Coronavirus Information
General Information
Western Washington University is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 in coordination with state and local health departments. The number of individuals in Washington state diagnosed with COVID-19 remains high. There is currently risk to all community members of being exposed to COVID-19, and the risk is increased in a public setting or gathering.
Western remains open following Gov. Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order. Those employees critical to the ongoing operations of the university should continue to report to work. All other employees should be working from home, to the extent possible,
Important:
This is an evolving situation, and updates are available from the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including updated Travel Notices for countries with community transmission.
On-Campus Student COVID Testing
Cancellations and Closures
Fall athletics have been canceled: As of July 17, all Fall Quarter intercollegiate athletics have been suspended by the Great Northwest Athletic Conference until at least Nov. 30. Find out more here.
Most public buildings on campus are closed to the public, including:
- Carver Academic Facility, including the gyms and fitness center
- Lakewood Watersports Facility
- Viking Union, including the AS Bookstore and the Outdoor Center
- Wade King Student Recreation Center
- Western Libraries (Remote learning and teaching resources)
- The Performing Arts Center
- The Western Gallery
The AS Student Late Night Shuttle is suspended until further notice.
Whatcom County is in Phase 2 of Washington's phased reopening plan. As a result, there may be no public gatherings or events of any size on Western's campus. As the community progresses further in reopening, small essential gatherings may be allowed.
All on-campus visit programs, tours and information sessions are suspended.
Keep track of the latest developments
Western is sending out regular updates through its Western Alert system. Families may opt in to Western Alerts.
Regular updates are also posted here and on Western Today's news page.
If you aren't already signed up for Family Connection, click here to sign up for the monthly e-newsletter for WWU families.
Campus Tours and In-Person Admissions Visits Suspended
While the Undergraduate Office of Admissions is currently closed to visitors, Admissions staff is available via phone, email, and video appointments, and you are encouraged to explore campus virtually. For visitors with extenuating circumstances (e.g. non-refundable airline tickets), please reach out.
Admitted students: Please review COVID-19 Admissions FAQs for important updates.
If You Feel Sick
The Student Health Center is still here for you — but we have adapted our services for everyone’s safety. Most services are now offered virtually.
All in-person medical and mental health walk-in services are no longer available. Most services are now offered virtually (through phone or Zoom).
Please do not visit in-person. Call the Student Health Center at 360-650-3400 to make a virtual appointment, or to speak to a nurse for urgent medical needs.
For employees with specific health concerns, please contact your primary care provider. Additional information is also available on the Whatcom County Health Department website.
It is vital that we support each other and act as a community, avoiding acts of discrimination and bias, and showing compassion for those affected by this disease.
Sabah RandhawaPresident
Campus Communications
- 6 days 15 hours ago
- 2 weeks 2 days ago
- 3 weeks 1 day ago
Resources
Teaching and Learning
Information Lines
WWU Coronavirus Information Line
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday
In the Media
- 15 hours 48 minutes ago
- 15 hours 50 minutes ago
- 15 hours 53 minutes ago
Looking for additional FAQs?
The links here will take you directly to pages focused on specific topics.
- Student and Faculty FAQs can be found on the Academics page
- FAQs about dining, events, and housing are on the Housing and Dining page
- Employees and Supervisors can find relevant FAQs on the workplace page
- Admitted students, applicants, and prospective students can find information on the Admissions page
National Resources
This page is intended to provide information about COVID-19, precautions that are being taken and prevention measures you can take, as well as being one source for information on the effects of measures various governments are taking to stem the outbreak, and to answer the most common questions about how coronavirus might impact campus operations.
This page is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.