Wildcat Success Road Map

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An Introduction to the Wildcat Success Road Map

Kansas State University’s Wildcat Success Road Map acts as your educational GPS system, guiding you through all the checkpoints that help you arrive at your final destination—completing your distance education program through K-State. Each Sign Post on the Road Map directs you to university resources, courses, services, and programs that assist you on your educational journey and deflect potential roadblocks along your path. The Road Map addresses questions you may encounter during the decision-making forks in the road on your way to program completion, providing the information and directions you need to help reach success as a K-State Wildcat.

Choosing your route

About K-State Distance Education

You know where you are, and you know where you want to go. But what’s the best way to get there? Your family, job, and home community are priorities. So is earning a quality education. You need the most convenient academic road to travel—one that leads to your educational goals while keeping your priorities in mind.

Kansas State University is an accredited, well respected, and nationally recognized land-grant research university that leads in distance education so you can still complete your educational journey without leaving home. Thousands of students from all 50 states and 16 countries choose the K-State distance education route each year, using online courses and convenient distance technologies to reach their academic destination.

Choose your direction, and we'll help you navigate. K-State offers eight bachelor’s degree completion programs, 21 master’s degrees, 19 certificate and endorsement programs, a Ph.D. program, and noncredit opportunities through distance education—and all paths lead to Wildcat Success.

Starting your engine

The K-State Admissions Process

Get ready. Get set. Get admitted! Your educational journey at K-State begins here. Start your engine by applying for admission to the university. The type of admission you apply for depends on the type of student you are. Which situation best describes you?

Nondegree-Seeking Student

You want to take a few K-State distance classes without formally applying to a degree program. As a nondegree-seeking student, you can take up to 15 undergraduate credit hours or up to 9 graduate credit hours. You would not be eligible for financial assistance. Think you might want to apply for a program after all? You can always apply for formal admission once you’ve enrolled in your first class as a nondegree-seeking student.

To apply for admission as a nondegree-seeking student, visit the K-State Division of Continuing Education Class Search to find the class(es) you want to take. Then complete the Getting Started questions and answer “No” to the question, “Do you wish to apply now, or are you currently admitted, to a degree or certificate program?” You will be directed to the nondegree-seeking application form that you can complete and submit online.

Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Student

You’ve decided to complete your undergraduate degree through K-State’s Bachelor's Degree Completion Program (BDCP). Being formally admitted to an undergraduate degree-seeking program means you are eligible to apply for financial assistance.

To apply for admission as an undergraduate degree-seeking student, visit the BDCP website to view application requirements by program.

Graduate Degree-Seeking Student

You’ve already completed your bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a graduate-level degree or certificate program. Being formally admitted to a graduate degree-seeking program means you are eligible to apply for financial assistance.

To apply for admission as a graduate degree-seeking student, complete the K-State Graduate School’s Online Application & Admission form or visit the degree listing to view complete application requirements by program.

Buckling your seatbelt

Checkpoints Following Admission

Engine revving? Check. Route plotted? Check. What else do you need to know before putting the pedal to the metal? The following after-admission checkpoints help make sure you have everything prepared before your journey. So—buckle up!

Your Welcome Letter

Upon admission, you’ll receive a letter regarding your admission status. Depending on your program, the letter could come from Admissions, the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program (BDCP) Facilitator, your Advisor, the K-State Graduate School, or your designated College.

Your Wildcat ID (WID)

You’ll be assigned a student identification number called a Wildcat ID, or WID. Your 9-digit WID will be used on your assignments, exams, and as identification anytime you contact the university.

Your Distance Education Technologies

Some of the technology systems you’ll use at K-State include:

• K-State Online—K-State’s course management system, or “classroom,” where your classes and other academic information are conducted and facilitated.
• Webmail—K-State’s e-mail system, where your e-mail correspondence to and from your instructors, K-State, your designated College, and the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) are transmitted.
• iSIS—K-State’s student portal, where you can find your Academic Advisor, enroll in classes, check grades, view and make payments, accept financial assistance, etc.

Your Electronic ID (eID)

To log on to K-State’s distance education technologies (K-State Online, Webmail, and iSIS), you will need an Electronic ID, or eID, as well as a password. Set up your eID, which you will use throughout your time at K-State (e.g., the eID “janedoe” results in the e-mail address janedoe@k-state.edu).

Your Curriculum Guide

All majors have some form of curriculum guide that directs you to the courses you need to complete to receive your degree.

