Diversity at Western
Accessibility, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Western Washington University we see equity, justice, and inclusion as fundamental principles integral to our success. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and strive to create learning, living, and working environments that promote respect, access, opportunity, and equity for all.
Incorporating accessibility into Western Washington University’s culture is not only the right thing to do, but also provides many benefits to the campus community. Accessible technologies allow all members of the university to learn, work, and contribute in their own way. Locate accessibility tools, resources and services as well as report barriers at Western.
The Black Student Coalition (BSC) provides Black, African, and African-American students at Western Washington University a community of support on campus, while creating an environment filled with resources to support students. The BSC has five areas of focus: academic success, professional enrichment, community development, social awareness, and holistic wellbeing. VU 504, 360-650-2889, vu.bsc@wwu.edu, wwu.edu/bsc
The Blue Resource Center (BRC) is a student-funded, student-run office that works to support and empower undocumented and mixed-status students at Western Washington University. The BRC provides peer support, a safe(r) space, educational/community-building events, direct advocacy, and connections to campus and community resources.
Viking Union 720, 360-650-6124, wwu.edu/brc
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
Western's comprehensive framework for accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion is illustrated with links to relevant resources.
The Ethnic Student Center (ESC) is an organization that offers resources and a safe environment where students can work on event programming, study or just hang out. The ESC supports clubs that assist students in transitioning to Western, developing cultural identity, providing a sense of community and being active in social justice.
Viking Union 7th Floor, 360-650-7271, wwu.edu/esc
LGBTQ+ Western advances the holistic thriving of diverse LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff at Western through education, connection to resources, advocacy and celebration. We hold weekly office hours in VU753, and the LGBTQ+ Western website shares information about LGBTQ+ student groups, on and off-campus resources for LGBTQ+ students, and opportunities to study LGBTQ+ topics.
Western Multicultural Center, VU753, 360-650-7500, LGBTQ@wwu.edu, lgbtq.wwu.edu
The Multicultural Center (MCC) creates initiatives and programming to support Western Washington University’s strategic goals in equity, excellence, and inclusion for our students. The MSS strives to create and ensure an inclusive Western Washington University community by centering and amplifying the voice of students with underrepresented and marginalized identities and supporting student success.
VU 751, 360-650-2889, vu.wwu.edu/mcc
The Office of Multicultural Student Services (MSS) creates initiatives and programming to support Western Washington University’s strategic goals in equity, excellence, and inclusion for our students. The MSS strives to create and ensure an inclusive Western Washington University community by centering and amplifying the voice of students with underrepresented and marginalized identities and supporting student success. We do this through collaboration, celebration, advocacy, and the development of learning spaces that focus on the topics of race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and ability. VU 751, 360.650.2889
The Executive Director for the Office of Tribal Relations has both external and internal-facing leadership responsibilities. Externally, the Executive Director will represent the WWU president and Board of Trustees as a liaison and envoy to American Indian/Alaska Native and First Nations governments; and, internally advocates for the support and success of American Indian/Alaska Native students at Western.
Tribal Relations
752 Viking Union
360-650-3110, Laural.ballew@wwu.edu, wwu.edu/tribal-relations
Assists with educational benefits, change of program forms, and other services to support WWU veterans.
Wilson Library 165, 360-650-3324, veterans.affairs@wwu.edu,
Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
Western strives to maintain an environment free from sexual harassment, gender-based harassment and sexual violence—including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. These behaviors are prohibited by Western’s Policy on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment under Title IX (POL-U1600.04).
Western’s Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (CRTC) office is responsible for overseeing compliance with civil rights laws and University policies prohibiting discrimination and sexual misconduct, and works to create an environment in which equity, inclusion and diversity are valued. Under Western’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation (POL-U1600.02), students have the right to learn, work and participate in university programs and activities free of harassment or discrimination based on:
- race
- ethnicity
- color
- national origin
- age, citizenship or immigration status
- pregnancy
- use of protective leave
- genetic status
- sex
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
- gender expression
- marital status
- creed
- religion
- veteran or military status
- disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability
Our office works to resolve discriminatory concerns at the earliest and most informal levels, depending on the nature of the complaint. Students with concerns about harassment, discrimination and/or sexual violence are encouraged to contact Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX Coordinator & ADA Coordinator for assistance. Formal complaints are investigated using Western’s Discrimination Complaint Procedure (PRO-U1600.02A). Western policies prohibit retaliation against anyone who raises a discrimination concern or otherwise participates in an investigation as a witness, advisor or third-party reporter. If a person who experiences sexual misconduct chooses not to file a formal complaint, Western must still take reasonable actions to provide support for the targeted individual and work to prevent reoccurrence, which may include an investigation.
Students and employees are encouraged to contact the CRTC by phone or by email to schedule an appointment. Our office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday throughout the calendar year. Please visit our website at crtc.wwu.edu to learn more about our policies and procedures as well as university resources and reporting options.
Bellingham Campus, Old Main 345, 360-650-3307 or 711 (WA Relay),
Together Against Sexual violence website: crtc.wwu.edu/compliance/sexual-violence