Active Minds Changing Lives
At WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, we are preparing tomorrow’s leaders and shaping the future one student at a time.
Chris Koser designed his own major at Western’s innovative Fairhaven College titled Social Studies through Creative Writing, Psychology and Filmmaking. See examples of Chris’ film work, including a piece about WWU’s leadership in the sustainability movement at www.wwu.edu/fairhaven/about/students/koser.
Quick
FACTS 14,979 students – 2,700 freshmen; 1,300 transfers 94% undergraduates 20% students of color 160+ academic programs 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio 3.33 – 3.80 H.S. GPA (middle 50% of freshman admits) 84% retention to 2nd year 70% graduation rate 4.3 years – average time to degree 92% of freshmen live on campus 90 miles to Seattle 60 miles to Vancouver, B.C. 50 miles to Mt. Baker Ski Area 80,000 population of Bellingham 10 minute walk across campus 15 minute walk to downtown Bellingham 6 miles of forested trails adjacent to campus
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS College of Humanities and Social Sciences American Cultural Studies Anthropology*† Archaeology Biocultural Anthropology Behavioral Neuroscience Canadian American Studies† Communication† Communication Sciences and Disorders† Community Health East Asian Studies† English*† Creative Writing† Literature History*† Humanities*† Journalism† Public Relations Visual Journalism Kinesiology Health and Fitness Specialist M ovement Studies Pre-Health Care Professions P re-Physical Therapy Language Majors in French*†, German*†, Japanese*†, Spanish*† Language Minors in Chinese, Greek, Latin, Russian Linguistics† Philosophy† Politics/Philosophy/Economics Political Science*† Physical Education and Health Pre-Law Psychology† Recreation Sociology*†
College of Sciences and Technology Behavioral Neuroscience Biochemistry Biology*† Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Cellular and Molecular Biology Marine Biology Chemistry*†
More than 160 OPTIONS for you to EXPLORE
Computer Science† Engineering Technology Electronics Industrial Design Industrial Technology Manufacturing† Plastics Vehicle Design Vehicle Engineering Geology Mathematics*† Physics and Astronomy*† Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary Studies
Huxley College of the Environment Environmental Education† Community Education and Mass Communication Outdoor Education and Interpretation Environmental Science† Environmental Toxicology Freshwater Ecology Marine Ecology Terrestrial Ecology Geography*† Environmental Resource Management International Society and Environment Planning and Environmental Policy Urban Planning
College of Business and Economics Accounting† Business Administration† Finance Human Resource Management International Business† Management† Management Info Systems Marketing Operations Management Economics*† Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management†
(*) Related teaching endorsement offered, (†) Minor offered
Woodring College of Education Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Secondary Education Special Education Human Services Language, Literacy and Cultural Studies
College of Fine and Performing Arts (Admission to Art requires a portfolio review and Music requires an audition. Refer to wwu.wwu.edu/art or www.wwu.edu/music.) Art* Art-Design Art Education Art History† Studio Art Concentrations in Ceramics, Drawing, Fibers and Fabrics, Inter and Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture Dance† Music*† Composition Music History and Literature Performance Music Education* Theatre Arts*† Concentrations in Acting, Design, Directing, Dramatic Writing, Educational Drama, Technical Theatre
Fairhaven College is a member of the Consortium for Innovative Environments in Learning, along with colleges such as Hampshire, Prescott, Pitzer, and Evergreen. Admission to Fairhaven College requires additional application materials: www.wwu.edu/fairhaven or (360) 650-2976.
Other academic options Honors Program Freshman Interest Groups Distinguished Scholar Programs International Programs and Exchanges Note: This list of academic programs is subject to change with advanced notice.
Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies Western’s interdisciplinary liberal arts college provides a creative opportunity for students to design their own program of studies. Innovation, self-direction, strong advising, and student-faculty collaboration characterize a Fairhaven education.
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For 14 years in a row, Western has ranked #1 among public master’s degree granting universities in the Pacific Northwest. US News and World Report
Distinctly
WESTERN Western’s investment in you matches your investment in yourself. You bring the passion, commitment, and imagination; we provide the foundation, opportunities, and inspiration.
