Nov 07, 2025  
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog

Academic Affairs


The division of Academic Affairs includes all academic colleges, departments, programs, academic support services, and curriculum. Academic Affairs is at the core of the academic mission of the university and is led by the Provost and Executive Vice President. 

The Provost and Executive Vice President reports to the President and is responsible for the operation of the Academic Affairs division of the University, including the academic programs, personnel, and associated resources of Western Washington University. 

Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

Old Main 460, 360-650-3480
provost.wwu.edu

The Provost and Executive Vice President’s primary areas of oversight include: academic planning, academic policy, faculty and academic budgets, faculty affairs, assessment and outcomes, enrollment management, academic advising, and institutional effectiveness. The Provost and EVP administers the seven academic colleges and academic support services, as well as all undergraduate and graduate programs.  

Other areas of oversight responsibility include the university libraries, faculty research, international programs, Honors College, Outreach and Continuing Education, strategic planning, accreditation, instruction and research, and the evaluation of programs and instruction. With assistance from the academic deans, department chairs, Vice Provosts, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and directors, Academic Affairs is responsible for curricular issues and administers existing academic programs and develops new programs.  

Reporting directly to the Provost and EVP are the seven academic deans, the Dean of Libraries, the Director of the Honors College, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice Provost for Research/Dean of the Graduate School, the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the Vice Provost for Outreach and Continuing Education, the Director of Academic Advising and Student Achievement Center, Director of Global Engagement Office, Faculty Relations Director, Director of Academic Budget and Administration, and the Director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.   

College of Business and Economics

See the College of Business and Economics  section of this catalog.

College of the Environment

See the College of the Environment  section of this catalog.

College of Fine and Performing Arts

See the College of Fine and Performing Arts  section of this catalog.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

See the College of Humanities and Social Sciences  section of this catalog.

College of Science and Engineering

See the College of Science and Engineering  section of this catalog.

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies

See the Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies  section of this catalog.

Western Libraries

See the Western Libraries  section of this catalog.

Woodring College of Education

See the Woodring College of Education  section of this catalog.

Graduate School

See the Graduate School  section of this catalog.

Academic Programs, Institutes, and Centers

See the Academic Programs, Institutes, and Centers website for more information

University Interdisciplinary Programs

See the University Interdisciplinary Programs  section of this catalog.

Honors College

See the Honors College  section of this catalog.

Outreach and Continuing Education

See the Outreach and Continuing Education  section of this catalog.

Seminar

See the Seminar  section of this catalog.

Office of the Vice Provost of Student Affairs

Old Main 445, 360-650-3839
studentaffairs.wwu.edu

The Vice President’s Office is the central administrative office for the Division of Student Affairs. Students with general questions regarding any university policies, procedures, and resources may contact the Vice President’s Office for assistance.

Associated Students of Western Washington University (ASWWU) – Student Government and Civic Engagement Unit

Viking Union 511 & 518, 360-650-3460
as.wwu.edu

The AS WWU Student Governance Advising staff support the ASWWU Executive Board and the ASWWU Senate who are responsible for representing students in the shared governance of Western Washington University as charged by the University President.

ASWWU Government positions are selected for the following academic year each Spring term through an ASWWU election process.

ASWWU Executive Board

Viking Union 512 & 514, 360-650-3460
as.wwu.edu/gov/board

The ASWWU Executive Board is responsible for representing students in all areas of shared governance beyond Academic Affairs. This includes Student Services, Student Activities, University Operations, Sustainability, Diversity and Governmental Affairs.

ASWWU Senate

Viking Union 517, 360-650-3460
as.wwu.edu/gov/senate

The ASWWU Senate represents students primarily in academic affairs topics, including department policies, curriculum design, assessments, and academic support services.

Each University College is represented by two elected Senators in addition to four At-Large Senators and the ASWWU Senate President.

Civic Action Programs (CAP)

Viking Union 519, 360-650-6510
as.wwu.edu/oce

Civic Action Programs are a student-led office that provides resources, services, and supports necessary to ensure student representation in decisions that impact students at the university, local, state, and federal levels. They promote effective student citizenship and civic engagement through services, programs, and collaboration with campus, local and state programs.

