Western 2022-23 Admitted Student Viewbook

WELCOME to the Western Washington University community.

We are thrilled that you have chosen Western to be your home for the next few years. At Western, we truly value the unique perspectives and experiences that each student brings to our learning community. We are committed to advancing your success through an inclusive, student-centered environment that fosters your well-being and enables you to grow academically, personally, and professionally.

Please feel free to contact our Admissions Team if you have any questions about life as a Western student or the next steps in your Western journey. They are eager to help with the transition to college and will make sure that you are connected with peers, advisors, and any other resources you need to succeed at Western.

We look forward to welcoming you to our community and wish you a productive and successful tenure at Western.

Again, welcome to Western.

Sincerely,

Sabah Randhawa President

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Western Washington University offers an ideal location to live and learn. Located in the charming coastal city of Bellingham, students enjoy the benefits of city life and the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest is famous for. Students make lifelong friends here, land meaningful internships, and contribute to causes they’re passionate about.

Did You Know?

Students who are most involved on campus tend to get higher grades and enjoy their college years more. So take initiative and explore the variety of ways you can participate in campus life.

Learn about the city and region you will soon call home: admissions.wwu.edu/bellingham

Find Your Community

The Ethnic Student Center is comprised of 19 multicultural clubs and is considered a “home away from home” for many students.

Join one of the 200+ student-run clubs on campus - or start and lead your own!

Western’s Associated Students makes it easy to get involved. Visit as.wwu.edu to learn about upcoming campus events, student government, programs, and more.

Whether you play sports or prefer to cheer from the stands, there’s a place for you here. Western has won 11 NCAA Division II championships, offers 25 club sports, and a popular intramural sports program that includes basketball, flag football, and soccer, among others.

From independent theater, live music, and art walks in downtown Bellingham, to the sculpture garden and student-led exhibits on campus, art is a vital part of the Western community.

For those who love to explore, Western’s Outdoor Center provides an immediate community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and offers equipment rentals and guided group excursions.

MORE THAN THE ORDINARY DORM LIFE

Living on campus is optional, yet nearly 90 percent of first-year and 30 percent of new transfer students do. That’s because residence halls aren’t just places to sleep — they complete the Western experience.

Did You Know?

Students choose residence halls for community, safety, convenient access to classes and faculty, leadership opportunities, academic support, sustainable living, and personal growth. Residents get involved by participating in and organizing programs and events that include music, education, social responsibility, community service and more. So make Western your home and our beautiful 215-acre campus your playground.

86% of residents recommend living on campus to new students*

85% of residents are satisfied with their experience living on campus *

96% of residents feel safe living on campus *

* based on 2021 spring survey

Find Your Fit

Everything you want to know about campus housing is right here: housing.wwu.edu/future-students

Western’s 17 unique residence halls feature a variety of sizes, architectural styles and vintages. And with several types of housing options available, including Gender Neutral, Black Affinity, Pride, and substance-free, you can choose to live in a space where you feel comfortable.

Customize a housing plan that fits your budget by selecting the type of room and number of roommates you prefer. Double rooms are the campus standard, but some residence halls offer triples and singles.

From informational presentations to community events and dinners, our residence halls offer a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, meet friends and build community.

Western’s Off Campus Living website features available listings, can help you learn the basics of renting, offers advice on how to create community, and provides information regarding safety and commuting: offcampusliving.wwu.edu

APPLYING FOR HOUSING

The date you applied for admission will serve as your priority date during the entire Housing & Room Selection process. Beginning February 1, you can follow these easy steps to secure your spot.

1

Apply for Housing: housing.wwu.edu | May 1 Priority Deadline

Admitted Students can apply for housing beginning February 1. Visit MyHousing and log in using your WWU email and password to apply for the Fall 2023 term. After you submit your application, track your status in MyHousing and use MyRoommate to explore your roommate options. In the application you will: choose a meal plan; tell us your housing preferences; take a roommate survey; and accept the Housing Agreement.

Check MyHousing for Notice of Deposit | Late May Housing applicants who have confirmed enrollment to Western will be prompted in MyHousing to pay the $200 Housing Deposit. 2

3

Pay Your Deposit | June 15 Deadline

After receiving notice that your deposit is due, follow the payment instructions to make your deposit. Check your deposit status in MyHousing a few business days after submitting your payment to make sure it was processed.

4

Select Your Room | July 1 - August 15

Check MyHousing for your room selection window. When your room selection time opens, you can select your room (and if you are in a pair you can pull in a confirmed roommate) in the MyHousing portal. Regardless of whether or not you know your roommate, be sure to touch base and discuss what each of you plans to bring for your room.

