Western 2023-24 First-Year Viewbook

Western isn’t a place where you show up for four years, learn a few things, and get a job that bores you.

That’s for normal schools.

We want people with an appetite for ambition and who want to make a positive impact in their communities.

At Western, students develop the world’s first transparent solar window, professors help send rovers to Mars, and graduates teach code to fifth graders. Through close relationships with professors and a community dedicated to equity, justice, sustainability, and academic excellence, we help people find their purpose. And we inspire them to pursue that purpose with everything they’ve got.

We bring together those who want to change the world, with the people who are changing it.

This is a place where, together, we can MAKE WAVES.

Table of Contents

Bird’s-Eye View

Before we take a closer look at the academic programs, activities, and opportunities available to you at Western, here’s a quick snapshot of the important facts & statistics that we have found are important to students and their families.

~15,000 enrollment

93% undergraduates

17:1 student-to-faculty ratio

3,000+ student jobs

200+ academic programs

<100 miles to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.

180+ acres of forest adjacent to campus, with 6 miles of trails

26 average class size

4.3 Yrs average time to graduation

250+ student-run clubs and organizations

50+ countries available for studying abroad

Best in the Pacific Northwest

Western has been named one of the top public universities in the region for 25 years in a row.

- U.S. News & World Report

Lead the Change

Juliana Covarrubias was motivated by the ongoing environmental issue of plastic in the ocean to research how to recycle various ocean plastics. Juliana and her research team found ways to recycle common items found in the ocean including buoys, nets, and fishing lines. Juliana shared her team’s findings in an article published in the Society of Plastics Engineers journal and at the Annual Technical Conference for Plastics Professionals.

Juliana also participated in mentorship programs to help younger students learn more about Western’s Polymer Materials Engineering program. These opportunities came with scholarships which allowed her to focus on her studies and research. This inspired her to create the Pay It Forward Scholarship to help other engineering and design students follow their passions at Western.

After graduating, Juliana began working as a Research and Development Project Engineer at Janicki Industries and hopes to improve the sustainability of the aerospace industry.

Nate Jo immediately got involved in the community by serving on the Associated Students Board of Directors as the Vice President for Business Operations in his first year at Western. During his term, Nate helped to restructure the Associated Students and improve pay equity for student employees. In the peak of the pandemic, he created and chaired the AS Finance Council and helped reduce student fees.

Nate’s dedication to service extended beyond Western. He was a crisis counselor for The Trevor Project, volunteered for leadership development workshops for the Association of Washington State Leaders, and was a peer mentor for local high school students in chemistry and math courses.

After graduation, Nate interned in the U.S. Congress and was admitted to the London School of Economics for graduate school.

Help Create a Brighter Future

Daniel Korus, a former chemistry student in undergraduate and graduate studies, worked closely with Professor David Patrick to study the potential of solar windows made from glass laminated with pigments designed to collect solar energy and produce electricity. As the research progressed, so did Daniel’s career. Eventually, he was hired by UbiQd, an advanced materials company, to oversee the project’s development.

Recently, Daniel returned to the WWU campus to install the cutting-edge technology at the entrance of the Western Gallery. He will continue to monitor the windows of the Western Gallery and gather data on the amount of energy they generate daily.

Daniel envisions a future where net-zero energy buildings are more common, with the assistance of solar windows.

Kaleigh Carroll (Journalism)

As editor-in-chief of The Planet, advocated for making real progress on difficult problems in student newsrooms from equitable hiring practices to ethical coverage of vulnerable communities.

Aliyah Dawkins (Biochemistry & Neuroscience)

Is working towards a career in biomedical research to develop better drugs for people impacted by brain diseases, while building the representation of African Americans in medicine and biomedical research.

Carly Cloward (Theatre & Political Science Major)

Is a community advocate both on and off campus. From getting her fellow students to register to vote to collecting signatures for various initiatives in Bellingham such as securing Covid relief, tenant rights, and workers’ rights to protest.

Catherine Baxter (Communication Sciences & Disorders)

Created and ran trainings for youth suicide prevention and mental health awareness programs for the Girl Scouts of Western Washington and for local middle and high school

Zoe Hemez (Honors, Energy Science & Technology)

Was awarded a Sustainability, Equity, & Justice Fund grant to work with local builders, county planners, ecologists, tribal members, and students to design a sustainable tiny home community to be occupied by WWU Sustainability Pathways interns.

