May 20, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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 International Studies Minor is housed in IGE, with Leah Lippman, a faculty member of the institute, serving as the academic advisor and the International 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 IGE.

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 Activites

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.