Find community and connection at Western

Whether students are new to campus or just exploring new interests, friend groups or networking environments, Western has many resources, spaces and programs to help students deepen their passions, inform their personal development and find community and connection. 

Calendars and Events

Visit Western's calendar of featured events to locate activities on campus under the following areas of interest: 

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Athletics
  • Career 
  • Education
  • Social 

WIN is the hub for campus events, clubs and support services across campus. Browse, start, or join more than 200 clubs. Check WIN often and never miss the campus events that fit your interest. The site works great on mobile devices too!

The College of Fine and Performing Arts presents more than 300 events per year, open to the public! Events honor local and international performers and visual artists: students fulfilling their passions, renowned faculty, and special guests. Enjoy a perpetual supply of fresh, thought-provoking experiences! Everyone is welcomed to engage, and enjoy. Visit their website for a full schedule of theatre, dance, music and exhibition events.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Associated Students of WWU (ASWWU) is an organization designed and run by Western students and governed by elected student officials. ASWWU seeks to ensure a fulfilling college and academic experience for all University students through numerous services, facilities and programs. Whether you are looking to embark on an excursion with the Outdoor Center, attend a concert with AS Productions, or jam out in the comfort of your own home with the student-run radio KUGS 89.3 FM, the AS has a way to get you connected.

The AS Club Hub offers all Western students the opportunity to make the most of their college experience by getting involved in over 200 clubs on campus that appeal to their interests, passions, academic pursuits, identities and/or goals for social change. Stop in at Viking Union 425 to learn more about joining clubs or starting a new one.

The AS Bookstore is located on the 6th Floor of the Viking Union (VU) and is the go-to location for course materials, textbooks, classroom supplies, Western gear and gifts. See their website for current operating information.

501 High Street, 360-650-3655ASBookstore@wwu.edubookstore.wwu.edu

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.

Viking Union 504, 360-650-2889, wwu.edu/bsc

The AS 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 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

Lakewood is a Western-owned facility located on Lake Whatcom with over 60 watercrafts, ranging from sailboards, canoes, kayaks, keelboats and stand-up paddleboards. All students, alumni, faculty and staff have access to Lakewood and the rental equipment for a small fee. Open Spring, Summer and Fall quarters. 

Lakewood is located approximately 7 miles from WWU's main campus at 2410 Lake Whatcom Blvd, Bellingham, WA.

360-650-2900, lakewood@wwu.edu, vu.wwu.edu/lakewood

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. 

Viking Union 751, 360-650-2889vu.wwu.edu/mcc

The ASWWU Outdoor Center inspires discovery and community at WWU, enhancing opportunities for students and other members of the campus community to involve themselves in outdoor recreation activities. Resources include:

  • Equipment Rentals
  • The Bike Shop
  • Excursions
  • Challenge Programming
  • Knowledgeable Staff
  • Educational Resources/Instructional Clinics

Viking Union 150, 360-650-3112as.oc.marketing@wwu.edu, as.wwu.edu/outdoor

The Outback is WWU’s 5-acre farm on south campus between Fairhaven College and Buchanan Towers. Started in 1972, the Outback is a place of experimentation, learning, reflection, advocacy, and agriculture. They feature permaculture practices and teachings and are home to community gardens, chickens, production rows, a teaching apiary, vernal pools and a delineated wetland. The Outback is a student-driven farm with three year-long coordinator positions and a team of work study students focused on growing food for the WWU community. All students are welcome to come and engage in ecosystem restoration, community building, and food justice. 

360-650-3779,  as.outback.communications@wwu.edu, fairhaven.wwu.edu/outback-farm

The Viking Union (VU) welcomes and engages Western students, faculty, staff, and guests in building a diverse community and supporting student leadership, campus involvement and creative expression. It is the center for Associated Students (AS) organizations, activities, clubs, concerts, programs, and events. The Multicultural Center, Vendor’s Row, the Underground Coffeehouse café, and the campus post office are just a few of the many highlights of the VU. 

vu.wwu.edu

VU Leadership and Community Engagement Center (LACE) provides leadership development, and service opportunities, to campus students including highly experiential leader learning modules, student leader self-assessment and development, innovative lectures and events.

