What is Summerstart?
Summerstart is WWU’s orientation, advising and early registration program for incoming freshmen and their families. There is no additional fee for students to participate in Summerstart – the cost is covered by the one-time $250 enrollment fee already paid to WWU. Students will:
- Receive academic advising, campus orientation and register for fall quarter courses
- Learn about Western’s academic expectations, programs and student support services
- Participate in an overnight experience on campus
- Meet with helpful faculty and student advisors
- Develop friendships with other new and current WWU students
- Gather resources, explore campus, take their student ID picture and more
Summerstart includes an optional Family Orientation for family members. The fee for Family Orientation is $50 per person, and includes all family sessions, workshops, program materials, lunch, dinner and breakfast the following morning. Family members will:
- Receive information on Western’s academic programs, financial matters, housing, campus life, health and counseling services, and becoming more involved with Western
- Meet WWU staff and faculty members
- Connect with other new and current WWU students and family members
- Gather resources, explore campus and more
Family members also may choose to spend the night on campus. The fee for Family Orientation with Overnight is $75 per person, and includes all components of Family Orientation (listed above), plus:
- Evening programming with other new and current WWU students, families, staff and faculty
- A shared double-occupancy room in the residence halls, bed and bath linens
Additional meal tickets for siblings and guests can be purchased in the dining hall. The cost per meal ticket is as follows:
- Breakfast -- $6.80
- Lunch -- $8.98
- Dinner -- $10.40
When is Summerstart?
Summerstart is a 2-day program. Several sessions are available throughout August - select the session that works best for you and your family:
August 6-7 (Wed-Thur)
August 8-9 (Fri-Sat)
August 11-12 (Mon-Tue)
August 13-14 (Wed-Thur)
August 15-16 (Fri-Sat)
August 18-19 (Mon-Tue)
August 20-21 (Wed-Thur)
How much does Summerstart cost?
There is no additional fee for students to attend Summerstart – the cost is covered by the one-time $250 enrollment fee already paid to WWU. Optional program components include the following:
Family Orientation -- $50 per participant
Family Orientation with Overnight -- $75 per participant
Math Placement Test -- $25 per student
Refunds are not available after the deadline, Friday, August 1.
Should my family members attend Summerstart?
Yes – we encourage family members to attend, and have a separate Family Orientation designed specifically for family members. The cost for Family Orientation is $50 per person; Family Orientation with Overnight is $75 per person.
When will I receive my Summerstart brochure?
Brochures will be mailed late-May to students who confirm their enrollment to WWU’s Admissions Office by then. Students who confirm thereafter will be sent a brochure accordingly.
How do I make a reservation?
For fast and convenient service, reserve your space online – this feature will be available beginning Tuesday, May 27 at 10 am. Reservations also can be made by mailing in a completed reservation request form found in the Summerstart brochure.
What is my PIN number for my online reservation?
Your PIN is typically the first six digits of your Social Security number (if you do not have a Social Security number, try entering your date of birth in mmddyy format). You may create a new password under the Personal Information menu.
When is the reservation deadline?
Friday, August 1 – Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to make your reservation EARLY as program dates often fill prior to the deadline. Refunds are not available after the deadline.
Can I fax my Summerstart reservation request?
No – Unfortunately we are unable to accept faxed reservation forms.
How can I make changes to my Summerstart reservation?
Any changes to your reservation must be made by contacting New Student Services/Family Outreach directly at 360.650.3846 or nssfo@wwu.edu – adjustments cannot be made online after your request has been submitted or after the deadline. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes requested prior to the deadline, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Is there an advantage to attending an earlier Summerstart session?
No – students who attend the first session will have similar availability of classes as someone who attends the last session.
Can I come to the same Summerstart session as my friend?
Yes – both you and your friend should select the same program session on your reservation forms, and send a brief message to New Student Services/Family Outreach at nssfo@wwu.edu with the appropriate information. All efforts will be made to accommodate these requests, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Can I come to just one day of Summerstart?
No – Summerstart is a two-day program. Your participation in both days of the program is required in order to receive appropriate academic advising and register for classes.
I cannot attend any Summerstart session – when will I register?
If you cannot attend Summerstart, your academic advising and class registration appointment will be scheduled on Monday, September 22, during Fall Orientation. You will meet with faculty and student advisors to develop an appropriate class schedule and register for fall courses. Detailed information will be sent to your mailing address and WWU e-mail account in late August.
I cannot attend any Summerstart session – can a parent or friend register for me?
No –Summerstart is designed to teach you about WWU’s registration process in a setting with direct support of faculty and student advisors so that you are able to register effectively on you own in the future.
I don’t have my measles immunization information – what should I do?
You will not be allowed to register for courses until WWU has your immunization information. For more information regarding measles immunization, please contact the Student Health Center at 360.650.3400.
Do I need to take the Math Placement Test prior to Summerstart?
Most freshmen need to take the Math Placement Test (MPT) before registering for their first math course at Western. We strongly advise students to take the test in the spring of their senior year, during the Statewide Testing Program. For a list of test dates and locations, visit the Academic Placement Testing Program Web site For the few students who cannot take the test in spring, we offer the test on Day 1 of Summerstart for a fee of $25.
If you have any additional questions about the Math Placement Test, please contact the Academic Advising Center at 360.650.3850 or advising@wwu.edu.
Where should I park for Summerstart?
Permitted parking will be available on campus in the C gravel lots on south campus near the Fairhaven residence halls. For a parking map of campus, visit http://www.ps.wwu.edu/parking/map/index.aspx.
Please note: After your reservation has been processed, you will be sent an official Summerstart parking permit. To avoid ticketing, you MUST display your permit on the dashboard of your car. Please observe regulatory signs.
I need special accommodations – whom should I contact?
If you or someone in your party requires special accommodations at Summerstart, please contact New Student Services/Family Outreach at 360.650.3846 or nssfo@wwu.edu prior to your arrival to campus. For more information about special accommodations at Western, please contact disAbility Resources at 360.650.3083.
Can I stay overnight on campus for more than one night?
If space is available, students and family members can stay in the residence halls an additional night before or after their Summerstart session. The cost is $24 per night/person for a single-occupancy room and $20 per night/person for a double-occupancy room. Cost includes bed and bath linens but no meals.
Where can my family stay off campus?
For a list of accommodations near Western, visit our local accomdations link.
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