Academic Success
Western students rank among the most successful college students 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.
Tips for Academic Success
Successful students:
- Actively manage their time, keeping a calendar and setting aside daily blocks of time for study and exam preparation.
- Keep themselves healthy by becoming actively involved in their own wellness and the health of their community.
- Use campus academic resources early, visiting the Tutoring Center, the Academic Advising Center, and their professor’s office hours well before midterms—even if things are going well.
- Are fiscally responsible, actively managing their money by monitoring their statements, paying bills on time, and taking a holistic approach toward financial freedom.
- 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; they build tools and approaches for fostering resilience, tenacity and self-forgiveness.
- 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.
For a complete list of requirements, please see the University Catalog (catalog.wwu.edu).
- Complete a minimum of 180 quarter credits
- Complete a minimum of 45 credits earned through Western Washington University courses
- Complete at least 60 credits upper-division study, i.e. 300-level and above
- Complete three writing proficiency points
- Complete an approved academic major
- Complete a minor, if required
- Meet minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements
- Satisfy General University Requirements
Your student’s academic success is a top priority at Western.
It is important for all students to understand their responsibilities related to university academic policies and requirements. There are a number of resources available to support your student's success.
1. STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! This is all new – to everyone! Be courageous and don’t let your fears hold you back!
2. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR CHOICES AND YOUR SITUATION! This is the time when you get to transition into being a more independent adult. That means if you make a mistake, take responsibility for your choices. If you need to make something right for yourself or with another person, do it! Keep your personal integrity!
3. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR! The choices you make on and off campus will affect other people. At Western, students take pride in creating a community together that is respectful and kind, and where people can feel welcome and at home.
4. BE YOURSELF! This is your time to learn and explore and be who you want to be. There is a whole campus of other students, faculty and staff that are ready to help you thrive and be successful. Just be yourself and be kind to yourself along the way.
Students are encouraged to seek out advising at least once a quarter during their time at Western to ensure timely major declaration and graduation. It is important for all students to understand their responsibilities related to university academic policies and requirements. Careful planning is essential. There are a number of resources available to support your student's success.
SUPPORT FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Professional advisors and peer advisors in the Academic Advising Center can assist students in course selection and registration, GUR progress, choosing a major/minor, and understanding Western's academic policies and more. Old Main 380, 360-650-3850, advising@wwu.edu, advising.wwu.edu
The AS Bookstore on campus is the go-to location for course materials, textbooks, classroom supplies, Western gear and gifts. See our website for current operating information. 501 High Street, 360-650-3655, bookstore.wwu.edu/
The Disability Access Center (DAC) provides services and programs to foster equal access and full inclusion in every aspect of the student experience. The DAC is a hub for campus, academic and community resources. Wilson Library 170, 360-650-3083, drs@wwu.edu, disability.wwu.edu
The Math Center provides tutoring in advanced mathematical subjects including calculus, linear algebra, statistics and differential equations. Bond Hall 209/211A, 360-650-3813, mathematics.wwu.edu/math-center
The Registrar’s Office assists with questions concerning credit and online degree evaluations, the course catalog, registration, course requirements, adding and dropping classes, graduation requirements, commencement, grade changes, transcripts and related information requests. Old Main 230, 360-650-3430, Registrar.Office@wwu.edu, registrar.wwu.edu/
Student Outreach Services serves first-generation, multicultural and non-traditional students and engages students in personalized academic coaching, peer mentoring and specialized programs using a global and multicultural focus to support student persistence and academic achievement. Old Main 387, 360-650-7443, sos@wwu.edu, sos.wwu.edu/
WESTERN LIBRARIES: Western Libraries offers students a wide range of support through a variety of services, resources, and programs in addition to 24/7 online access to online tutorials, course reserves, e-books, articles and databases, and other video resources. All current WWU students can check out and borrow library materials. The library buildings also offers a variety of study spaces for both collaborative work and quiet study. (Wilson Library/Haggard Hall, 360-650-3094, https://library.wwu.edu/
The Tutoring Center: Tutors and peer advisors are available during the Tutoring Center's regular hours to assist students in Math and Science GUR courses. The Tutoring Center also offers tutor-facilitated study groups for select courses, and one-on-one study skills appointments. (Wilson 280, 360.650.3855, wwu.edu/tutoring)
The Hacherl Research & Writing Studio: Provides support in research and writing - essay drafts, project components, scholarship applications, and resumes. Students can also initiate a chat using "Ask Us," or submit a draft paper for email response. (Haggard Hall 2nd Floor, 360.650.3219, https://library.wwu.edu/rws)
Academic Year Calendar
The WWU Registrar's office provides a calendar of important dates and deadlines by academic quarter with quick links to schedules, term dates, financial due dates, holidays and breaks, and more.
Policies
Upholding Academic Honesty is integral to the educational mission of the university, particularly in assessment and recognition of student performance (e.g., meeting academic standards, conferring awards/degrees). Recognizing the intention of the university to promote and sustain a culture of integrity, this policy serves a key role as part of a comprehensive program to encourage behaviors of integrity and discourage violations of such behavior.Refer to the Academic Honesty website for specific policy information:wp.wwu.edu/academichonesty. Learn more about Western’s Coalition for Integrity by visiting their website: wwu.edu/integrity.
WWU is committed to maintaining an environment that is free of alcohol and other drug abuse for students, faculty and staff. We maintain this commitment in support of academic excellence, work performance, quality of life, and the well-being of all community members.
WWU will uphold state and federal laws pertaining to alcohol and other drug use. It is required that all students and employees comply with these laws. Action may be taken on any violation of State and Federal law or university regulations.
For complete policy text, visit vpess.wwu.edu/alcohol-and-other-drug-information
Please note: It is a violation of university policy to possess, use, manufacture, cultivate, distribute, sell or provide marijuana on WWU property (grounds, buildings, parking lots), or at an official WWU function at any location. Violations may result in disciplinary action and/or legal citation. For complete penalty text, visit: vpess.wwu.edu/alcohol-and-other-drug-information
FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Passed by Congress in 1974, FERPA regulates the release of education records and grants four specific rights to students:
• The right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school.
• The right to seek amendment to those records, and in certain cases, append a statement to the record.
• The right to have some control over the disclosure of a student's education records.
• The right to file a complaint with the Department of Education.
Western Washington University students enjoy the same basic rights, privileges, and freedoms granted to all members of society. At the same time, acceptance of admission to the university carries with it an obligation to fulfill certain responsibilities and expectations as a member of the Western Washington University community. All students are responsible for understanding and complying with the responsibilities and expectations set forth in this code. wp.wwu.edu/officeofstudentlife/student-conduct-process/
For a directory of university policies by subject, visit: policy.wwu.edu/policies-by-subject.
Graduation
Visit the WWU Commencement website for information about upcoming ceremonies, eligibility requirements, and event logistics.
Commencement Team Contact: registrar.wwu.edu/commencement, Commencement@wwu.edu, 360-650-3701