Western Kentucky University

[amc91]

One more thing, I have been emailing Dr. Dressler, who is actually the contact for the part time, not the full time students. When I tried reaching out to the full time contact, my email was forwarded to someone else and I never heard back. So if you have questions your not getting answered, I recommend reaching out to Dr. Dressler, he has responded to every email immediately (even on weekends). 

[SouthernDrawl]

Does anyone know who would be best to email about that prerequisite completion date? Transcripts posted of summer grades before July 31st seems a stretch no matter what program you are doing. Even WKU's summer term doesn't end until the first or second week of August. I'm hoping they allow for some wiggle room there. It just seemed like such an official part of the acceptance agreement, I want to ask and be sure. Anyone else going to finish their prerequisites through WKU? I was looking today and it seems like their pre-slp classes are full. I wonder if they will make an exception for their admitted grad students?

Edited April 3, 2016 by SouthernDrawl

[GMT]

4 hours ago, amc91 said:

So I head back from five students in the part time program, and talked to two of them on the phone (still waiting to chat with someone in the full time) but OH MY WORD, they absolutely raved about how incredible the program is! I'll share all that I learned.

Basically, the classes are live in the evenings, but I guess most professors record the lectures so if you can't make it to class, you can watch it later (or refer back to the lecture). I was told the professors really go above and beyond to get to know each student and they really want to support you and help you succeed. I was told that the depth of knowledge they are getting from the classes is amazing, and they feel incredibly prepared. One girl said she truly could not have wished for a more amazing program.

At least for the part time cohort, the students said they are really close (even though they only have digital interactions). Two people said that there are some group projects, and while they sound bad, they are actually amazing and great learning opportunities. 

One girl lives in Colorado (like me), and she chose WKU over UNCO (she's doing the three year program) because she did not hear great things about UNCO's program. I spoke to a UNCO student who said the program was fine, but some professors do not record any lectures so there are classes that are basically "self taught", and she said many students in her cohort really dislike the program and feel like the professors are not responsive enough (unreplied emails, things like that). The person I spoke to said she did not have any real complaints, but she know others do. Again, I only talked to one person so this may not be a fair assessment, but I figured I would pass along what I heard. 

I asked about the preparation for medical versus school settings (I know UNCO seems to be more directed at kids), a couple felt like it was maybe more directed at working in schools, but they also followed it up by saying they know multiple WKU grads who work in medical settings. Another two people said that the program is 100% equal in terms of adult/children. Also, we get to choose our electives, so we will have the opportunity to focus more on our area of interest. Another fun fact, one girl is going to Europe with some of the professors as a "study abroad" opportunity and receiving elective credit!

Also, since the professors teach the same courses during the day to the on campus cohort, they will bring up any questions the day time students had (another cool learning benefit). And doing the classes live mean that you get to hear everyone's comments/questions, whereas with asynchronous classes, questions are usually answered in private emails.

 

I obviously sound bias, but I cannot express how incredibly enthusiastic and positive these students were about WKU! I hope this helps!

Wow this is really great information! Thanks for sharing! I also read online about that Eurpoean study abroad and I also saw that in the past the students have traveled to Belize. I was already pretty positive and looking forward to it, but now even more so! Awesome!

[GMT]

2 hours ago, SouthernDrawl said:

Does anyone know who would be best to email about that prerequisite completion date? Transcripts posted of summer grades before July 31st seems a stretch no matter what program you are doing. Even WKU's summer term doesn't end until the first or second week of August. I'm hoping they allow for some wiggle room there. It just seemed like such an official part of the acceptance agreement, I want to ask and be sure. Anyone else going to finish their prerequisites through WKU? I was looking today and it seems like their pre-slp classes are full. I wonder if they will make an exception for their admitted grad students?

Have you taken classes with WKU before? I also need to complete pre-requisites over this summer and thought about doing it through them. How could you tell that the classes were full? Is there a site that guests can search or is it only open to students currently taking classes?

[mrs_walker]

5 hours ago, amc91 said:

I obviously sound bias, but I cannot express how incredibly enthusiastic and positive these students were about WKU! I hope this helps!

Thank you so much for sharing what they told you! I feel more and more that this program is the right choice for me!

[mrs_walker]

5 hours ago, amc91 said:

One more thing, I have been emailing Dr. Dressler, who is actually the contact for the part time, not the full time students. When I tried reaching out to the full time contact, my email was forwarded to someone else and I never heard back. So if you have questions your not getting answered, I recommend reaching out to Dr. Dressler, he has responded to every email immediately (even on weekends). 

Also, do you know who your email was forwarded to? I asked a few questions after receiving the acceptance email, and mine was also forwarded and I haven't heard back.

[SouthernDrawl]

58 minutes ago, GMT said:

Have you taken classes with WKU before? I also need to complete pre-requisites over this summer and thought about doing it through them. How could you tell that the classes were full? Is there a site that guests can search or is it only open to students currently taking classes?

