Notes for Class of 2011 Orientation Day (May 30, 2009)

As the current school year comes to a close, we hope the year has brought you success and new discoveries in your studies. The second year for the Gatton Academy has brought numerous successes to the staff and student body. It has been a wonderful learning experience that we look forward to continuing with the Class of 2011. We hope you share our enthusiasm about the infinite possibilities that are ahead.

Now that we have received your Statement of Commitment, please review the enclosed materials in preparation for the May 30, 2009, Gatton Academy Orientation Day. The day’s events will begin at 11 a.m. CDT with a cookout behind Schneider Hall. Sessions will finish by 3 p.m. Parking is available in the parking structure adjacent to Schneider Hall.

Please RSVP for Orientation online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com. Please include numbers for all members of your party so that we may order the correct amount of food.   Please RSVP no later than Monday, May 25, 2009.

Please return all forms noted in this message on Orientation Day. If you are unable to attend, please return the forms by mail as soon as possible.

The Permission to Release Education Record Information is a release of privacy regarding your grades and other information that is granted to college students. Because Gatton Academy students are still in pursuit of a high school diploma, we must ensure that parental oversight is still in place.

The Residence Hall Survey of Interest will allow us to create suitable roommate matches for incoming students. If you already have a roommate in mind, you may request that person; however, both students must make the request on their form.

Please download a copy of the Gatton Academy Student Handbook. The handbook contains information regarding academics, residential life policies, and other expectations for Academy students. You will review an updated handbook on May 30th with Gatton Academy staff members. You will also receive a printed copy of the handbook on Orientation Day as well. Any questions or concerns regarding handbook policies may be addressed at that time. You will sign the Student Handbook Acceptance Form on Orientation Day.

Several WKU professors are conducting an examination of Gatton Academy students’ social cognitive characteristics. Having gifted students in this environment is ripe for exploration and will allow the Gatton Academy to contribute to the body of research being conducted at similar institutions around the country. The Informed Consent Document should be signed by you and your parent if you wish to participate in this important study.

In order to effectively communicate with Academy students, we will begin utilizing email on a regular basis through the students’ WKU issued email address. Now that students have been admitted to the Gatton Academy, WKU has issued a WKU Email address to each student. It is extremely important that you check your WKU email account often for important notices and details on upcoming events. This email address will be utilized daily during your time at the Gatton Academy. WKU’s Information Technology Division has a useful tutorial on setting up your email account online.

1. Go to http://www.wku.edu/infotech/.
2. Under “Administrative Systems and Applications” click “Email.”
3. Begin with “Manage Email Account” and proceed to “Getting Started.”

Most students have been registered for their fall classes. Students may view their schedule online using TopNet. TopNet has a variety of features and is the hub of a student’s WKU account, including billing, final grades to name a few. Students are not to alter their schedule using TopNet. Only Academy staff members may add or drop courses for students. To learn more about TopNet, follow these steps:

1. Go to http://topnet.wku.edu/.
2. When you log-in for the first time, you should use the last six digits of your Social Security Number as the PIN. You will be prompted to establish a new PIN once logged-in.
3. Additional TopNet help is available by clicking “Not sure how to login? Please click here to find out more.”

Once you have received grades for the spring 2009 term, it is imperative that you send an updated transcript to the Academy office. Additionally, as Advanced Placement (AP) test scores arrive later this summer, students should inform the Academy of scores for which you seek credit at WKU. Please note, to receive credit an official score report must be submitted to WKU, not a photocopy to the Academy office. Students who receive credit for courses will have your fall 2009 schedules modified as needed by Academy staff members.

Finally, the Office of Admissions at WKU has requested that all students have an official ACT or SAT score report on file with the university. When taking either test, many of you have already requested those scores be sent to WKU. For students who submitted older scores to the Academy or did not list WKU as a recipient school, you will need to request an official score report. Reports may be ordered online:

ACT – http://www.actstudent.org/scores/send/index.html
SAT – http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/scores.html

We are excited that you have chosen to take this step in your academic career. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Academy office. We hope to make your transition this fall as smooth and rewarding as possible. We look forward to seeing you soon!