Welcome to Western!

 

We are pleased that you have chosen Western, and look forward to you joining our campus and community! To launch your Western experience in the right direction, plan to attend Summerstart, your new student orientation, advising and course registration program at Western.

 

During Summerstart, you will meet with helpful faculty, staff and student advisors, learn about academic expectations and requirements, register for fall quarter classes, and become familiar with important student resources and services.  Family members are encouraged to participate in the family orientation program to find out more about the resources and opportunities available at WWU.  Explore this website to learn more about Summerstart and how best to prepare for Western.

 

Online reservations for Summerstart occur via this website and begin midday on Monday, June 4, 2012.

 

Summerstart Dates

Summerstart is a 2-day program. Eight sessions are available throughout July and August – choose the session that works best for you and your family: 

  • July 30-31 (Monday – Tuesday / High Credit (45+) Freshmen only) *
  • August 1-2 (Wednesday – Thursday)
  • August 3-4 (Friday – Saturday)
  • August 6-7 (Monday – Tuesday)
  • August 8-9 (Wednesday – Thursday)
  • August 10-11 (Friday – Saturday)
  • August 13-14 (Monday – Tuesday)
  • August 15-16 (Wednesday – Thursday)

*Summerstart Session reserved for High Credit (45+) Freshmen:
The High Credit Summerstart session on July 30-31 is for freshmen entering Western with 45 or more college credits earned while in high school. It is designed for new freshmen who have fulfilled many, or all, of Western’s General University Requirements (GUR). It is not recommended for students with fewer than 45 credits. You may review your Admitted Students page to confirm the amount of anticipated transfer credits indicated on your application for admission.

 

Your Summerstart Experience

Summerstart is your new student orientation, advising and course registration program for incoming freshmen. There is no additional fee for students to participate in Summerstart - the cost is covered by the one-time $250 enrollment fee.  During Summerstart you will:

  • Receive academic advising and register for fall quarter classes
  • Learn about campus life and resources
  • Learn about Western’s academic expectations and programs
  • Spend the night in a residence hall and enjoy on-campus dining
  • Meet with helpful faculty, staff and student advisors
  • Develop friendships with new and current WWU students
  • Gather resources, explore campus, get your student ID and more


Family Orientation - $65 per person

Summerstart includes an optional Family Orientation for family members. The fee for Family Orientation is $65 per person, and includes all family sessions, workshops, program materials, lunch, dinner and breakfast the following morning. Family members will:

  • Receive information on Western’s academic programs, financial matters, housing, campus life, health and counseling services, and becoming more involved with Western
  • Meet WWU staff and faculty members
  • Gather resources, have their questions answered, and explore campus
  • Connect with new and current WWU students and family members

Family Orientation with Overnight - $90 per person

Family members also may choose to spend the night on campus. The fee for family orientation with overnight accommodations is $90 per person, and includes all components of Family Orientation (listed above), plus:

  • Evening programming with new and current WWU students, families, staff and faculty
  • A shared double-occupancy room in the residence halls, bed and bath linens

Family and Guest Participation

We have planned the student and Family Orientation programs to meet the needs of their respective participants. We recognize and respect the importance of communication between family members as new students transition to college. We ask that participants follow their schedules and make plans to meet during breaks or shared sessions. 

Successful completion of orientation is a significant step in becoming a student at Western. It is our expectation students will complete the course registration process with the assistance of their academic advisors. While the support and guidance from students’ families can be helpful, it is our goal that students begin to build a relationship with their advisors and learn the necessary skills to register for classes in future terms.



Reservations are completed online at the NSSFO website – http://www.nssfo.wwu.edu - with registration opening on Monday, June 4th. The reservation deadline is 5:00pm, Friday, July 20th. We encourage you to make your reservation early, and make travel arrangements to Western only after you receive your Summerstart confirmation. 

 

If you cannot attend Summerstart, academic advising and class registration will be scheduled for you on Monday, September 24th, during Fall Orientation.  Detailed information, including your advising and registration appointment, will be mailed to you in late August.

 

Program Guidelines

To ensure that everyone has a safe and successful orientation experience, we expect all students and their family members to abide by all state and local laws, as well as University policies. The possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited, as is having unauthorized guests and pets in the residence halls.  Any violations of these regulations will result in disciplinary action and dismissal from the orientation program, and may affect the student’s career at Western.




Contact Us:


If you have questions about your application, contact the Admissions office at admit@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-3440.

 

If you have questions about academic advising and transfer credits, contact the Academic Advising Center at advising@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-3850.

 

If you have any questions about Summerstart, please contact New Student Services/Family Outreach at 360.650.3846 or by e-mail at nssfo@wwu.edu.