Oct 14, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

University Services


Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

 

Archival Services

The Archives at Central Washington University was established in 2004 to act as the repository for official and unofficial records that document the history of the university. The Archives also serve as a regional repository to house, preserve, and promote the history of central Washington. It is located on the second floor of the James E. Brooks Library on the Ellensburg campus.

The primary objectives of the Archives is to collect, organize, describe, preserve, and make available university records and regional collections of permanent historical value. It also aims to support research, teaching, and public awareness of the rich heritage of central Washington and the university.

The Archives contain records, photographs, and artifacts produced by CWU or its predecessors: Washington State Normal School at Ellensburg (1891-1937); Central Washington College of Education (1937-1961); and Central Washington State College (1961-1977). The collection contains documents published by the university as well as materials produced by university administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The collection includes administrative reports, department and committee records, student publications, photographs, printed records, and the correspondence of former presidents, deans, and other university officials.

The regional manuscript collection, which is part of the Archives, consists of historically significant 19th- and 20th- century personal papers, business and organizational records, photograph collections, and other materials produced in central Washington by individuals, businesses, and organizations that reside, or have resided, in the region. One-of-kind unpublished works from the counties of Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima are represented in the collection. The collection includes materials relevant to the history and cultural development of central Washington.

Center for Spatial Information and Research

The Center for Spatial Information and Research (CSIR) supports and coordinates research projects for students and faculty using hardware and software technologies that gather and analyze spatial information to solve problems in the social sciences, natural sciences, and business. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS), ground-penetrating radar, precision laser surveying, and satellite image processing are some of the spatial technologies used by CWU faculty and students. Typical GIS applications include projects in resource geography, archaeology, field biology, geology, and planning. CSIR also relies on the Department of Geography’s GIS laboratory, where a variety of undergraduate and graduate GIS courses are taught, and numerous large and small research projects are conducted using state-of-the-art computing systems.

CSIR encourages creative, interdisciplinary uses of spatial technology, and works with the private and government sectors to identify problems to which CWU personnel and equipment can provide effective solutions. CSIR’s home page is at www.cwu.edu/spatial-information.


Central Washington Anthropological Survey

The Central Washington Anthropological Survey (CWAS) conducts anthropological and archaeological investigations and promotes public involvement in the identification and protection of regional cultural resources. CWAS cooperates with state and federal agencies, Native American Tribes and Nations, and professional archaeologists throughout the Pacific Northwest. CWAS provides “real world” experiences for CWU students and promotes the use of new technologies for documenting historic places and landscapes. CWAS projects are managed by Dr. Steven Hackenberger and Jon Shellenberger.

CWU Libraries

CWU Libraries provides quality resources and innovative services to stimulate creativity and intellectual curiosity, and to facilitate lifelong learning and research within the communities we serve. The libraries’ faculty and staff are engaged in the creation of collections that support the curriculum and the provision of access to those materials. More specifically, these activities include collecting and preserving materials; user instruction and guidance; information retrieval, analysis, and organization; global access to library and information resources; and collaborating with instructional faculty to develop programs, collections, and research.

Students and other library users have 24/7 online access to millions of electronic materials in 228 databases and 1.3 million books, films, government documents, maps, and audio recordings on-site in the main library in Ellensburg, the James E. Brooks Library. Full-text electronic and/or paper subscriptions to over 15,000 periodicals and academic journals are available electronically or on-site. Additionally, the libraries provides similar access to more than 46 million items from the academic libraries of the Northwest that belong to the Orbis Cascade Alliance.

Staff are available to provide personalized service to students in-person and virtually. Academic support is available via phone, e-mail, virtual consultation, and 24/7 AskUs chat services. Brooks Library provides spaces for students, faculty, and staff to work collaboratively to enhance teaching and learning. The first floor includes the main library service point where students can connect with subject specialists and peer research consultants, and check out books, laptops, headphones, and other technology. The Learning Commons’ tutoring program and the Wildcat Pantry, supported by the Presidents United to Solve Hunger (PUSH), are also available on the first floor of Brooks Library. The second floor is the site of the Student Commons, Archives and Special Collections, and the Normal School Reading Room, giving students a variety of choices for study space, historical research, and group work. Brooks Library has desktop computers and printers throughout the building, and reservable group and individual study rooms are available on the third and fourth floors. Students at the Centers have access to library services and materials at the main library and libraries at the Des Moines and Lynnwood Centers.

