Student Success

The Office of the Dean for Student Success oversees the areas of Undergraduate Advising, Student Development and Student Living as well as serves in an advising capacity to the Associated Students of Central Washington University. The Dean and staff coordinate the work of committees dealing with student personnel policies, student discipline, and student academic grievances.

Student Development and Achievement

Undergraduate Advising

Academic Advising - First Year and Exploratory
Students who are undecided on a major and their exploring options work with Academic Advisors in the First Year and Exploratory Office, located in Hertz 107 (phone: 509.963.2722). This office also administers the Student Transitions and Academic Resources (STAR) program. STAR is an intensive academic support program that assists academically at-risk students in completing transitions into, and through, and out of the university.

Academic Advising - Professional Advising
Located in Bouillon 205, Professional Advising provides academic advising to students who have decided or declared a major. This office also supports students in online majors, students attending a university center, and incoming transfer students. (Phone: 509.963.3423)

Wildcat Academic Success Center (Athletic Advising)
The Wildcat Academic Success Center (WASC) provides academic advising for first year and undeclared student athletes at Central Washington University. The WASC also provides academic support for student athletes by offering study hall, tutoring services, and the Commitment to Higher Academic Milestones and Personal Success (CHAMPS) program.

For more information about academic support services for student athletes, call 509-963-3084 or visit www.wildcatsports.com

Student Development

Academic Achievement Programs: Student Support Services (SSS)
SSS is a federally funded TRIO program under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education. SSS provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. Students who are first generation, low income, or who have a disability are eligible for the program on a space-available basis. The program may also provide grant aid to current, active, SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants and are of freshman or sophomore status. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next. SSS is funded 80 percent by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education and 20 percent by CWU.

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) provides financial and academic support services to freshman students from migrant and seasonal farm-working backgrounds. It is funded by a grant from the Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education. CAMP is designed to help students succeed as they begin their college careers and through their freshman year.  CAMP students receive a variety of services including scholarships, stipends, tutoring, study skills training, mentoring, career planning services, and cultural enrichment opportunities. 

To qualify for the CAMP program, the student must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen
• Have freshman standing (fewer than 44 quarter credits)
• Meet criteria to determine migrant or seasonal farm-worker status:
• Parent (or student, if independent) has worked for at least 75 days in the last 24 months in farm-work such as production of crops, dairy products, poultry, livestock, tree harvesting, or fish farming. Farm-work must be primary form of employment and be performed on a temporary or seasonal basis
• OR student has participated in the Chapter 1 Migrant Education Program
• OR student or parent qualifies for the WIA167 program

To apply for the CAMP Program, call 509-963-1729 or download and/or submit an application at www.cwu.edu/camp.

High School Equivalency Program (HEP)
The High School Equivalency Program is a federally funded program that provides service to migrant and seasonal farm working populations. The program conducts educational awareness, community outreach and recruitment throughout central Washington. The program recruits 110 program participants annually. All participants receive comprehensive GED preparation. This preparation consists of providing GED instruction, test preparation and tutoring services.   In addition, students are provided with career development services and educational and/or employment placement assistance.

Career Services    
Career Services is a free comprehensive career counseling and resource center designed to engage students as active participants in their career development from freshman year through alumni status. The central purpose of Career Services is to help students prepare for academic and career success. The office strives to serve the needs of individuals through these career-related classes, programs and events.

     UNIV 103: For those who are not certain which major or career path is right for them, Career Services offers a two-credit course, called Career Exploration, on the Ellensburg campus each quarter. One-on-one counseling can achieve similar results over time if a student cannot take the class.

     UNIV 301: This two-credit career management class helps students prepare for the transition from the classroom to the workplace. The focus of the course is on job search skills in pursuit of fulfilling employment.  A separate section for international students is available. 

     Job Search Preparation: Career workshops are organized throughout the year to help students prepare for work or graduate school. To prepare for internship and career opportunities in the US and abroad, career counselors provide information on careers, developing strong resumes, CV’s and cover letters, practicing effective interviewing skills, learning successful internship and career job search strategies, including how to negotiate salary. 