A standard of excellence…You can choose any program at Western and find excellence in academic offerings, faculty, student experience, and student outcomes. A welcoming campus community, a strong sense of belonging, and a spectacular location additionally distinguish Western from universities across the country.
Not too big, not too small…With 15,000 students, 160 academic programs, and an energized campus
community, Western offers the focus on students and the faculty access of a smaller college and the academic choice, resources, multicultural diversity, and room to grow of a large university. Not so big that you feel like a number; not so small that you have to conform to a mold. Large enough for you to define yourself and small enough that you make a difference.
Inspiring the next generation of leaders…Leadership is about having a vision, empowering
others, making things happen, and seeing results. Whether launching research projects, writing opinion articles, organizing an event, supporting friends, or presenting at a national conference, leadership skills differentiate the achievers from the dreamers. Opportunities to demonstrate and develop leadership abound at Western and in the Bellingham community.
Green thinking…Home of the first College of the Environment in the country and with 40 years of
environmental leadership under our belt, Western has been dedicated to protecting the environment and building a green economy long before it was the cool thing to do. From a commitment to 100% use of green energy and a focus on waste reduction to sustainability-minded courses across the curriculum, sustainability is woven into the campus community.
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Connect with us at facebook.com/westernwashingtonuniversity
Campus & Student
experiences
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On a sunny sprin g day, the Old M ain lawn becom classroom with stu es an outdoor dents immersed in discussion again of Western’s lush st a backdrop Pacific Northwest foliage. Whether playing Frisbee they’re in class, or taking a nap, spring sees stude outside. nts heading
The Associated Students Ethnic Student Center (ESC) celebrates diversity and heritage through events showcasing traditions from different cultures around the world. The ESC is open to all Western students as a place to explore cultural identity and build community. 5
Creating Future
BUSINESS Leaders
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
A degree from Western’s College of Business and Economics can open countless doors. Prepare to run your own business, become a player in global economic markets, or influence the world through environmentally-sensitive and ethically strong business practices. Coursework will prepare you for real-life business situations by requiring you to work in teams on actual business problems. You will benefit from the emphasis on forward-looking, goal-setting practices in the business world, as well as a focus on an active role in community leadership. We take great pride in breaking down barriers between faculty and students. You will get to know your professors as teachers, career advisors, mentors, and friends. They will be your greatest advocates.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Internships are a key part of your business education. Recent internship placements include CBS News – The Early Show, Boeing, Target, Seattle Mariners, Merrill Lynch, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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The College of Business and Economics is a member of a select group of U.S. business programs accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, guaranteeing students the highest standards in business education.
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Successful alumni know the value of a Western business degree, and can open doors to exciting opportunities. Alumni stay connected as members of advisory boards, guest speakers, virtual mentors, and employers of WWU grads.
Cutting-Edge Research &
Innovation
COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
To prepare you for careers in medicine, engineering technology, computer science, and more, the College of Science and Technology places you on the cutting edge of research and innovation. With state-of-the-art lab equipment, exciting fieldwork, and meaningful research projects, studying science, mathematics, or technology at Western can be a powerful experience. Our faculty participate directly in the classroom and laboratory instruction of our students, in programs that emphasize independent student scholarship and the development of innovative thinking. This close faculty-student interaction, a hallmark of the “Western Experience,” results in an intense and fulfilling educational experience, as you and your professors conduct research together, co-author articles, and travel to and present at regional and national professional conferences. Prepare yourself for a rewarding career – one that makes process.
