Graduate Catalog 2024-2025

The University

Welcome to Western Kentucky University (WKU), home of the Hilltoppers! Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a city with a population of more than 70,000 approximately 110 miles south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville, and is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. Schedule a campus tour at www.wku.edu/admissions/tours.php or take a virtual tour at www.wku.edu/tour. In addition to the main campus, WKU has locations at South Campus, the WKU Innovation Campus and the WKU Agriculture and Research Education Center. WKU has regional locations in Elizabethtown/Ft. Knox, Glasgow, Owensboro, and Somerset, which extend our academic programs, continuing education and professional development programs into the communities we serve.

Graduate Studies at WKU offers graduate education in ninety (90) degree and certificate programs. The University confers the Master of Accountancy, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Health Administration, Master of Music, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Science, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Social Work, Specialist in Education, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Doctor of Psychology. WKU also offers non-degree Rank I and II and certification-only teacher education programs. The Undergraduate Catalog provides information regarding baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, and undergraduate certificates, as well as undergraduate policies, procedures, and student services.

 

History of WKU

On March 21, 1906, the Kentucky General Assembly approved legislation to establish two teacher training institutions, or "normal schools," in the state. A locating commission chose Bowling Green as the site of one, and the Western Kentucky State Normal School was established. The new state-supported school took over the building and student body of the privately owned Southern Normal School. The owner of the Southern Normal School, Henry Hardin Cherry, had been actively involved in the campaign to establish teacher training schools and became the institution's first president. Classes began on January 22, 1907.

On February 4, 1911, the school moved to its present site on "The Hill," approximately 125 feet above downtown Bowling Green and formerly the site of the Pleasant J. Potter College. Over the next decade, the curriculum focused on teacher training and certification. In 1922, the state renamed the institution Western Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College and authorized it to grant four-year degrees. The first such degrees were awarded in 1924. The campus expanded in 1927, when it merged with Ogden College, a private young men's school located on the east side of The Hill. The name was shortened to Western Kentucky State Teachers College in 1930, and the following year the first graduate degree was offered.

In the 1950s and 1960s, both the curriculum and campus underwent major reorganization and expansion. In 1963 the institution merged with the Bowling Green College of Commerce. Along with the Graduate School, the Bowling Green College of Commerce became a separate college within the academic structure. In 1965, the Board of Regents approved the formation of three more colleges: the Potter College of Liberal Arts, the College of Education, and the Ogden College of Science and Technology. On June 16, 1966, Western Kentucky State College became Western Kentucky University.

More colleges and reorganization followed throughout the years as WKU continued to grow. The College of Health and Human Services was established in 2002. In 2011, the university’s first doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, were awarded through the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. In 2011 and 2013 two new professional practice doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Physical Therapy, were established, and in 2015 the Doctor of Psychology was added.

WKU’s academic colleges are:

  • College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • College of Health and Human Services
  • Gordon Ford College of Business
  • Ogden College of Science & Engineering
  • Potter College of Arts and Letters

In addition, The Dixie and Peter Mahurin Honors College offers high-achieving undergraduate students the environment of a small, highly selective college within the framework of the larger university.

 

Mission

Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service, and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.

Statement of Purpose

WKU is engaged in internationally acclaimed, student-and-learning-centered academic programs. The WKU experience occurs on several unique campus environments and through an overarching spirit which attracts an intellectually exciting and diverse family of the nation’s best students. WKU provides students of all backgrounds with rigorous academic programs in education, the liberal arts and sciences, the health sciences, and business, with emphasis at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, complemented by relevant associate and doctoral level programs. The University places a premium on student learning; WKU is committed to ensuring value in a holistic learning experience through high standards for student achievement and conduct, a strong faculty, technological innovation, personalized attention, broad access, and public accountability for actions and outcomes. Out-of-the-classroom and study abroad experiences enhance learning, promote diversity, and contribute to the success of students.

The University encourages engaged research and public service in support of economic development, quality of life, and improvement of education at all levels. WKU faculty contribute to the identification and solution of key social, economic, scientific, health, and environmental problems. An inspiring and talented faculty promotes a high level of creative activity and diverse scholarship and an entrepreneurial attitude designed to expand knowledge, improve instruction, increase learning, and provide applied solutions toward high-quality service to the state and nation.  The University directly supports its constituents in its designated service areas of Kentucky with professional and technical expertise, cultural enrichment, and educational assistance.

