Soundings

In this issue: Back 2 Bellingham weekend starts May 18

2012-05-09T20:17:25Z

Don't miss the Spring 2012 edition of Soundings

Western's newsletter for WWU families includes:

Join us for Back2Bellingham Alumni and Family Weekend!

On May 18-20, join your student and other Western families at Western's biggest annual celebration, Back2Bellingham Alumni and Family Weekend.

The three-day event is filled with tours, academic presentations and dozens of other opportunities for families and their students to reconnect and share the Western Experience.

Employers plan to hire more, but competition for jobs is high for new grads

Learn some advice to share with your student about getting that first job after college.

Plus

Success Story: Read about one student whose passion and persistence paid off in finding her dream job

Meet Washington's Student Employee of the Year

A server administrator for Residential Technology, he helps make sure students have Internet access.

Western's Student Employee of the Year has won the statewide honor for the past three years.

New softball field a result of innovative partnership

Some much-needed improvements to Western's softball fields gave players a new artificial turf outfield – and gave Western officials a new way to fund capital projects with private donations.

Travel the globe with Western faculty this summer

This summer, Western is offering 15 different courses allowing students to explore countries like China, Costa Rica, Greece and Italy, while learning about language, culture, sustainability, history, food and much more.

More students than ever want to join the Viking family

Western has received its highest-ever number of freshman applicants hoping to join the Viking family for fall 2012.

WWU Summer Session comes to King County

Students who want to catch up on WWU credits during the summer will have one more option when Western offers Summer Session courses in King County for the first time this June.

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Division of Enrollment and Student Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

The winter Soundings newsletter, with info for WWU families, is online

2012-01-27T18:45:38Z

Don't miss the Winter 2012 edition of Soundings

Western's newsletter for WWU families includes:

Students who delay declaring a major may get a nudge from Academic Advising

Western is stepping up efforts to encourage students to declare a major in a timely manner. Those who have earned 105 credits without declaring a major will need to work closely with advisors to get their graduation plans on track.

Learn what resources are available for students who are still looking for their academic passions.

Western students go global

A growing number of WWU students – 538 last year alone – are earning credits toward graduation while studying or interning in more than 50 countries around the world.

Read about students who traveled to China, Chile, Mongolia and a dozen countries around the world.

And if your student is interested in going global at Western, send them to the International Programs and Exchanges Office.

Students' record their plans, hopes and fears at Convocation

Glimpse a patchwork of new students' ambitions for their time at Western, collected at Convocation to be stored in a time capsule.

Opt in for a 'green' student tax form

WWU reports to the IRS all tuition charges, financial aid, grant or scholarship payment information for students on the 1098T.

Visit or call Student Financial Services to find out how to receive the 1098-T electronically, saving paper and ensuring it doesn't get lost.

Western's Parent Annual Fund supports key services

If you haven't had the chance to talk to one of our WWU student phonathon callers, we hope you'll pick up the phone when they call!

Not only is it a great chance to hear from a student other than your own, but you'll learn all about how parents like you can get more involved with your student's success at Western.

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Division of Enrollment and Student Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

Winter 2012 issue of Soundings with info for WWU families is online

2012-01-24T20:12:00Z

Don't miss the Winter 2012 edition of Soundings

Western's newsletter for WWU families includes:

Students learn about going global at Thursday's International Opportunities Fair

A growing number of WWU students – 538 last year alone – are earning credits toward graduation while studying or interning in more than 50 countries around the world.

Read about students who traveled to China, Chile, Mongolia and a dozen countries around the world.

And if your student is interested in going global at Western, tell them about Thursday's International Opportunities Fair.

Students who delay declaring a major may get a nudge from Academic Advising

Learn what resources are available for students who are still looking for their academic passions.

Students' record their plans, hopes and fears at Convocation

Glimpse a patchwork of new students' ambitions for their time at Western, collected at Convocation to be stored in a time capsule.

Opt in for a 'green' student tax form

WWU reports to the IRS all tuition charges, financial aid, grant or scholarship payment information for students on the 1098T.