the world better in the
HIGHLIGHTS • In our Vehicle Research Institute, students and faculty design and build vehicles with innovative technology. Automobile Magazine calls Western “very possibly the best school in the country for total car design.” • Shannon Point Marine Center, Western’s off-campus coastal research facility, offers access to natural marine habitat, sophisticated labs, a fleet of research vessels, and a 12,600 square foot Marine Education Center. • Science and Technology students continue to win prestigious research opportunities and internships, including NASA among our partners. This real-world experience makes Western Science and Technology students stand out to employers, medical schools, and graduate programs. 7
Learning to
INSPIRE
WOODRING COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Western is widely recognized as the premiere place for teacher education in the Northwest. We graduate more teachers each year than any other institution in the region, and we take that responsibility seriously. Woodring College of Education graduates make a difference in the lives of students throughout Washington and the world. Faculty have a valuable mix of classroom and scholarly experience, providing students with both strong theoretical background and practical teaching strategies. All teacher education students participate in a student teaching internship. You can choose to teach locally, throughout Washington, or in another country. A Woodring education will give you a real chance to shape hearts and minds of today’s youth.
the future through the
HIGHLIGHTS
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Share your passion for mentoring and inspiring others. Compass 2 Campus is a program at Western Washington University designed to increase access to higher education by providing an opportunity for 5th grade students from traditionally underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds in Whatcom and Skagit counties to be mentored by university students.
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Education students will enjoy a $51.5 million newly renovated facility. Miller Hall’s new classrooms, computer labs, and instructional space will provide state of the art facilities with a focus on sustainability for students.
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Candidates in the Teacher Preparation Program in Woodring College of Education continue to score well on the Washington Educator Skills Test – Endorsements (WEST-E) subject exams. For the 2010-11 academic year, 92% of candidates passed their exam(s) on the first sitting.
Critical THinking,
CREATIVE Problem Solving
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
With more than 40 bachelor’s degrees and eight master’s degrees to choose from, student-centered classes, and an active approach to teaching and learning, the humanities and social sciences are ideal for those looking to explore issues of life, culture, and society. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences trains lawyers, psychologists, and historians to be critical thinkers and ethical problem solvers. Future journalists, politicians, and sociologists are grounded with teachings of the past and inspired to take us in new directions. Learn from nationally recognized faculty and discover your potential to make change in the world. The College places strong emphasis on student-faculty collaboration through active learning, including laboratory experiences, community-based facultydirected service learning, and student involvement in faculty research programs. With your inspiration, Western will prepare you to lead in your chosen field.
HIGHLIGHTS •
Through Western’s International Programs and Exchanges you can study abroad in over 84 countries and in more than 45 languages. Taking your education across the globe is more than a great learning experience; it is transformative.
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With six on-campus newspapers, magazines, and journals to write for, expect to get real experience writing, reporting, and editing in the field.
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Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences log 200,000 hours of community service each year, developing valuable leadership skills while serving an important role in the surrounding community. 9
Working for a
Sustainable Future
HUXLEY COLLEGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Where else can you walk across a glacier in the morning and spend the afternoon wading through a salt water habitat? Western’s natural setting provides an incredible outdoor classroom with unique opportunities for scientific research and exploration. No wonder Sierra Magazine ranked Western one of its “Coolest Schools.” In 1968, Huxley College of the Environment became one of the nation’s first environmental studies colleges. Today we remain respected around the world as we educate students about environmental science, policy, conservation, environmental education, sustainability, and urban planning. For careers in science, law, politics, and business, Huxley will give you the technical skills you need in the field, and a broad understanding of social and political forces that affect the environment. Preparing students to find responsible solutions to real world problems is a challenge we embrace. Huxley students want to make a difference, and do so.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Extend your education beyond our backyard. In recent years, students have taken their study of the environment to France, Portugal, Costa Rica, Greece, and other places around the globe.
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Students at Huxley have access to a community forest reserve of 2,300 acres of forest land in the foothills of Mt. Baker; the Canyon Lake Community Forest. This parcel of land includes 600 acres of old-growth forest with trees 800 to 1,000 years old, as well as a 50-acre lake and alpine wetlands. This property is one of many resources available to students for research and study in land and wildlife management.
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Inspired by their Environmental Science 202 class, a group of students led the way in making Western the first university in the country to purchase 100% of its electrical energy from renewable energy sources.
