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 recent Family Connection newsletters.

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.

Summer 2019 for incoming families

A student stands in the middle of seven smiling family members of varying ages.
  • New Student Services/Family Outreach is the first stop for Western families
  • Explore Bellingham with your student
  • When students are ready to move off-campus, Western has neighborly resources
  • Travel tips from Sustainable Transportation

See the Summer 2019 edition.

June 2019

A student in graduation regalia and holding a diploma leaps with joy next to Fisher Fountain.
  • How to get more tickets, and other answers to Commencement questions
  • Get the details on moving out of residence halls
  • Move Out Madness helps students donate their unwanted stuff at the end of the year
  • WWU Youth Programs offer summer fun

See the June 2019 edition.

May 2019

Two students sit, smiling and hugging, on the Log Ramps sculpture.
  • Join us for WWU Alumni Weekend
  • Important things to know about declaring a major at Western
  • New residence hall scheduled to open by fall 2021; WWU also planning new buildings for science instruction and support services
  • Networking is a powerful tool for students launching their careers

See the May 2019 edition.

April 2019

Pink spring blooms fill the trees outside the performing arts center.
  • The AS is hiring now for next year's jobs
  • Degree Works helps students stay on the path to graduation
  • Academic Advising helps students plan ahead
  • Now is the time for students to begin their applications for big national scholarships
  • Kids can practice their favorite sports with Viking athletes in WWU Athletics Camps
  • Western ranked fifth on Peace Corps' list of top volunteer-producing schools

See the April 2019 edition.

March 2019

A student employee of the AS Recycle Center smiles as she hauls a large blue barrel on a dolly.
  • Western Abroad 101 information sessions are held every day of the week
  • Moving out: Eight tips for getting students ready to move off campus
  • LGBTQ+ Western offers family resources
  • Reconnect with your student over spring break
  • Encourage your student to apply for these on-campus opportunities
  • Spring youth programs feature the sciences

See the March 2019 edition.

February 2019

A student repairs his bicycle at a repair station at the Outdoor Center bike shop.
  • Students can apply now for on-campus housing renewal
  • Off Campus Living Fair helps students plan their moves to an off-campus home
  • Winter quarter is packed with career and networking events
  • Resources for snow days
  • Laural Ballew named WWU Executive Director of American Indian/Alaska Native and First Nations Relations and Tribal Liaison to the President

See the February 2019 edition.

January 2019

A student takes a selfie atop a camel in the middle of the Sahara Desert.
  • The possibilities are global at the Go Abroad Fair
  • Events and resources for students moving off campus
  • Applications are coming up for many campus leadership jobs
  • Learn more about student jobs at University Residences
  • Help is available for students facing academic challenges
  • The Student Rec Center offers lots of options to stay active this winter
  • Introducing LGBTQ+ Western
  • AS Outdoor Center gets students in the mountains winter quarter
  • What happens when it snows at Western?

See the January 2019 edition.

December 2018

A student takes a selfie atop a camel in the middle of the Sahara Desert.
  • Sending a care package to your student for finals week? We asked an expert for some advice.
  • Is your student staying on campus over break?
  • Travel tips from Sustainable Transportation
  • Message from President Sabah Randhawa following Monday's sit-in: 'I hear you'
  • It's about time for students to think about next year's housing
  • Moving off campus in five easy steps

See the December 2018 edition.