Tips for Navigating University Dining

Learn all about our dining options here: wwu.campusdish.com

Our three dining commons serve breakfast, lunch, light lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. On weekdays the commons are open for continuous dining, giving you maximum flexibility within your busy schedule.

Choose from a full range of retail dining locations to suit your taste, dietary needs, budget and schedule.

Meal plans are required for students living in residence halls. Each meal plan comes with a quarterly allowance of meal swipes (accepted at any of the three dining commons) and Dining Dollars (spent in any dining services location). Meal swipes expire at the end of each quarter. Unspent Dining Dollars roll over until the end of spring quarter, at which time they do expire.

Viking Dollars and Dining Dollars turn your student ID card into a prepaid debit account for use in the cafés, markets and dining commons. Purchases made with Viking Dollars are discounted 10 percent.

Most students with moderate to severe food allergies successfully navigate campus living. The Executive Chef and Registered Dietitian are here to assist those that need additional support with their dining options. The University Dining team meets with students individually upon request.

University Dining Services is committed to supporting our local, state and regional agricultural and business community though our purchasing initiatives and partnerships.

PAYING FOR A COLLEGE EDUCATION

College is a big investment, and Western is committed to keeping its tuition low and academic quality high. There are also a number of resources available to help your family with college expenses. More than 65% of students at Western receive financial aid in the form of grants, tuition waivers, scholarships, student employment, and/or loans.

Did You Know?

Western is consistently ranked among the 100 best values in the nation for combining educational excellence with economic value by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

Western students incur less debt: Our alums graduate with 24% less than the national average.

Western students have higher graduation rates: Western’s six-year graduation rate is 67%, compared with the national average of 63% for public 4-year institutions.

Western grads are finding opportunities: Nearly 90% of Western grads are either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

Tuition

Western’s 2022-23 tuition and fees for Washington residents are $8,967 per year, and $26,874 per year for non-residents. Beyond tuition and fees, there are also variable costs, such as housing and meals, books and other expenses.

admissions.wwu.edu/cost

Scholarships

The Office of Admissions awards merit-based scholarships based on the information provided in students’ applications for admission. Students who are awarded scholarships are generally notified by letter starting in January or approximately three weeks following their admission.

admissions.wwu.edu/scholarships

Financial Aid

A few weeks after admission, students will receive an email from Western’s Financial Aid Office with instructions on how to access their financial aid status and scholarship information. In addition, admitted students who complete a 2023-24 FAFSA or WASFA will receive an award letter by mail.

admissions.wwu.edu/cost/financial-aid

Employment

There are 3,000+ student jobs available annually. All students are invited to apply for campus jobs, where they are recognized as students first and employees second. Most campus jobs are conveniently located near classes and provide outstanding opportunities for professional development and a built-in network of support. For students who need help finding work, Western’s Student Employment Center can help — it’s a free resource that connects students with on- and off-campus jobs and volunteer opportunities. finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs

IN AND BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Western students receive a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences before choosing from 175+ majors or designing a program of study that more closely aligns with their interests. So whether students know exactly which major they want to pursue or are undecided, they’ll have time to explore their options.

At wwu.edu/majors, you’ll find an overview of each program, as well as career opportunities, similar majors, and contact information for departments.

For a deeper dive, visit admissions.wwu.edu/catalog, where we provide general university requirements, course descriptions and additional in-depth information.

Did You Know?

If you have questions about specific academic programs, reach out to the department directly. When planning a visit to campus, make sure you connect with the department well in advance to set up a time to talk in person.

average class size

99% of classes are taught by faculty, not graduate students

Bringing Their Ideas to Life

Our students receive a cross-disciplinary education that teaches them how to think critically, reason their way through complex problems, and communicate effectively. Students learn how to think outside the box and develop a strong sense of personal and social responsibility, skills that they will need to succeed in whichever career they choose to pursue.

Even before earning their degrees, Western students:

Launched one of the first residence hall compost programs in the country.

Developed tiny homes to address affordable housing and environmental sustainability needs.

Produced original, award-winning historical research on acts of radical subsistence by enslaved people in the American South.

Brought electricity-producing exercise bicycles to the recreation center to reduce its electrical footprint.

Wrote and performed a theatre production that received national recognition from the Kennedy Center.

Conducted various aspects of COVID-19 testing at a laboratory in Bellingham.

Helped build a community college re-entry program for students who were previously incarcerated.

STARTING STRONG

Western’s orientation and advising programs are designed to help students get off to a good start.