Sorry if that was misleading: I don't know exactly if the courses are full/what capacity they have. However, they do have an open timetable of classes that you can look at. But the acceptance page said we would take them online as a non degree seeking student. So, I looked up the pre-slp program info for more details and at the top of that page in red it says, "

The Pre-SLP program is no longer taking applications for the Summer 2016 cohorts. You are welcome to apply for Summer 2017 when the application season begins on September 1, 2016. Thank you for your interest in WKU!"

So that kinda freaked me out. Again, I'm hopeful that they might squeeze in their own future grad students?

[Tommye Hunter]

Dr. Bland is the graduate director for the campus students and their applicants were told that they could take Diagnostics and Assessment this summer with the online preSLP group.  She said that Dr. Shackelford allows admitted graduate students to take any needed classes this summer. Maybe you can email one of them to confirm. All I've heard about WKU is that they are really good at responding to emails.  You may not like the answer, but somebody will respond.

[SouthernDrawl]

25 minutes ago, Tommye Hunter said:

Dr. Bland is the graduate director for the campus students and their applicants were told that they could take Diagnostics and Assessment this summer with the online preSLP group.  She said that Dr. Shackelford allows admitted graduate students to take any needed classes this summer. Maybe you can email one of them to confirm. All I've heard about WKU is that they are really good at responding to emails.  You may not like the answer, but somebody will respond.

Thanks so much for the insight! I actually need to take a few classes with them, so this is encouraging to hear!

[amc91]

14 hours ago, mrs_walker said:

Also, do you know who your email was forwarded to? I asked a few questions after receiving the acceptance email, and mine was also forwarded and I haven't heard back.

I emailed Catherine Martin, who forward my email to Jean Neils-Strunjas. I'm sure they are absolutely slammed with emails, so maybe set it as a high priority, or make the subject "time sensitive question".

 

 

[mrs_walker]

2 hours ago, amc91 said:

I emailed Catherine Martin, who forward my email to Jean Neils-Strunjas. I'm sure they are absolutely slammed with emails, so maybe set it as a high priority, or make the subject "time sensitive question".

 

 

Ah, ok. That's exactly what I did too and the result I had. No answer yet...really wanting to hear back before I turn down my other offer.

[amc91]

1 hour ago, mrs_walker said:

Ah, ok. That's exactly what I did too and the result I had. No answer yet...really wanting to hear back before I turn down my other offer.

Honestly I know he's not the full time student contact, but Dr. Dressler has been super quick to respond. You might want to try him if you haven't yet! 

[GMT]

18 hours ago, SouthernDrawl said:

Sorry if that was misleading: I don't know exactly if the courses are full/what capacity they have. However, they do have an open timetable of classes that you can look at. But the acceptance page said we would take them online as a non degree seeking student. So, I looked up the pre-slp program info for more details and at the top of that page in red it says, "

The Pre-SLP program is no longer taking applications for the Summer 2016 cohorts. You are welcome to apply for Summer 2017 when the application season begins on September 1, 2016. Thank you for your interest in WKU!"

So that kinda freaked me out. Again, I'm hopeful that they might squeeze in their own future grad students?

Ahh ok. I did see that statement online as well. I guess that's if you are applying to do the entire program. If possible I will complete my pre-reqs at ENMU, I just wanted to make sure  I have a back up plan.

[SouthernDrawl]

4 minutes ago, GMT said:

Ahh ok. I did see that statement online as well. I guess that's if you are applying to do the entire program. If possible I will complete my pre-reqs at ENMU, I just wanted to make sure  I have a back up plan.

I spoke with Dr. Shackleford today, and WKU does let admitted grad students take courses in their program! There are 2 classes offered this summer: Assessment of Communication Disorders and Audiology. I'll be taking both!!

[GMT]

1 minute ago, SouthernDrawl said:

I spoke with Dr. Shackleford today, and WKU does let admitted grad students take courses in their program! There are 2 classes offered this summer: Assessment of Communication Disorders and Audiology. I'll be taking both!!

Ok that's good to know. I need to take the Diagnostic Procedures and Chemistry.

[SouthernDrawl]

9 minutes ago, GMT said:

Ok that's good to know. I need to take the Diagnostic Procedures and Chemistry.

I don't see any course on the prerequisite list called diagnostic procedures. Am I missing it? I  I want to make sure I have all my bases covered so nothing prevents me from starting graduate coursework in the fall! I did Chemistry last semester through Utah State. Tough course, but pretty reasonably priced!

[GMT]

1 minute ago, SouthernDrawl said:

I don't see any course on the prerequisite list called diagnostic procedures. Am I missing it? I  I want to make sure I have all my bases covered so nothing prevents me from starting graduate coursework in the fall! I did Chemistry last semester through Utah State. Tough course, but pretty reasonably priced!

