Western Kentucky University Parent Guide

Dates & Events

• WKU To 'Roll Out The Red' For Homecoming 2009

  Western Kentucky University will "Roll Out the Red" to welcome alumni and friends for Homecoming 2009 festivities Nov. 2-8. "There's no better time than Homecoming to return to WKU," said Ginny Hensley, director of Alumni Programming for the WKU Alumni Association. "Regardless of when you spent your time on campus or where you call home today, Homecoming has something special for every member of the WKU family." Homecoming week activities include reunions, pep rallies, concert, award presentations, parade and a WKU football game. "The Homecoming theme ‘Roll Out the Red' is fun, but it also symbolizes excellence, which is what WKU strives for in all aspect of campus life," Hensley said. Read More

• WKU Honors Family Of The Year during Parent and Family Weekend

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Academics

• Help your Student Manage Exam Expectations

  Exams are a time when stress levels are higher than usual. Many students feel stressed at exam time - having to revise a lot of information in a short amount of time and add to that not understanding course material can lead to added pressure. Some stress can be positive; helping your student stay motivated and focused. However, too much stress can be hurtful and unhealthy, making your student feel overwhelmed, confused, exhausted and edgy. External pressures around exams can be huge – and it can be hard to deal with. Things that might help your child manage expectations: Read More

• Welcome to WKU!

• Academic Advising and The Learning Center

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Career Planning

• Career Services Center

  Located in the Downing University Center, the Career Services Center is the place to go. Read More

• WKU, Smart Robots Partner For Unique Student Opportunity

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Health & Safety

• Campus Changes

  New and returning students will find a number of changes to the Bowling Green campus, from the opening of a new academic building to renovated dining facilities and residence halls. Read More

• WKU Health Services

• WKU Police

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Managing Finances

• The Financial Aid Secret Worth Big Bucks

  The yearly phenomenon known within the financial aid community as the “summer melt” is working in students’ favor — this year more than ever — offering the opportunity for extra financial aid that previously didn’t exist. And if you’re one of the few students who know the secret, you can get more cash than ever before. Read More

• Ask the Expert: Why Not Borrow from My 401(k) for My Daughter's College Tuition?

• Maximizing Winter Break

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Student Life

• What to get your College Student for the Holidays

  If asked, many college students would prefer money or gift cards for the holidays - and while they are theoretically valid gifts, money and gift cards aren’t what most parents are looking to give their college students for the holidays. Shopping for college students can be tough. We’ve compiled a list of suggestions for useful and fun presents to make a college student's life easier. Read more to learn about holiday gifts that get your college student excited. Read More

• WKU Named A Top Producer Of U.S. Fulbright Students

• Eight WKU Students Will Circle the Globe On Semester At Sea

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Tips for Parents

• Parents’ Association

  The WKU Parents’ Association is coordinated by Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. Read More

• WKU Parents’ Association

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Maps, Numbers & Info

• Campus Map

  Download a campus map Read More

• Parking & Transportation Services

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Financial Planning

• The Financial Aid Secret Worth Big Bucks

  The yearly phenomenon known within the financial aid community as the “summer melt” is working in students’ favor — this year more than ever — offering the opportunity for extra financial aid that previously didn’t exist. And if you’re one of the few students who know the secret, you can get more cash than ever before. Read More

• Maximizing Winter Break

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Transition from High School

• Time for Midterms: Providing Help with Exam Stress

  There are many ways parents can help their students manage exam stress, including those that not only improve their ability to perform on the tests, but also help them stay healthy in the process.One of the first things parents can do to help their students through their exams is to make sure they don't wait until the last minute to prepare [link to article on procrastination]. Exam dates are typically set in the class syllabus and provided on the first day of class. Parents can help their student organize a schedule to stay on top of their work, and provide reminders throughout the semester to make sure they don't procrastinate. Read More