Dec 08, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Welcome


 Welcome to Central Washington University!

CWU's President James L. Gaudino

Welcome is a word you’ll hear a lot at Central Washington University. It’s not only a greeting but a description of the environment we strive to have on our campus. We want you to feel that you belong here and this is a place where you can expand your knowledge and begin the journey of becoming who you want to be.

We try to help you achieve that goal with professors who know your name and want you to excel, experiential learning opportunities, and a wide variety of academic majors-in fact, more than 135. We provide you with an affordable education from top faculty who teach subjects you want to learn.

Research shows that students who become involved and engaged in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are more likely to succeed. Getting involved in student media, clubs, organizations, club sports, musical productions, art shows, and other out-of-the-classroom experiences enrich students on many levels and can play a significant role in a student’s overall holistic development.

One of the best things about Central’s residential campus in Ellensburg is its location. The surrounding region offers a wide choice of recreational opportunities. CWU is only minutes away from beautiful mountains, great nature trails, the Yakima River, snow skiing, and more. Additionally, Ellensburg itself might just be one of Washington state’s most hidden jewels with his array of dining, shopping, and special events.

Central Washington University offers a variety of ways for you to learn. Students at one of our eight university centers or instructional sites can earn course credit and degrees that meet their individual needs while allowing them to remain close to home. We also provide a host of online classes and certifications. In fact, when it comes to online learning, few universities can compare to CWU. Several of our programs, including psychology, professional and creative writing, and information technology and administrative management, have been named among the nation’s top online programs, and Central has consistently been designated one of the best value online school in the state of Washington.

By enrolling at Central, you have become a member of the Wildcat family. We are diverse and inclusive-CWU is the only Washington state university given the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award in four of the past five years-along with being friendly and welcoming. At Central, you will find a nurturing environment with a strong foundation in the principles of respect, support, and acceptance.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet and know our students. When you see me around campus or in the community, please introduce yourself.

 

James L. Gaudino
President
Central Washington University