Welcome to Western! We are thrilled to start this new school year with all of our new and returning students. We’ve put together a variety of Western Welcome events this fall to help you start the year strong as you get to know campus and everything it has to offer. Cheer on our student athletes at games with free admission, get to know clubs and campus resources at AS Fall Info Fair, come together as a class for Convocation, and get connected with your community through concerts and movie nights. There are so many fun events on tap just waiting for you to join them!
To request disability accommodations, please contact the sponsoring department or organization for the event or contact the New Student Services/Family Outreach office for assistance at NSSFO@wwu.edu or call us at 360-650-3846. We can help you connect!
New Student Welcoming Convocation
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Western kicks off the academic year with the official welcoming ceremony, New Student Convocation. This formal ceremony introduces new students to academic life at Western and is the first assembling of the new academic class. Our Convocation Ceremony marks a new beginning and is the first of the formal ceremonies that frame academic life at Western. The Western community looks forward to welcoming new students to the University and commemorating the first step on your academic journey here!
Early Arrival Programs & Events
Sunday, September 17 - Saturday, September 23, 2023
Monday, September 18
Thursday, September 21
Friday, September 22
Saturday, September 23
Fall Signature Events
Sunday, September 24 - Saturday, September 30, 2023
Sunday, September 24
Monday, September 25
Tuesday, September 26
Wednesday, September 27
Thursday, September 28
Friday, September 29
Saturday, September 30
Continuing Events
Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Saturday, October 28, 2023
WWU Fall Family Weekend
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, October 20, 21, & 22, 2023
Western welcomes parents and family members back to campus to re-connect with their student during our annual weekend of fun, family-friendly events and activities. Choose your own adventure or from a flexible schedule of on and off-campus activities, comedy shows, student performances, faculty speakers, department open houses, outdoor excursions, WWU athletics, art exhibits, campus and Bellingham tours, and more! While most scheduled events are free or low cost, those requiring tickets will be available for purchase from the Fall Family Weekend website in late September.