     Career Counseling: Career counselors help students make major and career decisions through online assessments and determining skills, strengths, values, and interests. Counselors also assist students to apply for graduate school and post-bachelor studies.  Alumni experiencing career transitions are also welcome to meet with a career counselor. Counselors are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Bouillon 206 in Ellensburg, and at CWU-Lynnwood and CWU-Des Moines Centers.  Appointments are also available by phone, Skype or e-mail. 

     Wildcat Career Network: The WCN database contains career information, job and internship opportunities, and enables students to sign up for on-campus interviews and career events. Students can access their account through their MyCWU account. Alumni can create an account through our website.  There is no fee for this service.

     Cooperative Education/Internships: Cooperative Education offers assistance to students wanting to earn credits for professional work experience while they are in school. Many departments require an internship as part of the major; others accept a limited number of hours toward graduation. An internship is an opportunity to combine career, social, and personal growth with the educational process. The student works with their department faculty and the Career Services Co-op coordinator to prepare for the process that leads to a successful, credit-bearing academic/work experience.

     Career Fairs and Events: The department organizes career fairs and events throughout the year as an opportunity to network with employers, learn dining etiquette, interview with businesses, and meet with faculty for major selection, review graduate school opportunities, and more. On-campus interviews and information sessions take place on the main campus and the centers, between students and a variety of businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, school districts, and the military.   For further information: www.cwu.edu/career.
 

Educational Opportunity Center
Deciding where to go to college, figuring out how to pay for it, and completing all the necessary forms is complicated. The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is set up to help students gather the necessary information to make good decisions about their future educational plans and think clearly through the available options. EOC is available, principally, to help low-income adults who are the first in their family to attend college, work through the admission process. For further information, call 509-574-6895 or e-mail eoc_program@cwu.edu.

GEAR UP    
GEAR UP prepares ALL students to pursue and succeed in some form of post-secondary education and seeks to: increase parent involvement, professional development for teachers, community involvement, and collaboration with school staff. GEAR UP serves approximately 5,300 students from 11 school districts in central Washington. Participating students engage in university campus visits, college preparatory programs, academic support programs, and STEM related activities.

KCWU-FM (88.1 the ‘Burg)
KCWU-FM is CWU’s student run, nationally award-winning Radio Station. Operating out of a state-of-the-art living media laboratory, the student broadcasters master speaking and presentation skills while performing as music DJs, newscasters, sportscasters, talk show hosts, production and imaging talent and brand, marketing and event specialists. The multi-platform approach of on-air, on-line and in-person serves the CWU student body and community, and fosters a culture of professionalism, diversity and inclusion.

Learning Support Services (Learning Commons)
Learning Support Services encourages student success by offering a wide variety of instructional resources and peer tutoring services. In Ellensburg, Learning Support Services can be found in the Academic and Research Commons (ARC) on the first floor of the Brooks Library. Five key program areas are associated with Learning Support Services: 1) The Math Center provides academic support in quantitative skills for students in courses across the curriculum. Drop-in and scheduled tutoring sessions are available, 2) At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with students of all levels and disciplines, guiding them toward effective written communication. Tutors meet one-on-one with students by appointment or drop- 3) Peer Assisted Labs (PALs) provide free, out-of-class study sessions led by CWU undergraduate students who have already taken and excelled in the course. PAL sessions are open to all CWU students enrolled in the PAL-targeted class; 4) The University Center and Online Tutoring program offers tutoring in mathematics and writing to students who do not attend classes in Ellensburg; and, 5) Students enrolled in developmental coursework (Math 100A, 100B, 100C, and English 100T) are taught by Learning Support Services faculty and regularly access tutoring services. Ellensburg students can contact Learning Support Services by phone (509.963.1270) or via e-mail (tutor@cwu.edu). University Center and online students may contact Learning Support Services by phone (206.439.3800 x3827) or via e-mail (onlinetutoring@cwu.edu).

