President Caboni

Dear Colleagues,

Each of us chose a career in higher education because we understand and believe in the transformative power of a college degree. Together, we must work to ensure that future generations and their families understand not only the importance of higher education but also the unique opportunities that WKU offers.

As we continue recruiting the class of 2028, thank you for your diligence in sharing the WKU story with prospective students, their families and friends. While we work to share our perspective with all potential students, yielding admitted students remains particularly critical during this period in the recruitment cycle.

Simply admitting a student does not necessarily translate to enrollment at WKU. In fact, more than 62% of the students we admit to WKU do not end up enrolling at any postsecondary institution. With each of these students, especially those uncertain about attending college, we must establish a connection and begin building a sense of community and belonging that will last throughout their time at WKU and beyond.

In support of those efforts, our academic colleges have partnered with the Office of Admissions to offer Preview Days for admitted students in March, providing us with the opportunity to showcase our campus and demonstrate the hands-on support that makes the WKU Experience unlike any other. These Choose WKU events allow admitted students and their families to meet with members of the student’s academic college, learn more about their chosen major and ask questions about their next steps prior to attending a Topper Orientation Program session later in the spring or summer. I encourage you to work with the Office of Admissions and academic colleges to learn how you can assist with these important events for our future Hilltoppers.

Recruiting students, supporting them through their journey on the Hill and providing opportunities for them upon graduation requires significant effort from each of us, and WKU remains committed to providing a healthy work/life harmony for all employees. As a reminder, the university will close for three days (March 20-22) for Spring Break. Additionally, we will again operate on a reduced 34-hour workweek during the summer months. The summer schedule begins Monday, May 6 and will continue through Friday, August 9. Campus hours of operation remain 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and employees should work with their supervisors to develop creative and flexible schedules to meet their personal needs while continuing to fulfill their responsibilities and achieve our institutional goals and those of their individual areas of campus. I encourage you to review the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic calendars to assist in schedule planning.

WKU remains a special place to study and to work. Thank you for cultivating a total college experience that sets us apart.

Go Tops!

Best,

Timothy C. Caboni