In October, academic officials introduced the Student Engagement Activities Transcript (SEAT) to Resident Assistants and other housing employees.

Western does not guarantee the accuracy of the information in the student-reported transcript, but it does allow students to be actively engaged in recording learning activities in which they participated inside and outside of the classroom. Officials hope students can combine the SEAT with the academic transcript and engagement portfolio in an effort to stand out from other applicants when pursuing jobs.

On the transcript, leadership development, volunteerism, service learning, civic engagement, university-wide engagement, employment, study abroad experience, publications, honors, awards and scholarships can be reported by the student. It can also be saved in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, and HTML formats.

The academic transcript only entails institutional credit, transfer credit and curriculum information.

In the Western Creed, students are expected to pursue personal growth and a life of excellence by embracing the ideals on the university seal. Educators also hope students recognize that “service ever is thy goal,” as the alma mater states.

Utilize the SEAT and the Interactive Curriculum and Academic Progress (iCAP) program. Both innovations are useful, and Western officials should be applauded as they continue to make Western a leading American university with international reach.

SEAT is located at wku.edu/seat and iCAP is accessed through TopNet.

The opinions expressed in this commentary do not reflect those of the Herald or the university.