Parents and Families
Welcome
Western
Families!
We're Glad You're Here!
Parents and family members are important partners in supporting student success at Western Washington University. New Student Services/Family Outreach (NSSFO) provides outreach and services to help strengthen student and family connection to Western, including a monthly newsletter, family resources, and more. Whether you are a brand new Western family, or family of a returning student, use the links and resources on this page to learn about our campus community and continue to stay involved in your student's experience at Western!
Do You Have a New Western Student?
Start here with the link below to the Welcome New Families Orientation page and Checklist. Then come back to this page to explore the other resources and quick links to information if you find you're still needing more.
Note: While the New Family Checklist is specifically curated for those with students beginning at Western for the very first time, there may still be information you'd like to reference again, whether your student is in their second quarter, second year, or beyond! Feel free to explore the Checklist no matter where you are in supporting your student's journey at Western!
New Family Orientation & Next Steps Checklist
Our Welcome New Families page is your guide to our two-part orientation experience, including a New Family Next Steps Checklist, designed to support your new student beginning their journey at Western!
Do You Have a Returning Western Student?
As a returning family member, you have a student already at Western! Thank you for your continued support and participation in their academic journey.
We wanted to make it easy for you to still be involved and stay connected to your Western student, even with the first quarter or two out of the way - there are still ways for you to be active as a returning family!
Check out these resources we've put together, and the quick links below to have easy access to some of the most visited pages on Western's websites. Please let us know if you're not finding what you're looking for - we're here to help!
Viking Resource Hub
Visit our directory that allows you to locate campus resources, services, and departments organized by their function rather than by unfamiliar department names.
First-Generation Family Toolkit
Based on feedback from first-generation students, we've learned that many would feel more supported if their families had a better understanding of the college experience.
We invite you to check-out the toolkit to find all the tools you need to help your student succeed at Western.
Quick Links to Commonly Requested Resources
And Don't Forget We Have Office Hours!
Coffee, Tea and Family
Family Outreach Office Hours are available to parents/families of new and current students.
New Student Services/Family Outreach has virtual office hours available for families each week in Zoom. Sign up for Coffee, Tea and Family, a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with NSSFO's Family Outreach Manager to ask questions, learn about campus support services and resources, and about available tools and opportunities to keep you connected with Western.
Upcoming Holidays & Breaks
Visit the Registrar's Office website for more Important Dates & Deadlines.
Fall Quarter 2023
First Day of Classes: Sept. 27
- Veterans Day: Nov. 10
- Thanksgiving Break: Nov 22 - 26
- Winter Break: Dec. 16 - Jan. 8
Winter Quarter 2024
First Day of Classes: Jan. 9
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan. 15
- Presidents Day: Feb. 19
- Spring Break: Mar. 23 - April 1
Spring Quarter 2024
First Day of Classes: April 2
- Memorial Day: May 27
- Summer Break: June 15 - 24
- Juneteenth: June 19