Nurturing
Creativity & Talent
COLLEGE OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Dancers, musicians, artists, and actors... Prepare to shine! The arts bring our campus to life, and have a huge influence on the Bellingham culture. For anyone seeking the spotlight or a life of creativity, Bellingham will feel like home and Western will give you a shot. Most faculty members in the College of Fine and Performing Arts are also active and accomplished performers, artists, composers, and directors themselves. Learn from the best and challenge yourself at national competitions and regional exhibitions. With three on-campus art galleries, several professional grade performance venues, and a richly talented student body, Western is an absolute haven for the creative, and a launch pad for the stars. Bring us your dreams, and we will help you make them a reality.
HIGHLIGHTS •
More than 25 large and small music ensembles, along with frequent concerts and student recitals, are an integral part of the campus experience for everyone at Western.
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Together with the internationally recognized Outdoor Sculpture Collection and the on-campus galleries, the Art Department provides one of the best undergraduate programs for the arts in the region.
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Between the Theatre Department and student-run performance organizations, Western produces more theatre than any other university in Washington.
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Creatively Promoting
Social Responsibility
FAIRHAVEN COLLEGE OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
Fairhaven College is a small interdisciplinary liberal arts college within a public university. Students have access to all classes and resources of a large state university, but share a unique learning experience with 400 other students in an environment that highlights social justice and community. As a Fairhaven student, you can design your own degree or pursue any major offered by Western. The self-designed major, or Interdisciplinary Concentration, allows you to develop a curriculum that meets your specific academic and personal goals. Narrative evaluations written by the student and their faculty member replace traditional letter grades at Fairhaven, forming an academic autobiography of growth and learning. Fairhaven College is an exciting option for students seeking an innovative and engaging college experience.
HIGHLIGHTS • Fairhaven is home to Western’s Center for Law, Diversity and Justice, a unique program for students interested in law school, politics, and other careers involving social justice and the legal system. • Recent student-designed Concentrations include: Art Therapy: Understanding People and the Creative Process; Law, Diversity and Public Policy; and Cross Cultural Perspectives on Human Ecology and Social Justice. • The Associated Students Outback Farm is a five acre student-run site at the south end of Fairhaven College which teaches, develops and implements sustainable growing and land use methods in order to enrich the student body, the University, and the Bellingham community. 12
Stepping Up and Standing Out
LEADING AT WESTERN Honors Program: If you’re looking to challenge yourself and learn with a close-knit community of scholars, Western’s Honors Program may be the perfect fit for you. With small, discussion based classes taught by outstanding professors, Honors offers students a more intimate college experience, but with all the resources of a vibrant public university. Admission to the Honors Program is highly selective, and is based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation and a writing sample. For more information, visit wwu.edu/honors or contact the Honors Program Director, Dr. George Mariz, at honors@wwu.edu. Associated Students: Whether you want to start a club, lead an outdoor excursion, host a radio show or get involved with student government, Western’s Associated Students (AS) provides networking and leadership opportunities you can be passionate about. With more than 30 programs and services and more than 200 clubs, all run by students, the AS offers dozens of ways for you to take the Western experience into your own hands. As an organization created by and for Western students, the AS is all about helping students to define themselves and make the most of their college experience. For more information on the AS and all that they do, visit as.wwu.edu.
AS Executive Bo ard, left to right : Mario Orallo Sara Richards -Molinaro, , Travis Peters , John Deng D Arvizu, Anna uot, Fabiola Ellermeier, Iri s Maute-Gibso n
Leadership Advantage Program: Western’s Leadership Advantage program is a unique campuswide effort to create leadership opportunities that allow each and every student to shine in their own way. Students document their leadership journey through workshops, lectures, e-zine and a portfolio process, and graduate with the skills they’ll need to exercise responsible leadership beyond college. For more information on the Leadership Advantage program, visit www.wwu.edu/dos/leadership.
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Location, Location,
LOcation With a population of 80,000, two downtown areas, a large mall, outstanding restaurants, and an active arts community, Bellingham is much more than just a college town. Bellingham is perfect for those who want to be close, but not too close, to big city life. Western is far enough away from the big city to keep you focused on your studies, but you can still be in Seattle or Vancouver B.C. in less than an hour and a half.
ot to shop t is a favorite sp Farmer’s Marke am gh llin Be e Th and produce. for local goods
Whether you’re looking to hit the shops downtown or venture outside, Bellingham will keep you moving. Enjoy a morning on the mountain, an afternoon downtown, and an evening by the bay watching the sunset. Western students call Bellingham an escape, an adventure, a breath of fresh air, and a great place to call home. Come broaden your horizons!
