FAQ
Can I take a field studies course for credit?
Yes. Field studies courses can be taken for graduate, undergraduate, or continuing education credit. Please see the 'Courses' Tab and click on a course title in the table for information on which specific credit options are available for the course(es) you are interested in.
I am not a student at Western Kentucky University. Can I still take a course for credit?
Yes. However, to take a course for graduate or undergraduate credit you must first apply to enroll as a non-degree seeking student at Western Kentucky University. Visit the WKU Registrar webpage at http://www.wku.edu/registrar/ for more information on the enrollment process. You must enroll before summer registration can take place.
How do I register for a course if I am taking it for graduate or undergraduate credit?
To register for Graduate or Undergraduate credit courses, you must first enroll to become a student at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Please see the Registration tab for more information on this process. Once you are enrolled, to register, click on the "Register Now" tab (found under the "Registration" tab) and follow the instructions to access the 123-Signup links and pay the nonrefundable $150 lab fee. Once the fee is processed, the course restriction will be lifted from your WKU account and you will be able to proceed with registering for the course on WKU TopNet at http://topnet.wku.edu. You will receive the remainder of your tuition bill directly from the WKU Registrar's Office.
How many credits can I get for a course?
Students are awarded three credit hours per course. Up to three courses can be taken for credit.
Where can I stay while taking my course?
A number of options exist for housing during the Karst Field Studies courses offered near Mammoth Cave National Park:
- Hamilton Valley Bunkhouse/Dormitory: This facility is where the course lectures will be held. Hot showers, kitchen facilities (including refrigerators, stoves, and basic kitchen utensils and cooking equipment), and 10 bunk rooms with 4 bunks per room are available at this site. The cost for this accommodation option is $10.00 per bunk, per night (cost not included in the course fees). Bunks are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Hamilton Valley Camping: A camping area is available at Hamilton Valley for $10.00 per night. Hot showers and kitchen facilities will also be available for campers.
- Mammoth Cave Hotel: Located across the Green River from Hamilton Valley, these accommodations are situated near the Historic Entrance at Mammoth Cave. You must make arrangements for staying in a hotel on your own. There are other hotels available near the I-65 in Cave City.
Do I need to make sleeping accommodations for my Ozarks course on my own?
No. Lodging for the Ozarks course will be arranged for by the course instructor. You will be expected to pay for this lodging at a reduced cost. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
What do I need to take a course?
The equipment/material requirements vary by course. Information on a specific list of materials for each course will be sent by the instructor after registration is complete and posted on this website as it becomes available. You may visit "Equipment and Supplies" list under the "Logistics" tab for more information on equipment.
How much does it cost to take a course?
Course costs depend on whether a course is being taken as a workshop or for academic credit. A breakdown of these costs can be found under the "Registration" tab.
How do I pay for my course?
For all courses a $150 lab fee/deposit will be paid by accessing 123-Signup through the Registration link found on the "Register Now" page. This payment is due at the time of registration. If you are taking a course for undergraduate or graduate credit all remaining tuition fees will be paid directly to WKU via TopNet. If you are participating in the course for CEU credit or as a non-credit workshop you will pay all remaining course fees through 123-Signup. All fees must be paid by Monday, May 21.
Is there a discount for registering early for a course?
Yes, there is a discount offered for early registration for those persons taking the course as a workshop. Since tuition fees are set by the University, we are unable to offer a discount for early registration for participants completing the course for graduate or undergraduate college credit. To receive early registration pricing, you must register and pay a non-refundable $150 lab fee through 123-Signup on or before Monday, April 9, 2012 at 11:59pm (CST).
Do I need to do anything after I register and pay for my course?
Yes. There are a series of forms that must be completed and returned by May 31, 2012 in order to participant in a course. You may access these forms under the "Registration" tab. Click on the link for "Required Forms" and follow the instructions on each of the listed forms.
When is the deadline to register for a course?
The deadline to register for a course is Monday, May 18th, 2012. The deadline to pay tuition, regardless of whether you are taking a course as a workshop or for college credit is Monday, May 21, 2012.
How much does the short-course on Groundwater Investigations cost?
The price for this short-course workshop is the same as for all of the courses offered during the 2012 summer program.
Are there any opportunities for funding to participant in a course?
Yes. A competitive award to help offset the cost to a potential participant is offered. More information regarding the requirements of the award and how to apply can be found under the "Scholarship" tab.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
You may correspond directly with the coordinator for this year's program by emailing Dr. Leslie North at leslie.north@wku.edu or info@karstfieldstudies.com