Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At Western Washington University, we are committed to fostering an accessible, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all members of our community can thrive and succeed. We believe that diversity is a fundamental strength that enriches the learning and research experiences for everyone on our campus.
Find Your Place
WWU Multicultural Center
The Multicultural Center (MCC) is home to several departments and programs whose services center students with marginalized identities. Located on the top floor of the Viking Union, the MCC is a great place to hang out and build community, access resources and guidance, study, and participate in programs and club meetings.
Find Your Community
Multicultural Student Services, Clubs, and Centers
The Office of Multicultural Student Services (MSS) is a structure of support centering students with marginalized identities. This support includes providing leadership and direction for the Ethnic Student Center, Blue Resource Center, and Black Student Coalition
Black Student Coalition
The Black Student Coalition provides African-American, Black, and African Diaspora students at Western Washington University a community of support on campus, while creating an environment filled with resources for students' academic success, holistic wellbeing, and professional development.
Blue Resource Center
The Blue Resource Center (BRC) is committed to affirming, celebrating, and supporting undocumented students and mixed-status families by providing community spaces, educational programming, community, and help with navigating barriers.
Ethnic Student Center
The Ethnic Student Center (ESC) is home to diverse clubs open to students of all backgrounds. Our goal is to help students Affirm their identity, Build a sense of community, and Cultivate leadership (Our "ABCs"). The ESC is home to diverse clubs open to students of all backgrounds.
LGBTQ+ Western
LGBTQ+ Western advances the holistic thriving of diverse LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff 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.
Disability Access and Outreach
Disability Access Center
The Disability Access Center (DAC) increases access, equity, and inclusion for disabled Western students through collaborative transformation of structures, policies, and practices. Visit the center for information on accommodations, or make an appointment to speak with an access manager.
Disability Outreach Center
The Disability Outreach Center (DOC) is a resource for disabled students and allies. The DOC connects students with community resources, raises awareness, and advocates for disabled students’ human and civil rights by promoting community building and pride for students with disabilities and providing educational programming, referrals, and information about disability topics for students.
Employee Resource Groups
Our employee resource groups are designed to bring together individuals who share common backgrounds, interests, or experiences, providing a platform for networking, professional development, and cultural exchange. Through their initiatives and programming, the groups aim to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the university's workforce, offering valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy for underrepresented employees. WWU’s employee resource groups include the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Advocacy Council, the
Faculty and Staff of Color Council, and WWU Caregivers and Parents.
Find Support
Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance
Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance (CRTC) implements University policies that prohibit discrimination and ensure compliance with state and federal civil rights obligations.
CRTC is a central intake and referral resource for all matters that potentially involve protected class discrimination, sex & gender-based violence, or civil rights compliance.
Bias Response Team
Western’s Bias Response Team (BRT) identifies and collaboratively coordinates caring, prompt, and effective responses to bias incidents.
A student, staff, or faculty member can notify the BRT of a bias incident by completing and submitting the online notification form.
WWU Diversity and Equity Offices
Office of Equity
The Office of Equity partners with academic colleges, divisions, and departments across campus, providing broad alignment across the university with institutional goals for ADEI, developing allyships to advance key priorities, and working with university leadership to ensure that we are making meaningful progress as an institution. The Office of Equity brings together two complementary functions: the compliance function through the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance and a more robust education and community training function.
Student Affairs: The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement
The Centers advance holistic student development and inclusive achievement through services, programming, and advocacy centering WWU students with marginalized identities. The Centers increases access, equity, and inclusion for Western students and build learning spaces that foster community, focusing on topics of equity, justice, race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, socio-economic status, and veteran status. The Centers include Multicultural Student Services, LGBTQ+ Western, and the Disability Outreach and Access Centers.
Tribal Relations
Tribal Relations advises the President on legislative and policy matters of concern to tribes and First Nations, as well as accompanies the president on matters relating to Tribal affairs and the university. The office functions as support for fostering working relationships with the twenty-nine federally recognized tribes across the state of Washington and recognizes the partnership opportunities with tribal communities as a way to enhance the support and success of Native students. Tribal Relations also provides resources and support for Native and Indigenous Students.
International Student and Scholar Services
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) supports those students and scholars who journey from around the world to study and work at Western.
ISSS provides assistance not only with immigration issues, but also with practical matters, social and cultural adjustment, and other challenges that come with life in a new country. We work to promote cross-cultural exchange throughout the University and invite all members of the Western community with an interest in global issues and identities to take part in our many events and activities.