Academic Excellence

Research, scholarship, and creative endeavors are fundamental to the Western experience. 93% of our students are pursuing their first degree. As an undergraduate-focused university, you’ll find opportunities to engage in research that are frequently reserved for graduate students at other universities, sometimes as early as your first quarter on campus.

Learn

more about Western’s academicsuccess

Ranked #7 nationally for grads who go on to earn PhDs

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

Western was a top national producer of Fulbright Scholarship winners

“My academic experience at Western was incredible. I felt so supported by the university and faculty. The amount of out-of-class hours that faculty have helped me to be my best are numerous. I felt that hard work is very rewarded at Western, and if you have a desire to be involved in things like research or teaching assistantships, those opportunities are available here at WWU.”

–

Amirah Casey, Marine & Coastal Science Outstanding Graduate (2023)

Honors College

Take courses that average 18 students per classroom

Live in the Honors Residential Community

Meet with specialized Honors advisors

Learn more about

Western’s HonorsCollege

Create a meaningful senior capstone project

Recognized as one of the best in the nation, Western’s Honors College is a diverse, interactive learning community in which high-achieving students and award-winning faculty challenge themselves and each other. Honors College students can pursue any major they choose, and there are no additional fees.

Explore Over 200 Academic Programs

A

French BA*

French/German BA

French/Spanish BA

G

General Science (Elementary or Middle) BAE

Geography/Social Studies BA

Geology BA BS

Geophysics BS

German BA*

German/Spanish BA

H

History BA*

History/Social Studies BA

Human Services BA

Humanities: History of Culture BA*

Humanities & Social Sciences

Student/Faculty Designed Major BA BS

I

Inclusive Education (Elementary & Special Education) BAE

Industrial Design BS

International Business German BA

J

Japanese BA*

Journalism

News/Editorial BA

Public Relations BA

Visual Journalism BA

K

Kinesiology

Exercise Science Specialization BS

Pre-Healthcare Professions

Specialization BS

Sport Psychology Specialization BS

L

Language, Literacy & Cultural Studies BAE

Latin American Studies BA

Linguistics BA

Linguistics, Literature, & Writing BA*

M

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management BS

Marine and Coastal Science BS

Mathematics BA BS*

Performance

Additional Academic Opportunities

In addition to bachelor’s degrees, you can enrich your experience through the Honors College, Distinguished Scholars programs, certificates, and 90+ minors, including:

Arabic & Islamic Studies

Arts Enterprise & Cultural Innovation

Business Analytics

Cybersecurity

Disability & Advocacy

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Environmental Justice

Film Studies

Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Honors

Human Rights

International Studies

Latinx Studies

Leadership Studies

Queer Studies

Raza Latina Studies

Salish Sea Studies

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics)

Sustainable Design User Experience (UX) Design

Women’s Literature

Pre-Professional

Pathways

While these are not majors, pre-professional pathways can be incorporated into or taken alongside the 175+ majors offered at Western.

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Law

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Nutrition

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-Veterinary

Build Your Own Major

Through Western’s Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, students can design their own majors, called interdisciplinary concentrations. Fairhaven faculty work closely with students through intensive advising and classes of 15-20 students. Curriculum focuses on social and environmental justice and diversity. Mathematics/Computer

The Perfect Environment to Study the Environment

Our location offers unbelievable opportunities for all students who step outside the confines of a brick and mortar classroom and apply their learning in nature’s laboratory. With the Mount Baker Wilderness, Bellingham Bay, and more than 20 rivers and creeks in our backyard, Western is an incredible place for outdoor research.

Where else can you walk among 800-year-old Alaskan yellow cedars in the morning, watch an orca pod from one of the San Juan Islands in the afternoon, and explore the glaciers and mountain waterfalls of North Cascades National Park in the evening? Get outside and research your world.

“I am most interested in biological changes in marine organisms as a result of climate change and other anthropogenic impacts, and I just finished a capstone research project that examined the effects of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) on zebrafish mortality and growth. Being able to spend time doing research on something that is relevant to local environmental concerns, as well as something that I am interested in, was a really great feeling.”

- Abi Lee, Marine & Coastal Science

1,500 miles of trails in the Mount Baker Wilderness

22 rivers and creeks

10 lakes

17 protected natural areas

100 miles of Salish Sea Shoreline

The Sehome Arboretum offers trails, study nooks, and 180 acres of woods

You’ll know you’re in Red Square if you see the beautiful Fisher Fountain surrounded by students studying, grabbing a bite to

or playing frisbee. It also hosts the Associated Students (AS) Info Fair right before the

The VU is the hub for student communities, engagement, and activities. Here you’ll find the Associated Students, Ethnic Student Center, Outdoor Center, KUGS 89.3 FM, Multicultural Center, the AS Bookstore, and so much more.