Maintaining a campus of distinctive history and character, WKU sustains a student population of increasing quality. WKU fulfills its responsibility for access through its main and regional campuses, and through extensive distance learning opportunities. WKU recognizes that its mission continues to evolve in response to regional, national, and global changes, and the need for lifelong learning.

Core Values

Shared purposes and beliefs drive the decisions and actions of any organization or institution. The core values that undergird the foundations of WKU are reflected in the University's vision, mission, and purpose statements, and in the goals of the strategic plan.

WKU’s rich heritage has been built upon a foundation of shared values that have withstood the test of time and the challenges of many changes. These values are deeply embedded in the words of WKU’s first President, Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry, as he set forth a vision for this University:

  • to be a live school and to impart to its students a burning zeal to do and be something;
  • to be progressive, to use modern methods and equipment, but reject all worthless educational fads;
  • to let the reputation of the school be sustained by real merit;
  • to "ring the rising bell in the human soul" by inspiring all students who come in touch with the work of the institution.

This vision is further reflected in Dr. Cherry's often-quoted reminder that "It's what's above the rim that counts" and in the two University ideals expressed in the University seal: "Life More Life" and the University motto: "The Spirit Makes the Master."

Building upon these long lasting values, the following core tenets represent a reaffirmation of the shared purposes and beliefs upon which this strategic plan is built:

  • Emphasis on cooperation, teamwork, and mutual respect for individual differences in scholarship, diversity, and culture.
  • Expectation for all conduct to be characterized by integrity, honesty, and commitment to high moral and ethical values and principles.
  • Commitment to assuring quality of programs, competence of graduates, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
  • A view of scholarly endeavors that includes teaching, research, and creative activities as mutually supportive.
  • Encouragement of meaningful and active partnerships among students, faculty, staff, and constituents to strengthen the learning environment.
  • Nurturing of innovative and creative activities of faculty, staff, and students that advance University mission and goals.
  • Dedication to the importance of achieving excellence in all programs and for adding value to the degrees and credentials of our students.
  • Commitment to providing a collegiate experience that prepares students to be informed, engaged, and dedicated citizens.
  • Commitment to contributing to improved quality of life and economic well-being of Kentuckians, especially those in our primary service area, as well as other constituents and stakeholders.
  • Commitment to developing empowered, informed, and responsible learners who recognize both the personal and shared responsibility to actively participate in university life by upholding the principles of the University Creed.

WKU 2018-2028 Strategic Plan: Climbing to Greater Heights

Climbing to Greater Heights: The 2018-2028 Strategic Plan for Western Kentucky University is a carefully defined roadmap that will guide the University through 2028. It focuses on student success and ensuring that our campus environment attracts the highest quality faculty and staff, and it renews our commitment to being fully engaged in our region and the commonwealth while providing a global context to the WKU Experience.

The landscape for public higher education is ever changing and may at times feel like an uphill climb. We will prepare ourselves to meet the challenges that lie ahead by pursuing innovation in teaching and delivery, connecting what we do to the region and the commonwealth, and ensuring that the WKU Experience transforms the lives of our students, employees, alumni, and friends and elevates the communities we serve - both in our region and beyond. These are the principles that will guide us in our climb to greater heights.

Leadership & Governance

President of the University

Dr. Timothy C. Caboni

Board of Regents

Dr. Phillip W. Bale
Mr. Gary L. Broady
Dr. Melissa B. Dennison
Dr. Jennifer R. Hammonds, Staff Regent
Mr. Derrick G. Helm
Mr. Sam T. Kurtz, Student Regent
Mr. W. Currie Milliken, Chair
Ms. Cynthia J. Nichols
Dr. Shane Spiller, Faculty Regent
Ms. Doris C. Thomas, Secretary 
Ms. Jan M. West, Vice Chair

