News for WWU Families

The WWU Family Connection newsletter is a monthly e-newsletter sent to all families throughout the year, produced by Western's Office of Communications and New Student Services/Family Outreach.

If you would like to receive your own copy of WWU Family Connection every month, click here to sign up.

Questions? Send us a note.

Keep scrolling to see highlights from recent Family Connection newsletters.

October 2020

graphic with the words Why Should You Mask Up?
  • Plan to join us (virtually) for Fall Family Weekend
  • Western Libraries, the Tutoring Center and the Research and Writing Studio offer remote support
  • Share this tip with your students: Take advantage of faculty Office Hours
  • It's already time for students to think about winter quarter classes
  • Students receiving financial aid must stay on track toward their degree
  • Weekly webinars help students prepare to launch their careers

See the October 2020 edition.

September 2020

illustration of a face mask with the words Mask Up WWU and #BeWellWWU
  • Western is preparing for a safe, healthy start to fall quarter
  • Students must get a COVID-19 test before moving in or starting classes on campus
  • Western faculty have been preparing all summer for remote learning this fall
  • Students share their wisdom on 'Tips for New Vikings'
  • Virtual events will kick off fall quarter for students
  • As students settle in to their new off campus homes, a few tips on being a good neighbor

See the September 2020 edition.

Summer 2020 for New Families

Image of WWU Orientation website
  • Orientation is Online for Families and Students
  • A warm welcome to Western from President Sabah Randhawa
  • The New Viking Handbook has campus-wide connections
  • Still have questions about housing?
  • Families make a difference: Talk to your students about preventing COVID 19
  • Paint B'ham Blue is a celebration for new students

See the Summer 2020 edition.

June 2020

Graphc with the words, Congrats Western Grads, superimposed on an areal photo of campus
  • Video Message from Sabah: Racial Violence Has No Place in Our Communities
  • Resources for moving out of off-campus housing
  • Learn about virtual courses and internships abroad
  • Telehealth and tele-mental health resources available to students
  • Summer Session registration is still open
  • Commencement Update

See the June 2020 edition.

May 2020

Two students, wearing masks, gloves and lab coats, stand at a lab bench and chat with a supervisor.
  • How students can apply for federal CARES grants
  • Resources for students in need because of the pandemic
  • Plans are coming together for virtual commencement
  • Career Center offers virtual networking opportunities
  • Important things to know about declaring a major
  • Degree Works helps students stay on the path to graduation

See the May 2020 edition.

April 2020

Portrait of President Sabah Randhawa on the steps of Old Main.
  • President Randhawa: We are preparing for online learning with a spirit of innovation and exploration
  • How will it all work? Visit the WWU Spring 2020 Complete Guide for online learning support
  • If your income has changed, Financial Aid wants to hear from you
  • WWU support resources are going online to keep serving students
  • Tips for families from the Counseling Center
  • How to support your students who are home and attending class online

See the April 2020 edition.

March 2020

Aerial view of Western's campus, with the Salish Sea in the background.
  • Stay informed on Western's response to COVID-19
  • Students can plan for their next move at the Off Campus Housing Fair
  • March is the beginning of scholarship season
  • The Counseling Center is reaching out to new students
  • Spring break conversation starters
  • Learn more about personal pronouns

See the March 2020 edition.

February 2020

Two students speak with a staff member for a state legislator during Western Lobby Day.
  • Western Lobby Day in Olympia
  • Hiring is on for campus jobs in summer and next academic year
  • Several events on campus celebrate Black History Month
  • Scholarship Fair Feb. 25 features advice and tips
  • Winter is here and the Outdoor Center is ready

See the February 2020 edition.

January 2020

Photo of a smiling graduate wearing a mortarboard being embraced by a smiling woman.
  • Students make global plans at the Go Abroad Fair
  • Western's inclement weather page has information for snowy days on campus
  • Winter quarter is a great time to plan for internships
  • Events help students plan their move off campus
  • Assistance for students facing academic challenges

See the January 2020 edition.

December 2019

Aerial view of campus at sunset
  • Career Services Center helps students prepare for graduate school
  • Western's Education Abroad office wants to hear your questions about studying abroad
  • Recruitment begins soon for peer-leadership jobs on campus
  • What happens when it snows at Western?
  • Off Campus Living: A reminder about fire safety

See the December 2019 edition.

November 2019

Students, families and Victor Viking pose next to a 'Fall Family Weekend' sign.
  • Family Handbook is available in Spanish
  • The Counseling Center offers resources for families
  • Academic Advising: Planning for Winter Quarter
  • Tutoring Center helps students move forward
  • Making social connections in college

See the November 2019 edition.

October 2019

A nighttime scene of a concert behind the Herald Building. Audience members' heads and hands can be seen in the foreground -- along with the legs and feet of an audience member who is apparently crowd surfing.
  • Make plans to join your student on campus for Fall Family Weekend
  • The Student Business Office: What families need to know
  • Make sure you're getting the latest alerts from Western
  • Career Center offers resources for families
  • Help is available for academic challenges

See the October 2019 edition.

September 2019

A student stands in the middle of seven family members (including a baby), and almost everyone is holding a suitcase, box or other item as the student prepares to move in to her campus residence.
  • Are you ready for Move In Weekend?
  • Western Welcome Week gets students ready for the year
  • Smart tips on managing college costs
  • How do I address mail to my student on campus?
  • Personal safety is everyone's responsibility

See the September 2019 edition.