New Student Next Steps
Chart your course through your orientation and transition process by reviewing these New Student Next Steps. It’s important for new students to pay attention to required tasks and actions, as well as learn how to access student services and resources that will support your personal transition to campus and your long-term persistence.
Take a deep breath and remember you are not on this journey alone! The staff in the Office of Orientation and Transition and so many other departments are here to help you and your family/supporters have a successful experience at Western. Please reach out if you have any questions, aren’t sure which campus office to contact, or need help navigating a process. We’re here for you!
Getting Started
Review and complete required and recommended tasks in your Personalized New Student Checklist via your Admissions Portal. Your Checklist has steps, due dates (when applicable), information and links to the department or resource where tasks can be completed. Especially important are required tasks such as setting your WWU Universal Account password, submitting documents such as Proof of Measles Immunity and academic transcripts, and reviewing if you need to take the ALEKS Math Placement Test.
Click on the link below to take you the Student Guide, Task Timeline, and link to your Admissions Portal related to your student type.
First-Year | Running Start Student Guide
All new students must provide proof of measles immunity with documentation in the Student Health Center Patient Portal. Please review the SHC website for instructions and the link to your MyWesternHealth patient portal to upload your documents.
For students living on campus, be sure to track the Housing Timeline and deadlines related to the quarter you are starting, and track your on-going status via your MyHousing portal.
Students living off campus are encouraged to connect with the Off Campus Living office for resources, landlord/tenant information, housing listings, and more!
Contact the Disability Access Center (DAC) to apply for services and learn more about accommodations support and resources at Western. Visit the DAC website to learn more about an Overview of the DAC Process and Documentation Guidelines, or contact the DAC directly by emailing the office at drs@wwu.edu, or calling 360-650-3083.
The Viking Resource Hub can be used like a campus directory to help you connect with services and resources by searching under their function rather than an unfamiliar department name. Not finding what you need? Please contact the Orientation Office for assistance at orientation@wwu.edu or 360-650-3846.
Once you make a reservation for your A&R Session, remember to complete the preparatory steps prior to your session date. Tasks like completing the Virtual Advisor Canvas Course, taking the Math Placement Test, submitting transcripts, updating your Academic Interest area, and more, will help ensure you have a successful session.
WWU has determined that email will be one of the University’s official means of communication. Students are expected to access and review their WWU email account for official communications. Students can access their WWU email by navigating to myWestern, selecting Email, and logging in with their Universal login.
Ensure Your Personal Email Address is Updated with Admissions!
If your personal email address on file with Admissions is linked to your high school or other institutional account (for example: VictorViking@SeattleSchools.org), please be aware you may not receive important orientation-related information. Many high school-based email accounts or accounts affiliated with previous colleges often become inactive soon after you graduate or leave that institution. Because they become inactive, important messaging about your Advising & Registration (A&R) Session may not be received and will bounce back.
Please ensure you have an updated personal email address (like @Gmail, @Yahoo, etc.) with the Office of Admissions to receive important Western communications.
You are able to change your email address yourself in your Admissions Student Portal. After you log in, below the header on the right side, is a link to "Change Email Address." Both applicants without a decision and decided admits can change their email address by clicking on that link in the student portal.
Note: When the Student Health Center sends messages to new students, you will receive an email notification in your WWU Email account, however you will need to log in to your MyWesternHealth patient portal to read the messages received.
See University Policy: Using E-mail Accounts for Official Correspondence with Students.
Prior to Your First Quarter
Prior to your first quarter at Western, review these resources to make sure your day-to-day accounts, like your Student Account, Western Card/Bus Pass, Campus Safety App, are set up and ready to go!
The Western Card is the ID, access, and transaction card for Western Washington University, providing students with access to a wide variety of services, including dining, library, the Rec Center, student bus pass, and ATUS equipment check-out services. Go to the Western Card website for more information on the Western Card.
The mobile Western Card is available to all enrolled students and current employees. Tap your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone at readers across campus to conveniently access your Western Card. You may still opt to have a physical card by visiting the office.
Please email western.card@wwu.edu if you have any questions regarding obtaining a Western Card.
Student Business Office: Old Main 110, sbo@wwu.edu, or (360)650-2865.
The Student Business Office is responsible for the financial administration of all student billing related to tuition and fees, room and board, and for the processing of refunds as well as providing support and advice to students to aid in understanding their student account with the University.
Students can add parents/family members as payers to their student account after giving proper access. Explore the SBO's "How-To Videos" for more information.
