Parents and Families
Welcome
Western
Families!
Download Western's Campus Safety App
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
We're Glad You're Here!
Parents, family members, and supporters are important partners in supporting student success at Western Washington University. The Office of Orientation and Transition provides outreach and services to help strengthen student and family connection to Western through weekly office hour appointments, a monthly e-newsletter, and 24/7 access to campus resources using the online tools below. 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 Next Steps. 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 Next Steps 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 no matter where you are in supporting your student's journey at Western!
New Family Orientation and Next Steps
Our Welcome New Families page is your guide to our two-part orientation experience, including New Family Next Steps, 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
Check out this toolkit that gives families a better understanding of the college experience, and 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 Virtual Office Hours are available to parents/families of new and current students.
The Orientation and Transition Office (formerly NSSFO) offers weekly Family Outreach Office Hours available each week in Zoom. Sign up for a free 30-minute, one-on-one appointment to ask questions, learn about campus support services and resources available to support your student's success at Western.
These meetings can be recorded by our office upon request.
Upcoming Holidays and Breaks
Visit the Registrar's Office website for more Important Dates & Deadlines.
See also: Term Dates.
Fall Quarter 2024
- First day of classes: September 25
- Veterans Day: November 11
- Thanksgiving Break: November 27-December 1
- Winter Break: December 14-January 6
Winter Quarter 2025
- First day of classes: January 7
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20
- Presidents Day: February 17
- Spring Break: March 22-March 31
Spring Quarter 2025
- First day of classes: April 1
- Memorial Day: May 26
- Juneteenth: June 19
- Summer Break: June 14-June 23