Support Your Student with Finding Connection at WWU
Whether your student is living in the res halls, off campus, or commuting from home, it can be hard to make friends and connect somewhere new. The good news is that there are a lot of helpful resources available to support your student’s ongoing transition to Western! So in your next call, text or conversation, you might mention a few ways to help them discover how to find and create community in their new life.
Pro Tip: give them an easy challenge of just trying three new activities each week: one that is purely social, one that gets them outdoors and moving, and one that supports them academically. For a comprehensive list of services, academic and social clubs and orgs and their activities, have them explore Find Your Community in the Viking Resource Hub while they complete their challenge.
Explore more resources and strategies of support for your student below!
WWU Email
Remind your student to check their WWU email account for notices from their academic programs, student clubs and organizations, or student support services about upcoming activities, campus-wide events and other engagement opportunities.
Housing Connections
On Campus: Ask your student if they’ve talked to their RA or Res Hall Director about feeling disconnected and for recommendations about current or upcoming Res Life activities and events they can checkout.
Off Campus: Encourage your student to consider joining the Off Campus Living Peer Advising Program for connection and support from a host of off-campus upperclassman waiting to connect with you (one-on-one) throughout the school year!
Questions? Weekly drop-in office hours are available!
Student Activities
Ask them about checking out WIN (Western Involvement Network). Navigate past the home page, which is the general landing page, to an Event link in the top menu that displays a variety of meetings, club activities, and campus events. Encourage your student to try to drop in to at least one activity a week.
Be Well WWU
Encourage your student to invest in their emotional health and make time to build social and self-care skills by attending Wellness Wednesdays workshops, groups and events through the Counseling and Wellness Center or connecting with peer health educators. Sign up for the BeWell newsletter to find out how to build skills to thrive in their new home away from home.
Volunteer
If your student finds it fulfilling and interesting to volunteer, there are opportunities to do so here at Western or in the community through the Student Employment Center.
Family Resources
Make sure to sign up for the WWU Family Connection newsletter so you can be ready with great suggestions on how to help your student navigate and find connection through the latest resources and programs. You might also find it useful to reference the Community Connections section of the Viking Resource Hub.
Have questions? Let's chat! Feel free to schedule an appointment during the Family Outreach Manager's Office Hours!