Veteran’s Center  
CWU’s Veterans Center opened in 2009 to aid service members and their families entering college. The center is committed to the academic success of its students by helping with the transition into student life and laying the groundwork for a satisfying career. Services include assisting with veteran education benefits applications, certifying enrollment, and locating additional resources veterans and their family members may need.  Find more information at www.cwu.edu/veterans or stop by our office located in Bouillon Hall, 206.

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Wellness, & Health Promotion
The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities has responsibility for assisting students understanding university policies and procedures that support them. In addition, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is responsible for holding students accountable to the student conduct code and taking reports that include behaviors of concern by other members of the University Community. This office is located in Bouillon 205. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities also houses University Case Managers who assist students with referrals within the CWU campus and the Ellensburg Community. In addition, our office serves all CWU locations.

Wildcat Wellness Center
The Wildcat Wellness Center is located in SURC 139. Services and programs delivered through the center include: alcohol/drug education, prevention and referrals for assessment and treatment, ASTP (Alcohol Skills Training Program) classes, web-based alcohol and drug curriculum, peer education programs, sexual assault prevention and response coordination, and programs that promote positive health behavior and risk reduction behaviors. 

The University has a comprehensive alcohol education and prevention program.  Parental notification is one part of CWU’s comprehensive sanctioning procedure for underage alcohol and marijuana use. CWU supports all local, state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and as such, cannabis is not allowed on any CWU premise.

Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator   
Students impacted by sexual violence or other forms of harassment may call 509-963-3233 and leave a confidential message and/or drop by the Wellness Center at SURC 139. Services include confidential, referral, advocacy, information and crisis response for victims, survivors, and significant others. Those experiencing an emergency are still encouraged to contact 9-1-1.

There is also a peer education program sponsored by the Wellness Center and advised by the Wellness Center’s health educator. It can be reached by phoning 509-963-3213. For additional information please visit www.cwu.edu/wellness.

Student Living

ASCWU - Student Government
The Associated Students of Central Washington University (ASCWU) is the student government board elected by the CWU student body to serve as policy-development officers. Executive responsibility is vested in the seven-member ASCWU-Student Government with the Executive Director of Student Involvement serving as the primary advisor. As a vehicle from which students may share different views, the ASCWU is an integral part of the shared governance of CWU. The ASCWU Student Government recognizes and approves student clubs, student organizations, and student appointments to committees in order to serve and represent a variety of student needs and interest areas. 

To learn more about ASCWU Student Government, please check out our contact info found below:
Office location: SURC 236
Phone: 509-963-1693
Website: http://www.cwu.edu/ascwu/

Campus Activities
Campus Activities offers a variety of events including music, comedy, speakers, concerts, performances, movies, and special events such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, Boo Central, Ware Fair, CWUp Late and Student Appreciation Day. They also offer a variety of educational and development opportunities through practicum and internship experiences and advisement of the university’s clubs and organizations.

Center for Leadership and Community Engagement
The (CLCE), with endowments by David Wain Coon and Don and Verna Duncan, serves CWU students and our community with leadership development programs and educational service opportunities which promote positive social change and servant leadership. Through inclusive and intentional high-impact practices, students are provided opportunities to enhance and develop individual competencies to better understand self, others, citizenship and service.

Signature programs include:

• Experience Leadership Project (ELP) - A three-day retreat in the Cascade Mountains designed for first-year students, where they learn how to get involved at CWU, enhance their leadership skills and build a network of support.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership Program (CCLP) - Each Fall, students come together for a year-long exploration of leadership through culture, discovering how each culture varies and how to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
• Leadership Conference - An annual conference where students gain knowledge and insight from national and local leaders.
• Earth Week Programs including Yakima River Clean Up - A series of events dedicated to making a difference by bettering the environment and educating all who affect it.
• Holiday Extravaganza - Every Fall, CWU student volunteers gather to create a winter wonderland of holiday crafts and activities for K-5 children and their families.
• Chavez-King Leadership Institute for Social Change - An Institute that seeks to foster a generation of active and engaged student leaders committed to civic responsibility, diversity, and social justice in local and global contexts.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Tribute - A weeklong celebration that consists of various civil rights activities with K-5 children, documentary and speech screenings, and a presentation addressing past and current social justice efforts.
• Leadership Transcript - Use this to supplement employment, graduate school and scholarship applications, and document your college years.

