Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university located in Bellingham, Washington. Founded in 1893 as a normal school for teacher training, the university has since expanded its offerings and now provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. WWU is known for its commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.
Academics:
Western Washington University comprises multiple colleges and schools, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including:
1. College of Business and Economics
2. College of Fine and Performing Arts
3. College of Humanities and Social Sciences
4. College of Science and Engineering
5. Huxley College of the Environment
6. Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies
7. Woodring College of Education
8. Graduate School
Popular majors at WWU include business administration, psychology, environmental science, education, and communication. The university emphasizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and interdisciplinary learning.
Campus:
WWU's 215-acre campus is located in Bellingham, a city situated between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with facilities that include academic buildings, residence halls, a library, and athletic complexes. The campus is known for its picturesque setting, surrounded by forests and offering views of the nearby Bellingham Bay and Mount Baker.
Athletics:
Western Washington University's athletic teams, known as the Vikings, compete in NCAA Division II and are members of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). The university offers a variety of varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, track and field, and more. The school's colors are blue and white.
Traditions:
WWU has several traditions that foster a sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni. Some notable traditions include:
1. Paint B'ham Blue for WWU: An annual event that welcomes new students to the university and the Bellingham community. Local businesses show their support by displaying WWU's colors and hosting special events.
2. Homecoming: A week-long celebration that includes various events and activities, culminating in a basketball game and the crowning of the homecoming royalty.
3. Dead Day: The day before final exams begin, when no classes are held, allowing students a day to study and prepare for exams.
4. The Outback: A student-run farm and outdoor education center on campus that offers opportunities for experiential learning, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement.
Admissions:
Western Washington University has a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as academic performance, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The university offers a rolling admissions policy, which means applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until all available spots are filled. In recent years, WWU has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning that standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required for admission.