Visit or call Student Financial Services to find out how to receive the 1098-T electronically, saving paper and ensuring it doesn't get lost.

Western's Parent Annual Fund supports key services

If you haven't had the chance to talk to one of our WWU student phonathon callers, we hope you'll pick up the phone when they call!

Not only is it a great chance to hear from a student other than your own, but you'll learn all about how parents like you can get more involved with your student's success at Western.

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Division of Enrollment and Student Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

Volunteering; smart student loans; research in Siberia: Soundings newsletter for WWU parents

2011-10-19T18:56:20Z

Don't miss the Fall 2011 edition of Soundings

Western's newsletter for WWU families includes:

Where can your student learn about volunteering in the community?

Visiting the Center for Service-Learning (CSL) in Wilson Library is the best way for students to learn more about volunteer opportunities and upcoming service projects. The CSL offers a variety of resources for students.

When the going gets tough, the tough call home

Have you heard this from your student?

"I don't know which major to choose."

"There's nothing to do here."

"I'm sick."

To help you better prepare for that first unhappy phone call, email, or text message, we've pulled together a few common concerns that families of first year students might hear.

Student loans: How much is too much?

New financial literacy resources help students get smart about paying for college.

The Learning Commons offers collaborative spaces for students

Students operate differently now than they used to, says Carmen Werder, the Learning Commons' director. They'remuch more interactive, more social in the ways they glean and share information.

How far can your student go with research?

Environmental Journalism senior and Honors Program student Becky Tachihara spent a summer in the Siberian Arctic with the Polaris Project, funded by the National Science Foundation. Tachihara will discuss the adventure, and other research opportunities available to Honors Program students at Fall Family Open House. For now, check out Tachihara's video about her summer in Siberia.

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Division of Enrollment and Student Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

Soundings newsletter for parents, fall issue, is now online

2011-10-12T17:05:39Z

Soundings, the newsletter for WWU families, is available online.

The Fall 2011 edition includes:

A video about student research in Siberia
Advice on how to handle frantic phone calls home: "I don't know what to major in." "I'm sick!" "There's nothing to do here!"
New financial literacy resources to help students plan ahead for paying back student loans.
Tips for finding volunteer opportunities.
A reminder that it's not too late to sign up for Fall Family Open House.
And more!

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Division of Enrollment and Student Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

Soundings, the newsletter for WWU families, is online

2011-09-14T18:08:25Z

Soundings, the newsletter for WWU families, is available online.

Here are some of the stories you'll see in the latest edition:

Explore Bellingham with your student

We asked our interns where they like to take their families when they visit campus. See their ideas for local culture, great views, yummy desserts and even indoor soccer.

Get ready for move-in day Sept. 18

Planning ahead can make the whole day much easier. And here's a link to University Residences' Moving In guide.

Also, don't forget Winter quarter classes start Tuesday, Jan. 3

Watch for the WWU Choice card in the mail

Your student will soon receive an envelope that looks like this. Don't throw it out. It has critical information about receiving financial refunds from Western.

Fall Family Open House is Oct. 21 to 23

Tickets go on sale Sept. 19. Events include "Whose Live Anyway?" with Ryan Stiles and other talented improv comedians.

It's also a great weekend to reconnect with your student and see what Western has to offer.

Is your student on track to graduate?

Students who haven't picked a major after they've earned 105 credits must now see an advisor. Find out why.

Plus: Academic advising for new students and online resources for academic help.

Send your student WWU gifts from home

University Catering's Gifts From Home program is a great way for friends and families to show love and support for their Western students.

Western students shine on the national stage

You can't blame us for being proud of students who win national and regional competitions for excellence in athletics, journalism, improvisational comedy and more.

A student's guide to sustainable transportation

Student Cristina Roock learned that getting around town -- and around the region -- without a car was easier than she thought.

Solar panels, energy-efficient lighting among new green projects funded by students

Five innovative student projects were selected to receive a combined total of $263,900 in funding from the Associated Students Green Energy Fee grant program.