The CLCE recognizes that every student has leadership capacity and will have ample opportunities to demonstrate leadership throughout their lifetime. Through various programs, workshops and resources, CWU students are equipped to make a positive impact within their communities. From short-term volunteering to intense capstone service programs, individuals are encouraged to use their disciple-specific knowledge in order to address community-based social, political and environmental economic justice issues.

To learn more about the CLCE, please check out our contact info found below:
Office location: SURC 256
Phone: 509-963-1850
E-mail: clce@cwu.edu
Website: www.cwu.edu/leadership-engage.

Disability Services and Central Access
Disability Services is committed to supporting and sustaining an inclusive campus that recognizes disability as diversity. We are dedicated to ensuring individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in the educational process and university experience.

Disability Services facilitates full participation, universal access, and reasonable accommodation to meet the unique needs of each person.  The office provides this support by individualizing the accommodation process and facilitating creative approaches to eliminating barriers.

Central Access creates accessible materials for individuals with print related disabilities. Our team provides quality work for students and staff at Central Washington University as well as many institutions and schools across the country.

Central Access also provides meaningful opportunities for student employees to learn about the production of accessible materials and grow professionally while serving the community.

 Disability Services is located in Hogue 126 and can be reached at DS@cwu.edu or by phone at (509)963-2214.  Employees seeking accommodations can contact Human Resources at (509)963-1202.

Early Childhood Learning Center
The Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) provides early learning to the campus community serving children aged one-month to eight-years of age. There are two sites; 1900 Brooklane Village, Suite 100, serves children aged two years to eight years of age; Michaelsen Hall, room 109, serves children aged one month to 28 months. The program consists of early learning activities especially designed for young children; including music, language, physical activities, stories, science and math experiences, games, puzzles, blocks, and dramatic play. Nutritious meals and snacks are served throughout the day. Operating hours during the academic year are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Call 509-963-1744 or e-mail eclc@cwu.edu for more information.

The Publicity Center
The Publicity Center offers a full slate of creative services to promote campus events, programs and departments while providing real world experience to student employees through hands on skill development, professional mentoring and portfolio development. The Publicity Center, located in the Student Union building, is also home to Hype, a multi-platform communication approach to spreading the word about campus events and opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom. 

Recreation
Recreation is committed to offering recreation programs that provide personal and professional development for a diverse university community. Our nationally recognized facilities and services support the university mission by promoting an inclusive campus environment. Our programs contribute to the wholeness and wellness of our patrons while providing co-curricular activities that complement other avenues of learning and aid individuals in achieving balance and well roundedness. Through excellent customer service and care for the individual, Recreation seeks to provide a sense of belonging that enhances retention for students, faculty, and staff. Programs include intramural sports, collegiate sport clubs, personal training, group fitness, outdoor pursuits and rentals, climbing wall, challenge course, summer kid’s camp, recreation center operations, and a myriad of special events including films, lectures, interactive programs, and instructional courses.