Just behind campus is a 180-acre park with 6 miles of walkable trails in the Sehome Hill Arboretum Western students maintain the trails by clearing debris, removing invasive plant species, and monitoring its ecosystems.

Between Fairhaven College and Buchanan Towers is the Outback Farm, a student-maintained organic farm. It’s home to community gardens, chickens, a teaching apiary, and more.

The Performing Arts Center is where you’ll find the Mainstage Theatre, PAC Concert Hall, and Douglas Underground Theatre (DUG), where you can watch plays, recitals, and concerts performed by WWU students, alumni, and more!

In addition to the usual equipment, you’ll find at a fitness center, the Wade King Recreation Center also features a heated pool, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, and a 13-foot bouldering wall.

As the official art museum of WWU, the Western Gallery provides free access to a wide range of contemporary art and oversees the outdoor sculpture collection across campus.

Located in Haggard Hall since 1959, the Planetarium is home to a large dome theatre that hosts fun and interactive presentations with a projected simulation of the night sky, planets, and more.

Right outside our Communications Facility and Academic Instruction Center, you’ll find the Comm Lawn, where AS hosts many outdoor events, including our annual endof-year music festival, Lawnstock!

A brick building with classical pillars at the main entrance, at Edens Hall you’ll find suite-style rooms prioritized for students in the Honors College.

The Salish Sea Institute, along with the Border Policy Research Institute and the Center for Canadian-American Studies, provide the opportunity for international collaboration here in Canada House

Work/Life Balance

At Western the college experience extends beyond the classroom. Whether you want to start a club, or run for student body president, the Associated Students (AS) makes it easy to get involved. The AS provides student leadership on campus, registers students to vote, and produces awesome campus concerts, cultural events, engaging speaker series, and so much more.

With 250+ student-run clubs and organizations, you’ll find a club for every interest, including academic, cultural, art, environmental, recreational, and many more.

• The AS Outdoor Center will outfit you with everything you need to get outside. They offer equipment rentals, a bike shop, outdoor excursions, instructional clinics, and knowledgeable staff.

• Western’s state-of-the-art Wade King Student Recreation Center has a rock-climbing wall, a pool, a hot tub, an indoor track, weight rooms, a cardio floor, and much more.

• At Western’s Underground Coffeehouse you can hear live music, study with a good cup of coffee or just hang out with friends on comfy couches.

• From kayaking to sailing to paddleboarding, Western’s Lakewood property is water sports central.

You’ll Feel Supported

There’s no question about it: going to college is a life-changing experience. And at Western, you’ll have a network of support systems to help you along your journey.

Academic Support: In addition to advising and tutoring, Western provides equal access to students with disabilities and outreach to multicultural and non-traditional students. Plus, WWU has been recognized as a First-Gen Forward Institution!

Health & Safety: Our Student Health Center and Counseling & Wellness Center provide care and resources to take care of your physical and emotional well-being. We also have campus security and a multichannel emergency alert system to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and faculty on campus.

Financial Support: Our Financial Aid department is always ready to help you connect with student employment and scholarship opportunities. And there are programs on and off campus that help students experiencing food and shelter insecurity.

Career Services: Need help finding an internship? Not sure how to write a resume? We have dedicated staff to help you with your career path and connect you with jobs and internships. And all WWU alumni can access these resources for life!

Western Athletics

No matter the season, athletics are a source of renewable power for the Western community. Our student athletes and teams generate excitement on campus, the club sports and intramural programs spark new friendships, and our exercise bikes (literally) help keep the lights on.

Western competes in 15 NCAA Division II sports, has won a combined 12 National Championships, and won 6 conference titles in 2022-23. Programs include:

Basketball

Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field

Volleyball (Women’s Only)

Golf

Softball

Cross Country

Soccer

Cheer

Rowing (Women’s Only)

Western offers 25 club sports, including rugby, ultimate, hockey, and swimming, and popular intramural programs that include basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, and more.

Current students receive free admission to athletic events by showing their Western ID card. And with both Carver Gym and Harrington field located on campus, it’s easy for students to join the excitement and support our teams from the stands.

Western’s Women’s Soccer Team captured their second National Championship in 2022.

The Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Teams won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championship in 2022, marking the second time they’ve both captured the title in the same year.

Your Home Away from Home

Your residence hall is more than just a place to study and sleep — it’s your new community. Build lifelong friendships, kick back in shared spaces, attend community events, and build leadership skills by getting involved with your hall association.