The libraries’ staff, services, and collections support the educational efforts of students; foster intellectual, social, and ethical development; and assist students in locating, using, and evaluating information to equip them for independent, lifelong learning.

Disability Services

​Disability Services (DS), and Human Resources (HR), in partnership with the university community, are dedicated to creating an inclusive campus that celebrates diversity and provides individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to fully participate in and benefit from all aspects of the employment and educational environments. Utilizing documentation of disability and information obtained in consultation with the student or employee, DS staff assesses the effects of a student’s disability on their ability to access the educational process. HR staff assesses the effects an employee’s disability has on their ability to perform the essential functions of their job. Based on this assessment, DS/HR staff identifies reasonable accommodations designed to ensure these individuals equal access to all facets of the University. Students or employees wishing to request disability accommodations are responsible for contacting DS/HR.

Examples of accommodations available to CWU students and/or employees with disabilities include, but are not limited to, textbooks and academic/employment materials in accessible formats (large print, Braille, electronic text), alternative examination procedures, sign language interpreters, speech-to-text transcription, permission to audio-record lectures, note-taking assistance, early registration, priority snow removal routes, special classroom or workplace furniture, and access technology. DS also serves as a resource for student, faculty, staff, and the community regarding disability issues.

Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting DS: 509-963-2214; Hogue 126; DS@cwu.edu, www.cwu.edu/disability-services/. Employees and visitors may request reasonable accommodation by contacting HR; 509-963-1202; Mitchell Hall, First Floor; hr@cwu.edu; www.cwu.edu/hr/workplace-accommodation.

Diversity and Equity Center (DEC)

Located in Black Hall 101, the Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) cultivates a sense of belonging and community on campus through programs and initiatives that encourage students to explore their identities, challenge barriers and empower themselves and their communities. The DEC hosts cultural programs, identity-based affinity programs, engagement opportunities for the campus community, student staff jobs and learning opportunities around social justice for our campus community. We offer a physical space for community gathering and meetings specifically for students with marginalized identities. Our students and the campus community are always welcome in the DEC; stop by and see how we can support you. 

Early Childhood Learning Center

The Early Childhood Learning Center - Where Children are Central- strives to ensure that everyone is a learner and learning is worth the risk. We believe in teaching to the whole child by planning for all areas of a child’s development and education. We plan for all areas of a child’s developmental and educational needs cognitive, social-emotional, creative, and physical development. Individuality is acknowledged and respected as each child explores a child-centered environment at their own pace. We believe that parent involvement positively reinforces each child’s family and culture. Our program serves children ages 4 weeks-12 years old. If you are a student of Central Washington University enrolled in 6 credits or more or you are a faculty/staff member of CWU you may apply to enroll in our program. For more information, email eclc@cwu.edu or visit www.cwu.edu/early-learning/.

Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center (FRC) is part of the Child Development and Family Science program at Central Washington University. The mission of the FRC is to provide programming and resources to support families (e.g., parenting education, grief support, clothing, infant supplies); coordinate family-related research to enhance the lives of children and families; and provide civic engagement opportunities for students. Information about current FRC events and resources for families can be found online at www.cwu.edu/family/, and the FRC director can be reached at 509-963-2758.

Geographic Information Systems Laboratory

The GIS laboratory contains up-to-date computer hardware and various software suites employed in the analysis of spatial data such as maps, aerial photos, satellite imagery, and digital terrain models. The laboratory provides a teaching and research facility for faculty and students from a variety of fields, including anthropology, archaeology, biology, geography, geology, resource management, and sociology. Additional information can be found at www.cwu.edu/geography.

Information Services

Information Services (IS) provides computer, communications, enterprise application and networking services to the Ellensburg campus and university centers located throughout the state. IS staff members work closely with all segments of the university to ensure that information technology is broadly developed, acquired, used, and available to all students, faculty, and staff. IS information is available on the web at www.cwu.edu/its and can be contacted at 509-963-2333. The CWU Service Desk can be contacted at 509-963-2001.

Students and faculty have easy access to computers and software in 25 general-purpose and discipline-specific computer labs spread throughout academic buildings on campus. Every residence hall room is equipped with a network connection providing Internet services for those students that bring computers to campus and residence halls have Wi-Fi service. Students, faculty, and staff who reside off campus can access CWU technology resources (i.e., Canvas, portal, e-mail, file services, etc.) via the Internet through my.cwu.edu.