New Parent Advancement Council organized to build scholarship support

A Parent Advancement Council was recently formed to ensure increased access to the Western experience by raising scholarship dollars and increasing philanthropic support from parents.

So much to 'like': Keep in touch with Western through Facebook

In addition to the Western Washington University page, there are WWU pages for Parent and Family Programs, Athletics, and the Alumni Association.

Newsletters, Parent Connection help families stay in touch with WWU

Make sure you're getting the latest news from Western -- including emergency text messages.

Visit the Soundings website for more stories on Academics, Campus Life, Careers and Networking and Financial Aid.

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Division of Enrollment and Student Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

Soundings, the newsletter for WWU families, is online

2011-09-09T17:58:15Z

Soundings, the newsletter for WWU families, is available online.

Here are some of the stories you'll see in the latest edition:

Get ready for move-in day Sept. 18

Planning ahead can make the whole day much easier.

And here's a link to University Residences' Moving In guide.

Also, don't forget Winter quarter classes start Tuesday, Jan. 3

Is your student on track to graduate?

Students who haven't picked a major after they've earned 105 credits must now see an advisor. Find out why.

Plus: Academic advising for new students and online resources for academic help.

Watch for the WWU Choice card in the mail

Your student will soon receive an envelope that looks like this. Don't throw it out. It has critical information about receiving financial refunds from Western.

Fall Family Open House is Oct. 21 to 23

Tickets go on sale Sept. 19. Events include "Whose Live Anyway?" with Ryan Stiles and other talented improv comedians.

It's also a great weekend to reconnect with your student and see what Western has to offer.

Explore Bellingham with your student

We asked our interns where they like to take their families when they visit campus.

See their ideas for local culture, great views, yummy desserts and even indoor soccer.

Western students shine on the national stage

You can't blame us for being proud of students who win national and regional competitions for excellence in athletics, journalism, improvisational comedy and more.

A student's guide to sustainable transportation

Student Cristina Roock learned that getting around town -- and around the region -- without a car was easier than she thought.

Solar panels, energy-efficient lighting among new green projects funded by students

Five innovative student projects were selected to receive a combined total of $263,900 in funding from the Associated Students Green Energy Fee grant program.

New Parent Advancement Council organized to build scholarship support

A Parent Advancement Council was recently formed to ensure increased access to the Western experience by raising scholarship dollars and increasing philanthropic support from parents.

So much to 'like': Keep in touch with Western through Facebook

In addition to the Western Washington University page, there are WWU pages for Parent and Family Programs, Athletics, and the Alumni Association.

Newsletters, Parent Connection help families stay in touch with WWU

Make sure you're getting the latest news from Western -- including emergency text messages.

Send your student WWU gifts from home

University Catering's Gifts From Home program is a great way for friends and families to show love and support for their Western students.

Visit the Soundings website for more stories on Academics, Campus Life, Careers and Networking and Financial Aid.

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Division of Enrollment and Student Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

Soundings is now online with news for WWU families

2011-04-28T21:09:15Z

Soundings, the newsletter for WWU families, is available online.
Here are some of the stories you'll see in the latest edition:

Job market's looking up for new grads

Good news for this spring's class: Employers plan to hire more than 19 percent more new college graduates than they did last year, according to a national survey.

But with so many people still looking for jobs, new-graduate job seekers need to represent themselves the best way they can.

Campus jobs: Associated Students still has a few jobs open for '10-'11
The spring quarter hiring season is wrapping up for the Associated Students, but Western's student-run organizations are still looking for a few students to fill next year's jobs.

Don't miss Back 2 Bellingham Alumni and Family Weekend May 13 to 15
"There's no better weekend to connect with your student and enjoy campus and the surrounding area," says Anna Carey, director of New Student Services/Family Outreach. The registration deadline is coming up. Register by May 6 at nssfo.wwu.edu/b2b/.

Travel the world with Western

Western is offering more opportunities than ever this year to travel the world with Western faculty while earning WWU credit.

With 15 different trips to five continents courses will explore topics such as religion and post-colonial literature in Senegal, sustainability in Greece, conservation in Costa Rica and ecotourism in Peru.

More robust GI Bill brings more veterans to Western

With a growing number of Western students taking advantage of the GI Bill, WWU's Vetarans Services Office has grown, too.

Now there is enough space to pull together a couple of couches and put on some coffee for veterans and dependents who want to stop by and chat. Creating a sense of community for veterans is just as important as providing technical help, say staff members. They should know -- they're veterans, too.

Highlights in sports
Women's Basketball Coach Carmen Dolfo breaks a record, pole vaulter Ryan Brown eyes a fourth national title, and Sports Information Director Paul Madison is a national hall-of-famer.

'Green fee' fuels a brainstorm
Wind turbines? Bike-powered generators? With a $300,000 grant available for projects to help Western become more environmentally friendly, students, faculty and staff are developing innovative ideas on how to spend the money.

Western families, use your experience to help others just starting out
New Student Services/Family Outreach is looking for parents to answer questions from new WWU families at Summerstart.

Catch up, get creative at summer session
"Summer is really a chance for faculty to be creative in their classes and offer new and different things they can't do during the academic year," says Marlene Harlan, Western's director of Summer Programs and Marketing. "It's a great opportunity for students to venture out and try something different."

New, interactive Western Wellness provides health information online
Western's Prevention and Wellness Services has just launched Western Wellness, a new online health promotion program available to all WWU students.

Summer programs for youth heat up
	Western offers a wide variety of programs for younger students during the summer, and families who register for Odyssey of Science and Arts or College Quest by May 15 get a registration discount.

Newsletters, Parent Connection help families stay in touch with WWU
Make sure you're getting the latest news from Western -- including emergency text messages.

Visit the Soundings Web site for more stories on Academics, Campus Life, Careers and Networking and Financial Aid.
Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Vice President for Student Affairs/Academic Support Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

WWU Soundings is online. Click to see which WWU student club is going to nationals and which athletic team competes on television Wednesday night.

2011-02-01T20:44:08Z

Soundings, the newsletter for WWU families, is available online.

Here are some of the stories you'll see in the latest edition:

Students can start planning now for summer jobs

Summer jobs can be a great opportunity for college students to earn money to pay for school. But working during the summer can also give students some early career experience, a taste of adventure or even a chance to catch up on college credits.

Learn more.

Plus: Some jobs offer a bit of adventure along with a paycheck. Read about the experiences of two WWU students, one on a fishing boat, the other on a train.

'Dead Parrots Society,' WWU's student improv team, is heading to nationals

The Dead Parrots Society is heading to the national College Improv Tournament in Chicago in February to compete with other students who specialize in improvisational theatre, the fine art of performing comedic scenes at the drop of a hat.

Learn more.

Western creates a clearer focus on its identity

"This positioning effort will help people better understand what Western is all about today," says Bruce Shepard, WWU President, in a press release today.

"Effectively telling our story means critically understanding just what it is that we are, and are especially good at. This has a critical connection to a pressing issue: having the resource base to continue to do what we do so well. And competition for limited resources will continue to intensify."

Read who was WWU's honorary 100,000th degree recipient

Western officials knew the 100,000th degree would be awarded at Fall Commencement on Dec. 11, and selected a student at random to represent the recipient of the landmark degree.

In addition to the celebration in December, Western is honoring the entire 2010-11 graduating class with a commemorative brick paver installed in the sidewalk in front of Old Main.

Students thinking about moving off campus this fall? Experts offer advice

As students begin to make their housing plans for fall, Elva Giddings, director of Prevention and Wellness Services, and Lyndie Case, coordinator of the Campus Community Coalition, discuss what students can expect and offer tips for a positive off-campus living experience.

New students' words create a patchwork of hopes

Each fall during Welcoming Convocation, new students write notes to be placed in a WWU time capsule.

This word cloud illustrates some of the most common words the students used to describe their hopes, ambitions -- and some fears.

Read the story for more, longer examples of their words.