• Intramural Sports, also known as IM Sports, offers a variety of leagues per quarter. Sports range from the traditional, such as basketball, flag football, softball, and soccer to the non-traditional such as dodgeball, archery tag, and electronic gaming tournaments. Sports are offered in different levels of competition as well as different divisions such as coed, open, or women’s. Students, staff, and faculty are all eligible to participate in IM Sports.
• The CWU Collegiate Sport Clubs Program is designed to provide opportunities for CWU Students with mutual interests in a sporting activity, to pursue their interests more in depth. Each club is formed and administered by their student membership. Student leadership, interest, and participation are essential elements of a successful sport club. The Collegiate Sport Club Program at CWU is designed to be a learning experience for members through their involvement in leadership, club administration, financial management, and event planning.  The leadership traits developed through these experiences are not only intended to benefit the students during their time on campus, but long after they leave the university. For a current list of clubs please visit www.cwu.edu/sport-clubs.
• Personal training packages are available to all recreation center members. For a nominal charge, a personal trainer will develop a challenging workout routine specifically designed to meet an individual’s fitness goals.
• Group fitness classes are available to all recreation center members for a very small fee. From spinning to ballet, intense abdominal workouts to yoga, there’s something for everyone.
• Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals provides low-cost guided trips and equipment rentals to support students’ outdoor recreation desires and educational needs.
• The 50-foot climbing wall in the Recreation Center offers bouldering and roped climbing, and certification courses in top-rope belay and lead climbing.
• Challenge Course programming offers the opportunity to participate in team building activities to accomplish individual and group goals on both low-ropes elements and a state-of-the-art high challenge course for low-cost fee. Our staff will provide everything your group needs to successfully participate in the challenge course experience, including equipment and instruction, as well as a pre-event meeting to determine your group’s specific needs.
• Camp C-Woo provides a quality day camp atmosphere for Ellensburg-area youth entering grades 1-5. Our primary function is to offer a safe environment where kids can have fun, make new friends, create unforgettable memories, and spend their summer with positive role models. The camp primarily operates during the summer months but has a variety of programs during the school year. For more information about Camp C-Woo please visit www.cwu.edu/rec/camp-c-woo.

Student Involvement
The Department of Student Involvement is dedicated to enriching students’ experiences outside the classroom by providing social, cultural, recreational, and educational programs, services, and apprenticeships. Student Involvement is comprised of the functional areas including Campus Activities, ASCWU-Student Government, KCWU 88.1 the ‘Burg Radio Station, and Westside Student Life. Student Involvement representatives serve on committees for campus events such as Discover! New Student Orientation, Wildcat Welcome Weekend, and Homecoming. Student Involvement employs 30-plus students each year in paraprofessional positions, offers internships and practicum experiences, and provides a range of services for university departments, student organizations, and the community.

To learn more about Student Involvement, please check out our contact info found below:
Office location: SURC 263
Phone: 509-963-1691
Website: http://www.cwu.edu/student-involvement/home

Student Medical and Counseling Clinic
Students registered for 6 or more credits pay a health and counseling fee (5 or more credits for summer session) and are thereby eligible for services. The Clinic bills insurance for the initial medical appointment.  If you do not have insurance, your student account will be billed $50. There is no charge for all follow-up office visits.  There will be charges for any ancillary services provided (e.g., labs, x-rays, etc.).  More information on appointments can be found at: www.cwu.edu/medical-counseling/your-first-appointment. All counseling services are provided free of charge.

Services are offered at the Medical and Counseling Clinic building (southeast corner of the campus). The Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. when classes are in session. The Clinic is closed on weekends, holidays and during academic breaks. When the Clinic is closed, emergency medical services are available at Kittitas Valley Community Healthcare. The cost of hospital care is at the student’s expense.  Medical appointments are available through the patient portal at the Clinic’s website or can be made by phone (509-963-1881), Monday through Friday.  It is imperative that you log onto the student portal and complete the required forms prior to your first medical appointment.

The medical staff provides routine and urgent-care services, including care for medical problems such as illnesses, injuries, and infections (e.g., colds, flu, and sexually transmitted infections). It offers customary primary care services including routine physical examinations, sports physicals, travel medicine, women’s health services (e.g., pap smears, pregnancy testing, long term contraceptives and reproductive counseling), and diagnostic laboratory tests/X-rays. In keeping with the educational mission of the university, emphasis is placed on education regarding wellness, prevention and treatment of illnesses.

The Counseling Clinic (509-963-1391) operates on the basis of a brief treatment model. Counseling services include individual, couple, and group counseling. Common student issues include transitional/adjustment concerns, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, stress, anxiety, and/or depression. Group counseling opportunities routinely include coping with anxiety, therapeutic lifestyle change for depression, bipolar support, personal growth, and relationship difficulties. Special programs for campus groups are available upon request (e.g., education and outreach). Counseling services are private and confidential.  A copy of the clinic’s privacy policy is available at www.cwu.edu/medical-counseling.

