Parents and Families

Welcome
Western
Families!

Old Main Lawn in fall with many trees and leaves on the ground

We're glad you're here!

Parents and family members are important partners in supporting student success at Western Washington University. New Student Services/Family Outreach (NSSFO) provides outreach and services to help strengthen students and families' connection to Western, including a monthly newsletter, family resources, and an annual family weekend event in the fall. Explore the resources on this page to learn more about our campus community and stay involved in your student's experience at Western!

New Families

Visit our Welcome New Families page for tips about navigating the student onboarding process, more information about the many campus resources and services available to your student, as well as some helpful strategies on how you can support your student to best access and utilize them.  

Welcome New Families

Viking Resource Hub

Visit our curated directory to find campus resources and services, organized by function instead of department/service name.  

Viking Resource Hub

First-Gen Logo blue graphic person throwing graduation cap in air with different primary color foot-prints circling the person in the center.

First-Generation Family Toolkit

 

Based on feedback from first-generation students, we've learned that many would feel more supported if their families had a better understanding of the college experience.

We invite you to check-out the toolkit to find all the tools you need to help your student succeed at Western.

 

Family Toolkit

Stay Connected

Explore ways for parents and families to stay connected to the Western community below:

Coffee, Tea, & Family: NSSFO Family Outreach Office Hours logo

Coffee, Tea and Family

Family Outreach Office Hours are available to parents/families of new and current students.

New Student Services/Family Outreach has virtual office hours available for families each week in Zoom. Sign up for Coffee, Tea and Family, a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with NSSFO's Family Outreach Manager to ask questions, learn about campus support services and resources, and about available tools and opportunities to keep you connected with Western.

Book a Meeting Now

Upcoming Holidays & Breaks

Fall Quarter 2023

First Day of Classes: Sept. 27

  • Veterans Day: Nov. 10
  • Thanksgiving Break: Nov 22 - 26
  • Winter Break: Dec. 16 - Jan. 8

Winter Quarter 2024

First Day of Classes: Jan. 9

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan. 15
  • Presidents Day: Feb. 19
  • Spring Break: Mar. 23 - April 1

Spring Quarter 2024

First Day of Classes: April 2

  • Memorial Day: May 27
  • Summer Break: June 15 - 24
  • Juneteenth: June 19

 

Counseling, Health, & Wellness Services - Be Well WWU!

The Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) provides clinical services and wellness programs to support your student's personal and academic goals and to enhance their personal growth, self-care, and wellbeing here at Western and beyond. The CWC also offers Crisis Support and emergency services to current WWU students.

The Student Health Center (SHC) is Western's primary care medical clinic specializing in college health. Staffed by a team of board-certified family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, and support staff, we provide an extensive array of services, including preventive and behavioral health care, management of general health concerns, treatment of illnesses and injuries, sexual health, and LGBTQ+ care. The SHC is also the department through which new students complete their proof of measles vaccination or immunity process.

The Office of Student Resilience promotes a positive and healthy collegiate experience for all students. We strive to increase mental and physical wellness while encouraging a proactive approach to healthier living.  

The following additional family resources are also available to help you support your student with their continued growth and social/emotional development:

Referring Your Student Transition Tips Resources for Families

View from underneath cherry trees in bloom during spring on south campus at Western facing AW

Getting to and from WWU

Explore regional transportation options for more information about getting to and from Bellingham and WWU.

Visiting your student? Explore Western's Visit - Hotels website for a variety of hotels for Western guests, many of which offer WWU discounts, which are included in the customized booking links or with inquiry by phone. Additionally, broaden your search through the Bellingham-Whatcom County Tourism (BWCT) website for information about more Bellingham hotels, vacation rentals, and camping.

In general, hotels and BWCT note that hotel/rental rates fluctuate based on availability and are typically more expensive in the summer and on busy WWU weekends. We recommend booking space as early as you can when making your travel plans!

Financial Resources

Additional Resources