This week: Catch WWU basketball on television

Catch two upcoming WWU basketball games on Fox Sports Northwest TV:

WWU Women host Seattle Pacific: Feb. 2, 6 p.m.
WWU Men host Central Washington University: Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

Fox Sports Northwest will also broadcast the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Men's championship game on March 4 at 5 p.m.

Kiplinger's again ranks WWU among 100 best values

In its February 2011 issue, Kiplinger's magazine ranks Western 56th on its list of the 100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2011.

WWU Libraries evolve to meet students' academic needs

Students expect information to be available on the devices they choose to use, says Christopher Cox, dean of WWU Libraries. It falls to librarians to provide the information students need when and where they need it.

Learn how WWU Libraries are changing to get students what they need.

Calling all parents!

Each year, Western students call families to ask for donations to the WWU Foundation's Parent Fund, which supports the Career Services Center as well as other important student services that aren't covered by tuition and state support.

Find out how you can help.

Make plans to join your student on campus for Back 2 Bellingham

Back 2 Bellingham Alumni and Family Weekend, Western's weekend extravaganza of reunions, family events, social gatherings and academic presentations, will be May 13 to 15.

Make plans to join us.

Newsletters, Parent Connection help families stay in touch with WWU

Make sure you're getting the latest news from Western -- including emergency text messages.

Visit the Soundings Web site for more stories on Academics, Campus Life, Careers and Networking and Financial Aid.

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Vice President for Student Affairs/Academic Support Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.

Soundings, news for WWU families, is now online

2011-01-27T00:42:49Z

Soundings, the newsletter for WWU families, is available online.

Here are some of the stories you'll see in the latest edition:

Students can start planning now for summer jobs

Learn more.

Plus: Some jobs offer a bit of adventure along with a paycheck. Read about the experiences of two WWU students, one on a fishing boat, the other on a train.

Western creates a clearer focus on its identity

"This positioning effort will help people better understand what Western is all about today," says Bruce Shepard, WWU President, in a press release today.

Tonight: Catch WWU basketball on television

Catch three upcoming WWU basketball games on Fox Sports Northwest TV:

WWU Men at Seattle Pacific University: Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
WWU Women host Seattle Pacific: Feb. 2, 6 p.m.
WWU Men host Central Washington University: Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

Fox Sports Northwest will also broadcast the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Men's championship game on March 4 at 5 p.m.

Kiplinger's again ranks WWU among 100 best values

In its February 2011 issue, Kiplinger's magazine ranks Western 56th on its list of the 100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2011.

WWU Libraries evolve to meet students' academic needs

Learn how WWU Libraries are changing to get students what they need.

Students thinking about moving off campus this fall? Experts offer advice

New students' words create a patchwork of hopes

Each fall during Welcoming Convocation, new students write notes to be placed in a WWU time capsule.

This word cloud illustrates some of the most common words the students used to describe their hopes, ambitions -- and some fears.

Read the story for more, longer examples of their words.

'Dead Parrots Society,' WWU's student improv team, is heading to nationals

Learn more.

Calling all parents!

Find out how you can help.

Make plans to join your student on campus for Back 2 Bellingham

Back 2 Bellingham Alumni and Family Weekend, Western's weekend extravaganza of reunions, family events, social gatherings and academic presentations, will be May 13 to 15.

Make plans to join us.

Read who was WWU's honorary 100,000th degree recipient

Western officials knew the 100,000th degree would be awarded at Fall Commencement on Dec. 11, and selected a student at random to represent the recipient of the landmark degree.

In addition to the celebration in December, Western is honoring the entire 2010-11 graduating class with a commemorative brick paver installed in the sidewalk in front of Old Main.

Newsletters, Parent Connection help families stay in touch with WWU

Make sure you're getting the latest news from Western -- including emergency text messages.

Visit the Soundings Web site for more stories on Academics, Campus Life, Careers and Networking and Financial Aid.

Soundings is produced online four times a year by Western's Vice President for Student Affairs/Academic Support Services and the Office of University Communications. Contact us.