What is MPC (M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan's Commuter Program)?
MPC, M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan's Commuter program, addresses the transitional needs of first
year Commuter students. If you're planning to commute to and from WKU's main campus
during your first semester on the hill, then MPC is for you!
Am I a First Year Commuter Student?
First year Commuter* students are new to WKU and have earned fewer than 30 credit hours. They reside within a 50 mile radius of WKU's main campus, and travel to and from the campus to take classes. All first year commuter students, including commuting transfer students, are eligible to participate in MPC.
*If you are planning to commute, make sure to complete and submit your Housing Exemption paperwork to avoid a $1,000 per semester non-compliance fee.
Why Should I Attend MPC?
MPC is designed to help you, the first year Commuter student, successfully transition from home and high school to college. As an MPC participant, you'll gain valuable information and resources, benefit from the opportunity to engage with current WKU students, faculty, and staff, and form social connections with other first year Commuter students before classes even start!
When is MPC?
The MPC program will take place Sunday, August 18th through Monday, August 19th, 2013. You're also invited to attend several M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan special events and social activities throughout the week! View the full schedule
What Happens During MPC?
During MPC Registration on Sunday, August 18, 2013 anytime from 8 am - 4 pm, you'll receive your schedule, name tag, and T-shirt. At 6 pm you'll attend your first group meeting during which you'll meet your fellow MPC participants and your Western Leaders Counselor. Your Counselor will serve as your Peer Mentor, and will be available to answer your questions, share tips for success at WKU, and guide you through MPC.
After your first group meeting, you, along with your group members and Counselor, will attend Convocation, M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan's and MPC's opening ceremony. During Convocation, you'll learn what it truly means to be a Hilltopper, receive your first Red Towel, learn the Fight Song, and hear from WKU President, Dr. Gary Ransdell. After the opening ceremony, you'll participate in the official Class of 2017 photo. Be sure to stick around after the class photo for the FREE concert!
On Monday, August 19th*, after breakfast with your group members and Counselor, you'll engage in educational sessions designed to provide you with information and resources to help you make both a successful academic and social transition to WKU. The sessions will cover a variety of topics - from navigating campus, parking, campus resources, student services, and time management, to balancing home life and college life, and getting and staying involved in campus activities - that reflect some of the transitional issues first year Commuter students face during their first semester in college.
You'll benefit from the opportunity to engage with current WKU faculty and staff during lunch, participate in a campus scavenger hunt, and meet with your group members and Counselor one last time. MPC is sure to be a good time and help you feel more confident on that first day of classes!
There will be plenty of opportunities for you to socialize with other MPC and M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan participants at various special and social events throughout the week (August 19-22). View full schedule.
On Thursday, August 22, 2013 from 9 am - 3 pm, you'll have the opportunity to participate in Big Red's Blitz, WKU's largest community service event! Make sure you sign up if you want to participate. More information and registration information can be found at www.wku.edu/masterplan/bigredsblitz. Learn about some of WKU's student clubs and organizations and how you can get involved in campus activities at the Campus and Community Involvement Fair Thursday afternoon (1 pm - 4 pm)! Then feel free to attend TopperU, M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan's and MPC's closing ceremony Thursday evening, at which some fabulous prizes will be given away!
*Schedule subject to change
Is There a Cost to Participate in MPC?
Yes, there is a $55 registration fee for MPC.
What's Included in My $55 MPC Registration Fee?
Your $55 MPC registration fee covers two meals, T-shirt, Monday's educational sessions, and all special events listed on your schedule.
What About ATP? Is ATP Different from MPC?
ATP* is WKU's Academic Transition Program. While the ATP and MPC staff members work closely together to ensure a meaningful orientation experience for all of WKU's first year students, ATP and MPC are two separate programs.
During ATP you'll meet your Academic Advisor, get registered for classes, and learn about WKU student services and campus departments at the Information Fair.
*Participation in ATP is mandatory for all first year students. For more information, visit www.wku.edu/atp.
How Do I Register for MPC?
You can register to participate in MPC one of two ways:
- Online through TopNet with a credit or debit card.
- By completing and submitting the paper registration form, along with a check or money order for $55 made payable to Western Kentucky University.
When is the Deadline to Register for MPC?
The deadline to register for MPC is Monday, August 12, 2013.
Who is My Western Leaders Counselor?
Western Leaders Counselors assist with the implementation of the MPC program and serve as Peer Mentors to MPC participants. Counselors are always on-hand to answer your questions, provide tips for success, and share their experiences. Consider your Counselor your College Transition Guide...helping lead you to success at WKU!
Is There a Cap on the Number of Students that can Participate in MPC?
No! All first year Commuter students, including commuting transfer students, are eligible to participate in MPC.
What is Expected of Me as an MPC Participant?
MPC participants are expected to attend all group meetings, meals, educational sessions, and special events, as well as take advantage of the opportunity to socialize with fellow MPC participants at the social events. Come to MPC with a positive attitude, great enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn! The MPC staff has worked hard to ensure the program is the best it can be, with fun, engaging, and interactive sessions. But your participation will be the determining factor in how much you enjoy the experience. We give 110% and we're hoping you'll do the same!
Is My Participation Mandatory?
Participation in MPC is optional; you are not required, as a Commuter student, to attend. However, we strongly encourage you to consider registering for the program. MPC will be highly beneficial to you in making a successful transition to WKU.
Vital information pertaining to your success both in and out of the college classroom will be provided to you during MPC. Your participation in MPC's group meetings, meals, educational sessions, and special events is mandatory if you plan to gain all you can from the program. As a program participant, please note that your attendance at MPC events will be tracked.
Still Have Questions? Here's Our Contact Information:
MPC is hosted by the Department of Housing & Residence Life
Email: blair.silliman@wku.edu
Phone: (270)745-5863
Address: ATTN: MPC, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11093, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1093