Vancouver, B.C.
BELLINGHAM e downtown. Students enjoy the casual dining scen
Seattle
Spokane
WASHINGTON
Portland, OR
CANADA
MT OR
ID
NV
WY
UT
CO
AZ
NM
CA
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Great coffee is one wa y to enhance the beautiful views of Belling ham Bay.
AS Outdoor Center as.wwu.edu/outdoor Mount Baker Ski Area B/W www.mtbaker.us More About Bellingham www.bellingham.org & admissions.wwu.edu/bellingham
HIGHLIGHTS: • Mount Baker Ski Area, which averages the most annual snowfall in North America, is just 50 miles from campus. • Outside and National Geographic Adventure magazines have ranked Bellingham among the top ten communities in the country for outdoor lovers.
The Wade King Recreation Center gives climbers a chance to hone their skills.
• Money Magazine recently ranked Bellingham as one of the best places in the country to live. • Most students get around town by using Bellingham’s convenient public transportation. A Viking Xpress Bus Pass is free to students taking 6 or more credit hours.
Fairhaven College graduate Dylan Hart (’06, Environmental Journalism major) captured this photo at Mount Baker.
Students can rent sailboats and other watercraft for just a few dollars at Western’s Lakewood facility.
Nearby Galbraith Mountain boasts worldclass trails for mountain bike enthusiasts. 17
Diversity,
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
With a vibrant network of student clubs, Western’s Ethnic Student Center (ESC) provides a supportive environment for cultural, social and ethnic diversity, encouraging community, social justice and a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Advisors and student staff foster identity, community, and leadership amongst the ESC’s thousands of members and loyal alums. Collaboration between groups like the Black Student Union, Latino Student Union, Filipino American Student Association, Queer Resource Center, and disAbility Resource Center for Students makes Western’s community unique. It is a truly supportive environment, rich with diverse opinions and life experiences. Students study together, organize campus-wide events, plan road trips, debate world issues, and challenge each other to succeed.
STUDENT CLUBS African Caribbean Club American Sign Language Club Black Student Union Chinese Student Association Filipino American Student Association German Club Hui ‘O Hawaii International Movie and Tea Club Japanese Conversation Club Japanese Student Association Korean Student Association 18
La Table Françoise Latino Student Union MEChA Mixed Identity Student Organization Model United Nations Native American Student Union Polynesian Club Queer People of Color South Asian Students Association Vietnamese Student Association WWU Khmer Student Association
Think
Globally, STUDY Locally
The Center for International Studies is an umbrella for international education at Western. Its mission is to foster international and global perspectives for all Western students, through courses, international experiences on campus, and study abroad. With a wide variety of language majors and minors, as well as culturally-focused academic programs like Canadian-American Studies, East Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, Asian American Studies, and Arabic and Islamic studies, it’s easy to integrate international study, even if you don’t choose to study abroad. If you want to travel the world, quarter, semester, and yearlong study abroad programs are offered in dozens of countries, including Mexico, Nepal, Spain, Ecuador, England, France, Vietnam, Australia, Italy and Chile. The nationally recognized Center for Canadian-American Studies offers an interdisciplinary major and minor, and fosters student research on Canada-U.S. public policy issues. “My education at the Center for Canadian-American Studies has allowed me to see more clearly my nation’s role in a continental and global perspective. The student-oriented focus of the faculty and staff at Can/Am is second to none. The interdisciplinary nature of the program fosters big-picture thinking without losing focus on key issues facing the Northwest region of Washington. We are the number one program in the field in the US because our faculty conduct cutting-edge research relied upon by policy makers and admired by fellow academics.” – Elliott Smith, Canadian American Studies Graduate. el prog ram facu lty- led trav
south africa
in ser vic e lea rni ng
wi nt er 20 11 enc e in an afr ica n com mu nit y ma ke a dif fer ati on Me eti ng! Att end an Inf orm WW U-A rnt zen Hal l 225 , May 4, 3:0 0 pm
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Student Life
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
College life is more than just studying and classrooms, and Western students definitely live life to the fullest. Run for student office, embrace your culture and community, or head to the mountain, the water, or the Wade King Student Recreation Center to balance your hard work with action and fun. The Associated Students (AS) at Western supports hundreds of clubs and programs that are managed by elected student leaders and staffed by students just like you. Work as a volunteer, or apply for a campus job coordinating events, raising awareness, or even managing budgets and personnel. Student leaders organize political debates, celebrations such as Black History Month, Western’s annual Low Rider Show, and voter registration drives. Get involved on Western’s campus, and watch unique real-world experience lead to success in the real world. Learn more about the AS at as.wwu.edu.