In addition to ASWWU Election and Local, State and Federal voter information, registration and voting support, CAP is responsible for coordinating Western Students’ official Lobbyist and Legislative agenda work in Olympia every year.

Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement Unit

thecenters.wwu.edu

Western’s commitment to equity and justice is a basic value for the university. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and strive to create learning, living, and working environments that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive of all students.

The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement (The Centers) Unit provides services and programs centering students with marginalized identities and providing space to build community, explore identity, and find support.

Disability Access Center

Wilson Library, 360-650-3083 (voice), 360-255-7175 (VP), drs@wwu.edu (email)
disability.wwu.edu

The primary mission of the Disability Access Center (DAC) is to identify and remove barriers toward the realization of an inclusive University experience. Disability is an important aspect of diversity at Western, and the DAC staff partners with students who have permanent or temporary disabilities to understand their experience and determine individualized accommodations for curricular and co-curricular environments. Students are encouraged to reach out early in their WWU experience and can schedule a consultation appointment at any time to find out more about how the DAC might be of assistance.

LGBTQ+ Western

Multicultural Center, Viking Union 7th floor, 360-650-7583
lgbtq.wwu.edu
lgbtq@wwu.edu

LGBTQ+ Western works to advance the holistic thriving of diverse LGBTQ+ students by collaboratively engaging the Western community with transformational knowledge, resources, advocacy and celebration. LGBTQ+ Western is committed to learning about and celebrating sexual orientation and gender identity diversity as they intersect with race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, religion, and other aspects of identity and experience. The department provides student support, LGBTQ+ affirming learning opportunities and celebrations, and advocacy for diverse queer and trans spectrum Western students.

Office of Multicultural Student Services

Multicultural Center, Viking Union 7th floor, 360-650-2889
mss.wwu.edu

The Office of Multicultural Student Services (MSS) creates initiatives and programming to support Western Washington University’s strategic goals in equity, excellence, and inclusion for our students. The MSS strives to create and ensure an inclusive Western community by centering and amplifying the voice of students with underrepresented and marginalized identities. We do this through collaboration, celebration, advocacy, and learning spaces. The Ethnic Student Center and its many cultural clubs, Black Student Coalition, and Blue Resource Center for undocumented students are part of MSS.

Counseling, Health and Wellness Unit

wwu.edu/chw

The transition from home represents a time of exponential development for many college students. Often, it is a time filled with social and academic curiosity and a lot of fun. However, students sometimes experience challenges along the way. As students adjust to living away from home, many for the first time, Western is prepared to support that transformative process. As students explore Western’s campus, they will learn that community health and safety is a top priority.

The Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services (CHW) unit is comprised of the Campus Recreation Center, the Counseling and Wellness Center, Student Resilience and Health Promotion programs, and the Student Health Center. The unit offers a broad range of services to support healthy development for students physically, psychologically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The unit is committed to ensuring that every student has an opportunity to explore the vast social and academic experiences that will inevitability contribute to many exciting future goals.

Campus Recreation Center

Wade King Student Recreation Center SV138, 360-650-3766
campusrec.wwu.edu

The Campus Recreation Center provides each student, faculty, and staff member the opportunity to become actively involved in organized sports and recreation programs. Services provided by Campus Recreation include intramural sports, noncredit fitness classes, faculty/staff wellness, open recreation, nutritionist, athletic trainer, and sport clubs. All undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in six or more credits automatically become SRC members by paying the mandatory student recreation center fee. Paid memberships are available for faculty/staff, spouses/dependents/partners, and alumni and affiliates. The center features a climbing wall; a three-court gym; three weight and cardio areas; an indoor jogging track; a multi-activity court for basketball, floor hockey, tennis, volleyball, and soccer; a six-lane lap/leisure pool and 32-person whirlpool; two group exercise rooms; an equipment checkout counter; and the Smoothie Lab.

Counseling and Wellness Center

Old Main 540/560, 360.650.3164
cwc.wwu.edu

The Counseling and Wellness Center provides students with multiple pathways to wellness, including individual, couples and group counseling; survivor advocacy services; crisis support; drop-in wellness workshops and community check-ins; and self-help wellness resources that can be accessed any time from the website. The Counseling and Wellness Center is committed to equity and inclusion in our services and supports university efforts to foster an environment that values and respects diversity in our students and community. 