Required for First-Year Students: Western’s Advising and Registration program for new first-year students provides critical support as students navigate the academic advising and class registration experience. Students will register for their first quarter classes at this program. In addition to developing core academic preparation skills, students will also learn about campus life and services, meet with helpful faculty, staff and students advisors, and begin connecting with other new and current Western students.

Encouraged for First-Year Students: First-year Interest Groups (FIGs) provide students with instant connection at Western. Participants are placed in learning communities that help students adapt more quickly to university life, and ease the transition from high school to college. FIG students also get early access to register for some of our most popular courses, and to a seminar where they will be part of a small group working closely with an instructor.

Optional for First-Year Students: Viking Launch allows students to move into the residence halls a week early and, before the quarter begins, take a two-credit, experience-based seminar designed to launch them toward a major or professional field.

Optional for First-Year and Transfer Students: Western Outdoor Orientation Trips (WOOT!) aim to support, enhance, and ease the transition to Western through outdoor adventure. WOOT! program trips are typically offered in summer and early fall before classes begin.

Strongly Encouraged for Transfer Students: Western’s Advising and Registration program for new transfer and post-baccalaureate students provides critical support as students navigate the academic advising and class registration experience. The program is not required, but strongly encouraged, and is students’ earliest opportunity to register for their first-quarter classes. Students will also learn about campus life and services, meet with helpful faculty, staff and students advisors, and begin connecting with other new and current Western students.

Tips for Succeeding on Campus

We want to help students reach their goals during their time at Western and beyond. While there’s no straightforward path to success, we’ve learned students tend to thrive when they:

Actively manage their time, keeping a calendar and setting aside daily blocks of time for studying and exam preparation.

Keep themselves healthy by becoming actively involved in their own wellness and the health of their community.

Take advantage of campus academic resources early, visiting the Tutoring Center, the Academic Advising Center, and faculty office hours prior to midterms — even if things are going well.

Form multiple support networks through student clubs, academic departments, extra-curricular activities, recreation activities, faith-based organizations and campus events.

Know there will be setbacks and struggles, and develop an approach for overcoming adversity, while also practicing self-compassion.

Reflectively consider why they are in college, and what they want to achieve by the time they graduate; they consider how each course brings them closer to their hopes and goals.

Seek out advising at least once per quarter at Western to ensure they declare a major and graduate on time.

REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE

Did You Know?

There are so many ways to gain on-the-job experience and make connections while earning your degree. Do you want to study abroad, volunteer with local organizations, participate in relevant internships, join student leadership, or collaborate with faculty on research projects? You can! These experiences all look great on resumes, and will give you an advantage when applying to graduate schools and jobs.

50+ countries available for study abroad programs each year

It’s not just about the degree. At Western, students are encouraged to expand upon their education and are presented with opportunities to explore their interests outside the classroom. Our students challenge themselves, and our graduates go on to make their mark on the world.

Prepared to Thrive

Western students rank among the most successful in the country. Their rates of graduation, employment, and admission to competitive graduate programs are among the best in the nation for universities of our type and size.

Western has been ranked in the top 5 nationally - among more than 600 institutions - for graduates who go on to earn a PhD.

Western finished third in the nation, tied with Stanford, as producers of prestigious National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ernest J. Hollings Undergraduate Scholars in 2018.

Western graduates and students received five Fulbright Scholarships in 2019, tied for fifth among public masters-granting institutions.

Students have interned for Microsoft, Boeing, the Seattle Mariners, Tesla, NASA, the National Wildlife Federation, the United Nations, the Washington State Legislature, REI, Swedish Hospital, K2 Sports, and many more.

Students who are the first in their family to attend college will receive strong support at Western, which was recently awarded the FirstGen Forward designation by The Center for FirstGeneration Student Success.

Alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, a Tesla Motors Sr. Engineer, a Washington Teacher of the Year, Fulbright Fellowship winners, and an Oscar and Emmy Award winner.

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Your student’s success and well-being are top priorities at Western. Our accessible faculty, career counselors, peer advisors, tutors and countless others on campus are here to support them. Please encourage your student to take an active role in planning their future and taking care of themselves by utilizing the many valuable resources here.

Staying Connected

We recognize that “family” means different things to different people, and families need support and resources, too. As your student launches their journey at Western, you are encouraged to come along.

