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There are many resources and opportunities available to engineering students at the Paducah Campus. 

Career Opportunties

Engineers can have some of the most satisfying and lucrative jobs on the planet. How do you launch one of these prized careers? That’s where we come in. We are happy to help you with any of the following career counseling services to make the most of your top-notch UK Pigman College of Engineering degree.

Financial Aid and Scholarships (Paducah)

At UK Paducah, students can stack scholarships from UK-Paducah, West Kentucky Community and Technical College, and need-based from the University of Kentucky.

Student Organizations

Many students enhance their academic careers by becoming involved in student project teams and organizations. These activities can provide leadership opportunities, hands-on engineering experience and a chance to meet other engineering students.

Tuition and Fees (Paducah Campus)

For information on tuition and fee rates for the Paducah Extended Campus Program, please see 2025-26 Tuition and Mandatory Fees.

New Student Frequently Asks Questions

With the start of something new, questions are sure to follow. Please read through our New Student FAQs to make sure you have the answers you need to have a successful start to your program!

WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS? (LAPTOP, CALCULATOR)

LAPTOP REQUIREMENTS (Collapsible) 

“As mentioned, all Engineering students are required to have a laptop for their academic studies. No specific vendor or model is required, but we recommend that your laptop meet or exceed the following minimum specifications.

NOTE concerning Apple Computers: Except for Computer Science majors, we are not recommending M-series based (i.e., Apple silicon) MacBooks for engineering students. The M-series based MacBooks, even when running the ARM version of Windows, can still encounter incompatibilities with some software used in Engineering’s curriculum that was written for Intel-processors.

WINDOWS LAPTOP: MINIMUM PREFERRED
Processor Intel Core i5, Intel Core Ultra 5, or comparable AMD Ryzen 5,
(4) or more core preferred
Intel Core i7, Intel Core Ultra 7, or comparable AMD Ryzen 7,
(4) or more core preferred (1)
Memory (RAM) 8 GB (2) 16 GB
Hard disk 250 GB 500 GB or larger
USB ports (2x) type A 2.x or 3.x (3) (2x) Type A 2.x or 3.x (3)
Operating System Windows 10 or 11 (see operating system notes below)

(1) Intel Core i9 and Core Ultra 9 processors are not required for your studies; however, there are no issues in using a system with one of these processors if you want to purchase one.
(2) See section on memory below. 8GB would be a minimum, and only then in a system that could be upgraded after purchase.
(3) If your system only has USB-C ports, you will need to purchase an inexpensive USB hub with USB-A ports. Several vendors offer these including Amazon, BestBuy, Walmart, etc.

 

CALCULATORS AND PENS- Specific to UK Paducah (Collapsible) 

  • Some classes through UK Paducah prohibit the use of the TI-84 Calculator. The TI-36X Pro is recommended.
  • Red and Blue Pens are used in Calculus. 

WHEN DO I NEED TO COMPLETE FINANCIAL AID AND APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS?

Students need to apply for the FAFSA and complete their UK and WKCTC Scholarship Applications EACH ACADEMIC YEAR. Scholarships Applications and updated FAFSA applications both open in October and scholarship applications are due March 1st. 
 

SET A CALENDAR REMINDER!  The earlier you apply, the more funding you may be eligible to receive!   
 

HOW IS MY TUITION CALCULATED?

Students are charged WKCTC’s tuition rate until they are eligible to declare their major. 

CME-ME Students, major is declared when Engineering Standing is awarded (Junior Year Courses). 

CET Student’s declare their major when admitted to UK.

Once a major is confirmed, the tuition rate will be set by UK.    -*UK Paducah students save significantly! 

WHAT CAMPUS CALENDAR WILL I FOLLOW?

UK Paducah Campus adheres to WKCTC’s Campus closures. If you’re enrolled in both UK courses and WKCTC, you will need to follow both WKCTC’s Academic Calendar  and UK’s Academic Calendar to note important dates ( such as drop dates/ deadlines). 

WHO IS MY FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR?