Review the SBO’s website to complete your “Checklist 4 Success," access your Western Account Online, and track important dates related to tuition and fee payments. For more information on payments, visit the SBO's "When, Where and How to Pay" page. Still have questions? Access the SBO’s Virtual Schedule (toward the bottom of their home page) to schedule a virtual meeting!
Registrar’s Office: Old Main 230, Registrar.Office@wwu.edu, or (360)650-7327.
The Registrar’s Office also lists Important Dates & Deadlines each quarter that note due dates for Tuition & Fees, Housing & Meal Plans, adding/dropping classes, due dates, late payment deadlines, and more.
Access Campus Safety Resources On the Go:
- Request a public safety escort
- Invite a friend to walk with you virtually
- Report suspicious activity
- Learn about campus emergency procedures
- Access important safety resources
Review Important Dates & Deadlines on the Registrar's Office website, including information about final exams, breaks, and holidays.
Acceptance of admission to Western carries with it an obligation to fulfill certain responsibilities and expectations as a member of the WWU community. As a condition of enrollment at Western, students must assume responsibility for their own actions and maintain an environment conducive to the academic success, safety, and well-being of others.
You can learn more about Western’s policies, expectations, and the student conduct process by reviewing Western’s Student Conduct Code on the Office of Student Life’s website, and learn more about Ensuring Academic Honesty on the Academic Honesty website.
Transportation Services provides resources to help you travel around Bellingham and beyond. Check out their video library for an overview of transportation and parking at WWU.
As a student, your Western Card also serves as a WTA bus pass and provides unlimited rides on all WTA bus routes. You can also explore Regional Transportation Options on the Transportation Services website for more information about getting to and from Bellingham.
Explore virtual and in person campus tour options on the Admissions Office's website.
Know the 5 to Flourish!
Students who know about, access, and request support from these 5 areas, especially early on, are better prepared to navigate common transition challenges to university life and increase your long-term persistence and resilience on your academic journey. Please reach out!
Quick Links to the 5 to Flourish:
The Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) provides clinical services and wellness programs to support your personal and academic goals and to enhance your personal growth and well-being here at Western and beyond. We welcome, affirm, and value your diversity.
The Club Activities Office (affectionately known as the "Club Hub") offers all Western Students the opportunity to make the most of their college experience by getting involved in organizations that speak to their interests, passions, academic pursuits, identities, goals for social change, and more.
Socializing with your peers is a key part in your college experience. College is not just about growing academically; it is also about learning who you are as an individual. Building your community supports your sense of belonging and connection. Connecting with your community can engage you with variety of people which can lead to valuable friendships and discovering what drives, inspires and fulfills you.
The Financial Aid staff strive to support students with financial assistance through grants, scholarships, Work Study, and loan programs. We are available by phone, in person or email to assist you with any financial aid related questions year-round!
The Basic Needs Hub strives to offer a centralized source of assistance, connecting students with the necessary support when they need it most. Whether it's food insecurity, housing concerns, or financial instability, all students are worthy of having their basic needs met.
The Academic Advising & Student Achievement staff are dedicated to your success through conversations and resources around academic plans and personal life goals, and through the programs and services we offer that focus on your personal achievement.
During Your First Quarter
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 hazing, and help ensure a safe campus environment for everyone.
New students will receive an email to their WWU email address from StudentTrainings@getinclusive.vendor.wwu.edu with information about the Voices for Change training no later than the first week of the quarter. Visit the Voices for Change website for details about the training and how to access it.
The Career Services Center (CSC) can help you prepare for a job or internship search, interviewing, resume and cover letter writing, and connect you to employment opportunities through career fairs and networking events.
You can activate your account on Handshake, Western's job and internship platform.
Visit the Career Closet to find FREE business attire.
Drop-in for a FREE LinkedIn Photo for your profile.
Stay connected with CSC Events and Career Fairs.
Schedule individual appointments with a career counselor or advisor.
What's Next?
Where do students go to start building social connections? Learn more about student clubs and organizations, how students look for communities to meet people who share personal interests, identities, hobbies, and more. Check out student event hubs, resource offices, and social spaces to support a whole and healthy You at WWU!
Still Have Questions? We Have Office Hours!
Orientation and Transition Office Hours for Students
Office Hours are available to new and current students.
The Orientation and Transition Office holds office hours each week in Zoom. Sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one appointment to ask questions, and learn about campus services and resources available to support your success at Western.
These meetings can be recorded by our office upon request.