Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Transitions?
2. When is Transitions?
3. How much does Transitions cost?
4. I am a new Summer Session student – am I invited to Transitions?
5. Should my family members attend Transitions?
6. When will I register for my fall classes?
7. Can I attend just part of Transitions?
8. I am unable to attend Transitions in July – do I have another option?
9. When will I receive more information about Transitions?
10. How do I make my reservation?
11. How do I log in for my online reservation?
12. When is the reservation deadline?
13. Can I fax my reservation request?
14. How can I make changes to my reservation?
15. Can I come on the same day as my friend?
16. Must I be cleared for measles prior to Transitions?
17. Do I have to take the Math Placement Test?
18. Where should I park for Transitions?
19. I need special accommodations – whom should I contact?
20. I need overnight accommodations – can I stay on campus?
21. Where can my family stay off campus?
22. Convenient Campus Extension Listing

1. What is Transitions?

Transitions is WWU’s orientation, advising and registration program for new transfer and post-baccalaureate students and their families.  There is no additional fee for students to participate in the one-day Transitions program only - cost is covered by the one-time $250 enrollment fee already paid to WWU.  Students will:

• Learn about WWU’s academic expectations, programs and register for fall quarter classes
• Meet with helpful faculty, departmental and student advisors
• Learn about Western’s student resources and support services
• Meet other new and current WWU students
• Enjoy lunch, explore campus, take their student ID picture and more

Transitions includes an optional Family Orientation for family members.  The fee for Family Orientation is $35 per person, and includes all family sessions, workshops, program materials and one lunch ticket.  Additional tickets for siblings and guests may be purchased upon arrival.  Family members will:

• Receive information on housing, financial matters, health and counseling services, and academic information
• Meet staff and faculty members
• Meet other new and current WWU students and family members
• Enjoy lunch, explore campus and more

Transitions includes an optional Overnight Program for students and family members the evening PRIOR to their Transitions date.  The fee for the Overnight Program is $40 per person, and includes the following:

• 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
• For convenience, Overnight Program participants may prefer to purchase a two-day permit for $20 to park in the 3R lot located adjacent to the Higginson residence halls on north campus. To purchase your permit in advance by credit card, please contact Parking Services at 360.650.2945 (press 0 for immediate assistance). Permits purchased by noon on Wednesday, July 15 will be available for you at overnight program check-in. You also can purchase a permit at the Parking Services office, located in the Campus Services building on south campus, by 4:30 p.m. the day of your overnight program.

2. When is Transitions?

You can attend Transitions on any one of the following days:

Friday, July 17
Thursday, July 23
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 reservation deadline, Friday July 10.

3. How much does Transitions cost?

There is no additional fee for students to attend the Transitions day program only – cost is covered by the one-time $250 enrollment fee already paid to WWU.  Optional program components include the following:

• Overnight Program -- $40 per student or family member participant
• Family Orientation -- $35 per family participant
• Math Placement Test -- $25 per student
• Two-day parking permit for 3R lot adjacent to residence halls on north campus -- $20 per vehicle (no charge to park with Transitions permit in the C lots on south campus)

Refunds are not available after the reservation deadline, Friday, July 10.

4. I am a new Summer Session student – am I invited to Transitions?

Yes – new Summer Session transfer and post-baccalaureate students are invited and encouraged to attend Transitions in order to register for your fall quarter classes.  If you are unable to attend Transitions, you must wait to register for fall classes until August 24 - September 22.

5. Should my family members attend Transitions?

Yes – We encourage family members to attend, and have a separate Family Orientation designed specifically for family members.  The cost per family member is $35.

6. When will I register for my fall classes?

New transfer and post-baccalaureate students will register for their fall classes at Transitions.  If you are unable to attend Transitions, you must wait to register for fall classes until August 24 - September 22.

7. Can I attend just part of Transitions?

No - Transitions is a full-day orientation, advising and registration program. In order to register successfully for classes, you MUST attend program check-in and your full academic advising session.

8. I am unable to attend Transitions in July – do I have another option?

Yes – For students who do not attend Transitions, online class registration for fall quarter will be available August 24 - September 22. Additional advising will be offered on Tuesday, September 22 during Fall Orientation. For more information, please visit the Fall Orientation website.

9. When will I receive more information about Transitions?

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.  

10. How do I make my reservation?

Reservations begin midday on June 1st.    All reservations occur online via the reservations page.  If you need assistance, please contact New Student Services/Family Outreach at 360.650.3846 or nssfo@wwu.edu.  After your reservation has been processed, you will be sent a confirmation indicating your program date and further information. 

11. 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.

12. When is the reservation deadline?

Friday, July 10 – Students must RSVP in advance by the reservation deadline.  Family members may sign-up for Family Orientation on the day of Transitions.

13. Can I fax my reservation request?

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

14. How can I make changes to my 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.   All efforts will be made to accommodate changes requested prior to the deadline, but this cannot be guaranteed.

15. Can I come on the same day 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. Must I be cleared for measles prior to Transitions?

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 Transitions.  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.

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

Not all transfer students need to take the Math Placement Test (MPT).  However, students whose major requires a math course must take the MPT before registering for their first math course at Western.  To determine whether you should take the Advanced or Intermediate exam, or for exceptions to taking the MPT, visit www.nssfo.wwu.edu/mpt.shtml.  If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Advising Center at 360.650.3850.

If you are register to take the MPT at Transitions, please arrive at Fraser Hall 3 by 7:45 am with your photo ID, a #2 pencil, Social Security number and $25 (cash or check only). Following your exam, please proceed to the Performing Arts Center Plaza for program check-in.

18. Where should I park for Transitions?

After your reservation has been processed, you will be sent an official Transitions 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, Overnight Program participants may prefer to purchase a two-day permit for $20 to park in the 3R lot located adjacent to the Higginson residence halls on north campus. To purchase your permit in advance by credit card, please contact Parking Services at 360.650.2945 (press 0 for immediate assistance). Permits purchased by noon on Wednesday, July 15 will be available for you at overnight program check-in. You also can purchase a permit at the Parking Services office, located in the Campus Services building on south campus, by 4:30 p.m. the day of your Overnight Program.

19. I need special accommodations – whom should I contact?

If you or someone in your party requires special accommodations at Transitions, 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.

20. I need overnight accommodations – can I stay on campus?

Yes – Transitions includes an optional on-campus Overnight Program for you and your family the evening PRIOR to Transitions.  The fee for the Overnight Program is $40 per person, and includes the following:

• 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 
• For convenience, Overnight Program participants may prefer to park in the 3R lot located adjacent to the Higginson residence halls on north campus.  You may purchase a two-day permit upon arrival for $20 at the closest parking pay box.  Otherwise, permitted parking will be available in the C lots on south campus with your Transitions parking permit.  Additional parking instruction will be included in your program confirmation.

If space is available, students and family members can stay in the residence halls before or after their Transitions 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.

21. Where can I or my family stay off campus?

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

22. Convenient Campus Extension Listing: