As a new student here are your next steps:
- Set up an appointment with your International Student Advisor. Be sure to bring your passport, US student visa (F1/J1), I-20, I-94 and any other pertinent documents for West Liberty University files and SEVIS reporting.
- Log into your WINS account and register for classes. If you are unsure about which courses to take contact your academic advisor.
- Once you are registered you will have access to your WLU email address. Make sure you are checking this email regularly for updates and information.
- Take care of payment for your classes, this can be done through your WINS account or directly through the business office webpage.
- If you are currently living off campus and want to live on campus you can apply online
Below are short descriptions and videos for various areas new students may find helpful. We strongly encourage you to read through each of these areas for additional information.
Academic Advising
All students enrolled at WLU are assigned an academic adviser to assist the student with class scheduling and meeting graduation requirements. Academic advisers are assigned to new students prior to the semester beginning. The name of your academic adviser can be found in WINS under the “Student Services” menu. Select “Student Records” from the “Student Services” menu, and the select “View Student Information”. You can locate telephone numbers and email addresses for advisers in the WLU directory, which is available on the home page in the upper right hand corner.
Academic Calendar
Academic Dishonesty
Academic Dishonesty, in whatever form, belies the stated philosophy of West Liberty University “to promote the development of the intellectual, cultural, social, physical, emotional, moral, and vocational capacities of all persons within its sphere of influence.” Individuals who commit acts of academic dishonesty violate the principles, which support the search for knowledge and truth. The academic community has established appropriate penalties and disciplinary action for such behavior.
You can find the complete policy in the West Liberty University Catalog.
Accessibility Services
If you have a documented disability and would like to receive accommodations, please contact the Student Success Center at 304.336.8018 to set up an ‘Accessibility Services orientation appointment.’ Please let us know as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to make proper arrangements for your accommodations. Accessibility Services is part the Student Success Center.
Adding/Registering for Classes
Students can register/add classes through their WINS account. If you need assistance with adding classes you can contact the Enrollment Services Center 304-336-8007 or The Highlands Center 304-217-2800.
Billing/Payments
All invoicing will be sent to your West Liberty email account (late July for the fall semester and early December for the spring semester). Payment for Fall and Spring Semester is due 10 days before the start of class. For Summer, payment is due the first day of summer term.
There are multiple options available to make payments on your account.
- Payments (Electronic Check and Credit Card) can be made through your student’s WINS.
- EZpay is available for those who do not have a student login or those who would like to pay with an e-check.
- Payment can be made by visiting the Business Office between the hours of 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
- Payment can be mailed to: West Liberty University, Business Office, 208 University Drive, CUB 109, and West Liberty, WV 26074.
- Payment can be made over the phone by calling (304) 336-8013 or (304) 336-8944.
- A 5 month payment plan is available. Refer to https://westliberty.edu/business-office/, click on the payment plans & options tab then payment plan options.
**Effective July 1, 2015, a 2.5% Merchant Fee will be added to all debit/credit card transactions, whether paying online, over the phone, or in-person; using the E-Check (only available online through the EZ-Pay link) is free from this fee.** Payments are processed directly through the WINS portal.
Video Player
Books
To find out if you need a book for a course first look at your class schedule in your WINS account for a list of classes you are taking for the upcoming semester. Then go the WLU Bookstore webpage. Click on the “Textbooks” link on the top menu. Enter your class schedule and you will have a list of textbooks needed for your courses. Not all classes require a textbook.
Campus Activities and Organizations
The Office Housing and Student Life strives to provide co-curricular activities for those who want to be involved at West Liberty. Whether it is a student organization, Student Government, leadership programs, intramurals Campus Activities programs, or Greek life, there is something for each student who wants to get involved. Ranging from academic organizations to special interest groups, West Liberty has more than 50 clubs and organizations, providing opportunities for students to engage with a wide variety of interests and activities.
Campus Activities further seeks to provide leadership, involvement, and engagement opportunities for students in the planning, proposal, promotion, and presentation of a variety of activities. Further information about campus activities, intramural or clubs and organizations can be found online at: https://westliberty.edu/student-life
Additional information is available throughout the semester through the Office of Housing and Student Life which is located in Rogers Hall on Main campus, Monday – Friday 8AM-4PM.