WKU President's Cabinet

Dr. Timothy C. Caboni, President
Ms. Andrea Anderson, General Counsel
Mr. Michael P. Crowe, Director of Student Conduct and Institutional Opportunities for Enrollment and Student Experience
Dr. Robert U. Fischer, Jr., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mr. John-Mark Francis, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management
Ms. Susan Howarth, Executive Vice President for Strategy, Operations, and Finance
Dr. Molly Kerby, Assistant Provost for Institutional Effectiveness & Engagement
Dr. Jenni Redifer, Interim Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Education
Mr. Bryan B. Russell, Chief Facilities Officer
Dr. Martha Sales, Vice President of Student Experience and Dean of Students
Dr. Bruce Schulte, Associate Vice President for Strategy, Performance, and Accountability
Mr. Todd Stewart, Director of Athletics
Ms. Amanda Trabue, Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Academic Deans

Dr. David N. Brown, Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Dr. Tania Basta, College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Terrance D. Brown, Potter College of Arts & Letters
Dr. Corinne Murphy, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Evelyn Thrasher, Gordon Ford College of Business
Mr. Joshua Vossler, University Libraries

College Heights Foundation Board of Directors

Dr. Timothy C. Caboni, President of WKU (Ex-Officio)
Ms. Amy Hale Chandler, Bowling Green, KY
Ms. Lydia M. Dorman, Las Vegas, NV
Mr. H. Alexander Downing, Bowling Green, KY
Mr. Clarence E. Glover, Louisville, KY
Mr. R. Harvey Johnston, III, Bowling Green, KY
Mr. Marc A. Lovell, Bowling Green, KY  (Chair Elect)
Mr. Jim A. Martens, Alvaton, KY
Dr. Jerry W. Martin, Bowling Green, KY
Mr. Michael L. Simpson, Bowling Green, KY  (Immediate Past Chair)
Ms. Shannon M. Vitale, Bowling Green, KY
Ms. Michelle M. Wells, Prospect, KY
Mr. Bob A. Young, Bowling Green, KY  (Chair)
Dr. Donald L. Smith, President of the College Heights Foundation

Graduate Faculty

WKU Graduate Faculty engage in creative activity and diverse scholarship including basic and applied research that expands knowledge, improves instruction, increases learning, and provides service to the state and the nation. Academic Affairs maintains a comprehensive list of WKU faculty, including distinguished professors.  

All courses offered for graduate credit at WKU must be taught by graduate faculty. Membership in the graduate faculty may be acquired through two methods. First, membership may be granted through the hiring process. The department chair or program director/ coordinator should recommend graduate faculty status at the time of hire. The College Dean will review the recommendation, approve, and forward the recommendation to the Executive Director of Graduate Studies for approval. Second, membership may be granted to current faculty members via a recommendation by the faculty member’s department chair or program director/coordinator. The College Dean must review the recommendation, (dis)approve, and forward to the Executive Director of Graduate Studies for approval.

Nominations and recommendations are based upon the general criteria of evidence of scholarly attainment, active participation in research, scholarly activities and/or professional accomplishments which are recognized or commended by professional organizations in the candidate’s field and professional standing. Graduate faculty should also express a willingness to direct the study of graduate students. College deans, department chairs, or program director/coordinator should evaluate faculty for graduate faculty status as part of the annual review procedure in accordance with the general criteria listed above.

(Approved by Graduate Council 12/10/15)

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Western Kentucky University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Western Kentucky University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA  30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (BS, MA, MS, MAcc, MBA) BS in Accounting, Master of Accountancy & Data Analysis, Master of Business Administration, BS in Business Data Analytics, Bs in Business Economics, AB in Economics, MA in Applied Economics, BS in Mathematical Economics, MS in Cybersecurity Data Analytics, BS in Finance, BS in Management, BS in Marketing, all certificates offered by Gordon Ford College of Business

ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (BS) BS in Civil Engineering, BS in Computer Science, Systems/Scientific Application, BS in Electrical Engineering, BS in Mechanical Engineering

ACEJMC - Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (AB) Bachelor of Arts in Advertising, Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting, Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Bachelor of Arts in Visual Journalism and Photography, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

ACEN - Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ASN) Associate of Science in Nursing

ACEND - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Dietetics with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics, and Graduate Dietetic Practice Certificate