New student orientation is an onboarding process that utilizes a checklist to guide your family through the required and recommended tasks, including registering for Academic Advising & Registration sessions, to complete prior to your student’s first quarter. nssfo.wwu.edu/welcome-new-students

Family Orientation resources, such as checklists, weekly family office hours by appointment, and other useful tools, are available to help you navigate the university experience with a deeper understanding of campus services and processes, as well as how to support your student’s success at Western. nssfo.wwu.edu/welcome-families

Fall Family Weekend is a great time to visit Western, and connect, explore, and enjoy a variety of events with your student. nssfo.wwu.edu/fall-family-weekend

You will automatically receive updates, notifications of upcoming events, and helpful tips regarding the resources available to your student through the WWU Family Connection monthly newsletter. nssfo.wwu.edu/wwu-family-newsletter

Sign up for Western Today to receive our daily campus newsletter. westerntoday.wwu.edu

Academic Support & Registration

Academic Advising

Students have broad access to departmental and faculty advising, and to the Academic Advising Center, where professional and peer advisors assist with a wide range of topics, such as course selection, registration, choosing a major and more.

advising.wwu.edu (360) 650-3850

Office of Student Life

The Office of Student Life provides resources to students, faculty and parents throughout the entirety of the student experience. They advise students on navigating university policy, building community across campus and ensuring student well-being and success. osl.wwu.edu (360) 650-3706

Disability Access Center

For students in need of disability counseling, housing access, exam accommodations, interpreter services, note taking services, print enlargement/brailing, and more.

disability.wwu.edu (360) 650-3083 for Voice (360) 255-7175 for VP

Registrar’s Office

Contact the Registrar’s Office for questions regarding registration, wait-listing, residency, transcripts, degree evaluations and applying to graduate. registrar.wwu.edu (360) 650-3432

Student Outreach Services

Student Outreach Services serves firstgeneration, multicultural and non-traditional students by engaging them in personalized academic coaching, peer mentoring and specialized programs, using a global and multicultural focus to support student persistence and academic achievement. sos.wwu.edu (360) 650-7443

Tutoring

Between the Tutoring Center and Math and Writing centers, students have easy access to academic support.

General: wwu.edu/tutoring/services

Math: wwu.edu/mathcenter

Research & Writing: library.wwu.edu/rws

Health & Safety

Health & Wellness

Western’s Student Health Center is a primary care medical clinic with a specialty in college health. The Counseling and Wellness Center promotes emotional well-being through culturally sensitive clinical counseling services, outreach, and consultation as well as alcohol and drug education and support, sexual violence prevention and education, sexual health education, and more.

Student Health Center: studenthealth.wwu.edu (360) 650-3400

Counseling and Wellness Center: cwc.wwu.edu (360) 650-3164

Public Safety

The Public Safety Department includes University Police, Parking Services, and Sustainable Transportation, all working together to provide a safe, secure, and accessible educational environment.

Police (Non-Emergency): (360) 650-3555 wwu.edu/department-public-safety

Social Support

Associated Students (AS) Groups

AS clubs and organizations provide great opportunities to get involved, and include student government, academic, service, art, environmental, recreational, and many more. as.wwu.edu

Ethnic Student Center (ESC)

The ESC is a community of 19 clubs and organizations that supports historically underrepresented ethnic students and allies. The ESC is located in the recently opened Multicultural Center. mss.wwu.edu/esc

Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) Unit

The ADEI Unit brings together Multicultural Student Services (MSS), LGBTQ+ at Western, and the Disability Access Center to better serve students with marginalized identities by transforming Western’s structures, policies, and practices. ess-adei.wwu.edu

Finances & Employment

Career Services Center

The Career Services Center connects students and alumni with job and internship opportunities, supports in career and major exploration and networking, and provides counseling for career success. wwu.edu/careers (360) 650-3240

Student Employment Center

The Student Employment Center connects students with part-time employment both on and off campus.

finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs (360) 650-3158

Scholarship Center

New student scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions. The Scholarship Center helps continuing Western students identify additional scholarships from a wide variety of sources.

finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships (360) 650-3471

Financial Aid

Contact the Financial Aid Department if you have questions about financial aid awards, grants, scholarships or loans. wwu.edu/financial-aid (360) 650-3470

Student Business Office

Contact the Student Business Office with billing questions related to tuition and fees, room and board and refunds. sbo.wwu.edu (360) 650-2865

Support for Families

New Student Services & Family Outreach

New Student Services/Family Outreach fosters student learning and development by supporting new students and family members in their transition to the academic, personal, and social experience of Western. nssfo.wwu.edu (360) 650-3846

COUNTDOWN TO WESTERN

January 31

Encouraged for All Students

Submit Your Financial Aid Application

fafsa.gov

File the FAFSA: fafsa.gov – Western’s Federal School Code is 003802 File the WASFA: wsac.wa.gov/wasfa

Financial aid is available to help meet the costs of tuition, books, educational supplies, housing and meals, and personal expenses.

