Highlights

Academic Advising

At Summerstart you will be assigned a faculty advisor that best meets your academic interest or intended major.  If you are undecided about your major, you will be assigned a professional advisor from the Academic Advising Center.  This individual will continue as your academic advisor throughout your first year at Western, or until you have declared a major.  During your advising session on Day 1 of Summerstart, you will be introduced to general university curriculum and degree requirements.  On Day 2, you will select classes and register for your fall quarter courses.  Please note:  In order to register successfully, you MUST attend both days of Summerstart.

Advising Groups

Following is a list of Summerstart advising groups.  When making your reservation, please select only ONE advising group.  Please note:  Only students who have been admitted into Fairhaven College, the Honors, Music and Student Outreach Services programs should select these advising groups.

• Business and Economics
  Includes: Accounting, Decision Sciences, Economics, Finance, Marketing and Management
• Education
  This session is for Elementary Education Studies, Early Childhood Education and Special Education majors only.  Please note:  All other students seeking certification in Elementary Education or Secondary Education must choose an academic major before applying to Woodring College of Education. This will be the majority of students interested in education. The academic major will become your primary endorsement area once you complete your education certification. Therefore, you will need to choose one of the academic areas for your Summerstart advising session. You should plan to attend the Education Interest Session offered on Day 1 of Summerstart for more information. If you have questions prior to making your Summerstart reservation, please contact the Academic Advising Center at 360.650.3850 for clarification.
  
• Fairhaven College
  Only for students who have been accepted into Fairhaven College. Summerstart sessions will be held on August 3-4, 7-8, 10-11, 14-15 and 17-18.  If you have any questions, please contact Fairhaven College at 360.650.6680.   
• Fine and Performing Arts
  Includes: Art, Art History and Theatre (for Music, see below)
• Honors
  Only for students who have been accepted into the Honors Program.  If you have any questions, please contact the Honors Program at 360.650.3034.          
• Humanities
  Includes: English, Communications, Foreign Languages, Journalism, History, and Philosophy

• Huxley College of the Environment
  Includes the environmental sciences department and the environmental studies department.  Environmental sciences offers emphasis areas in toxicology and marine, freshwater, terrestrial ecology.  Studies has degree opportunities in planning, policy, disaster reduction, geography, environmental education, economics and journalism.

• Math and Science
  Includes: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Geology, Math, Physical Education, Physics and Pre-Engineering
• Music
  Only for students who have been accepted into the Music program.  If you have any questions, please contact the Music Department at 360.650.3130.     
• Pre-Health
  Includes: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and all other pre-health areas          
• Social Sciences
  Includes: Anthropology, Audiology, Human Services, Psychology, Political Science, Pre-Law, Recreation, Sociology and Speech Pathology
• Student Outreach Services
  Only for students who have been selected for the Student Outreach Services programs, which includes Access, Viking Advantage, Leadership VIP, Governor’s Scholars and WA State Achievers Scholars.  If you have any questions, please contact Student Outreach Services at 360.650.3843.
• Undecided
  Still exploring your interests?  That’s okay!  If you do not have a strong interest and commitment to an academic discipline or have not identified your academic major, please select the undecided group.

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.

Interest Sessions

Interest Sessions provide in-depth information about a variety of educational opportunities for you at Western.  You will have time to attend two Interest Sessions to learn more about the following:

• Biology
• Fairhaven College
• First-Year Academic Programs
• Honors Program
• Huxley College of the Environment
• International Programs & Exchanges
• International Studies
• Leadership Advantage Program
• Pre-Health Programs
• Student Outreach Services
• Teacher Education Programs