Viking Union 420, https://wp.wwu.edu/vulace

Student Services with Connective Programming

In addition to Viking athletic events, WWU hosts a variety of events in celebration of our teams, coaches and student athletes. Find schedules, rosters, tickets, and much more, including Athletic internships.

Fans and alumni can also track WWU's 15 varsity sports programs and teams on social media accounts. Go Vikings!

Campus Rec Services provide the campus community with opportunities to become actively involved in individual or organized sports, fitness and wellness programs. The centerpiece of the department is the Wade King Student Recreation Center, which allows members to take advantage of a wide range of fitness and recreation offerings. The department also oversees WWU’s popular intramural sports programming, sport club teams and faculty/staff wellness programs.

Interested in competing in a club sport as a WWU student? The Campus Rec Center currently features 23 active sport clubs in a wide variety of sports and activities! Active Sport Clubs has websites, contact information and social media pages for each team.

You can also check out intramural sports! 

LGBTQ+ Western advances the holistic thriving of diverse LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff at Western through education, connection to resources, advocacy and celebration. The LGBTQ+ Director holds weekly office hours in Viking Union 753, 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, Viking Union 753, 360-650-7500LGBTQ@wwu.edulgbtq.wwu.edu

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. They 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.

Programs of MSS include the Ethnic Student Center, Blue Resource Center, and Black Student Coalition.

Viking Union 751, 360.650.2889vu.wwu.edu/mccmss.wwu.edu

There are a number of opportunities to grow or gain leadership skills as a University resident. From hall committees and councils, to event planning and community service, residents gain valuable experience while building connections within their halls and the campus community.

Visit University Residences.

Prevention and Wellness Services' Wellness Advocates Program is a unique volunteer opportunity for passionate Western students who are committed to enhancing their own health and the health of Western's community. This program allows students to develop meaningful connections with peers and professional mentors as well as build a strong skill set in leadership and education that supports their academic learning and career plans.

360-650-2993pws@wwu.edu, cwc.wwu.edu/wellness-advocates 

Wellness is practiced throughout Western’s campus. For resources and information on how students can learn new wellness practices or connect with others as they continue their practice, visit the Counseling and Wellness Center for information about events, workshops, and group support. To stay connected:

Old Main 540, cwc@wwu.educwc.wwu.edu

The Foundation for WWU & Alumni strengthens Western by building strong and caring relationships that make a difference among our students, alumni, friends and the greater University community. The Foundation not only provides meaningful connections for WWU graduates, they also assist current students with support through alumni scholarships, mentorship programs and providing valuable career contacts.

Old Main 430, 360-650-3027forwestern@wwu.edufoundation.wwu.edu

Western Success Scholars (WSS) is a campus-based supportive program designed to assist all incoming WWU First-year, Transfer and continuing students who have experienced foster care or homelessness. The program fosters academic success and a sense of community and belonging by providing a place where students can have a voice, support services and resources as they persist towards graduation.

WSS offers a welcoming community focused on building a safe and caring space with peers who have similar life experiences.

This is an inclusive program where all former foster youth, unaccompanied homeless youth, and students who have experienced homelessness are invited to participate and enjoy a community of support.

(360) 650-4133wss.wwu.edu, wss.wwu.edu/who-we-are

Academic Programs, Institutes, and Centers at WWU

Explore academic majors at Western to find student experiences within each concentrated area of study or interest, such as:

  • Academic organizations and clubs
  • Internships and scholarships
  • Research and field opportunities and institutes
  • Teams, publications, social media, field trips, and more

Western’s University-wide Academic Programs, Institutes, and Centers (APICs) exist to leverage, support, and develop connections across traditional academic boundaries. By working together to promote inclusion across disciplines, Western students benefit, as well as on and off campus communities. APICs aim to inspire, build synergies for success, and strengthen each other through a collaborative and convivial culture.

Review the full selection of APICs available at Western.