Mar 28, 2024  
2010-2011 Catalog 
    
2010-2011 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

University Residences and Dining Services


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Edens Hall, 360-650-2950
www.housing.wwu.edu
infodesk@wwu.edu

Students in University Residences enhance their Western Experience in diverse and inclusive communities that foster active learning and leadership, social responsibility, civic engagement and effective citizenship, supported by a high-quality, attractive and sustainable campus environment. The residential communities include 15 residence halls, one apartment complex for upper-division students, a small number of apartments leased off-campus, and three residential dining centers.

The residential program supports Western’s vision to become the premier public comprehensive university in the country through engaged excellence by investing in programs for new freshmen and transfers that ensure successful academic and social integration into the culture of the academy. Research indicates that students who live in university housing typically have higher GPAs are more connected to the university, feel better about their university experience and are more likely to graduate.

Residential students will find leadership opportunities: appointed, elected, hired, paid and volunteer; particularly returning students, who provide peer relationships for first-year freshmen and transfer students. Social and recreational activities support students making friends and personal connections. Programs are specifically designed to help students transition to life at Western.

The residential communities support students who have historically experienced discrimination, including members of groups who have been marginalized due to their race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or other social identity. Diversity enriches the educational experience, and inclusive learning helps educate all students, increases college retention, and better prepares graduates to participate in society. Western students arrive on campus with a broad array of backgrounds, cultures, values, ideals and interests, and our goal is to incorporate the uniqueness of each student into the fabric of the community.

Professional staff and upper-division student staff members live in residence to provide academic support, personal advisement, information on University resources, conflict management and crisis intervention. They assist residents in developing a sense of community where students can feel “at home” at Western.

University Dining Services provides a high-quality environment that complements the learning community on a sustainable and attractive campus that is designed to support student learning and environmental stewardship. The quality and character of all of the dining experiences reflects the culture of the campus and active healthy lifestyle of Western’s students, faculty, and staff.

The dining program strives to enhance Western’s commitment to quality, diversity, and community, the hallmarks of Western’s reputation as an undergraduate institution with private quality at a public cost. The dining program supports the University’s sustainability initiatives in a variety of creative ways from plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, to food composting. Western’s dining program is a leader in efficient resource use and at the same time creating an excellent dining experience.

Residence hall students are required to have a meal plan. A meal plan is optional for students in Birnam Wood, leased off campus apartments and students who live off-campus. Meal plans include an “all you care to eat” option and several plans with a set number of meals. Meal plans include dining dollars used like cash at retail and residential dining venues. University Dining Services operates three residential facilities that include late-night dining options, and 10 retail venues located on campus in academic and support areas. Students with meal plans will experience campus-wide services while having the convenience of being minutes away from their residence hall and academic buildings. Residential dining meals are not served during intersession (break) periods; however limited dining is available in campus retail locations.

Residence Hall and Apartment Information

All residence halls and apartments are coeducational by floor, wing or suite. Residential communities maintain courtesy and quiet hours which help create an academic atmosphere. The typical residence hall room is designed for occupancy by two people. A limited number of single occupancy and triple occupancy rooms are available. Student rooms are furnished with a:

  • Twin bed with mattress and pad
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Desk and desk lamp
  • TV cable
  • High-speed Internet connection
  • Optional local phone service

Students furnish linens, towels, alarm clocks, telephone and other personal necessities.

Birnam Wood apartments can accommodate up to four people, or one family. Public areas provide lounge, study and recreational space. Each furnished, two bedroom apartment includes all utilities, and has a:

  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Living room
  • Dining area
  • Deck
  • TV cable
  • High-speed Internet connection
  • Optional local phone service

Students furnish items such as dishware, silverware and appliances.

Generally, the residence halls are open only during the academic terms. Buchanan Towers is open during winter and spring breaks: Birnam Wood apartments have a 12-month living option for students continuing their residency through the following academic term.

Applications to live in the residence halls and apartments are made online at www.housing.wwu.edu. To obtain a hard copy application call (360) 650-2950 or email infodesk@wwu.edu.

Apply early to ensure an early priority in housing. Space in a particular hall or apartment is assigned according to the date of the receipt of the application and upon student status. Actual room assignments are based upon student responses to the roommate assignment questionnaire and requests for roommates made via the Roommate Request form at www.housing.wwu.edu in the application section. Students who wish to search for a roommate are encouraged to use the roommate search tool at the website.

An assignment to a University apartment or residence hall does not guarantee a parking space or permit. Students should apply for on-campus parking at www.ps.wwu.edu/parking/.

Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds

No deposit is required with the housing application. A deposit is required when a housing offer is signed. The security deposit will be retained by the University as a damage and/or reservation deposit for as long as the student lives in the housing system. At the end of the agreement, the student’s account will be cleared and a refund of the deposit made after all housing and other University charges are paid in full.

Costs

On-Campus Housing

The trustees of Western Washington University set room-and-board rates and apartment rents. The standard double room/125 block meal plan rate for the 2010-2011 academic year is $8,419. Residence hall rates include room, food and utilities. 2010-2011 apartment rates are $2,775 for a double with two persons and $11,100 for a family. Birnam Wood apartments have two double rooms. Some limited off-campus leased apartment space is also available. Contact University Residences for more information. Apartment rates do not include the cost for food service, but optional meal plans are available. Summer housing rates are posted at the website: www.housing.wwu.edu/financial/ratesheets/

Housing rates are subject to increase each academic year. For more information call 360-650-2950 or e-mail infodesk@wwu.edu.

Off-Campus Housing

The Off-Campus Housing Listing Service allows students to find local housing. There are two services for off-campus housing: the Viking Union has a Website with an off-campus registry at www.union.wwu.edu/, and a bulletin board on the fifth floor. Bulletin board listings may be made in person between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Website has 24-hour login capacity for eligible users.

Evacuation Guide

Western’s Evacuation Guide for Persons with Disabilities is now available. You are encouraged to obtain this publication and learn about tips for the person with a disability for responding in an evacuation; for assisting persons with disabilities in an evacuation; and a guide for establishing an individual written evacuation plan. To read or download a copy, go to http://www.acadweb.wwu.edu/hr/disability/EvacGuideForPWD.pdf.

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