Campus Map
https://westliberty.edu/admissions/visit/directions/
Campus Police
The Campus Police Office is located on the ground floor of Shaw Hall. They can be reached at 304-336-8021. https://westliberty.edu/health-and-safety/
Counseling
Free and confidential counseling service is offered through the Student Success Center, located in Main Hall. Schedule a Counseling Appointment by one of the following options
- Call Lisa Witzberger at 304-336-8215
- E-mail at lwitzberger@westliberty.edu
- Log into your Wins account, click Student Services, click Student Success Center, Click schedule a Counseling Session, Submit
- Walk in
- Complete a Request to Schedule a Counseling Appointment form & place in locked box outside the Counseling office.
https://westliberty.edu/student-success-center/counseling-services/
Degree Works – Graduation Requirements
Degree Works is our online degree audit which allows you to see which classes you need to complete you graduate degree at WLU. To see your degree audit log onto your WINS account, click on the “Student Services” tab and then “Degree Works”.
Dining
Students residing on campus have the 5, 10, 14 and 19 meal plans available. By default, all new residential students are assigned the 19 meal plan. Residential students must have 10, 14 or 19 meal plan, except for students living in University Place Apartments, who can choose the 5 meal plan. Residence Hall students can change their meal plan through the Housing and Student Life Office online at westliberty.edu/residence-life/mealplan. Meal plans can be changed through the end of the second week of each semester. 5, 10, and 50 meal plans are available to commuters by contacting the Business Office.
All students will have an email account through West Liberty University. Students are expected to regularly check their WLU email accounts as faculty and administration primarily contact students through their email accounts. Email accounts for new students will be created prior to classes beginning each semester. You will be able to access your email address through your WINS account. Once you are logged into WINS, click on “Personal Information”, then “Email Address”. To access your email account, click on the “GO” icon on the homepage in the upper right corner. Here you will see a link for your WLU email. You will need to enter your user name, which will be your email address, minus the @westliberty.edu. Your password will be your eight digit date of birth (MMDDYYYY). If you have any questions regarding your email account, please contact the IT Services HELP Desk at 304.336.8886.
Fees
Fees for graduate students can vary by program. Please see your program information for more details.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 is a Federal law which states (a) that a written institutional policy must be established and (b) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of students be made available. The law provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of student education records. West Liberty University accords all the rights under the law to students who are declared independent. No one outside the institution shall have access to nor will the institution disclose any information from students’ education records without the written consent of students except to personnel within the institution, to officials of other institutions in which students seek to enroll, to persons or organizations providing students financial aid, to accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, and to persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons. All these exceptions are permitted under the Act. For more information please see the WLU catalog.
Financial Aid
Most international students do not qualify for financial aid in the USA. However, international students may qualify for scholarships and other funding opportunities. A list of available scholarships, grants, and other funding at West Liberty, please visit our website. As always, please feel free to contact us at 304.336.8016 or finaid@westliberty.edu with any questions or concerns.
Graduation Process – Applying for Graduation
When ready to apply for graduation, students should complete the application for graduation on the Registrar’s webpage https://westliberty.edu/registrar/. Deadlines for the graduation application can be found on the academic calendar. Commencement ceremonies are held in December and May of each academic year. Questions concerning graduation should be directed toward Amy Balog at 304.336.8127 balogamy@westliberty.edu
Housing and Student Life
The information contained here will help prepare you for life in the residence halls, and the transition you make into University life. As a member of the University community, you will find that much of what you learn will occur outside the classroom as you learn to live and work with others, in a diverse community. The student life experience at West Liberty is designed to help you grow in personal, social and academic areas. 304.336.8345 residencelife@westliberty.edu https://westliberty.edu/residence-life/
Library
The library collection features over 150,000 items in print, audio, and video formats; plus two special collections – The Henry Lash Sheet Music Collection, and the Nelle M. Krise Rare Books Collection. The library also features a large number of online databases. Each year the login information for these databases is changed. Student should contact the library to get necessary login credentials each academic year. The library staff will assist with research, reference, coursework, and other informational needs. https://westliberty.edu/library/
Campus Mail
The mailroom is located in the College Union Office, on the ground floor of the College Union. The mailroom houses all on-campus mailboxes for residential students. When a student moves on campus,they are assigned a mailbox number; you can find out what your mailbox number is by either stopping by the office and asking one of the staff, or you can check your WINS account. Only residential students will receive a mailbox number; if you live off-campus, you do not have a mailbox number in the mailroom.