Testing Services
CWU Testing Services is an NCTA certified Testing Center. Testing Services provides support to CWU students, faculty, and staff, as well as the central Washington community.

Testing Services also works closely with Disability Services, Faculty, and students in providing student accommodation for testing.

CWU Testing Services partners with the majority of the major nationwide testing companies (including ETS, PearsonVUE, and PSI) and administers a multitude of exams.

For more information, including a list of exams and dates, contact Testing Services in room 125 of Bouillon Hall, call 509-963-1847, or visit www.cwu.edu/testing.

Exams offered include, but are not limited to:

CWU Placement Tests

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests

ETS Testing:
° GRE
° PRAXIS
° ASE
° MCAT
° TOEFL
° TOIEC

Castle Testing:
° ACE certifications

Kryterion Testing:
° Certified Counselor/Adviser Exam

PearsonVUE Testing:
° WEST
° NES
° Microsoft
° CISCO
° CompTIA
° GED

PSI Testing:
° FAA

Various other testing:

° Proctored Exams for other institutions
° Spanish Placement Test
° TEAS V
° MPRE
° LSAT
° CHES/MCHES
° NCE
° GRE Subject

The Student Union
The Student Union serves as a centralized hub of student activity on campus. The state-of-the-art fusion facility is combined with a Recreation Center and houses the university bookstore, multiple dining options, banking, multiple student programming and service areas, and the student government. The welcoming, inclusive environment provides meeting, lounging and studying spaces in addition to a vast array of activities presented daily that contribute to students’ sense of belonging. Seamless, quality services through Student Union Operations include centralized scheduling, event coordination, and technical support of university facilities for all university and non-university events. Student employees gain hands-on experience and take pride in their part in making the Student Union a vibrant hub for student life. 

Westside Student Life Programs   
Our mission is to engage the Westside student body and develop a sense of campus community through diverse activities and events, student clubs, student leadership training and development, special graduation events, collaborating with community college partners, and supporting our non-traditional student populations.  In addition, we provide support for students with disabilities seeking accommodations. 

To learn more about Westside Student Life Programs, please check out our contact info found below:
Adam Haizlip, Associate Director of Westside Student Life
E-mail: Adam.Haizlip@cwu.edu

University Housing and New Student Programs

NEW STUDENT PROGRAMS (Orientation)

At Central Washington University, we place special emphasis on each student’s transition to the CWU campus. Through research and our own experience, we know that the foundations built through these intentional experiences are key to a student’s success. Once you are admitted to CWU, New Student Programs will pick up where the Admissions Office leaves off for both first year and transfer students. Making the commitment to spend your college career at CWU is a major decision. With this in mind, it only makes sense that the CWU community welcomes you by providing a comprehensive guide as you make this transition. We have designed a four-phase orientation program to aid you as you acclimate to life at Central. Your participation in orientation is required, please see our website at cwu.edu/orientation for additional details. This is certain to increase your success at CWU. That’s why we have created an orientation program with a wide array of options and opportunities to suit your needs. 

Phase I of New Student Orientation is Wildcat Day: Rolling Out the Crimson Carpet, the first component of Central’s four-tiered new student orientation program. It is scheduled for your choice of Saturday, April 7, 2018 or Saturday, April 14, 2018. This program is designed to introduce students who are accepted for the fall 2018 quarter and your parents/guests; provide you with information about academic departments and majors; and provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about Central. This event regularly attracts more than 1,000 incoming students and guests each weekend. Attendance is strongly recommended.

As a part of the event we offer Todos Somos Familia for Spanish speaking families. More information, including a schedule of events, will be posted early in the new year at cwu.edu/orientation. WELCOME WILDCATS!

