Academic Advising


My Academic Life

If you have questions about your academics, look no further! View frequently asked questions by students regarding dropping a class, how to pay/find books, send transcripts, and many more! If you don’t find the answer to your question on this page, be sure to contact your academic advisor so they can help you.

What majors and minors are available at Western?

Find a list of undergraduate majors here and minors here.

How do I calculate my GPA?

To calculate your GPA, visit the GPA Calculator website.

How do I change my major? How do I declare a major?

  1. To change or declare your major, make an appointment to see the academic advisor of the new major you are wanting to declare. You can find out the advisor for a specific major by viewing the Advisor Directory.
  2. The academic advisor of your new major will guide you through the degree requirements of the new major.
  3. You will then fill out the declaration of major form for your new major with your new academic advisor during your meeting.

How do I get my transcripts?

You can order your transcripts as long as your University balance is $0.00 by going to the Registrar's Office website.

I just need to drop a class, what do I do?

  1. Check with Financial Aid and your academic advisor before dropping a class.
  2. Log in to STARS and select "Registration - Add/Drop Courses" from the "Academic" tab.
  3. Click on the "Drop" button next to the course you want to drop.
  4. Carefully read and follow the online instructions to confirm the drop.
  5. Note that each course has a drop date deadline. For example, a 16 week class may be dropped until the end of the 10th week. A “W” will appear on the transcript.

I need to go home, how do I drop all my classes?

The thought of leaving Western Illinois University can be a difficult decision, and staff in the Student Development and Success Center are committed to answering questions, assisting you through the process, or finding ways to aid you in finding success. View a complete Withdrawal Checklist on the Student Development and Success Center website.

I'm graduating soon. What's next?

The online Undergraduate Graduation Application is located on the Office of the Registrar's website.  You should work with your primary academic advisor to submit your application during the second semester of your junior year.

I’m having trouble in my classes, what can I do?

WIU has a wealth of resources for students. Don’t forget to meet with your professors, too!

Rocky’s Resources: Academic Success Workshops

Offers various video workshops that include:

  • Organizing for success
  • Time Management
  • Preparing for Exams
  • Reading Strategies
  • Stress Management
  • How to be Successful in an Online Environment
Rocky’s Resources: In-person and Online Tutoring

Offers personalized and free tutoring sessions in numerous locations on the WIU Macomb Campus and online sessions as well. (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tutoring is currently being offered in an online format only.)

Academic Success Coaching

For students who need additional help, academic success coaching offers a personalized approach to improving their academic success. This may include working on skills like time management, goal setting, study habits, class attendance, and steps to improve grade point averages. Academic coaching instills an ownership mentality in students, which allows them to take responsibility for their learning and their future. Call (309) 298-1871 to schedule an appointment.

University Counseling Center

Provides free personalized counseling services to students. When life issues start unfolding, or test anxiety becomes overwhelming, the University Counseling Center is a great place to help students deal with personal issues that spill into academic studies. Call (309) 298-2453 for an appointment

Student Development & Success Center

If you have a disability or think it may be possible, the Disability Resource Center is a great place to start. The center helps facilitate equal access to university classes, programs, and activities for students with disabilities. Because access is a shared university responsibility, it serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and administrators on creating accessible and inclusive environments. Call (309) 298-1884 for an appointment.

Writing Center

The University Writing Center’s writing consultants are resource experts who offer writing support in one-on-one and group settings to all writers on any project at any stage of the writing process.

What’s the difference between an academic advisor and an academic success coach?

Academic Advisor: An academic advisor is a professional within your major who helps you in the selection of classes and clears your academic hold for registration. You are required to meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester to discuss your courses for the upcoming semester and to make sure you are on track to graduate. For some programs, you may be required to meet with your advisor more than once each semester.

Academic Success Coach: Academic success coaches are professionals who help students make and achieve academic goals. Students voluntarily sign up to meet with academic success coaches to help them in developing or improving a variety of skills needed to succeed in college. Some of the skills they may help you with are:

  • Time management
  • GPA recovery and calculation
  • Study habits
  • Learning styles
  • Success strategies

**Academic success coaches do not replace academic advisors, but do work with them when needed.

What’s the difference between academic warning, academic probation, and academic suspension?

Academic Warning:
  • If you start the semester in good standing and then earn a semester GPA between 1.0-1.99 AND your cumulative GPA drops below 2.0, you are placed on academic warning.
  • If you start the semester on academic warning and fail to bring your cumulative GPA above a 2.0 after one semester on academic warning, you will be placed on academic probation.
  • If you start the semester on academic warning and earn a semester GPA of less than 1.0, then you will be placed on academic suspension.
Academic Probation:
  • If you start the semester in good standing and earn a semester GPA of less than 1.0 AND your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, you are placed on academic probation.
  • If you start the semester on academic warning and earn a semester GPA of at least 1.00 BUT your cumulative GPA stays below 2.0, you are placed on academic probation.
  • If you start the semester on academic probation and earn a semester GPA of at least 2.10 (or 2.25 if you have 60 or more semester hours) BUT your cumulative GPA stays below 2.0, then you continue on academic probation.
  • If you start the semester on academic probation and you do not earn a semester GPA of at least 2.10 (or 2.25 if you have 60 or more semester hours), you are suspended from Western for the next semester.
Academic Suspension:
  • If you start the semester on academic warning and earn a semester GPA of less than 1.0, then you will be placed on academic suspension.
  • If you start the semester on academic probation and earn a semester GPA of less than 2.1 (or 2.25 if you have 60 or more semester hours), you are placed on academic suspension.
  • If you are suspended, you must sit out the next regular semester at Western (you can, however, take summer classes at Western). You should apply for readmission in the middle of the semester that you are suspended to give you time to consult with your advisor and register for next semester classes as soon as open registration begins for the semester you wish to return.
  • Reinstated students re-enter the University with the same cumulative GPA they had upon suspension and are placed on academic probation.
  • If you are reinstated on academic probation and earn a semester GPA of less than 2.1 (or 2.25 if you have 60 or more semester hours) you are dismissed and may not be reinstated a second time except by approval
  • If you have been previously suspended and while on probation fail to meet the required minimum GPA, you will be placed on academic dismissal.
  • If you are dismissed, you may only attend WIU during the summers until your cumulative GPA reaches at least a 2.0.

Who is my academic advisor?

You can find your academic advisor by searching our advising directory by major.

I'm interested in studying abroad. Who do I talk to?

The Office of Study Abroad and Outreach is happy to help you explore your options. Make sure to also talk to your academic advisor about your plans.

How can I join honors?

Eligible students are invited to join the Honors College. See if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you want to know more, contact the Honors College at honors@wiu.edu.