Our Financial Aid Counseling Team works together to provide information and solutions that assist our students with affording their educational expenses. Students can Schedule an online Appointment or call our office with questions at (859) 257-3172.

*During peak times appointments may only be available as “In-Person” on our scheduling page. Please note that you may indicate in the "Provide Additional Information" section that you would like for a counselor to send a virtual link for that time or to call you at the number you provide, during that scheduled appointment time. 

 

Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (ET) Online and In-Person

 

COUNSELOR UNDERGRADUATES
WHOSE LAST NAMES
BEGIN WITH
E-mail Address
Belcher, Jennifer General jennifer.belcher1@uky.edu
Bryan, Tina N, W, V tina.bryan@uky.edu
Buckmon, Robert R, S robert.buckmon@uky.edu
TBA C, D, T TBA
McCarty, Katie A, B, E katie.mccarty@uky.edu
Stamper, Kaarla L, M, X, Y, Z kmcomb2@uky.edu
Troia, Quinn H, I, J, K quinn.troia@uky.edu
Webster, Caitlin F, G, O, P, Q, U caitlin.webster@uky.edu

I RECEIVED AN EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIP. WHERE SHOULD IT BE SENT?

If you are expecting a scholarship from an outside agency that is not currently listed on your account, please contact the awarding agency directly to determine when the funds will be disbursed to the University of Kentucky. Once the scholarship funds are received by the University, it may take up to 10 business days to be credited to the student's account. For questions, please contact externalschol@uky.edu.

Mailing Address for Scholarship Checks

Students receiving scholarships from outside sources should request that their donor send the scholarship funds to:

University of Kentucky - Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

128 Funkhouser Building

Lexington, KY 40506-0054

Please include student's FULL name, the semesters the funds cover, and the student's linkblue ID. 

HOW IS MY UK GPA CALCULATED?

CME-ME Students- once admitted, you concurrently enroll in both West Kentucky and UK courses. Courses taken through WKCTC’s Campus will be counted towards your UK Cumulative GPA. If you enroll in a course outside of WKCTC (other KCTCS colleges), the course will not be included. 

CET Students – Your UK Cumulative GPA starts once you are admitted into UK therefore, WKCTC classes are not counted in your UK GPA. Courses through WKCTC/ KCTCS taken after you’re admitted are received back as transfer credit.

DO I APPLY FOR CERTIFICATES?

Unless a course substitution is required, WKCTC automatically awards their certificates once they verify the courses in the certificate are complete. 

* 3D Modeler Certification- will require the CAD Coordinator to approve UK course substitutions. 

Students are required to apply for UK certificates. Students apply on the certificate’s website. 

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GRADUATION/ COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES?

If you plan on attending WKCTC’s Graduation Ceremony and/or have questions, visit Commencement and Ceremony Information.

UK-Paducah works closely with our Seniors to help them prepare for our Paducah Campus Ceremony. If you plan on attending main campus’ graduation, you must register for your ceremony on UK’s Commencement website. 

WHEN DO I APPLY FOR GRADUATION?

Associates: apply for graduation when you register for the last semester of your Associate degree requirements.  West Kentucky Graduation Application.  Students can verify their degree progress in their Student Self Service. 

Bachelors: Students should apply for graduation when they are ready to enroll in their last semester courses.  Students apply through their MyUK GPS Degree Audit. In the audit, scroll to the Graduation section and click on the green “Apply for Graduation “button to start your application. 

UK Paducah Student Resources

Life sometimes presents us with challenges, especially at the most inconvenient times. We are here to help!  View UK Paducah Student Resources to learn more about available support. If you need assistance outside of what is mentioned, please speak with your UK Paducah Advisor.

TEXTBOOKS

General education courses will be taken through WKCTC. Once enrolled,  WKCTC Online Bookstore’s Search feature will help you identify course materials required for your upcoming semester courses. 

Please Note: Once admitted, your financial aid is processed through UK.  Costs for KCTCS textbooks cannot be charged directly to your UK financial aid account therefore, you must cover KCTCS textbook charges upfront/ out of pocket.  If you have additional questions, please let your Program Advisor know. 