• Undergraduate students—You will receive your curriculum guide within approximately three weeks. Your guide will contain information about your transferred classes and which classes you need to take to complete your bachelor’s degree. Food Science and Animal Science students will need to declare a program Option before their curriculum guide is developed.
• Graduate and Certificate students——View the degree listing for curriculum information for your program, or contact your department for assistance with your Program of Study.

Your Advisor

An academic advisor will be assigned to you by your College/Department. You can find your advisor’s name in your Student Center in iSIS. If you are a BDCP student and no advisor is listed for you in iSIS, contact the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program at 785-532-5575 or 1-800-622-2578. Learn more about advising at K-State.

View the welcome video from Sue Maes, Dean of Continuing Education

Looking for landmarks

The Class Search and Enrollment Process

Roll out of the driveway by enrolling in your first class! Each one you complete represents another mile marker toward your goal, so be sure you know what class you’re looking for and how to enroll in it once you’ve spotted it.

Enrolling in your classes is a two-step process. First, you must be admitted to a K-State degree program or have nondegree-seeking student status. Refer to the Admissions page of the Wildcat Success Road Map to learn more about your options for admission.

Already admitted? The second step to enrollment is finding the class(es) you need. Use the DCE Class Search to find your class(es) by entering the appropriate information into the search fields. Detailed instructions about How to Enroll can guide you through the entire enrollment process, including steps you may have forgotten to do regarding admissions, your eID, or anything else required before you enroll.

For additional assistance in the enrollment process, contact your advisor or the Division of Continuing Education at 1-800-622-2578, 785-532-5575, or e-mail informationdce@k-state.edu.

Playing 20 Questions

FAQs and Student Service Resources

Go ahead—ask away! Here are the top twenty student services questions and resources that can help you during your distance education trek. If you don’t see your question on our list, contact us at distance@k-state.edu to ask. Even the most seasoned traveler occasionally asks for directions!

1. Where can I find a complete listing of K-State’s distance student services?

Visit the Student Services website for a complete listing of services and resources specifically for distance education students.

2. Where do I find information about my course?

If you're a distance student enrolled in an online or other media-based course, our Essential Course Tools will be your guide to important information about completing distance education courses at K-State.

3. How do I get started with distance education?

Find out what you need to Get Started so your time at K-State Wildcat is as successful as possible.

4. What is an eID, and why do I need one?

Getting an eID (electronic ID) is one of the most important steps to getting started as a K-State Wildcat, and all students are required to have one. Learn why you need an eID.

5. How do I forward my K-State e-mails to another e-mail account?

Checking your K-State e-mail account is a critical part of your connection to the Division of Continuing Education and to your instructors. You can forward your K-State e-mails to another address so you only need to look in one location to check your e-mail.

6. What technology do I need to complete distance courses?

Most distance courses require the use of technology and media. Course delivery may include the use of K-State Online (the university’s course management system), streaming video, listservs, teleconferences, message boards, and more.

7. Who do I contact if I have technology problems while doing my coursework?

Contact the K-State IT Help Desk by phone at 785-532-7722 or toll free at 1-800-865-6143, or e-mail helpdesk@k-state.edu.

8. Where do I purchase my textbooks and other course materials?

Most textbooks can be purchased at Varney’s Book Store. You can order online, via e-mail at textorder@varneys.com, or by phone at 1-800-362-1574. Just be sure to specify that you are ordering materials for a distance education course.

9. Where do I sell my books back when I am finished using them for my course?

Find out more about textbooks, course materials, and textbook buyback, including how much you’ll get back for your books.

10. How do I take my exams and complete my assignments?

Exams for your courses can be facilitated in several different ways. Your course syllabus will tell you how your exams will be administered. If your exams require a proctor and you are in the Manhattan, Kansas area, DCE can proctor your exams in an on-campus testing center at no charge. Make an exam appointment in advance by calling 785-532-5686 or toll free 1-877-528-6105. The testing center is located at 131 College Court Building on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

11. How do I gain access to my grades and transcripts?

You can view and print your final grade report through iSIS since a paper copy of your grades will NOT be mailed to you. You can order your official K-State transcript through the K-State Registrar’s Office.

12. How can I participate in commencement when I graduate?

Come to campus for your graduation, or participate in K-State’s Virtual Commencement for distance education graduates who cannot attend the on-campus activities. You can view the distance education graduation ceremony and receive congratulatory messages via a virtual reception.

13. What resources are available to get connected with the university?

Being a distance student doesn’t mean you’re not part of the K-State campus! Get involved, meet other students, and join the K-State community by participating in some of our online opportunities to stay connected.

