor via e-mail, telephone, letter or in person. BOT/BA advisors will focus their efforts on issues directly relating to the BOT/BA degree. We will be happy to refer you to other university resources for accurate information pertaining to other issues indirectly related to degree completion (i.e. financial aid, grades, grade appeals, billing, etc.)
Who is my advisor?
What is the policy on Non-Discrimination?
Western Illinois University complies fully with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, orders, and regulations. The University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment for its students, faculty, and staff that is free from discrimination based on sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Further, the University is committed to a comprehensive Affirmative Action program that ensures access and equity in educational programs, activities, and employment.
How is College-level learning validated?
The BOT/BA degree program recognizes four methods of validating college-level learning:
  • Military Credit
  • Non-collegiate Training Course Credit
  • Written Prior Learning Portfolio
  • Proficiency Examinations
Will I have to duplicate any credit?
When Admissions/Records Officers of the BOT/BA degree program prepared your WARD Report, they checked for possible duplication of credit in your past academic work. In each case, they made every effort to award you as much credit as your records warranted without granting credit twice for the same course or course equivalency. If you have any questions about your WARD Report, please contact your advisor. Now that you are in the program, you will need to avoid taking courses that duplicate work that has already been recorded on your transcript or WARD Report. When in doubt, contact your advisor BEFORE taking a course, taking a proficiency examination, requesting courses in a prior learning portfolio, etc. Specific areas that constitute duplication of credit include:
  1. Repeating a course at the same school for a better grade. Credits will be awarded toward graduation only once for the course even though it will appear on your transcript each time you take it.
  2. Taking a course at a college or university that contains the same subject matter as a previous course from a different institution. This applies even if the courses have different numbers, names, or were taken in different departments.
  3. CLEP subject examinations that cover the same material as covered in a course taken prior to the CLEP examinations.
  4. CLEP or Excelsior examinations which would award credit that is a prerequisite to courses taken in that subject that have been taken and recorded on your transcript.
  5. Proficiency credit for courses that have been taken.
  6. Written Prior learning portfolio credit awards for courses taken.
The 120 total semester hour requirement and all other credit hour requirements (except the 30-semester hour BOT/BA enrollment requirement) may be fulfilled through any or all of the following options.
  • WIU Courses
  • Transfer of Credit
  • Miltary Credit
  • Non-collegiate Credit
How do I access STARS?
There are two ways to access STARS: STARS on the WEB (http://stars.wiu.edu/). Available options include academic calendar, addresses, billing information, catalog descriptions, comments, department identification, employee inquiry, major/advisor information, open class sections, registration, student loan status/financial aid, transcript, UHDS al la carte and flex plan points, UHDS contract renewal, UHDS lifestyle assign preference, WARD print request, WESTEL authorization. STARS Online On-campus (from WIU computing labs), including the WIU-Quad Cities campus. Available options include academic calendar, addresses, billing information, catalog descriptions, comments, department identification, employee inquiry, major/advisor information, open class sections, printer selection, registration, STARS instructions, student loan status/financial aid, student voting and election, transcript, UHDS al la carte and flex plan points, UHDS contract renewal, UHDS lifestyle assign preference, WARD print request, WESTEL authorization.
What is the registration procedure?
Courses are offered during each semester (fall, spring and summer). You will be sent notification of the date and time of your registration appointment through your ECOM account and STARS. You are encouraged to register early, as enrollments are limited for each class, whether on campus or online. To register for class you may use STARS. STARS is an interactive system with security features to insure that only you have access to your information. Access is based on your nine-digit student identification number and your password. The first time you access STARS, your password will be your MONTH, DAY and YEAR of birth. for example if you were born on January 5, 1980, then your password would be 01051980. You will be required to change your password to eight (8) characters in length. All passwords much contain one or more numbers and one or more alphabetic characters. DO NOT GIVE YOUR PASSWORD TO ANYONE! If you think that someone else may know your password, then you should immediately change your password on STARS. If you have forgotten your password, then you may call 309/298-7827 or come into the WIU Quad Cities campus in Moline to have your password reset to your MONTH, DAY and YEAR of birth. Please note: For security purposes you will be required to correctly answer a series of questions in order to properly identify yourself.