Student Health Center

Campus Services Building 2nd floor, 2001 Bill McDonald Parkway
360-650-3400
studenthealth.wwu.edu

The Student Health Center at Western Washington University is a primary care medical clinic specializing in college health. The Student Health Center is staffed by a team of board-certified family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and support staff. The Student Health Center provides an extensive array of services including preventive health care and management of health concerns. Primary care medical services include evaluation and treatment of acute illness and injury, chronic disease diagnosis and management, orthopedic/sports medicine care and rehab, behavioral health care, sexual health and LGBTQ+ care, medical/mental health emergencies and referrals to specialists as needed.

Student Resilience and Health Promotion

VU756, 360-650-2127
cwc.wwu.edu/resilience

The Office of Student Resilience and Health Promotion promotes a positive and healthy collegiate experience for all students and strives to increase mental and physical wellness while encouraging a proactive approach to healthier living. The hope and goal of the service is to create a space that supports the health and happiness of members of the Western community.

Student Life Unit

Old Main 240, 360-650-3706
osl.wwu.edu
studentlife@wwu.edu

To advance Western Washington University’s educational mission, the Office of Student Life provides help for students, faculty, staff and family by supporting students experiencing crisis or difficult situations and coordinating resources at Western and in the community; educating students on Western’s Student Conduct Code and holding accountable students who engage in misconduct; assisting students in understanding and navigating the University’s policies and processes. We can assist students with:

  • Dean’s withdrawal
  • Leaves of absence for non-medical emergencies
  • Advice on university policies, procedures, and grievances
  • Support while experiencing a crisis
  • Information on university resources
Basic Needs

Viking Union 420, 360-650-3895
basicneeds.wwu.edu

The Basic Needs Hub has a mission to ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive academically, pursue their career goals, and foster meaning relationships within the Western community. The 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.

Off-Campus Living

Viking Union 420, 360-650-6863
offcampusliving.wwu.edu

The mission of Off Campus Living is to support the success of students living off-campus by providing education, resources, and advocacy. The main goals of Off Campus Living are to: 

  • Increase student understanding of renting and adulting through educational programming
  • Increase student connections with peers and neighbors through social programming
  • Increase student awareness of campus and community resources through strategic communication
  • Decrease obstacles and barriers to success for commuter students through strategic advocacy
Student Engagement

Viking Union 546, 360-650-2750
Viking Union 544, 360-650-2489
engage.wwu.edu

The Student Engagement team supports and empowers students and staff to deliver inclusive and innovative programs that enhance growth, belonging, joy, and student success. Student Engagement Programs include:

Student Success Initiatives Unit

The Student Success Initiatives (SSI) unit’s mission is to maximize student retention, persistence and continued success through strong inclusive outreach and support programs. The SSI unit includes the Career Services Center, the Western Success Scholars program, division wide support for strategic planning and assessment, university-wide implementation of EAB Navigate, and coordination of support for first-generation students.

Career Services Center

Old Main 280, 360-650-3240
wwu.edu/careers
careers@wwu.edu

The Career Services Center’s mission is to empower our community to explore, to connect, and to create their future. Through individual appointments, group workshops, and employer events, the Center provides a comprehensive range of services to empower students and alumni in their career journeys, including:​

  • Career exploration
  • Job and internship search
  • Resume and cover letter review
  • Interview preparation
  • Continuing education guidance

All Western students, regardless of degree or college, are encouraged to seek and use the Career Services Center early in their university experience.

Western Success Scholars

Viking Union 420, 360-650-4133
wss.wwu.edu
successscholars@wwu.edu

Western Success Scholars (WSS) is a program designed to increase opportunities for former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth to connect with one another and with a network of support, services, workshops, and group building activities aimed at helping students succeed and graduate.

Viking Union Unit

Viking Union 547, 360-650-3450
vu.wwu.edu

The Viking Union’s mission is to enrich the Western community by advancing student focused services and welcoming spaces that contributes to belonging through meaningful connections, joyful celebrations, and shared learning.