For UK courses, UK-P students purchase their program textbooks online. Students can use UK COURSE MATERIAL SEARCH to look up UK course textbook requirements. UK textbooks charges can be applied to financial aid balances. 

PRINTING

While in WKCTC courses, students are given a printing allowance to use for campus printing. Printers are available in WKCTC’s Student Success Center and Library  . Print vouchers can also be purchased through WKCTC’s Business Office. UK-Paducah students can also use the printer in Crouse 124 (next to Maker’s Space) when available. 

Problems with Technology?

For general questions and/or question regarding West Kentucky’s systems, visit the Technology Hub . If your questions are specific to UK, let Information Technology Services help! 

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

WKCTC’s Academic Support services can provide assistance with your general education courses through WKCTC. 

If you need help with Engineering classes, Group Tutoring Sessions are held Tuesdays during Fall & Spring Semesters (4:30-6:30pm). Free Individual Tutoring Sessions are available upon request. 

For further information, please contact: 

Mollie Bremer

Phone: 270-534-3297

Email: mollie.bremer@uky.edu

Presentation U – Offers free peer tutoring for communication and composition assignments in any form for any course, including research papers, essays, lab reports, presentations, infographics, ePortfolios, and iPad related projects. Tutoring is offered in-person, virtual, and via eTutoring.

Need Academic-Testing Accommodations?

Disability Resource Center – The UK Disability Resource Center partners with qualified students with disabilities to assist them in gaining equal access to institutional programs and services consistent with their unique needs. Phone: 859-257-2754 

If you need classroom/ testing accommodations for West Kentucky Courses, please contact their Accessibility Services office for assistance. 

Need Support Outside the Classroom?

TRACS – Triage, Referral, Assistance, and Crisis Support (TRACS) is a physical and virtual one-stop unit where students can come for a referral to supportive services (housing, rent, utilities, food) or receive direct clinical support for a range of mental health needs and crises. Phone: 859-218-7227 

WKCTC’s Student Resources webpage connects you to local resources. 

*Please Note, if you are not currently enrolled in classes with West Kentucky, you may not be eligible for all campus specific support services.

Have A Financial Emergency? UK’s Emergency Basic Needs Funds may be able to help! 

Mental Wellness

Talkspace – Talkspace is a confidential and secure online text and video chat therapy platform. Enrolled UK students can receive two live sessions per month and unlimited texting with professional therapists between sessions. Talkspace can be a great supplemental resource to other on-campus resources. Read about Talkspace on UKNow. 

Four Rivers Behavioral Health is located on our Paducah Campus. They offer Personal, ,,, Health, Educational, Emotional, Workplace, and Couples Counseling Services. Services are free/ no charge for individuals without a payer source. 

Need Help Applying for Jobs and/or Internships?

UK Paducah works closely with industry partners to help promote internship and job  opportunities. These opportunities are shared by our Director of Recruitment and Career Development, Sarita Buchanan. So, CHECK YOUR UK EMAIL!!  Students can also visit UK’s College of Engineering  Career & Co-Op Center for job search material templates and interview prep information. 

Have Questions about Financial Aid and/or Scholarships?

Find information on loans, grants, scholarships and contact your financial aid counselor with questions through UK Financial Aid/Scholarships website. Phone: 859-257-3172. 

If you have questions regarding WKCTC and/or UK Paducah Scholarships, please contact: 
Sarita Buchanan
Phone: 270-534-3304
Email: sarita.buchanan@uky.edu

Get Involved with Student Organizations

Questions?

Y. Charles Lu, Ph.D.

Headshot of Y. Charles Lu
Y. Charles Lu, Ph.D. Director of Paducah Campus, Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Location Detail
208 Crounse Hall
Email
ycharles.lu@uky.edu
Phone
270-534-3115

Sarita Buchanan

Sarita Buchanan.
Sarita Buchanan Director of Recruitment and Career Development, Paducah Campus
Email
sarita.buchanan@uky.edu
Phone
270-534-3304