Phase II of New Student Orientation is a two-day program for first year students and parents/family held in June and July. The program allows you to meet with academic advisors who will help you register for classes, participate in social events with other incoming students, and attend valuable programs that feature campus resources and services. Programs include academic requirements and expectations, housing services, dining services, and financial aid. Parent/family-only sessions are offered to assist with the transition to the university. Faculty and administrators are available throughout the program to assist with parent and student needs. Students with fewer than 40 transferable college credits, and/or who are Running Start students, are required to attend Orientation. Students unable to attend one of the dates in June and July need to contact us by e-mail at discover@cwu.edu as soon as possible. Class registration will take place after the final July orientation session.

Transfer students have an option of a one day orientation session in June or July. Transfer students are expected to attend.

For further questions, call New Student Programs at 509-963-2735 or e-mail discover@cwu.edu or check out our website at cwu.edu/orientation.

Phase III of New Student Orientation is Wildcat Welcome Weekend (W3). It picks up in the fall where Orientation left off. W3 is a first-year-focused program that begins on move-in day (Sept. 14). Students will participate in a weekend filled with many fun and informative activities and sessions. Attendance is required to receive credit for University 101.

Phase IV of New Student Orientation is the First-Six-Weeks Programming. It is intentionally designed to help students adjust during the critical first six weeks of their first year at CWU. Attendance at first-six-weeks programming is required as part of a student’s University 101 class.

Orientation dates and registration information are available online at cwu.edu/orientation.

University Housing
University Housing provides well-maintained housing facilities, with an emphasis on student development, as part of the university’s academic environment, and works to augment classroom instruction with a learning environment that is supportive of students’ educational goals, personal and interpersonal growth, and cultural awareness. 

CWU is a residential university with most Ellensburg students living on or near campus. The residence halls and apartments can house 3,800 students. CWU’s residence halls offer students a variety of quality living experiences and options.

The residences are within a few minutes’ walk of any classroom, library, or dining hall, which offers considerable convenience and flexibility to students. Residence hall and apartment staff provides crisis intervention and educational, cultural, social, and community services programs, as well as coordinating behavioral problem-solving interventions in cooperation with the Dean of Student Success.

The residence halls offer a diverse selection of communities and environments.  The residence halls, which house between 35 and 476 occupants, offer programs and environments to enhance classroom experiences. Furniture, basic cable service, wireless internet, utilities, and coin-operated laundry facilities are also provided. Many halls have their own pool table, piano, or ping-pong table.  All residence halls and apartments are smoke-free.

Living and Learning Communities (LLCs) are available for students interested in the following areas: Education, Science Talent Expansion Program, Aviation, Music, Casa Latina, Business, Students for the Dream, International House, Leadership House, ROTC, Social Science, and William O. Douglas Honors College. Students may request a residence hall offering a living-learning enrichment opportunity. Hall staff and faculty from these areas of interest collaborate to provide residents with educational and social activities that integrate their field of study, enhancing their residence hall experience.

Since college is a total learning experience, Central requires all freshmen/first year students who are under 20 years-of-age to live in the residence halls for one academic year. Running Start students under 20 years-of-age, regardless of class standing, must also fulfill the live-in requirement. Students requesting an exception to the policy must apply through University Housing and New Student Programs.

CWU also maintains 450 apartments (studio, one, two or three bedrooms) designed for single students and those with families. The apartment complexes offer activities for residents that focus on their needs and priorities. Complexes feature programs and facilities that support students emotionally, socially and academically.  These programs might include wellness, self-defense, cultural awareness, lifestyle planning, career planning, and recreation. Many activities for children and families are presented, such as holiday events, child safety awareness programs, domestic violence prevention programs, and career planning. In addition, we have a living learning community for students in the sciences called Solvers.

At different times of the year, demands for apartments may exceed availability. For this reason, waiting lists are provided. To be eligible for apartment housing, a student must be currently enrolled in and must maintain at least 7 credit hours of coursework.

Students who are required to live in residence halls are not eligible to live in the apartments. Each apartment resident is required to sign a lease, which provides for renting an apartment on a month-to-month basis. Written notice must be given at least 30 days prior to vacating an apartment.  Pets are not allowed in any area of CWU housing. Central Washington University abides by all state and federal laws pertaining to service animals in on campus housing.