To be considered for financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)*. While January 31 is Western’s FAFSA priority filing date, it’s never too late to apply!

*Washington state residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid by completing the WASFA.

May 1

Required for All Students

Confirm Your Enrollment admissions.wwu.edu/confirm

Once you finalize your decision to attend Western, a non-refundable $300 confirmation fee is required to secure your place in the incoming class. This one-time fee helps pay for new student orientation, advising, and academic support.

If you have demonstrated significant financial need on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can postpone your fee until your first tuition bill.

May 1

Optional for All Students

Submit a Housing Application housing.wwu.edu/apply/housing-timeline

Living on campus is optional, yet 90 percent of first-year students and 30 percent of new transfers choose this option. If you’re interested in living on campus, you’ll need to apply.

If you’re interested in living off-campus, please visit offcampusliving.wwu.edu for information and resources.

When Notified

Required for First-Year Students

Encouraged for Transfers

Before Course Registration

Required for All Students

Sign Up for Orientation, Advising & Registration nssfo.wwu.edu/welcome-new-students

Orientation, Advising & Registration programming supports your transition to campus with orientation, academic advising, and class registration. Additional orientation opportunities are also available to all students.

Claim Your Universal Account wwu.edu/activate

Please claim your WWU Universal Computer Account as soon as possible. All you need to do is set a password. If you have any questions about your account please visit atus.wwu.edu/gethelp.

Before Course Registration

Encouraged for Some Students

Contact Academic Departments catalog.wwu.edu

If you believe you’re ready to declare a major at Western (e.g., if you have completed prerequisites for your intended academic program), departmental advisors can provide information about major requirements and can grant permission to register for courses you may need. Plan to have a copy of your most recent transcript available whenever meeting with advisors.

July 15

Required for Some First-Year Students

Required for Most Transfers

Submit Updated College Transcripts, and/or AP, IB, or Cambridge International Test Scores wwu.edu/submit-transcripts

Any college transcripts and test scores submitted with your application for admission will be processed in time for initial course registration. If you’ve earned any additional credits since submitting your application for admission, you must request to have your updated official transcript or test scores sent as soon as possible (a registration hold may be placed on your account in the future if your updated transcript is not received).

Upon Enrollment Confirmation

Required for All Students

Submit COVID-19 Vaccination Documentation studenthealth.wwu.edu/covid-vaccines

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination status is required to ensure the health and safety of our campus community. Only those who have met University policy requirements governing vaccination status will be allowed to attend in-person classes, move-in to campus housing, work on campus, and participate in on-campus activities.

Before Course Registration

Required for All Students

Submit Measles Vaccination Documentation studenthealth.wwu.edu/measles-immunization-requirement

To ensure the health and safety of all students at Western, proof of measles (rubeola) vaccination status is required before students can register for their first quarter’s classes.

Before Course Registration

Required for Most Students

Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment testingcenter.wwu.edu/aleks

While not everyone needs to complete the online ALEKS, most first-year students and many transfer students do. Scores are needed to register for the majority of math courses at Western and serve as prerequisites for some courses in other departments. The assessment must be taken twice. We recommend you complete both assessments at least two weeks before you attend Advising & Registration.

August 15

Required for First-Year Students

Submit Final High School Transcript wwu.edu/submit-transcripts

Submit your official final transcript (with your graduation date posted) by the deadline. Official transcripts should be sent directly by your high school to admissions.documents@wwu.edu

Snapchat: @WWUAdmissions Have questions about Western? Need help finding something? Want advice from a student? Snap us any time, and keep an eye on our story for tips and announcements.

Instagram: @OurWestern

Join the OurWestern community to see a week in the life of Western students. Each new takeover host brings a different perspective on life at Western.

Facebook: WWU New Students 2023 Group Start connecting with your classmates in this private group just for admitted WWU students. Come introduce yourself and meet your new community.

Western Washington University (WWU), in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Executive Director, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Western Washington University, Old Main 345, MS 9021, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; (360) 6503307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu.

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request an accommodation in the application process, please contact the Disability Access Center, Wilson Library 170; (360) 650-3083 (voice) or (360) 255-7175 (VP); drs@wwu.edu. One week advance notice appreciated. To request this document in an alternate format,please contact the Office of Admissions, Old Main 200; (360) 650-3440; admissions@wwu.edu. (09/2022 version)