Counseling Services

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Personal Counseling

Personal counseling services are provided by Dr. Christopher "Pokey" Bowen, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor or Western Kentucky's counseling office. The Office of Counseling Services provides confidential counseling for personal issues that affect our students academically, socially, or emotionally. Stress, adjustment to academy life, personal identity and growth, homesickness, and relationship issues are typical concerns. Counselors can provide students with brief therapy for a variety of personal issues and can refer them to other professionals when necessary. Students enrolled at The Gatton Academy can access free, unlimited counseling services through the office of Counseling Services. Appointments may be scheduled by contacting Pokey Bowen at christopher.bowen@wku.edu or by calling 270-745-2948 or 615-944-1886.

College Counseling

College counseling services are provided by The Gatton Academy's Coordinator of College Counseling. The Office of Counseling Services offers a comprehensive college counseling program. The Counseling Office provides information about colleges and scholarships through the college seminar workshops, e-mail alerts, and individual college counseling sessions. Counselors individually advise and collaborate with students on issues of college admission and scholarships beginning in the spring of the junior year. During the senior year, counselors write individual letters of recommendation for each of their students as requested and support students in the decision-making process. Students are encouraged to work closely with their counselor at this time to assure that applications and supporting documents, including transcripts, are sent in a timely fashion. Appointments may be scheduled by contacting your College Counselor.

Academic Counseling

Academic counseling services are provided by April Gaskey, Academic Coordinator. The Office of Academic Services provides students with a range of resources to assist them in formulating plans and making decisions during their academic career at the Academy. Counselors help by meeting with students to support the development of time management, self management, and study skills. Academic counseling also includes helping students find the confidence and the time to take advantage of the built-in academic resources, e.g. tutoring, faculty office hours, and group study opportunities. Course registration services are conducted by April Gaskey as well. Students must meet with an Academic Counselor for all class registration and course changes. The Academy registration timelines will be distributed by the Office of Academic Services at the beginning of each semester. In addition, this office can provide transcripts as needed. Current students must schedule an appointment with a counselor to request a transcript. Appointments may be scheduled by contacting April Gaskey at april.gaskey@wku.edu, or by calling 270-745-3132.

Career Counseling

Career counseling services are provided by Dr. Christopher "Pokey" Bowen, Derick Strode, and Western Kentucky Career services center. The Office of Counseling Services can assist students with determining their career path, college major, and relevant opportunities. Students enrolled at The Gatton Academy can access free, unlimited career services through the office of Counseling Services or through Western Kentucky University. Since Gatton Academy students are enrolled at WKU, they can have full access to the career center. The career center can be accessed via http://www.wku.edu/career/.