As the community center of the campus, the Viking Union plays an integral role in students’ out-of-class experience. The Union is the center for campus life, hosting student activity events, and being the location for programs and services that enhance students’ experience at Western. A number of organizations that call the Viking Union home including: the Associated Students’ government (Executive Board and Student Senate), The Centers (Multicultural Student Services, Ethnic Student Center, Blue Resource Center, LGBTQ+ Western, Black Student Coalition, and La Plaza), Student Engagement (Arts and Music Productions, Club Hub, Outdoor Center, KUGS 98.3FM, Community Service Center and the Publicity Center), and the Basic Needs Hub (Western Success Scholars, Off-Campus Living, and the WHOLE food pantry). In addition, the Viking Union houses lounge spaces like The Den that includes free play arcade games, meeting rooms and event spaces, a post office, an information center/lost and found, two cash machines and food service locations including the Viking Union Market, the VU Café, the Underground Coffeehouse, and Vendor’s Row.

Viking Union Event Services

Viking Union 535, 360-650-6131
vu.wwu.edu/events

Viking Union Event Services is the contact point for reserving space in the Viking Union, Lakewood’s Bill MacDonald Lounge, and other outdoor spaces on campus.  Event Services provides student-led events with support for reservations, planning, and event management throughout campus. Services include the setup, takedown, security, audio and visual event support provided by our student crews.

Lakewood Watersports Facility

2410 Lake Whatcom Blvd, 360-650-2900
vu.wwu.edu/lakewood

The Lakewood Watersports Facility is located approximately 7 miles from Western’s campus and offers a variety of free watercraft rentals for students including sailboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers suitable for a wide range of ability. Lessons are offered for beginners, as well as more advanced classes to enhance skills and guided experiences to complete your day at Lakewood. The property includes picnic tables, BBQ’s, a volleyball court and beach access to Lake Whatcom. An informal lounge with a kitchenette and fireplace is also available for rent.

Enrollment Management

Old Main 320, 360-650-2346
enrollmentmanagement.wwu.edu

The mission of Enrollment Management is to build a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive campus community. We are committed to providing access, affordability, and essential services that support all students in their quest to succeed at Western Washington University and beyond. We strive to serve our community with excellence, integrity, innovation, and compassion. We work on behalf of prospective students, current students, and their families through each phase of the enrollment process: the college search, admission, financial aid and scholarships, orientation, registration, and on to graduation.

Enrollment Management includes Undergraduate Admission, Financial Aid, Orientation and Transition, the Registrar’s Office, and Veteran’s Services.

Undergraduate Admission

Old Main 200, 360-650-3440
admissions.wwu.edu

See the Undergraduate Admission  section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Old Main 265, 360-650-3470
wwu.edu/financial-aid

See the Financial Aid  section of this catalog. 

Orientation and Transition

Old Main 300, 360-650-3846
orientation.wwu.edu

Orientation and Transition fosters student learning and development by supporting new students and family members in their transition to the academic, personal, and social experience of Western, as well as the greater Bellingham community. Programs and services provided include:

  • Coordination of quarterly New Student and Family Orientation which includes live events, curating an array web-based departmental resources, and hosting virtual and in-person outreach and connection events for students and families.
  • Co-coordination with the Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center and Registrar’s Office of Advising & Registration sessions for new students to receive academic advising and course registration assistance, meet with faculty, staff, and student academic advisors, and learn about academic resources.
  • Coordination of Family Outreach, including orientation offerings, the annual Fall Family Weekend, the WWU Family Calendar, the WWU Family Connection monthly e-newsletter, and virtual office hours with the Family Outreach Manager.
  • Serving as a resource and referral hub for new students and family to campus and community resources through web-based resources, in-person and virtual support, publication of New Student and Family Handbooks, and presentations.
  • Leadership and employment opportunities for current students (orientation student advisors and student coordinators).

Registrar’s Office

Old Main 230, 360-650-3430
registrar.wwu.edu

See the Registration  section of this catalog for information.

Veteran’s Services Office

Viking Commons 525, 360-650-3324 
wp.wwu.edu/veteranservices

The mission of the Veteran Service Office (VSO) is to support our military-connected student population with resources that foster academic success and financial resources while promoting student development. The VSO also offers education and information on being a military-connected student to the greater Western community as part of the continuing effort to cultivate an equitable and inclusive environment. Western’s military-connected students offer perspectives and experiences from diverse backgrounds and bring a skill set and knowledge which enhances Western’s learning communities.

