Health and Wellness
Thrive at Western
At Western, we believe students who are actively encouraged and supported in their efforts to be well are better able to achieve their personal and academic goals.
There are multiple dimensions of wellness, multiple pathways to wellness, and multiple ways our wellness is impacted by—and contributes to—the wellness of our larger community.
The Student Health Center is a primary care medical clinic specializing in college health. The Student Health Center is staffed by a team of board-certified family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and support staff. They provide an extensive array of services including management of acute illness and injury, chronic disease diagnosis and management, behavioral health and psychiatric care, orthopedic care and rehab, sexual health, LGBTQ+ care and referral to specialists as needed. Eligible students who have paid the mandatory, quarterly Health Services fee have unlimited access to the Student Health Center, without charge for nearly all office visits.
Second Floor, Campus Services, 2001 Bill McDonald Parkway,
The Counseling and Wellness Center offers multiple pathways for students to thrive at Western and beyond, from therapy groups and individual counseling services to drop-in wellness outreach programs to self-care resources available on our website. We offer a unique volunteer opportunity through our Wellness Advocates program for students interested in contributing to a safe and healthy campus community, and we also contribute to the mental health professions by serving as a training site for graduate students in psychology and counseling. Students enrolled in 6 or more credits are automatically eligible for services, and students registered for fewer credits may access services by paying the Health Service Fee.
Some of our specific offerings include:
Substance Abuse Prevention: Confidential, nonjudgmental support and referral for Western students who want assistance or information regarding their own use or someone else’s use of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, or other drugs.
Community Check-ins: Weekly informal support and consultation spaces to promote emotional and mental well-being and connect students to campus resources, when needed.
Survivor Advocacy Services: Confidential survivor advocacy, support and referral services for students who have experienced any form of violence during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
Wellness Workshops: Interactive workshops, including Wellness Wednesdays, Mindful Self-Compassion, Yoga and Meditation, and Outdoor Wellness Breaks, that center holistic health and well-being.
Old Main 540/560, 360-650-3164, cwc@wwu.edu, cwc.wwu.edu
For the latest information about Western's health and safety protocols in response to the Coronavirus, visit WWU's Covid-19 website to find:
- Weekly Covid updates, recovery status, and health dashboard
- Information communicated from the WWU Covid Support Team
- Covid safety practices at WWU, vaccine requirements, safety tips
- WWU Coronavirus information line & contact form
- Regional Covid resources, and more
Creating a Campus Culture of Compassion, Well-Being, Equity, and Social Justice
Western Washington University is deeply committed to ensuring a safe campus environment for all students. All students are required to complete our "Voices for Change" training module to help build a safe, healthy, and positive university community.
Western Washington University is committed to creating a campus culture of compassion, well-being, equity, and social justice, and improving the health of all our community members. One way our school commits to these values is by providing students with the Voices for Change training to build the skills and knowledge that create healthy communities, prevent violence, and help ensure a safe campus environment for everyone.
Students will be required to complete the training in their first and third years of undergraduate studies at Western, or the first year of graduate studies. This includes students living outside of Bellingham, graduate students, part-time students, and online-only students, as part of Western policy.
Visit cwc.wwu.edu/reqtraining for training information.
The Counseling and Wellness Center provides sexual violence prevention training for all student athletes in order to promote a healthy and safe culture at Western; fulfill the vision, mission, and goals of the University; and support the University’s compliance with NCAA policy and Title IX requirements.
Our interactive training workshops are coordinated by Western's Sexual Violence Prevention and Outreach Specialist, Liz Stuart. For more information, contact Liz Stuart at 360-650-7982 or Liz.Stuart@wwu.edu.
Policies
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
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.