Find over 200 more at as.wwu.edu/clubs 20
Bellingham Bike Gang Big Brothers Big Sisters Campus Christian Fellowship Jewish Student Organization College Republicans Disc Golf Club Diversity Inspired Volunteer Educators Glee Club Hip Hop Dance Team Local to Global: Education, Prevention & Aid Longboarding Club
National Society of Collegiate Scholars Newman Catholic Campus Ministries Out of State Student Association Photography Club Pre-Med Club Student Theatre Productions Students for Renewable Energy The Film Club Western Democrats Western Men Against Violence
Recreation &
ATHLETICS
With NCAA Division II athletics, club sports, intramurals, a state-of-the-art recreation center, and endless outdoor action at your doorstep, don’t expect to sit still at Western. Staying fit and active will keep you feeling positive and energetic about life inside and outside of class.
NCAA DIVISION II Basketball Cheerleading Cross Country Golf Soccer Softball Track & Field Women’s Rowing Women’s Volleyball
CLUB SPORTS Baseball Cycling Equestrian Fencing Judo Lacrosse Men’s Ice Hockey Men’s Rowing
Rugby Sailing Swimming Tennis Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball Water Polo Water Skiing
INTRAMURALS Basketball Badminton Dodge Ball Flag Football Floor Hockey Golf Kick Ball
Racquetball Soccer Softball Tennis Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball Wallyball
HIGHLIGHTS •
In 2010-11, the Vikings placed 7th nationally in the Learfield Sports Directors Cup all-sports standings among 310 NCAA Division II schools, a third straight top ten finish. Thirty athletes received DII Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Awards, and 22 were named national scholar-athletes.
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The Viking Women’s Rowing team earned their 7th straight national title in 2010-11, a feat never accomplished by any team in NCAA history.
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The Wade King Student Recreation Center features an indoor track, 30-foot rock climbing wall, swimming pool, three court gym, 32-person whirlpool, cardio equipment and an extensive weight training facility. 21
Living on
CAMPUS
Living on campus lets you extend your learning beyond the classroom, make lifelong friends, and engage in student life in a rich and rewarding way. The residence halls vary in size, style of architecture, and living options, but all are within a ten-minute walk to the campus core and offer a unique residential experience. WHY DO NEARLY ALL FRESHMEN CHOOSE TO LIVE ON CAMPUS? Research shows students who live on campus are more satisfied with their education, earn higher grades, and graduate in higher numbers than students who live off-campus. Although Western does not have a live-on requirement, 92% of freshmen choose to live on Western’s campus their first year. DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES: Sixteen residence halls and one apartment complex comprise nine residential communities – home to 4,200 students. Communities are equipped with laundry facilities, computer labs, study areas, community kitchens, 24-hour security and staffed service desks and more. CONVENIENCE & INVOLVEMENT: By living on campus, you can surround yourself with rich academic resources. The simplicity and convenience of a meal plan, onsite laundry facilities, and in-room WiFi access allow you to focus on your classes, your community, and your campus involvement. Residential clusters are available to students in certain academic programs and integrate community living with active scholarship. SAFETY & SECURITY: Safety and security are integral parts of the residential experience, and Western is committed to providing an environment that is sensitive and responsive to residents’ diverse needs. Residential buildings have professional live-in staff and are locked 24 hours a day. VARIETY OF HOUSING OPTIONS: New students who meet the housing deadlines are guaranteed housing their first year at Western. Placement priority is given to housing applicants who applied for admission the earliest. Detailed housing information is sent to students at the time of admission. Check out University Residences & Dining Services at housing.wwu.edu. 22
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Financing Your
Education
Pairing excellence in education and outstanding outcomes with affordable tuition, Western is an exceptional investment. In fact, Western alumni report that the value of a Western Washington University degree continues to increase over time. Beyond being an incredible value when compared to private colleges and most research universities, Western helps eligible students reduce expenses through a variety of financial aid options (www.finaid.wwu.edu) including: •
Providing need-based financial aid and low interest loans to students whose FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) demonstrates they could not otherwise afford to attend
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Awarding scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, special talents, multicultural achievement, etc.
