Summerstart
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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Summerstart?
  2. When is Summerstart?
  3. Can I come to just one day of Summerstart?
  4. I cannot attend any Summerstart session – do I have another option?
  5. How much does Summerstart cost?
  6. I am a new Summer Session student – am I invited to Summerstart?
  7. Should my family members attend Summerstart?
  8. When will I receive more information about Summerstart?
  9. How do I make a reservation?
  10. How do I log in for my online reservation?
  11. When is the reservation deadline?
  12. Can I fax my reservation request?
  13. How can I make changes to my reservation?
  14. Is there an advantage to attending an earlier Summerstart session?
  15. Can I come on the same days as my friend?
  16. I cannot attend any Summerstart session – can a parent or friend register for me?
  17. Must I be cleared for measles prior to Summerstart?
  18. Do I have to take the Math Placement Test? 
  19. What should I bring with me to Summerstart?
  20. Where should I park for Summerstart?
  21. I need special accommodations – whom should I contact?
  22. Can I stay overnight on campus for more than one night?
  23. Do I have to stay overnight on campus?
  24. Where can my family stay off campus?
  25. Convenient Campus Extension Listing

 

1. What is Summerstart?

Summerstart is WWU’s orientation, advising and registration program for new 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:

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:

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:

Additional meal tickets for siblings and guests can be purchased in the dining hall.  The cost per meal ticket is as follows:

2. When is Summerstart?

Summerstart is a 2-day program. Eight sessions are available throughout August – choose the session that works best for you and your family: 

August 3-4 (Mon-Tue)
August 5-6 (Wed-Thur)
August 7-8 (Fri-Sat)
August 10-11 (Mon-Tue)
August 12-13 (Wed-Thur)
August 14-15 (Fri-Sat)
August 17-18 (Mon-Tue)
August 19-20 (Wed-Thur)

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 reservation deadline, Friday July 24.

3. 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 successfully for classes.

4. I cannot attend any Summerstart session – do I have another option?

New fall freshmen who are unable to attend Summerstart will participate in academic advising and class registration on Monday, September 21 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.

5. 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:

Refunds are not available after the reservation deadline, Friday, July 24.

6. I am a new Summer Session student – am I invited to Summerstart?

Yes – new Summer Session freshmen are invited and encouraged to attend Summerstart.  New Summer Session freshmen who are unable to attend Summerstart must wait to register for fall classes until August 24 - September 22.

7. 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.

8. When will I receive more information about Summerstart?

Information will be sent via postcard and e-mail in late-May to students who confirm their enrollment to WWU’s Admissions Office by then.  Students who confirm thereafter will be sent information accordingly. 

9. How do I make a reservation?

Reservations begin midday on June 1st.   

The deadline for Summerstart reservations has past, and we no longer are accepting reservations.  All students who do not attend Summerstart will participate in academic advising and register for their fall courses on Monday, September 21 during Fall Orientation.  Detailed information, including an advising and registration appointment, will be sent to students in early September.

If you have any questions, please contact New Student Services/Family Outreach at 360.650.3846 or nssfo@wwu.edu.

10. How do I log in for my online reservation?

All reservations occur online via this website. After your reservation has been processed, you will be sent a confirmation indicating your program date and further information.

To login: Students will need their User ID and PIN. Your User ID is your Western ID number. Your initial Personal Identification Number (PIN) consists of the first six digits of your social security number. If you do not have a social security number use your date of birth (listed as Month/Day/Year and entered as MMDDYY, e.g., if your birth date is February 6, 1980 enter, 020680). For additional information and help with your PIN, please visit http://www.wwu.edu/depts/registrar/pin_faq.shtml.

Please note: Both a student’s User ID and PIN number are confidential and cannot be released to anyone other than the student. If a student needs assistance with the login or reservation process, please have him or her contact New Student Services/Family Outreach at 360.650.3846 or nssfo@wwu.edu.

11. When is the reservation deadline?

Friday, July 24 – 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 reservation deadline.

12. Can I fax my reservation request?

No – Unfortunately we are unable to accept faxed reservation forms.

13. How can I make changes to my reservation

Any changes to your reservation must be made by contacting New Student Services/Family Outreach directly – 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.

14. 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.

15. Can I come on the same days as my friend?

Yes, if space is available.  Both you and your friend should make your reservation as soon as possible, select the same program date 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.

16. 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.           

17. Must I be cleared for measles prior to Summerstart?

You will not be allowed to register for classes if your measles vaccinations/immunity documentation has not been received prior to your registration appointment at Summerstart.  Options for providing proof and additional information are available from the Student Health Center. If you have any questions regarding the measles immunity requirement, please call 360.650.3400.

18. Do I have to take the Math Placement Test?

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 the few students who cannot take the test in spring, we offer the test at 8:30 am on Day 1 of Summerstart.  To qualify, you must arrive for program check-in no later than 8 am.  If you arrive late, you must take the make-up exam at 2:45 pm.  You will receive more appropriate math course advising if you take the exam at 8:30 am.  Please bring $25 (cash or check only), a #2 pencil, your photo ID and Social Security number to the test.

For more information about the MPT, including a list of statewide test dates and locations, visit www.nssfo.wwu.edu/mpt.shtml.  If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Advising Center at 360.650.3850.

19. What should I bring with me to Summerstart?
20. Where should I park for Summerstart?

After your reservation has been processed, you will be sent an official Summerstart parking permit for use in the C gravel lots on south campus only.  To avoid ticketing, you MUST display your permit on the dashboard of your car.  Please observe all regulatory signs and do not park in metered spaces.

For convenience, you may prefer to park in the lots located adjacent to the residence halls on north campus.  You may purchase a two-day permit upon arrival for $20 at the closest parking pay box.  Additional parking instruction will be included in your program confirmation.

21. 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 prior to your arrival to campus.  For more information about special accommodations at Western, visit disAbility Resources at www.wwu.edu/depts/drs.

22. 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 before or after their Summerstart date without participating in the Overnight Program. The cost is $25 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.  For more information and to check on availability, please contact New Student Services/Family Outreach at 360.650.3846 or nssfo@wwu.edu.  We will connect Conference & Guest Housing on your behalf.

23. Do I have to stay overnight on campus?

We strongly encourage all students to stay overnight on campus.  There is no additional fee for students to stay overnight the evening of their Summerstart session – the cost is covered by the $250 enrollment fee already paid to WWU.  Students will benefit from experiencing the residence halls first-hand, participating in fun and engaging evening programming, building friendships with other new and current WWU students, and the convenience of staying on campus.

24. Where can my family stay off campus?

For a list of accommodations near Western, visit nssfo.wwu.edu/bellingham.shtml

25. Convenient Campus Extension Listing:
Academic Advising Center 360.650.3850
Admissions 360.650.3440
disAbility Resources 360.650.3083  
FIGs Office    360.650.4943
Financial Aid 360.650.3470
Parking        360.650.2945
Registrar’s Office  360.650.3430
Student Accounts   360.650.2865
Student Health Center   360.650.3400
University Residences    360.650.2950

 


New Student Services / Family Outreach | nssfo@wwu.edu | (360) 650-3846