“One of the biggest ways I contributed to Western’s community was that I was involved in Hall Council my first year as the VP of Student Engagement and as a Resident Advisor (RA) for my next two years. I wanted to help give guidance to incoming first-year students who may not know how to navigate college. I am a first-gen college student and when I first got to Western, I had no idea what I was really doing. I was given a lot of help from my RA, which inspired me to do the same.”

Drake-Anthony Pearisaeff, Sociology and Human Services

Living on campus is optional; new students who meet deadlines are guaranteed housing for their first year.

You can request to live with a friend, let us assign you a roommate, or search for one using our portal.

Living-learning communities include substance-free, all-gender, Black Affinity, Pride, Honors College, and international.

Room rates are based on amenities and size, so you can select a housing plan that fits your budget.

Our dining halls provide vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options with a focus on sourcing responsibly, minimizing food waste, and reducing packaging to reduce our environmental impact.

Explore options for visiting campus in-person or virtually

Find You. Be You.

For more than 30 years, the Ethnic Student Center (ESC) has been home to many identity-oriented clubs open to students of all backgrounds. The goal of the ESC is to help students affirm their identity, build a sense of community, and cultivate leadership. These clubs offer a “home away from home” for all students.

And through the advocacy work of Western students, the Multicultural Center opened in 2019 and allowed for an expansion of the ESC and programs of the Multicultural Services. Students within the ESC have moved on to become leaders on campus and in the community.

African Caribbean Club

Arab Student Association

Black Student Union

Blue Group

Chinese Student Association

Filipino-American Student Association

Iranian Student Community

Japanese Student Association

Jewish Student Union

Korean Student Association

Latinx Men in Higher Ed.

Latinx Student Union Mixed Student Organization

National Society of Black Engineers

Native American Student Union

Pacific Islander Student Association

Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science

South Asian Student Association

Vietnamese Student Association

Explore other AS clubs and resource centers that foster student success to underrepresented and historically marginalized communities

Art Happens Here

Art is a vital part of Western’s campus and community. On campus, you will find our nationally-recognized interactive sculpture garden, our Performing Arts Center with three different stages for plays and musical performances, and the Western Gallery. We also have art and dance studios, photography labs, wood and metal shops, and more! In the broader Bellingham community, you’ll discover monthly art walks, summer festivals, and live music and theatre.

3 professional campus art galleries

2 additional studentcurated galleries

16 music, art and theatre majors to choose from

300 performances and exhibits each year

35 installations make up one of the nation’s top 10 sculpture collections

20+ campus concerts produced by the Associated Students (AS)

BFA Studio Art graduate Joel Aparicio working on a mixed medium project in the studio.

(Photo courtesy of Payton Dickerson)

BFA Dance graduates Emma Rose DeSantis, Courtney Holleman, Paige Pimmel. (Photo courtesy of Clinton James Photography)

BFA Dance graduate Caroline Schmidt. (Photo courtesy of Clinton James Photography)

Bachelor of Music in Performance graduates Namarea RandolphYosea and Lauren Zinke in a WWU Opera production of “L’incoronazione di Poppea”. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Roulet)

Bring Your Big Ideas to Life

At Western, your education will be transformative. You will learn to reason your way through complex problems, be encouraged to think outside the box, and be supported as you explore new solutions to our world’s most pressing problems.

No matter what area of study you focus on at Western, you will find the lasting impact students have made both on and off campus.

Scholars Week, Western’s annual showcase of outstanding student research, celebrates creative activities, performances, and other academic projects that result from collaborative participation between students and faculty.

59% of our graduating seniors reported they had collaborated with a professor on a research or creative project outside of class requirements.

For the past five years, Sienna Reid has been engaged in research of issues important to Indigenous people and environmental science. She has studied the role of clam gardens in altering food availability for clams and clam growth rate, traveled to Southeast Alaska to investigate summer programs that prepared Native Alaskan youth for environmental work, and completed field and lab research alongside faculty and graduate students. Sienna then authored two peer-reviewed publications and presented her field research at the Northwest Indian College student symposium.

Dylan Willis was part of the student-led team that made Western’s Makerspace a reality. Once the students worked to secure an $80,000 Student Technology Fee grant to fund the space, Dylan helped plan the space layout. The Makerspace is an essential part of campus. It offers all students access to equipment, training, and support while promoting a culture of collaboration and inclusion. Students can use 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and more while sharing ideas, building community, and innovating with peers.