ATMAE - The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (BS) BS in Manufacturing Engineering Technology

CAA - Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MS) Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

CACREP- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (MAE) Master of Arts in Education in Counseling, concentrations in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CAEP - Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation , and Kentucky’s Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) (BS, MAT, MAE, EDS) Undergraduate and Graduate programs in Teacher Education, Specialist in Education for School Psychology

CAHIM - Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (BS) Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

CAPTE - Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy

CCNE - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (BSN, MSN, DNP, FNP Certificate, PMHNP Certificate) Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post-MSN Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-MSN Certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

CEPH - Council on Education for Public Health (BS, MPH) Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Master of Public Health

COAPRT - Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (BS) Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Nonprofit Administration

CODA-ADA - Commission on Dental Accreditation of American Dental Association (AS) Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

CSWE - Council on Social Work Education (BSW, MSW) Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work

EHAC - The National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (BS, MS) Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health Science, Master of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health Science

NAB - National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (BS, Certificate) Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a Long-term Administration Certificate

NASAD - National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation (AB, BS, BFA) Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies, Concentrations in Studio and Art Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts with Concentrations in Studio, Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Animation, Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production, Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising

NASD - National Association of Schools of Dance Commission on Accreditation (AB) Bachelor of Arts in Dance

NASM - National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation (AB, BM, MM) Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music

NASP - National Association of School Psychologists (EdS) Specialist in Education for School Psychology

NASPAA - Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (MPA) Master of Public Administration

NAST - National Association of Schools of Theatre Commission on Accreditation (AB, BFA)  Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts

NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children (BS) Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services with concentration in Child and Family Services Child Development pathway)

Approved by Professional Organizations

ACS - American Chemical Society (BS) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

ABA - American Bar Association (AB) Bachelor of Arts in Professional Legal Studies

CEPR – Certification in Education for Programs in Public Relations (AB) Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations

University Notices

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records, including:

  1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.  Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
  2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for an amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
  3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent, including disclosure without the student's consent is permissible to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
  4. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Western Kentucky University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
    Family Policy Compliance Office
    U.S. Department of Education
    600 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC 20202-4605

Release of student record information is generally not done at WKU without the expressed, written consent of the student; however, FERPA allows several exceptions described below:

  1. FERPA allows the institution to routinely release information defined as "directory information." The following student information is included in the definition: the student's name, address, e-mail address, telephone listing, date and place of birth,  major field of study,  participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, enrollment status  (including full-time, part-time, not enrolled, withdrawn and date of withdrawal), degree and awards received and the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the student. When a student wants any part of the directory information to remain confidential, an official request form must be completed in the Office of the Registrar within the first five days of class of each school term.
  2. Upon request, WKU may disclose education records without the student's consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled as long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student's enrollment or transfer.
  3. Effective January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education's FERPA regulations expanded the circumstances under which the student's education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records (including Social Security Number, grades, or other private information) may be accessed without the student's consent.
    1. First, the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local education authorities ("Federal and State Authorities") may allow access to the student's records and PII without the student's consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to evaluate a federal- or state-supported education program. The evaluation may relate to any program that is "principally engaged in the provision of education," such as early childhood education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education agency or institution.
    2. Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to the student's education records and PII without the student's consent to researchers performing certain types of studies, in certain cases even when the university objects to or does not request such research. Federal and State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the entities that they authorize to receive the student's PII, but the Authorities need not maintain direct control over such entities.
    3. In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems, State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without the student's consent PII from the student's education records, and they may track the student's participation in education and other programs by linking such PII to other personal information about the student that they obtain from other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military service, and migrant student records systems.

Questions pertaining to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be directed to:

Dr. Jennifer Hammonds, University Registrar
Potter Hall 238
(270) 745-3351

Statement of Compliance

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs and employment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniform service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, or physical or mental disability. On request, WKU will provide reasonable accommodations, including auxiliary aids and services, necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs, activities, and employment.