I just realized it's the same class you're taking, CD 485. When I began my research I received a list from WKUabout 2 years back with the pre-requisites they required and they changed the name I guess. I always refer back to that sheet to match the classes with the ones I am taking at ENMU. Ughhh I am dreading Chemistry! Do you know if we have to take the lab as well? ENMU makes you take the class with the lab, but if WKU doesn't require it, I wonder if I could wiggle my way out..lol I would have taken Physics, but I don't see it offered at ENMU over the summer.

[SouthernDrawl]

21 minutes ago, GMT said:

I just realized it's the same class you're taking, CD 485. When I began my research I received a list from WKUabout 2 years back with the pre-requisites they required and they changed the name I guess. I always refer back to that sheet to match the classes with the ones I am taking at ENMU. Ughhh I am dreading Chemistry! Do you know if we have to take the lab as well? ENMU makes you take the class with the lab, but if WKU doesn't require it, I wonder if I could wiggle my way out..lol I would have taken Physics, but I don't see it offered at ENMU over the summer.

Basic Sciences (additional requirements for admission to the graduate program)

The 2014 ASHA certification guidelines require applicants to have 3 college credits in each of the following areas: biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences, and statistics. If you need coursework in these areas, Western Kentucky University will work with you to identify appropriate online general education courses that will fulfill these requirements. Please note that many graduate programs now require that the Physical Science course be a Chemistry or Physics course. You are encouraged to look specifically at the requirements of graduate programs you will apply to determine their requirements for both basic sciences and CSD prerequisites. 

This is from their site! It says 3 hours each, which would mean a lab is not required. My biology class had a lab, but my Chem did not.

[GMT]

14 minutes ago, SouthernDrawl said:

Basic Sciences (additional requirements for admission to the graduate program)

The 2014 ASHA certification guidelines require applicants to have 3 college credits in each of the following areas: biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences, and statistics. If you need coursework in these areas, Western Kentucky University will work with you to identify appropriate online general education courses that will fulfill these requirements. Please note that many graduate programs now require that the Physical Science course be a Chemistry or Physics course. You are encouraged to look specifically at the requirements of graduate programs you will apply to determine their requirements for both basic sciences and CSD prerequisites. 

This is from their site! It says 3 hours each, which would mean a lab is not required. My biology class had a lab, but my Chem did not.

So no lab at Utah State? I may want to consider that if ENMU won't budge. How much do transcripts cost at Utah State? From this application process I realized when your classes are split at numerous universities, it can add up whenever you need official transcripts.

[SouthernDrawl]

No lab at Utah State. At least the section I took. All of your exams must be proctored though. For me, they were killers, but I managed an A. The professor is so wonderful and responsive; it was as good of an experience as it could've been! Only 4 dollars to send the transcript! They do it through a third party. I'm still worried about that "by July 31st" provision. No way my final grades will post by then. It will be the first or 2nd week in August.

[GMT]

Ok $4 isn't bad at all. Did you ask anyone about it? I didn't as yet, but I think it would be a good idea that I mention it to Dr. Dressler as well. I'm going with good faith that at least if I can show that I am enrolled in the classes for  summer 2016, they should know the grades will be available soon after. But you are right, it's always a good idea to have these things in black and white so there's no misunderstandings.

[SouthernDrawl]

14 minutes ago, GMT said:

Ok $4 isn't bad at all. Did you ask anyone about it? I didn't as yet, but I think it would be a good idea that I mention it to Dr. Dressler as well. I'm going with good faith that at least if I can show that I am enrolled in the classes for  summer 2016, they should know the grades will be available soon after. But you are right, it's always a good idea to have these things in black and white so there's no misunderstandings.

If you get a response about that, could you let me know what he says? I am operating under the same belief, just want to be sure! Another good thing about Chem 1010 at USU is that you can take this self paced version where it is soooo flexible and you can start/finish at your own pace (within the semester timeframe obviously).

[Tommye Hunter]

WKU doesn't care if it's past July 31 when you finish.  They will want you to have the class finished by the time the Fall classes start.  There is an orientation for campus students.  Is there one for online? 

[GMT]

37 minutes ago, SouthernDrawl said:

If you get a response about that, could you let me know what he says? I am operating under the same belief, just want to be sure! Another good thing about Chem 1010 at USU is that you can take this self paced version where it is soooo flexible and you can start/finish at your own pace (within the semester timeframe obviously).

For sure I will let you know. I didn't get him on the phone today. I will try again tomorrow.

[SouthernDrawl]

2 hours ago, Tommye Hunter said:

WKU doesn't care if it's past July 31 when you finish.  They will want you to have the class finished by the time the Fall classes start.  There is an orientation for campus students.  Is there one for online? 

Man, I wish there was something like that! If there is, they haven't notified us yet. Even a virtual one would be so amazing. I have many questions!