Frequently Asked Questions : Western Illinois University

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.

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 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.

BOT/BA Degree Program