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The Exploratory News
For Exploratory/Undeclared Students
February 2016
In the News
I Declared!
Congratulations to the students who made the
Dean’s/President’s List!--via WKU News
9 things I wish I knew in college--via USA Today
Ways to form new habits this semester--via WKU
Herald
18 etiquette tips for emailing your professor (or advisor!)--via US News
Scholarships that don’t require good grades--via US
News
Don’t Forget
Registration
The last day to add or drop full semester classes is Monday, February 1. Beginning on Tuesday, February 2, there
will be a $50 fee to drop a class (withdraw).
Financial Aid
You will need to complete another Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine financial aid eligibility for the 2016-2017 academic year. Please
complete the form as soon as possible. Remember, you will
need your 2015 tax information and possibly your parents’
as well. WKU’s school code is 002002. Contact the Student Financial Assistance Office if you have questions.
The following Exploratory
students declared their major
last month.
Congratulations!
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Ethan Brown
Aaliyah Calhoun
Morgan Coyle
Carolyn Dunn
Isaac Estes
Katie Fischer
Zachary Henderson
Jackson Hull
RJ Kral
Sarah Mills
Chris Norris
Wesley Osborne
Brett Phelps
Holly Powell
Adrian Scott
Anthony Valentour
Social Media
Instagram: WKUExploratory
Twitter: @WKUExploratory
Events
The Exploratory Program events continue this semester.
See below for a more detailed schedule.
Join us for our first event of the semester to learn more about study abroad opportunities. You don’t have to be in a declared major to take advantage of studying abroad. Required Colonnade classes can also be completed overseas. This event will take place
Thursday, February 4 in DSU 2141 at 3:00 PM.
Do you need more information on WKU majors before you can declare one? Stop by a
table in the lobby of DSU on Wednesday, February 10, between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
to fall in love with a major. Information packets and brochures will be available to students to pick up as well as a sweet treat for Valentine’s Day.
Attention all sophomore Exploratory students! You are required to attend one of the
following MANDATORY Declaration Day sessions held in DSU 2141. This meeting will allow you to declare a major or connect with your advisor or the Center for Career
and Professional Development if you are not ready to change your major.
Monday, February 22, 1:50-2:20 PM
Tuesday, February 23, 12:45-1:15 PM
Wednesday, February 24, 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Thursday, February 25, 2:20PM-2:50PM
If you cannot attend one of these meetings, schedule an appointment with your advisor
as soon as possible with appointment reason “Other” on TopNet.
Exploratory Events Schedule
Guess the major…
Peyton Manning is heading back to the Super Bowl! But
can you guess what he studied while at the University of
Tennessee as a student athlete? Manning earned a bachelor of arts in speech communication.
Major Spotlight
One major from each of WKU’s academic colleges is highlighted.
Elementary Education | College of Education and Behavioral Sciences – The Elementary Education undergraduate program at WKU leads to the Bachelor of Science degree and the Kentucky
Elementary Certificate (P-5). This major requires 82 hours of coursework. All teacher certification programs are accredited by Kentucky's Education Professional Standards Board and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and require completion of at least 200
hours of field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings. Teacher candidates are provided
opportunities to serve as reflective decision makers in instructional settings of diverse learners in
both upper and lower grade levels in elementary classrooms in the local school systems.
Recreation Administration | College of Health and Human Services – This major requires 48
hours and does not require a minor or a second major, though a minor is recommended. The
mission of the recreation administration program is to provide the students in the curriculum
with a well-rounded, general education in the field of recreation by creating a challenging, student-focused learning environment and opportunities to apply the skills and theories taught in
the classroom through service to the campus, community, and recreation profession. There are
five concentrations for students to choose from within the major: Recreation Services, Commercial Recreation and Tourism, Nonprofit Administration, Outdoor Recreation, and Facility and
Event Management.
Business Economics | Gordon Ford College of Business – The Department of Economics offers a
major in specialized business economics. The business economics major combines courses in
economics with those in accounting, finance, information systems, management, marketing, and
quantitative business analysis. This unique array of courses leads to a B.S. degree and provides
the student with both the general and specific skill desired by employers. The major in Business
Economics requires 73 hours in professional and elective courses and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Business Economics majors must complete admission requirements and core courses for the Gordon Ford College of Business.
English for Secondary Teachers | Potter College of Arts & Letters – This major requires 55 hours
of major coursework as well as 34 hours of professional teaching courses. No second major or
minor is required. The English for secondary teachers major prepares students for certification to
teach grades 8-12. The major is well rounded, featuring work in literature, writing, language
study, and allied language arts. It is structured to meet specific accreditation and certification
requirements while still offering students choice in course selection.
Computer Science | Ogden College of Science & Engineering – The computer science major requires 44-50 hours. There are three concentrations within the major: Systems/Scientific Applications option; any minor option; or specialty option. Computer science is one of the most exciting
and rapidly developing of all disciplines. There is the fun stuff, like software used in games and
film animation. Then there is the serious side, like the need to protect important information
transmitted over public networks. Between these lie a vast array of professional opportunities.
Nearly every organization, from the largest corporation to the smallest non-profit, needs people
to support its computing infrastructure. There are many variations in co-op and entry-level positions. Beyond these lie numerous career opportunities, some with a technical or academic flavor,
and others more managerial.
Interdisciplinary Studies | University College — The bachelor of interdisciplinary studies (BIS)
provides a four year program for students who do not need to desire the academic specialization
involved in traditional major or minor programs. This degree program allows considerable latitude and flexibility to satisfy individual interests and needs. In lieu of the major/minor required
by traditional degree programs, students must complete a broad area of emphasis
(complementary courses from different academic disciplines) of at least 36 hours of coursework
approved by the BIS advisor. Areas of emphases include arts, business, education, health, humanities, military studies, organization and communication of ideas, science, social and behavioral science, social justice and equity studies, sustainability, and technology.
Calendar
To Do List:
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Attend an Exploratory Event
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Go to the Study Abroad Fair
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Schedule a tutoring appointment
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Visit The Learning Center
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Go to a WKU basketball game
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Follow us on Twitter and Instagram--WKUExploratory
To make an appointment with your Exploratory academic advisor, login to TopNet, go to Student
Services, Registration, and Schedule an Advising Appointment. You can also call (270) 745-5065 for
more help.