Frequently Asked Questions
General Student FAQs
Where do I find information about events going on around campus and student organizations?
What are some resources available on campus?
- University Counseling Center
- Student Development Success Center
- Beu Health Center
- Campus Rec
- Tutoring
- Writing Center
Can I bring a car to campus? How do I do that?
- Yes! Go to this site and follow the different links for what kind of parking pass you will need. A normal parking pass is $30 a semester, or $60 a year. The office of Parking Services is very involved on campus and will ticket you if you do not have the correct pass for where you park on campus.
If I don’t have a car, how do I get around campus and Macomb?
- We have a great bus system called GoWEST that travels around campus and throughout the city of Macomb. It is free to the public and information can be found here!
Where are good places to study?
- The library is always a great place to start, just remember that the higher up you go in the library, the quieter it gets, so if you have a study group, don’t study on the sixth floor!
The Union also has great study places all over that you could try such as The ‘Neck, and the Brattain Lounge.
The basement of Memorial Hall has a large study lounge and a smaller room off of it that are great places too!
Most of the buildings on campus have computer labs that could be a good place to go to. As an online student, what are some resources I can use?
- Here is a list of success tips for online learning
- This is a link for a Western Online Virtual Assistant
- virtual outreach from the UCC, they also have online appointments
Where can I find a list of the resources that WIU offers?
I want to get a job on campus, how do I do that?
- This site, called Handshake, is where all on-campus jobs are posted!
Where can I find information about the university’s disability services?
- Click here to find out more
What are some suggestions for adjusting to Western?
- Get involved! Reach out to your professors! Visit your advisor early and often! Find one student organization you like and participate in, or start your own! Try to talk with one person in each class- they are in the same boat as you and having one person in each class that you can study with, share notes with, etc. can be really helpful!
Who do I talk to if I want to drop a class?
- The course professor for assistance and always talk with your advisor to make sure if you drop, it does not have adverse effects on your financial aid or toward degree completion.
Where do I find my professors' contact information or how to meet with them?
- In the syllabus, it should show their email and office hours and/or how to make an appointment
How do I figure out what books I need for my classes?
- The bookstore, in the STARS subject catalog and on your course syllabus
How do I find where and when events will happen?
- Leatherneck Link and following different WIU Instagrams
What is an early warning grade?
- This video speaks about early warning grades at 2:25. Click here to view!
Where can I print on campus?
- Print lab locations can be found here
What restaurants are on campus and what are their opening hours?
- Dining options are located in Residence Halls, University Union and Stipes Hall. Click here for more information on the dining options available and their opening hours.
Transfer & Commuter Student FAQs
I am a new transfer student. Are the Leatherneck First Four events for me?
- Yes, events are for all our students and you're welcome to attend. Specific events for Transfer students will be noted as such.
How can I join the Transfer Students Association?
- To join the Transfer Students Organization click here
Are there scholarships specifically for transfer students?
- Yes, click here to learn more
Are there any student organizations specific to commuter students?
- There are no organizations specific to commuter students. However, if one does not exist, we can help you start one.
What resources are available for commuter students?
- All campus resources are available to commuter students. Click here to see what is available.
Parent and Family FAQs
Will parents be notified in the event that there is an on-campus emergency?
- Parents will only be notified of an on-campus emergency via the Western Emergency Alert System (WEAS) if the student sets up the access for parents through their STARS account as per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For more information on how to set up access click here
Does my student need to remove items from their room when school is on break?
- For housing related FAQs click here
Can tuition be paid online?
- Yes, tuition can be paid online. For more information click here
Where can my student get help with their classwork and study skills?
- The Student Learning Center offers academic success coaching and tutoring
What is the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from a course?
- Dropping a course means the course is dropped and does not appear on your transcript. You only have the first 10 days of the semester to do so. You will also receive a refund. After the 10th day if you "drop a class" it is considered a withdrawal at that point. Meaning the course will be part of your academic record and will show on your transcript with a W beside it versus a final grade. This means you attempted the course but withdrew before receiving a final grade. You do not receive a refund for dropping individual courses after the 10th day.
Where can my student get a transcript?
- You can get your transcript by clicking here
What should my student do if they are unable to attend class?
- Your student should document their absence here
Where can I find the academic calendar?
Where can my student get a parking permit?
- Parking permits are issued by the Office of Public Safety. Click here to find out more
Where can I find financial aid information for my student?
Where can my student get a job on campus?
Why should my student live on campus?
When is the best time for parents and families to visit campus?
- The best time to visit campus would be during Family Day and Homecoming . We have a host of events during that time for families and friends. Keep checking these pages for updates!
Can I stay in the hall with my student when I visit them?
- Click here to read housing FAQs for answers
How can I get around campus?
- We have a great bus system called GoWEST that travels around campus and throughout the city of Macomb. It is free to the public and information can be found here!
Where can I find the campus map?
What restaurants are on campus and what are their opening hours?
Where can I find information on on-campus housing?
Can my student live in an apartment on campus?
- Click here to find out more
Where can my student get health care on campus?
Is counseling available to students on campus?
Is University Health Insurance available to my student?
- Student Health Insurance is mandatory for all Western Illinois University students who are taking nine (9) semester hours, at least five (5) on Macomb campus or more. It provides the student with guaranteed coverage, 24 hours a day protection and a very low deductible. WIU’s Student Insurance provides coverage for mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as hospital stays, maternity care and ambulance transport. Beu Health Center
- The Student Health Insurance office is located in Sherman Hall Room 106, (309) 298-1882 or email studentinsurance@wiu.edu.
Does my student have access to the Recreation Center on campus? How much does it cost?
- Yes, your student has access to the facility and it is free of cost. Students must walk with their ID to access the Recreation Center.
How can my student be more involved on campus?
Where can I find information about Fraternity and Sorority Life?
How can I get involved at WIU as a parent?
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