The newsletter for the WKU community
January 15, 2021
Updates from the Provost
Happy New Year and welcome to the spring 2021 semester at WKU. We continue to work hard at recruiting and retaining high quality students by providing them with the best educational experience possible. As you well know, meaningful engagement is key to their success.

The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning has been instrumental in helping faculty navigate the most unusual semester.

Last week, the Big Red Restart Academic and Inquiry Taskforce discussed a variety of pandemic related topics as we prepare to begin classes next Tuesday. Despite the challenging circumstances, our campus community did an excellent job of limiting virus spread by following our Healthy on the Hill guidelines. We need to continue to be vigilant this semester as we await vaccine distribution. 
Gatton Academy student honored
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky student Jason Zhang has been named a 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar. The Regeneron Science Talent Search, founded and produced by Society for Science, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.
Voluntary Separation Incentive Program
WKU is implementing a Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) as an employee-centered strategy for making appropriate workforce adjustments and creating opportunities for organizational renewal and invention. The VSIP offers eligible faculty and staff the opportunity to separate/retire from employment effective June 30, 2021.
CLIMBING HIGHER
Nominations for the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences’ Distinguished Educator Awards will close Jan. 31. WKU will recognize 10 P-12 educators within the university’s service region. Learn More
WKU Regents to conduct committee meetings Jan. 22
The WKU Board of Regents will conduct committee meetings via Zoom beginning at 9 a.m. Jan. 22. More: Agenda and supporting materials
Estate planning: A new resolution for the new year
As we enter the New Year and gear up for another semester, there’s no better time to get peace of mind for the future. One easy way to do just that is through estate planning. As shared in September, WKU has partnered with FreeWill to make this important task easier than ever for our WKU Family.
Spotlight: IdeaFestival
Registration has opened for the eighth annual IdeaFestival Bowling Green, hosted by The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU. This year's event will be held online from 9 a.m. to noon CST Feb. 17.
Mental health experts to discuss needs of gifted learners
Children and young people with gifts and talents have unique social and emotional needs. Toss in a pandemic and virtual learning, and those needs are heightened. What can parents and families do to help their children? Join a school psychologist and a counselor at a residential STEM school on Feb. 5 as they explore the real world social-emotional issues of gifted and talented children and youth of 2021.
Topper Transit changes
In an effort to increase efficiency and frequency of service, Parking and Transportation Services will be introducing three new Topper Transit routes beginning in the Spring 2021 semester. These new transit routes expand service back to Normal Street, the main academic corridor of campus. More: Spring 2021 changes
View from the Hill
Barnes Campbell Demolition

A nine-story residence hall that was dedicated at WKU back in 1967 is slowly being demolished. WKU’s Amy Bingham has more in the View from the Hill.
Strategic Plan Update

WKU is making impressive progress in its 10-year strategic plan known as “Climbing to Greater Heights.” WKU’s Amy Bingham has an update in this View from the Hill.
WKU Construction Webcams
As demolition progresses on Barnes Campbell Hall, construction continues on the First Year Village and The WKU Commons at Helm Library.
Basketball Event Parking
Here's a reminder from WKU Parking & Transportation about event parking for this weekend's Hilltopper and Lady Topper basketball games.
Athletics
January
17
Sunday
Hardin Planetarium Show

Perseverance to Reach Mars will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium. Learn More
January
18
Monday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

WKU will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (More: Weekend hours for WKU Restaurant Group locations)
January
19
Tuesday
Spring Semester Begins

Classes for the spring 2021 semester will begin Tuesday. (More: WKU Restaurant Group spring 2021 regular hours)
More events: Check WKU Events calendar or follow @wkuevents on Instagram
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101