The University has published policies and procedures for investigating and/or addressing discrimination or harassment in its educational programs and/or employment. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment in such programs, activities, or employment, policies and procedures are included on the following website: http://www.wku.edu/policies/ (WKU Policies), in addition to the WKU Student Handbook, and Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. These publications, including information about University procedures, are available on the University’s website (www.wku.edu), at:

WKU Policies:  http://www.wku.edu/policies/
WKU Student Handbook: http://www.wku.edu/handbook/
WKU Undergraduate Catalog: https://catalog.wku.edu/undergraduate
WKU Graduate Catalog: http://catalog.wku.edu/graduate

The following person has been designated to serve as the University’s Title IX Coordinator:

Ms. Ena Demir
Title IX Coordinator / Executive Director, Office of Institutional Equity
Wetherby Administrative Center, Suite 317
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11001
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1001
(270) 745-5398

Information regarding WKU’s Title IX compliance, policies, and procedures may be found on the following website:  http://wku.edu/titleix/.

In addition, information or assistance may be requested from the following:

Office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services
Wetherby Administration Building, Suite 317
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11009
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1009   
(270) 745-5121    

Department of Human Resources
Wetherby Administration Building, Suite G25
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11003
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1003
(270) 745-5360

Academic Affairs & Provost’s Office
Wetherby Administration Building, Suite 239
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11008
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1008
Phone: (270) 745-2297    

Inquiries about alleged discrimination may also be made directly to: 

The Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
The Wanamaker Building, Suite 515
100 Penn Square East
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 656-8541

The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights
332 W. Broadway, Suite 1400
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(800) 292-5566 
(TDD) (502) 595-4084 

or

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
600 Martin Luther King, Jr. Place, Suite 268 
Louisville, Kentucky 40202 
(800) 669-4000 
TTY (800) 669-6820

Student Academic and Grade Change Procedure

The student complaint procedure for resolving an academic or grade complaint:

Step 1 (Faculty Member)

  • The student must attempt to discuss the academic issue with the faculty member involved within 15 workdays after the issue has occurred or the grade within the first 15 workdays of the first regular semester (fall; spring) following the assignment of the grade.
  • If the faculty member is no longer employed by the university, the student should go directly to that faculty member’s department head, who will attempt to contact the former faculty member concerning the academic issue or grade assigned. If the department head is unable to facilitate communication between the former faculty member and the student, the student may proceed to step 2.
  • If the faculty is employed by the university and declines to discuss the academic issue or grade with the student, the student may proceed to step 2.

Step 2 (Department Level)

  • If the student and the faculty member are unable to resolve the complaint, the student may take the complaint to the faculty member’s department head. Written notification of the complaint must be given to the department head within two weeks after the meeting with the faculty member. If the faculty member is also the department head, proceed to Step 3.
  • The written notification to the department head should clearly state what the student believes are the faculty member’s unreasonable and/or unfair practices or procedures, and include any available documentation.
  • The department head may attempt to resolve the complaint by meeting with the student and faculty member separately to mediate the issue.
  • If the department head is unable to resolve the complaint in this way, a meeting will be arranged where the student, faculty member, and the department head will be present for discussion.
    • Neither the faculty member nor the student will be allowed representation at the meeting.
    • The department head shall hear both sides of the complaint and attempt to resolve the matter.
    • If the department head is unable to bring about an agreed upon resolution between the student and the faculty member, the department head will issue a recommendation.
    • The department head shall create a written record of the meeting, including his/her recommendation. A copy of this record shall be provided to the student and the faculty member at the time the department head’s recommendation is issued to them.
    • If the faculty member is no longer with WKU or refuses to participate, the decision of the department head shall be followed.

Step 3 (College Level)

