An introduction to Western

The office is a resource for: information about grants, loans, work-study, scholarships and employment opportunities.

A good person to know: Fidele Dent, office support supervisor (right).

Why: Fidele can answer even the most obscure questions about the FAFSA. She supervises Western’s short-term loan program for students facing a cash flow problem and schedules appointments with financial aid counselors for in-depth advising.

Her insider tip: Even though the 2008-2009 FAFSA priority filing deadline of Feb. 15 has passed, some aid types, including grants and loans, do not run out! If you haven’t filed your 2008-2009 FAFSA yet, we strongly encourage you to do so.

Contact: (360) 650-3470 or financialaid@wwu.edu

More information: www.finaid.wwu.edu

The office is a resource for: help with academic planning and choosing a major, advice on university requirements and assistance with the registration process.

A good person to know: Caryn Regimbal, advising coordinator (right). (Editor's note: Since this story first ran, Caryn has become manager of the Student Employment Center. She's still a good person to know.)

Why: Caryn’s speciality is working with students who are undecided about a major or who are preparing to declare. She also works with seniors getting ready to graduate, students who are struggling with their academics, and those who want assistance working through the policies and procedures at Western.

Her insider tip: Every student should run an Online Degree Evaluation at least quarterly to track progress for graduation requirements, general university requirements and major/minor requirements. Students who don’t know their majors can run a “what-if” analysis to view progress made in any major and minor at WWU.

Contact: (360) 650-3850 or Caryn.Regimbal@wwu.edu

More information: www.wwu.edu/advising

The office is a resource for: safety and law enforcement on campus.

A good person to know: Sgt. David J. Garcia, campus police patrol sergeant (right).

Why: Supervises the Patrol Division, including the Public Safety Assistant student patrol.

Her insider tip: Western’s Police Department is fully commissioned, with a 24/7 commitment to protect and serve the campus community with a Community Oriented Policing model.

Contact: (360) 650-3555 or David.Garcia@wwu.edu

More information: www.ps.wwu.edu

The office is a resource for: affordable primary medical care for students.

A good person to know: Anne Melo, office manager.

Why: Melo has the time and knowledge to answer any questions about services the center offers, insurance and billing issues and questions about your student’s care.

Her insider tip: In addition to primary care, we have psychiatrists and a nutritionist on staff. We always have a minimum of four physicians and two nurse practitioners on duty, and we specialize in providing care to college-age students while coordinating care with their primary care providers back home.

Contact: (360) 650-3400, Student.Health@wwu.edu

More information: www.wwu.edu/chw/student_health/

The office is a resource for: questions about credit evaluations, the course catalog, registration, course requirements, adding and dropping classes, graduation requirements, transcripts and veteran’s benefits.

A good person to know: Kathie Loftin, office support supervisor (right).

Why: Kathie supervises the front counter registration staff and is very involved in quarterly registration, as well as Summer Session registration and Summerstart. She is considered the registration information specialist.

Her insider tip: Visit the calendar section on our website for registration deadlines, some of which affect refund and drop status.

Contact: (360) 650-3432 or Kathie.Loftin@wwu.edu

More information: www.wwu.edu/depts/registrar

The office is a resource for: new students and families as they transition to the academic, personal and social experience of Western.

A good person to know: Kim Oesterling, family outreach manager (right).

Why: Kim helps new parents navigate the resources available at Western.

Her insider tip: Sign up for Parent Connection to learn more about answers to common questions, upcoming events on campus and volunteer opportunities. Volunteering can be a great way for parents to continue to stay involved in the lives of their students.

Contact: (360) 650-3846 or Kim.Oesterling@wwu.edu

More information: www.nssfo.wwu.edu

The office is a resource for: building a living environment that fosters diverse, inclusive communities, active learning, social responsibility and civic engagement.

A good person to know: Kim Cunningham, who coordinates on-campus housing assignments (right).

Why: Cunningham will take the time to research difficult inquires, making her a valuable contact for new students learning about the housing process.

Her insider tip: Your resident director is more than a disciplinarian. They can be also great adult mentors. Most have master’s degrees in subjects such as student affairs, psychology, school counseling and social work.

Contact: (360) 650-2950 or Kim.Cunningham@wwu.edu

More information: www.housing.wwu.edu

The office is a resource for: questions about tuition and fees, student loans, debt, financial aid refunds, waivers, past-due notices and exit paperwork.

A good person to know: June Fraser Thistle, federal Perkins loan specialist (right).

Why: Financial struggles or worries are June’s specialty. She loves to meet with students one-on-one, discuss how student loans work and come up with a strategy on how best to cope with debt.

Her insider tip: It costs a lot of money to get a degree so take charge of your debt. Education is one of the best investments you will ever make! The average college graduate makes more than $1 million more in life earnings than those without a degree.

Contact: (360) 650-2865 or june.fraserthistle@wwu.edu

More information: www.wwu.edu/depts/sfs/index.shtml