aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

Fall Family Weekend set for Oct. 16-18

This year's Fall Family Weekend (October 16 – 18) will include virtual events, activities, and unique offerings for families and students to experience Western together from the comfort of their homes. Check the website nssfo.wwu.edu/fall-family-weekend for more details and additional activities as we get closer to the event.

LIVE EVENTS on Zoom to include:

Academic Success During a Pandemic on Oct. 16, 2020 - 5 p.m.: Students starting college during a pandemic are facing some unique challenges. These range from significant inconveniences (such as a Zoom meeting failure due to slow internet) to the catastrophic (a family financial emergency due to loss of employment). With the additional stress and isolation new students deal with, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Jack Herring will share some of the lessons we have learned about how first-year students can succeed academically in these circumstances and how their families can support them. 

Taking Care 2020 on Oct. 16, 2020 - 6 p.m.:  As we navigate these challenging times, self-care and social connection are more important than ever. This workshop will offer opportunity to learn and share strategies to build emotional and psychological resilience, manage stress, find creative ways to connect with others and build community. Counseling Center staff look forward to joining students and families as we boldly find our way through the unique time ahead in Fall 2020.

FoodWISE for us, FoodWISE for the planet—discussion/Q+A with Huxley's Gigi Berardi on October 17 from noon to 12:45 p.m. and October 18 from 1-1:45 p.m.: We live in a culture awash with advice on nutrition and eating. But what does it really mean to make the “right” food choices—for us and for the planet? This is a Q & A with Huxley professor Gigi Berardi on her new book, FoodWISE: A Whole Systems Guide to Sustainable and Delicious Food Choices (North Atlantic Books)

Western Pumpkin Carving on Oct. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 18 at 2 p.m.: Grab your own pumpkin, download one of the free WWU carving templates, and join our  Pumpkin Carving Zoom Room, hosted by our Orientation Student Advisors. Basic design? Viking theme? Iconic Halloween? Show off your carving skills and share to social channels, using the #WesternFFW hashtag.

 

Additional asynchronous offerings to include:

Brunch in a Box:  We are pleased to continue our Western tradition of connecting with, and enjoying, local agriculture and delicious farm-fresh fare with Sunday brunch. The Brunch in a Box meal kit has been locally sourced and contains some of your favorite Bellewood Farms products you can prepare and enjoy from the comfort of home. Each box contains locally sourced ingredients and recipes with pick up (on Oct. 17 at Bellewood Farms) or delivery options. Orders may be placed for delivery after Fall Family Weekend as well. Orders may be placed at:  https://www.cravecatering.net/online-ordering

Cheesemaking for Fall Family Weekend: An online cheesemaking course just for parents and families of WWU students designed by Huxley College Professor Gigi Berardi, author of FoodWISE, with more than 30 years of experience in farm and food studies.

Explore Western, Bellingham, the Salish Sea and beyond with a comprehensive listing of maps, tours and guides provided by Western faculty and staff as well as the local Bellingham community!

We’re also featuring Huxley’s 50th by highlighting faculty and student research with Western’s Stories of Climate Change!

Checkout the many additional offerings providing a number of ways you can encourage students and their families to engage and connect with Western communities through local podcasts, KUGS, and Bellingham dining guides and resources, cooking demos, campus resources and much more!