Your Mailing Address:
Name
College Union Box #_____
208 University Drive
West Liberty, WV 26074
Microsoft 365
WLU students can get a free download from IT services. Simply email helpdesk@westliberty from your WLU student account and request Microsoft 365.
Parking
Students taking classes or living on the main campus are assessed a $75 parking fee per year. Students can pick up their hangtags in the Housing and Residence Life Office in Rogers Hall. If a student does not have a vehicle on the main campus, they can complete a waiver form online through the Business Office.
Students taking courses at the Highlands Center only will not need a parking pass.
Refunds
Students receiving a financial aid refund can choose one of three options to receive their refund checks. Financial aid refunds are processed through United Bank.
- Direct deposit into an existing checking account
- Direct deposit into a free United Bank Checking Account
- Paper check mailed to the student’s preferred mailing address.
Sakai
Distance learning is facilitated through the use of SAKAI, an learning management system similar to Blackboard, Angel, Moodle and others. Sakai works well with PCs, MACs and machines using a Linux operating system. A dependable internet connect and a browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox are all that is required to get started. Some instructors of online courses may require proctored examinations, some scheduled online meeting times or the use of specific software packages. These are course specific and generally described in the syllabus.
To access Sakai, students can click on the “GO” icon in the upper right hand corner of the WLU homepage. Click on the Sakai link. User ID will be your student ID number and the first time you login your password will be your six-digit birthday (MMDDYY).
Students can assess their readiness for online learning through this resource. https://westliberty.edu/distance-education/list-of-online-distance-ed-courses/are-you-ready/ For assistance with Sakai you can contact 304336.8432, online@westliberty.edu or visit https://westliberty.edu/distance-education/
Student Health Services
The primary mission of the West Liberty University Student Health Service is to enable you to take full advantage of your academic experience by maintaining and improving your health. A required Health Form is to be completed and turned in prior to being treated at Health Services, participation in intercollegiate sports, or entry into some academic programs.
For more information, including hours of operation, see https://westliberty.edu/health-services/.
Christy Bennington, Director of Health Services, Shaw Hall 019, 304.336.8046 cbennington@westliberty.edu
Student Research/Human Subjects Committee
The role of the Human Subjects Committee (HSC) is to insure no humans are harmed by participating in, or being a subject within, a research project. The HSC does not determine if the proposed research method and/or hypothesis is valid. For more information please see the HSC website. https://westliberty.edu/college-of-sciences/human-subjects-committee/
Technology Support
West Liberty University Information Technology Services provides computing and telecommunication services and support for West Liberty University. We are committed to providing our users with the most current and evolving twenty-first-century technologies and technological support. Contact Helpdesk: (304) 336-8886 For Laptop Program Assistance please call: (304) 336-8442
Title IX
Title IX is federal legislation from the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and gender in education programs, including athletic programs or activities that receive federal funding. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex or gender can include sexual harassment and interpersonal violence including stalking, relationship violence, and sexual violence. West Liberty University is committed to ensuring equal access to education in an environment free from discrimination, including sexual harassment and interpersonal violence. Students, employees, or visitors who have questions about policies, grievance procedures, and individual rights or would like to report an alleged incident of gender-based misconduct, can contact the following individuals for support:
Bridgette Dawson, Title IX Coordinator Phone Number: 304.336.8018, E-mail: titleix@westliberty.edu
Topper Card – WLU Student ID
Students can pick-up and/or have your picture taken at the College Union Office located on the ground floor of the College Union. Topper Cards are used as the meal card, library card, and with Topper Dollars, can be used for laundry, vending, and for purchases in Subway and the Bookstore. The card is also used to gain access to the front door of the student’s respective residence hall and several academic areas in the Media Arts Center, Fine Arts Building, Arnett Hall, and Main Hall. Financial aid refunds may be placed as Topper Dollars on the Topper Card by contacting the Business Office. Topper Dollars may be added to the Topper Card through eACCTS, in the student union, and in the Business Office. Cash payment is only accepted in the Business Office.
