Health and Wellness
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.
Thrive at Western
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, physician assistants, 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. Any eligible student who has paid the mandatory, quarterly Health Services Fee has access to the Student Health Center.
Second Floor, Campus Services, 2001 Bill McDonald Parkway,
The Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) offers multiple pathways for students to thrive at Western and beyond, from therapy groups and individual counseling services, to drop-in wellness outreach programs and self-care resources available online. The CWC offers a unique volunteer opportunity through the Wellness Advocates program for students interested in contributing to a safe and healthy campus community, and 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 their 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 information about Western's health and safety protocols in response to Covid, visit WWU's Covid information website to find Covid safety practices and tips, testing information, what to do if you feel sick, and vaccine support on how to be well and stay well.
Send questions about Covid procedures to covidcoordinationresilience@wwu.edu.
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 the 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.
For training information: cwc.wwu.edu/reqtraining
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.
For more information and to register for an interactive training workshop: cwc.wwu.edu/athlete-training
Policies
Visit our Campus Resource Directory page to find policy resources on topics like alcohol and other drugs, student code of conduct, and more University policies and procedures by subject.