School is Back in SESSION!
E-News from the Parents Association
Welcome WKU's 10th President, Dr. Tim Caboni
The Presidential Search Committee and the WKU Board of Regents spent countless hours over the last 11 months identifying the attributes we believe are the most critical in our next president to assure the continued growth and relevance of WKU,” Board of Regents Chair Frederick A. Higdon of Lebanon said. “Dr. Caboni’s blend of academic and administrative experience and his expertise in external relations have prepared him well to lead WKU’s next chapter and build on the remarkable transformation we’ve achieved over the past 20 years.”
Dr. Caboni, 47, currently Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs at the University of Kansas, said he was excited about returning to lead his alma mater. He earned a master’s degree in corporate and organizational communication from WKU in 1994.
Starting off your Spring Semester Right
While it seemed like a short break, we hope you enjoyed the time spent with your son or daughter. And we hope you had the chance to talk to him or her about their experiences in the fall semester—especially those in college for the first time.
With the spring semester comes new challenges. If students struggled in the fall academically, they may be frustrated. If they did well, they may put more pressure on themselves to do even better. Most likely, they are taking higher-level courses.
Western Kentucky University has services and activities in place to help students face these new challenges. We will continue to encourage students to get involved in both the academic and social activities offered on campus, as well as remind them that we are open to new ideas.
Continue to talk to your son or daughter about his or her college experience both inside and outside the classroom. As always, remind him or her that we are here to assist and support students in making the best of the many opportunities that have been afforded to them.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email academic.advising@wku.edu
Live On! It's time to renew your student's housing!
Renew and Choose Your On-Campus Housing for 2017-2018
Stay in your current room or find a new one, the choice is up to you! You can renew your housing on Topnet, February 14-March 31.
Depending on your preference, there are specific days and times set aside to enter "My Housing" in Topnet to select your room. Follow the schedule below to find out the time and date you need to choose your room. Click on the links in the calendar to receive more instructions.
Reminder: All full time freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus. Some exemptions apply. Learn more
Housing Changes Beginning Fall 2017
Exciting changes are happening for students living in WKU residence halls. Keep these changes in mind when renewing your housing:
- Southwest Hall will be the honors upperclassman residence hall.
- McLean and Bates Runner Halls will become general population, upperclassmen
- Bates Runner Hall will be an extended living hall
For more information about the future of Housing & Residence Life, visit wku.edu/housing/future
Inclement Weather: Learn Procedures for Closing the College, Cancelling Classes
For the most up-to-date information, turn to www.wku.edu. Information about closings at any of the WKU campuses will be posted to the homepage. In addition, information will be posted to the WKU News Blog (wkunews.wordpress.com/) and fans will see it on the WKU News Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WKUNews). Those following WKU News on Twitter will also get a "tweet."
Students, faculty, and staff who have signed up for emergency text messages will also receive a text message announcing changes. To enroll in this service or to verify you are enrolled with the proper cell phone number, you should log into your TopNet account.
Weather closing notification emails will also go out to students, faculty, and staff.
If you can't get to a computer, the WKU Information line (270-936-0000) will have the latest information recorded.
Information will also be provided to local and area media, primarily radio and television stations. Just remember that if conditions warrant changes in the WKU schedule, other schools, businesses, etc. will also be impacted, making for long lists.
Leadership Opportunities
Is your student looking for a leadership opportunity? Apply to be a Hilltopper Parent Ambassador
The Hilltopper Parent Ambassadors (HPA) serve as an extension of the WKU Parent’s Association and work collaboratively to assist parents and family members in their student’s successful transition to Western Kentucky University. HPAs assist in the planning and implementation of Parent and Family Programs events, and serve as a means of administrative support to the Coordinator of New Student and Parent and Family Programs. Applications are available here, HPAs will receive a compensation of $500 per year. For more information please email Quiana Jenkins, Coordinator of New Student and Parent and Family Programs at quiana.jenkins@wku.edu or call 270-745-3577
Residential Assistant Positions Avaliable
The Resident Assistant (RA) is a unique, live-in, student leadership position in the Department of Housing and Residence Life and is an important member of the Residence Life team.
The primary responsibility of the RA is to help residents have a positive residence hall experience at Western Kentucky University.
Generally, the RA is an undergraduate student who works with a group of 25-60 residents and has numerous leadership roles including peer ally, teacher, community builder, programmer, resource informant, role model, and authority figure. For more information please visit the Resident Assistant webpage.
Join the Crew! M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is looking for Western Leaders for 2017!
Western Leaders assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all aspects of the M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan transition program. During the week of M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, they work to meet the needs of first-year and transfer residential students, and their parents, by serving as resource persons; and strive to “Ignite the Spirit and Foster the Connection” for each new student participating in the program. Join the Crew, applications are available here,For more information please contact the Western Leaders Advisory Board at master.plan@wku.edu or 270-745-3577.