TopperNet – Emergency Text Alerts
Once classes begin, students are encouraged to sign up for TopperNet. TopperNet is provided by Rave Wireless and is WLU’s emergency text message system. TopperNet is used to notify you when classes are canceled or if any other emergency arises. You will need your WLU email address and your cell phone number when registering for this service. There is no fee for this service. To sign up for TopperNet: Go to https://www.getrave.com/login/westliberty Click on “Register Now”. Complete the information on the “Create Account” page, agree to the Terms of Service, and click “Next”. A confirmation screen will appear, explaining that Rave has sent you an e-mail. Go to your e-mail account and click the link. When you click the link, a 4 digit code will be sent to your phone. A screen will open on your computer asking you to type in that code. This will take you to your main account screen. You’re done!
Transcripts
To request transcripts visit https://westliberty.edu/registrar/students/transcripts/
Tutoring
West Liberty University is committed to helping students become engaged, active participants in the educational process and academic community. An exemplary Peer Tutoring Program is run through the Student Success Center. Tutoring staff are highly qualified and well trained to assist with courses in their major/minor field(s) of study. All WLU students are eligible for free peer tutoring. Contact the Student Success Center at 304.336.8216 to set up an appointment. https://westliberty.edu/student-success-center/tutoring-services/
Wellness Center
West Liberty provides a work out facility for all students in the Wellness center, found in the ASRC on Main Campus. The Wellness Center currently has several cardio-respiratory machines, including treadmills, stair climb machines, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes. The facility also has several weight machines and free weights, including dumb bells, kettle bells, and weight plates for barbells. Students, Faculty and Staff who have a WLU Topper Card will be required to present their Topper Card at the front desk of the facility and sign in with the Wellness Center.
WINS- WLU Student Account Information Portal
All students have an online account through the West Liberty Information Network System (WINS). Students complete class registration and access grades through their WINS accounts. Personal information, financial aid information, billing information and many other items can be accessed via WINS. To log in to WINS, click on the “GO” icon at the top right corner of the WLU home page. This will take you to a landing page with links to you email account, WINS, and Sakai. Click on WINS. You will need your student ID and pin number. Your student ID can be found on your letter of acceptance, class schedule or financial aid award letter. You can also contact the Enrollment Center at 304.336.8007 to receive that information. Your PIN number will initially be your six digit date of birth (MMDDYY) then the system will prompt you to change your password and set up a security question.
Video Player
Writing Center
The E. Kent & Barbara Culler Robinson Writing Center will offer free one-on-one tutoring sessions to undergraduate and graduate students throughout all stages of the writing process. Whether you are brainstorming ideas for a paper or revising your final draft, the Robinson Writing Center tutors can help you to communicate with your audience clearly and effectively. The mission of the Robinson Writing Center is to support students from all academic disciplines in improving their skills in written communication and gaining confidence in their writing abilities. With these goals in mind, our tutors aim to teach rhetorical principles that not only help students to approach the task at hand, but also transfer across different courses and writing assignments. Learn how you can schedule an appointment and how to make the most out of the support offered by the Robinson Writing Center. The Robinson Writing Center is located in L14, on the bottom floor of the Elbin Library. writingcenter@westliberty.edu
Withdrawing from a Course(s)
A student who officially withdraws from a course by the end of the day marking the two-thirds point of the semester or summer term shall receive a grade of “W.” A grade of “WP” is given if a student officially withdraws from a course any time after the two thirds point and before the last scheduled class meeting, providing he or she is passing the course at the time of withdrawal. A “WF” will be given if a student officially withdraws any time after the two-thirds point and before the last scheduled class meeting if he or she is failing the course at the time of withdrawal. A student who does not officially withdraw from a course shall receive a grade of “FI,” indicating failure because of improper withdrawal. Grades of “WF” and “FI” are computed as “F” for grade point average. Drop forms are available in the Enrollment Services Center and at the Highlands Center. The official withdrawal date is the date signed by the instructor. The last date to drop a course is listed on the academic calendar. Students can drop courses on-line via their WINS account until the last day to add courses.
Withdrawing from WLU
Visit and LIKE INTERNATIONAL CLUB ON FACEBOOK: [icon name=”facebook” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]