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Offering need-based work-study (FAFSA-dependent) and other employment opportunities
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Offering a variety of scholorships for students who live in states other than WA, including Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) states
2011-2012 COST OF ATTENDANCE WASHINGTON RESIDENT
NON-RESIDENT
Tuition 6,468
Tuition 16,815
Fees 1,290
Fees 1,290
On-campus housing/meals* 8,755
On-campus housing/meals* 8,755
Double room & standard meal plan
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*May be reduced depending on room type and meal plan
Double room & standard meal plan
Books & Supplies** 1,020
Books & Supplies** 1,020
Transportation** 1,200
Transportation** 1,200
Personal** 1,713
Personal** 1,713
TOTAL** $20,446
TOTAL** $30,793
**Costs vary depending on the student
Western Alumni, staying connected &
Making a difference
Western’s reputation for educating creative, well-rounded, and dynamic professionals can really pay off in the job market. Employers say that Western graduates are unusually innovative, flexible, and forward-thinking. Yet, a Western degree does not just benefit you; it benefits the communities and causes you care about most. We are proud to educate exceptional citizens as well as outstanding professionals—individuals who excel in everything they do and feel compelled to give back to others. Western alumni volunteer, mentor and support initiatives throughout the state and the nation to improve the lives of others. Western’s track record is also outstanding for graduate school preparation. Recent graduates have gained admission to a variety of graduate schools, including Brown, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, New York University, Stanford, University of Washington, University of Pittsburgh, and University of California, Santa Cruz.
HIGHLIGHTS •
More than 100,000 living graduates of Western are spread around the globe, with 78 percent in Washington.
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Back 2 Bellingham alumni and family weekend is the biggest Western gathering of the year, with more than 1,500 WWU alumni and families returning to campus for reunions, open houses and other activities.
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The Alumni Association distributed $117,000 in scholarships since 2010, raising funds through alumni membership dues, license plates, Memory Walk Bricks and other programs.
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The Ask! program is an online network created by the Western Alumni Association to connect WWU students and alumni for professional mentoring and career networking.
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Apply online:
admissions.wwu.edu/apply MINIMUM COURSE REQUIREMENTS
4
units of English, college prep composition and/or Literature
3 2
units of Science, with one year of algebrabased Chemistry or Physics; one year must include a Lab
3 2
units of Mathematics, including Geometry and two units of Algebra beyond pre-algebra
units of Social Science, such as History, Civics, Psychology, Economics, etc.
semester or trimester of Fine and Performing Arts
Most admitted students go above and beyond these minimum course requirements. A full load of standard academic courses; Advanced Placement (AP); International Baccalaureate (IB); Running Start or other College-in-the-High-School; and Honors courses provide an excellent foundation for a successful college experience. Choose to challenge yourself by taking classes that push you to think in new ways, explore tough topics and support you in becoming a wellrounded student.
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Cumulative GPA
Distribution
3.8 - 4
25%
3.6 - 3.79
22%
3.4 - 3.59
22%
3.2 - 3.39
16%
below 3.2
13%
*not calculated on 4.0 scale
MORE ADMITTED FRESHMAN FACTS
sequential units of a single world language, Native American language or American Sign Language
1
ADMITTED FRESHMAN GPA DISTRIBUTION 2010
Middle 50% SAT Score Average ACT Score Average Academic Profile for Honors Program Acceptance
1560–1840 25 2000 SAT 3.9 GPA
College Credit Earned in High School (AP, IB, Running Start, etc.)
