Faculty and Staff Advisor Information

The Academic Advising & Retention Center website contains resources for WKU present and future students. This site also has resources throughout for WKU faculty and staff. It is the goal of our website that the tool bar on the left provides one stop advice for not only student tools but faculty and staff tools as well. Take time to explore the website and if there are links missing or information you would like to see on the website, don't hesistate to call us in AARC at (270) 745-5065.

Academic Advising Syllabus

Often we make the assumption that students know exactly what the perfect advising appointment would be for us. That is just not possible without setting expectations for the advising appointment, just as faculty do within their classes. The Academic Advising Syllabus provides information for setting the expectations of the advisor for the student. It provides tips and tools for the student to utilize.

Academic Advising Timeline

The Academic Advising Timeline is a general is a guideline for advisors at Western Kentucky University to use in regards to their advisees. Each of the items listed is placed under a month during the year. For specific dates, please view the Academic Calendar for WKU. Beyond the specific dates of the academic year, the Academic Calendar site will also provide faculty, staff, and students with the Finals Schedule for each semester.

Advising Information on Student Disability Services Policy

A student who has registered with Student Disability Services (SDS) and submitted appropriate documentation of a disability that may impact performance in a specific discipline may request an exception to a degree requirement (major, minor, or general education course) using the following procedure recommended by WKU General Counsel (based upon Wynne v. Tufts University):

• The student must have made one or more attempts to be successful in the course with reasonable accommodation(s). (i.e. assistive aids, learning assistance, and the student was diligent in using the resources)
• The student must submit a written request to the Registrar and identify an alternate course.
• The Registrar will confirm that the student has had one or more unsuccessful attempts in the course, and will confirm with Student Disability Services that the student received and used an accommodation(s).
• The Registrar will consult with the respective department head and dean of the student's major or minor for agreement to use the requested alternate course. If either party is not supportive of the requested alternate course, the Registrar will ask the student to identify a different course.
• The Registrar will notify the student in writing of the agreement to substitute the requested alternate course.

Student Attendance Report

Any faculty/staff member who determines that a student's absenteeism is inconsistent with the instructor's stated policy should either counsel the student or request that AARC arrange a counseling session with the student. For the convenience of faculty, an Attendance Report Form may be submitted to AARC at any point in the semester. Students reported will be notified that their class attendance is unsatisfactory, informed of the number of absences reported, and encouraged to contact the instructor immediately.

Tips for the Advisement of International Students at WKU

Ensuring that all students move through their academic curriculum while at WKU is the goal of each academic advisor at WKU. Adviors serve the diverse student population of WKU and attempt to provide the best service possible to all students. Recently, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services provided a "Tips for Advising International Students" guide. Please feel free to utilize this guide when advising international students at WKU