Get Ready for Your Future

74% of Washington school districts have a Western graduate among their certified staff of teachers, administrators, and others.

One of the top Peace Corps volunteer-producing universities among large schools.

91% of Western Alumni are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation and have 24% less debt than the national average.

“I loved my time in the Computer Science Department at Western. Phil Nelson taught my all-time favorite class: device drivers. That class challenged me in new ways (like how to test your code when a small mistake can result in a kernel panic) and really solidified my interest in lower-level programming.”

David Katsandres Computer Science Major

Where Do Our Alumni Work?

From Bellingham to Australia, Western alumni are making an impact around the world. Here are a few places they are working now:

• Boeing

• Microsoft

• Amazon

• Starbucks

• T-Mobile

• Nordstrom

• Google

• Meta

• Oracle

• Expedia Group

• Western Washington University

“I have continued to build off of my studies at Western. As a dance artist, I work with a group of Asian American artists, and have received grants from Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture, the Washington State Arts Commission, Humanities Washington, and am currently completing a year-long paid apprenticeship program to learn traditional Japanese dance.”

Gabrielle Kazuko Nomura Gainor

News-Editorial Journalism Major, Dance & Anthropology Minor

Invest in Yourself

Western’s rates of graduation, employment, and admission to competitive graduate programs are among the best in the nation for universities of our type and size. And, as one of the top 5 public schools in the Western United States (U.S. World & News Report), our goal is to ensure that a college education is affordable for all students.

– Washington Monthly

One of the 100 best values in Washington and nationwide. – Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

One of the top 40 “best bang for the buck” schools in the west, based on graduation rates and low loan default rates.

Paying for College

We know that affordability is often a major consideration for students and families. Our Admissions Team is here to help you understand the types of financial aid that are available and to assist you throughout the application process.

Scholarships

Western provides scholarships to students which recognize their academic success, leadership potential, special talents, and multicultural achievement. Many of these scholarships are awarded based on information you provide in your application, but some may require additional materials.

Visit our Scholarship Center for additional opportunities: finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships

Apply for Financial Aid

Even if you don’t think you qualify, we encourage all students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid† (WASFA) to ensure they receive the best financial aid package possible. Applications for the FAFSA†† and WASFA typically open on October 1 but will open in December 2023 for the 2024-25 academic year. Western’s priority filing deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is February 28.

The Whole You

Grades are important, but we know there is much more to you than your GPA. Western is looking for students with a long record of academic success and those who are only beginning to reach their full potential. We also consider the difficulty of your coursework, your talents outside the classroom, and the contributions you’re making to your community. Everyone’s college journey is different, and we want to hear about what makes your story unique.

Test Scores are Optional (Seriously)

SAT or ACT scores are not required to apply for admission. We will consider test scores if submitted, but admission decisions are made on an individual basis, and every applicant receives full consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships.

We’re Here to Help

Questions? Connect with your Admissions Counselor by visiting our website: admissions.wwu.edu/team.

Apply to Western

Are you ready for the greatest adventure of your life? Then why wait any longer?

You can start your application – and learn more about the admissions process – by visiting: admissions.wwu.edu/apply

It Pays to Apply Early

If you complete your application by November 1 you:

• are guaranteed to receive a response from Admissions by December 31

• will receive priority scholarship review and financial aid notification

• still have until May 1 to enroll if admitted

Admissions Timeline

Set a reminder for these important dates and deadlines to ensure you submit your materials on time and stay on track for admission to Western.

August 1 Fall Application for Admission & Scholarships Opens

November 1 Early Action Deadline

December* FAFSA & WASFA Applications Open

January 31 Regular Decision Deadline

February 28 Financial Aid Priority Deadline

May 1

National College Decision Day

* Applications for the FAFSA and WASFA typically open on October 1 but will open in December, 2023 for the 2024-25 academic year.

Start your application, and learn more about the admissions process

Office of Admissions

Old Main 200, MS 9009 516 High Street

Bellingham, WA 98225

Campus Tours

Explore our beautiful campus, learn more about the application process, and take a closer look inside a residence hall room during a 60-minute tour led by a current Western student.

Virtual Connections

Can’t make it to campus? Check out our hosted & self-guided virtual tours, register for an online info session, or schedule a 1-on-1 video chat with your Admissions Counselor.

Special Events

We also hold large, open-house events in the fall and spring. Please visit our website for a complete list of upcoming events.

Office of Admissions

(360) 650-3440 | admissions@wwu.edu | admissions.wwu.edu