Summerstart 2009

Welcome!

We are pleased that you have chosen Western, and look forward to you joining our campus and community.  To launch your Western experience in the right direction, plan to attend Summerstart.  Explore this website to learn more about Summerstart and how best to prepare for Western…

Your Summerstart Experience

Summerstart is your new student orientation, advising and registration program.  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.  During Summerstart you will:

• Receive academic advising from faculty and student advisors
• Register for your fall quarter courses
• Stay overnight in the residence halls
• Meet with representatives of many student support offices
• Enjoy University Dining, visit the Bookstore and get your ID picture taken
• Build friendships with other new and current WWU students

Summerstart Dates

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 (Monday – Tuesday)
August 5-6 (Wednesday – Thursday)
August 7-8 (Friday – Saturday)
August 10-11 (Monday – Tuesday)
August 12-13 (Wednesday – Thursday)
August 14-15 (Friday – Saturday)
August 17-18 (Monday – Tuesday)
August 19-20 (Wednesday – Thursday)

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.

Family Orientation - $50 per person

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 Orientation with Overnight - $75 per person

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 Higginson residence halls, bed and bath linens

Program Guidelines

To ensure that everyone has a safe and successful orientation experience, we expect all students and their family members to abide by all state and local laws, as well as University policies.  The possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited, as is having unauthorized guests and pets in the residence halls.  Any violations of these regulations will result in disciplinary action and dismissal from the orientation program, and may affect the student’s career at Western.

Parent and Guest Participation

We have planned the student and Family Orientation programs to be separate, each tailored to meet the needs of their respective participants.  We recognize and respect the importance of communication between family members as the new student’s transition to college begins.  We ask, however, that participants in both programs review their schedules and plan to talk or meet when their program is not in session. 

Successful completion of orientation is a significant step in becoming a student at Western.  It is our expectation that students will complete the registration process with the assistance of their academic advisors and that others will not participate in this process.  While we appreciate all of the support and guidance students’ families have to give, our goal is for students to build a relationship with their advisors, as well as learn the necessary skills to register on their own in future terms.

If you have any questions about Summerstart, please contact New Student Services/Family Outreach at 360.650.3846 or by e-mail at nssfo@wwu.edu. 

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