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Frequently Asked Questions

Degrees at a Distance

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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
When must I apply for graduation?
Graduation Application Dates Fall: September 1 Spring: February 1 Summer: July 1
What do I do if I missed the date to apply for Graduation?
Contact your advisor immediately.