Wi-Fi access to the CWU network and the Internet is available across the campus and via laptop checkout in the SURC, Multimodal Education Center and Brooks Library. Information on Wi-Fi at CWU is online at www.cwu.edu/its-helpdesk/connecting-cwu-wireless-network.

Multimodal Education Center

The Multimodal Education Center (MEC) embraces the vision that Technology Empowers Learning. We provide instructional and multimedia technologies, support, and training for all CWU students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to create opportunities for exploration of emerging technologies, digital media, and innovative learning spaces. Through a variety of workshops, we can help you create multimedia projects, develop a 3D model for printing at the Center, learn a new technology skill, explore the uses of Virtual Reality, and more. We provide individual studio spaces for video or audio recording, open to students from 9-6 Monday through Friday. We also have a variety of technologies, including laptops, video cameras, 360-degree cameras, and projectors for short-term, limited checkout through our desk in the lobby of Samuelson Hall. For more information, visit our website at www.cwu.edu/multimodal-education, email us mec@cwu.edu, or call 509-963-3293.


Student Employment

Central Washington University supports the employment of current students, recognizing the reciprocal benefits of their work. Employment of students provides them the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and assists them with financing their education. Student employees are a valuable source of labor and spirit for the university.

We work to ensure that each student enjoys their CWU work experience and that employers have the resources needed to employ, mentor, and support student employees. The role of Human Resources is to facilitate connections between students and employers so students can fund their educational expenses, obtain valuable work experience, and build career portfolios through work experience and training opportunities created specifically for student employees.

Student employment opportunities are available for both on and off campus (including summer opportunities) by logging into MyCWU, clicking on the student tab, then student employment. Selecting the “on campus” option directs students to the CWU Careers website. Selecting the “off campus” option directs students to the Wildcat Careers Network. For additional information about Student Employment visit our website at www.cwu.edu/hr/student-employment. Contact HR at 509-963-1202 or seo@cwu.edu or make an appointment to come by Human Resources, Mitchell Hall, First Floor.

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 accommodations for testing.

CWU Testing Services partners with 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
  • Prometric
    • ASE
  • Meazure Learning:
    • ACE certifications
  • Kryterion Testing:
    • Certified Counselor/Adviser Exam
  • PearsonVUE Testing:
    • WEST
    • NES
    • Microsoft
    • CISCO
    • CompTIA
    • GED
  • PSI Testing:
    • FAA
    • Insurance certification
    • Broker certification
  • Various other testing:
    • Proctored Exams for other institutions
    • Language Placement Test
    • LSAT
    • GRE Subject

University Police and Public Safety

University Police and Public Safety (UPPS) provides service to the Ellensburg, WA campus of CWU. Commissioned and trained police officers provide service to the campus community 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. In addition, parking enforcement officers, professional support staff and student employees work diligently to meet our mission: “Work in partnership with our communities to create a safe and secure environment through education and enforcement.”

UPPS works closely with neighboring law enforcement agencies. “Blue-light” emergency telephones are installed in or adjacent to many parking lots and walking paths throughout the campus. Each phone has an emergency button and a two-way speaker that directly connects to KITTCOM.

UPPS employs students in a program called Courtesy Assistance Team or CAT. CAT provides walking companions from campus buildings to parking lots or residence halls. CAT employees also check doors to buildings and walk through buildings that are open.

Throughout the school year we give 60-75 crime prevention programs and have been invited to present “active shooter response” to numerous classes. We routinely work with the student newspaper and radio station, as well as other media, to provide safety tips and timely warnings of criminal activity.

Central Transit provides transportation from campus to various locations in the city of Ellensburg.

Our motto is “Integrity Service Excellent.”

Emergency Phone: 911
Non-emergency: 509-925-8534
Business Phone: 509-963-2959
Fax: 509-963-2750
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 
Courtesy Assistance Team (CAT) 509-963-2950
 

Veterans Center

CWU’s Veterans Center opened in 2009 to support veterans, service members, and their families entering college. The center is dedicated to supporting student veterans, service members, and their families through their educational journey at CWU. We provide outreach to prospective students, assistance in navigating funding options, and programming that builds support and awareness for our community. Services include assisting with veteran education benefit applications, certifying enrollment, and locating additional resources. Find more information at www.cwu.edu/veterans, 509-963-3028, or e-mail va@cwu.edu.