Campus Operations Update: Operational Student Employee Job Action

Job actions by Operational Student Employees (OSEs) that began on May 28 are now on pause, and operations and services continue on a normal schedule.

Please refer to President Randhawa's update to the community: https://president.wwu.edu/update-operational-student-employee-discussions 

Below is the current status of frequently requested services and answers to common questions. This page, including affected services, will be updated as needed.

Current campus services status

• Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center: Open and on a normal schedule
• Admissions Office: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Career Services/WWU Career Closet: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Child Development Center: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Counseling and Wellness Center: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Dining Services: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Housing Office: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• ITS Help Desk: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Lakewood Boathouse: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• LGBTQ+ Western: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Libraries: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Multicultural Student Services: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Outdoor Center: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Residence Halls: Operating as normal
• Student Health Center: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Student Technology Center: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Viking Union and Bookstore: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Wade King Student Recreation Center: Open and operating on a normal schedule
• Western Box Office: Open and operating on a normal schedule, for online ticketing for the Box Office please use https://www.wwu.edu/tickets
• Western Card Office: Open and operating on a normal schedule, to get your Western Card please use  https://westerncard.wwu.edu/

Will this affect classes, credit, or graduation?

No. The university does not anticipate any disruption to academic coursework, final grades, or graduation timelines.

WWU’s position on OSE organizing

Western supports the rights of students to organize and advocate for themselves. The university is aware of the organizing efforts by OSEs and continues to engage in ongoing dialogue with student leaders.

WWU supports potential legislation that would extend collective bargaining rights to student workers. Should that legislation pass, the university will follow all legal steps to recognize and bargain with a certified union.

OSE positions currently receive the same wages and many protections as other student employment roles on campus.

More information: Operational Student Employee Activity Spring 2025

Freedom of expression on campus

Western affirms and protects the right to peaceful protest, assembly, and expression. These activities must follow university policies and may not disrupt operations or interfere with the rights of others.

Key rules include:

• No blocking of streets, entrances, walkways, classrooms, or transit areas
• Activities limited to 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., up to five consecutive days
• No amplified sound without prior approval
• Designated areas for gatherings include Red Square and PAC Plaza
• All activity must comply with safety rules and applicable laws

More info: WWU Expressive Activities Policy