Guide for Returning Students

Congratulations on your readmission to Western! We look forward to once again including you as a member of the Western family. Below is a guide to help you plan a smooth return to Western.

Course Registration

Registration dates vary by quarter. Returning students who apply by the application deadline register for classes during Phase 1; your registration appointment time is based on the number of completed credits on record. 

Links to the registration schedule, Web4U online registration, the University Catalog, TimeTable of Classes and other important resources can be found on the Registrar’s Office website along with quarterly dates and deadlines. Contact the Registrar’s Office with questions.

 

Set Yourself Up for Success

Check Web4U

You will be unable to register for classes if there are any holds on your account. If you have registration holds they will be listed in Web4U along with the contact information for the office you need to work with to resolve the hold. 

Send Transcripts for New Coursework

If you have attended another college or university since your last enrollment at Western, you must request that an official transcript be sent from the Registrar’s Office of you previous institution to the Registrar’s Office at Western. If you are currently enrolled at another institution, it is your responsibility to see that a final official transcript is forwarded as soon as your grades are posted.  

Send any new or updated transcripts to: 

Western Washington University

University Registrar’s Office, MS 9009

516 High Street

Bellingham, WA 98225-9008

Check your Residency Status

Your residency status is noted in your acceptance letter. Becoming a Washington resident after enrollment is extremely difficult, so be sure this classification is correct. If you have questions, contact the Office of Admissions to request a reclassification questionnaire. Detailed residency information is available at admissions.wwu.edu/residency.

Confirm your Enrollment

While no confirmation form or fee is required from you, we do ask that you notify us by email if you are unable to return to Western during the quarter for which you applied. If you decide you would like to begin in a future quarter, you will need to repeat the returning student admission process. 

 

Academic Advising

All Western students are welcome to schedule an individual appointment with the Academic Advising Center prior to their registration appointment. 

Departmental Advising

Readmission to Western does not imply that you are qualified for your intended major. You are encouraged to contact academic departments prior to registration, as you may need permission to register for your intended courses. Academic departments can provide information related to major requirements and prerequisites. Departmental contact information is available online at wwu.edu/directory.

Fresh Start

Students returning to Western after an absence of five or more consecutive years may begin a new cumulative grade point average. Contact the Registrar’s Office at (360) 650-3432 no later than the end of the first week of classes.

 

Plan your Finances

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help meet the cost of attendance, such as  tuition, books, educational supplies, housing and meals, transportation and personal expenses. If you plan to apply for financial aid, you need to submit the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. 

Western's Financial Aid Priority Deadline is January 31. For priority consideration, submit the FAFSA by January 31 and include Western’s Federal School Code so we receive your results: 003802. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will receive full consideration as long as funds are available. 

If you have questions about financial aid, please contact Western’s Financial Aid Office at finaid.wwu.edu or (360) 650-3470. 

Student Employment

Many students help cover college expenses by working on campus or in the Bellingham community. Refer to Western’s Student Employment Center for information. 

 

Stay in Touch

Email and Mailing Address Changes

If you have any email or mailing address changes, please notify us by email as soon as possible. Be sure to include your full name and Western ID number when you communicate in writing so we can help you more quickly.

Reach Out

If the Admissions staff can be of assistance at any step of the way, feel free to contact us directly at admissions@wwu.edu or (360) 650-3440.