The VSO also offers a space for students to engage and interact with their peers, as well as a point of reference to have their questions answered around military service, VA educational benefits, and how to get involved with Western veteran community.

The VSO also offers a space for students to engage and interact with their peers, as well as a point of reference to have their questions answered around military service, VA educational benefits, and how to get involved with Western veteran’s community.
Services and programs offered through the Veteran Services Office include, but are not limited to:

  • Certification of VA educational benefits
  • Academic Advising before priority registration
  • Priority registration for veterans and dependents
  • Help navigate National Guard or Reserve obligations with course requirements. More information available at app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28B.10.270.
  • Information on tuition waivers for eligible military-connected students
  • Residency form for military-connected students (Washington State Residency Application for Veterans and Family Members)
  • Financial Aid liaison for veterans and services members
  • Services and events happening in the community surrounding Western Washington University

Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center

Old Main 387, 360-650-3100
aasac@wwu.edu
aasac.wwu.edu

The Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center (AASAC) provides a comprehensive set of services (1) to support students’ academic advising needs, (2) to help in navigating campus resources, and (3) to gain a better understanding of Western’s academic policies. Professional and peer advisors can assist with course selection and registration, GUR reviews, choosing a major/minor, and reviewing requirements for graduation.

Office of Global Engagement

360-650-7544
global.wwu.edu

The Office of Global Engagement (GEO) serves Washington State by providing internationally-focused educational experiences that prepare students to be global citizens and by supporting faculty and staff who are engaged inter-culturally.

The Global Studies Minor is housed in GEO, with Leah Lippman, a faculty member of the institute, serving as the academic advisor and the Global Studies Curriculum Committee advising on the minor’s content and focus. The institute also coordinates Western’s international partnerships with institutions around the world and works with faculty on internationalization initiatives at Western.

The Education Abroad office and International Student and Scholar Services are both located in GEO.

Education Abroad

The Education Abroad office offers students study abroad opportunities around the world, where students can take major and minor classes in English, study a foreign language, or explore new subjects. Classes can be taken for credit, and financial aid and scholarships are available. Students can study abroad for one or more quarters during the academic year and summer. Other opportunities include internships, teaching, field study, and volunteering abroad.

For more information, contact the Education Abroad office, Miller Hall 208, 360-650-3298, EdAbroad@wwu.edu; studyabroad.wwu.edu.

Global Learning Programs

Global Learning Programs are courses designed by WWU faculty within their departments that are discipline-specific or interdisciplinary, and often apply to a student’s major or minor.  Courses may include field studies and service learning. Global Learning Programs are led by WWU faculty throughout the year to different countries around the world.

For more information, contact the Education Abroad office in Miller Hall 208, 360-650-3298, EdAbroad@wwu.edu; studyabroad.wwu.edu

International Student & Scholar Services

The ISSS Office serves international students, scholars and faculty at Western by providing preparation and maintenance of immigration records as well as orientation sessions, advising, and co-curricular activities. In coordination with other university units and community resources, ISSS assists with academic, personal, financial, and employment issues for Western’s international population.

For more information, contact International Student & Scholar Services, Miller Hall 212, 360-650-6517; wwu.edu/isss.

Center for Community Learning

360-650-7542
wwu.edu/csl

Community-based learning offers students the opportunity to learn outside the classroom, explore the richness and diversity of their community, and examine social justice issues while applying classroom theory to the priorities of local, regional and global communities.

The practice of community-based learning can provide the means and proficiencies for seeing, understanding, and acting in the world in more purposeful, integrated, and ethical ways. 

The Center for Community Learning provides resources—including development and program support—to students, faculty, and community partner organizations.

Office of Institutional Effectiveness

oie.wwu.edu

The mission of Institutional Effectiveness at Western Washington University is to facilitate effective data-driven decision making by creating and providing accurate data collections, performing integrating analysis and research, and advocating for data quality and integrity.

Department Related Activities

drac.wwu.edu

The Department Related Activities Committee provides opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of programs. Although faculty from related departments work closely with these activities, students do not need to be affiliated with the departments in order to participate. For more information on the programs offered through DRAC (Department Related Activities Committee), please visit their website.