14. How I can stay current with what’s going on for distance students?

DCE publishes a newsletter called The Leading Edge specifically for K-State distance students. It will be sent to you via e-mail five times per year and provides you with helpful information about university services, faculty/staff, distance-accessible campus events, web features, and more.

15. What social networking opportunities are available for distance students?

You can join the community of K-State distance education students, faculty/staff, alumni, and friends. Find us on Facebook K-State Distance or on Twitter at KStateDistance. These pages serve as ways to stay informed about pertinent information, deadlines, announcements, or just to interact with your fellow Wildcats.

16. Where can I find the latest news about K-State or the campus?

Read up on daily campus news or subscribe to receive daily news e-mails or other information. You can also read K-State’s newspaper, The Kansas State Collegian, online.

17. What is the University Life Café?

The University Life Café is a website that encourages K-State students to get involved by contributing art, stories, and questions. The website promotes emotional wellness through an informative blog, a gallery of user-submitted artwork and writings, and a network of mental health professionals.

18. What can I do once I become an alumnus?

The K-State Alumni Association has many opportunities to help keep you connected to the university once you graduate. Find out what member benefits await you!

19. Are there any other important forms or links I should know about?

Find additional helpful links to important forms, campus services, scholarship opportunities, and technology on the Student Services site.

20. What’s the best way to contact the DCE Student and Faculty Services Office?

Whenever you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to Contact Us! Give us a call or send us an e-mail, and we can help direct you to where you need to go.

Approaching your exit

The Graduation Process

Keep your eyes peeled for your exit ramp—it’s coming up soon! Just a few more turns and you’ll be a K-State graduate. Prepare for your arrival by completing the graduation process based on your program.

Applying for Undergraduate Graduation

You can apply for graduation in a bachelor’s degree completion program or an undergraduate certificate program through your Student Center in iSIS. Your application for graduation needs to be completed within the first four weeks of your final term. View instructions and helpful information for completing your undergraduate application.

Applying for Graduate-Level Graduation

Apply for graduation in a master’s degree program, Ph.D. program, or graduate certificate* through the K-State Graduate School. Your application for graduation needs to be completed within the first four weeks of your final term. View instructions and helpful information for completing your graduate application.

* For graduate certificates, you will also need to complete a Graduate Certificate Completion Form, which should be submitted to the K-State Graduate School in addition to your application for graduation.

On-Campus Commencement

Consider traveling to Manhattan, Kansas or Salina, Kansas to attend your commencement ceremony in person and to meet the faculty, staff, and fellow students you’ve worked with throughout your program. The K-State Registrar’s Office maintains all official information and important instructions regarding on-campus Spring and Fall Commencement.

Virtual Commencement

Can’t come to K-State for graduation day? The K-State Virtual Commencement website is a place to honor distance education graduates who live at a distance from the Manhattan, Kansas campus and who cannot attend the on-campus commencement and celebration. It features commencement speakers, graduate listing, and a virtual reception area.

Enjoying your stay

Lifelong Connections for K-State Alumni

Ready to make yourself at home as a K-State graduate but already miss the adventure you just finished? Your educational journey doesn’t have to end here. Once you’re a Wildcat, you’re a Wildcat for life. Stay in touch and keep connected with what’s going on at your alma mater by engaging in opportunities for alumni.

K-State Alumni Association

K-State ranks first in the region in the percentage of graduates who join their alma mater alumni association. Join the K-State Alumni Association to receive monthly e-newsletters, information about alumni clubs and Catbacker events, quarterly magazines, K-State merchandise, travel opportunities, and more.

Distance Alumni Advisory Committee

The Distance Alumni Advisory Committee supports the growth and enrichment of K-State Division of Continuing Education programs. Alumni like you provide advice and insight based on their experiences in distance programs.

K-State News Services

Find out what’s happening at the university through K-State News Services. You can sign up for the daily news listserv or an RSS feed.

Sharing Your Story

Your educational path is unique, and even though the path was challenging—sometimes balancing work, family, or community obligations—you worked hard, and you achieved your goal. Tell us your story by contacting the K-State Division of Continuing Education’s Marketing and Communication Services Office at mcsdce@k-state.edu.

Giving Back

You can take part in maintaining K-State’s development, scholarships, and much more through donations to support the university. Visit the KSU Foundation to find out how you can contribute. Your gifts through the Foundation are tax-deductible and will help the university continue providing the highest quality education.

What’s Next?

K-State offers professional development opportunities to help you keep current in your field even after you’ve finished your program. And now that you’ve reached Wildcat Success, you’ll know just what to do on your next educational journey at K-State.