54%
Students of Color
26%
Interested in Outdoor Activities
49%
Plan to Study Abroad
50%
Interested in Community Service
58%
Plan to live on campus
92%
Putting the
PIECES TOGETHER Creat ivity
T Scoest res
Spe Tale cial nt Gr Tre ade nd s
Passio n
Aca d Recoemic rd
GPA
Co u Rig rse or
Com Involvmunity emen t
Essa y
ExpDivers erie e nce s
Obviously, your academic perAct iviti formance is highly important in the es admissions process, but we realize there are countless additional factors that indicate your true potential. Each piece of the puzzle represents qualities we consider when making admission decisions, with the most important piece being what YOU will bring to Western Washington University. Your essay and activities list can speak volumes to the Admissions Committee, so seize the opportunity to tell us your story.
Motiv ation
P Circuersona msta l nces
Lea der ship
YOU
!
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE NOVEMBER 1 thru Mid-April JANUARY 31 Fall Quarter Application Deadline
Notification of admissions decisions and scholarships begins. Don’t worry if you don’t hear from us right away; nearly half of our students receive their application decision and/or scholarship letter after the application deadline.
Last day to submit your application to Western before it’s marked late.
JANUARY 31 Priority Scholarship Deadline
On-time applicants get full consideration for Western’s merit scholarships. Recipients of merit scholarships are notified by mid-March.
FEBRUARY 15 Financial Aid Priority Deadline
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by mid-February to be considered for federal and state financial aid. The fastest and most accurate way to file your FAFSA is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov — go ahead and log on now to get you and your family a PIN, which will serve as your signatures for the online form. Then, you’re ready to complete your FAFSA starting January 1. Students who submit the FAFSA after February 15th may miss out on some serious financial aid, so don’t be late if you can help it.
MID-MARCH
Financial aid award notification begins if you submitted the FAFSA by the priority deadline.
EARLY APRIL
Western Preview, our Saturday Open House for all admitted students who haven’t already visited campus, as well as those who like us so much they want to visit again.
MAY 1 National College Decision Day
Enrollment confirmation fee due, as well as the priority application deadline for on-campus housing at Western.
AUGUST SEPTEMBER
Summerstart new student orientation, advising and registration program. Welcome to Western – classes begin! 27
Visiting
WESTERN
CAMPUS TOURS Join our Student Admissions Representatives on a 90-minute walking tour of campus. You will be able to visit academic buildings, see inside a residence hall and learn all about the exciting opportunities Western has to offer. DISCOVERY DAYS A more comprehensive experience than a regular tour, our Discovery Days program includes an admissions presentation and panel where students and parents can ask questions of admissions counselors, a faculty member and current students. The day also includes a residence hall showcase and campus open-house. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Large open-house style events for prospective students occur in the fall and spring – check our website for the most up-to-date information regarding special visit opportunities.
Office of Admissions Phone: (360) 650-3440 • Fax: (360) 650-7369 • Email: admit@wwu.edu
admissions.wwu.edu www.facebook.com/westernwashingtonuniversity To connect to other WWU offices and academic departments, visit www.wwu.edu or call the Campus Operator at (360) 650-3000.
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WESTERN is a place where you can immerse yourself in new
ideas and forge your own
path to the future.
Students exchange ideas, information and diverse perspectives at Western’s Red Square, a free speech zone.
Office of Admissions Old Main 200, MS 9009 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME As part of an undergraduate research program called The Polaris Project, Western senior Becky Tachihara, alumnus Matt Moroney and environmental science professor Andy Bunn traveled to the Siberian Artic with 19 other students and scientists from around the world. The Project aims to create a better understanding of Artic systems in the face of climate change and teach young scientists the tools they need to become the next generation of Artic researchers in this ecologically vital and sensitive area. Across Western’s community, students and professors are conducting research that will shape the core issues of our time.