  • Should the student remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the academic issue or grade complaint at the departmental level, the student may continue the complaint to the college level.
  • The student should notify the Dean of the College, or the Dean’s designee, in writing, within two weeks following issuance of the department head’s recommendation, that the complaint remains unresolved.
  • The written notification to the Dean of the College should include a copy of the department head’s record and recommendation, and clearly state what the student believes are the faculty member’s unreasonable and/or unfair practices or procedures, and include any available documentation.
  • The dean or dean’s designee may attempt to resolve the complaint by meeting with the student, faculty member, and department head.
  •  If those meetings do not resolve the student’s concern(s), the Dean or Designee shall notify the College Complaint Committee:
    • It is expected that a meeting will be scheduled to take place within two weeks after the submission of a written notification to the Dean of the College.
    • The committee shall be composed of at least three faculty members and two student representatives and shall not include representation from the department of the faculty member mentioned in the complaint.
    • If the notification is submitted at the end of a semester and convening the committee is not feasible within the stipulated two weeks period, the committee must be convened within the first two weeks of the first regular semester (fall; spring) following the Dean’s receipt of the written complaint.
    • Neither the faculty member nor the student will be allowed representation at the conference.
    • All material presented at the meeting is considered subject to FERPA and confidential.
    • The College Complaint Committee shall hear both sides of the complaint and shall create a written record of the meeting. The student and faculty member may elect to remain in the meeting while the other presents his or her side of the complaint. The decision and its rationale shall be reduced to writing, with copies sent to the Dean of the College, the student, faculty member, and the faculty member's department head.

If neither party has appealed the Committee’s decision after two weeks, the decision will be final. The Dean’s office will be responsible for taking action required by the decision, if any.

Step 4 (University Level)

  • Should the student or the faculty member be dissatisfied with the decision of the College Complaint Committee, either may appeal the decision to the University level.
  • The appealing party should deliver a written appeal to the Office of the Provost within two weeks following issuance of the College Committee’s decision.
  • The written appeal should include a copy of the College Committee’s decision, and clearly state the basis for the appeal, including but not limited to, any unreasonable and/or unfair practices or procedures, and include any available documentation. Copies of the appeal should be delivered by the appellant to the party not appealing the College Committee decision.
  • The Office of the Provost will coordinate and convene the University Complaint Committee.
    • The student and faculty member will be provided with a copy of the University Complaint Committee's procedural guidelines.
    • The University Complaint Committee will secure copies of the recommendations rendered by the department head and the College Complaint Committee.
    • The University Complaint Committee will schedule a conference where the faculty member and the student are present and will discuss the issue.
    • Neither the faculty member nor the student will be allowed representation at the conference.
    • All material presented at the meeting is considered subject to FERPA and confidential, and no new materials may be presented at this meeting. If new material is presented, the appeal will be referred back to the College Complaint Committee.
    • The University Complaint Committee shall hear both sides of the complaint, and shall create a written record of the meeting. The decision and its rationale shall be reduced to writing, with copies sent to the Provost, the Dean of the College, the student, faculty member, and the faculty member's department head.

The Office of the Provost will see that decisions of the University Complaint Committee are carried out. The University Complaint Committee's decision is final.

Out of State Distance Learners

Students enrolled in distance learning courses at WKU will follow the university complaints procedure outlined in this policy and may access additional resources through WKU Online.  Students may also review information in the WKU Student Handbook. If the issue is not resolved at the institution level, distance students may file a complaint with the Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education. For out-of- state distance learning students, the next level in the complaint process is with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Additionally, students may file a complaint with WKU's accrediting body, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) by downloading the SACS Complaint Procedures Form.  Student complaints related to grades or student conduct may not be appealed to Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education.

Supplements

Supplements to this procedure may be issued during the school year to keep the University community advised of newly adopted programs and policies.

Important Complaint Exceptions: 

  • Student Disability regarding denial of accommodations, report to Student ADA Compliance Officer and follow WKU policy #6.1010
  • Discrimination and Harassment concerns, see below reporting process and follow WKU policy #0.2040 and #0.2070
    • Discrimination is always reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO)
    • Student-to-student harassment is reported to Office of Student Conduct or the WKU Title IX Coordinator
    • Student-to-faculty/employee harassment is reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO)

Student Right-to-Know Act Annual Disclosure Statement

In compliance with the federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, the University’s graduation rate is to be made available, upon request, to potential and currently enrolled students. The Act requires public disclosure beginning July 1, 1993, of this information by institutions of higher education receiving federal financial assistance.

Western Kentucky University’s graduation rate was calculated using definitions established by the U. S. Department of Education. This rate is based upon the number of beginning freshmen who entered Western Kentucky University as full-time degree-seeking students during the 2017 fall semester and who completed an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree within six years (through August, 2023). For this cohort of beginning students, the graduation rate is 53.7%.