Western Washington University Explained

Western Washington University
Former Names:Northwest Normal School (1886–1893)
New Whatcom Normal School (1893–1901)
State Normal School at Whatcom
Washington State Normal School at Bellingham (1901–1904)
Western Washington College of Education (1904–1937)
Western Washington State College (1937–1977)
Image Upright:.7
Motto:"Make Waves"[1]
Endowment:$109.8 million (2022)[2]
Provost:Brad Johnson[3]
Accreditation:NWCCU
Academic Affiliation:COP[4]
Faculty:684 full time (2022)
Administrative Staff:1,437 (2018)[5]
Students:14,747 (2022)
Undergrad:13,801 (2022)
Postgrad:947 (2022)
City:Bellingham
Country:United States
Coordinates:48.734°N -122.486°W
Campus:Small city[6]
Campus Size:215acres
Free Label2:Newspaper
Free2:The Western Front
Colors:Blue, light blue, gray, black, and white[7]
Sports Nickname:Vikings
Free Label:Other campuses[8]
Mascot:Victor E. Viking[9]
Pushpin Map:Washington
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Washington

Western Washington University (WWU or Western) is a public university in Bellingham, Washington. The northernmost university in the contiguous United States, WWU was founded in 1893 as the state-funded New Whatcom Normal School, succeeding a private school of teaching for women founded in 1886. The university adopted its present name in 1977.

WWU offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as limited doctorates., there were 14,747 students, 13,801 of whom were undergraduate students, and 664 full time faculty. Its athletic teams are known as the Vikings, which compete in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

The main campus is located on 215 acres in Bellingham[10] [11] with a branch campus marine center in Anacortes.[12] The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additional accreditation is held by individual colleges.

History

Western was established as the Northwest Normal School, a teachers' school predominantly for women although men also enrolled, by Phoebe Judson in Lynden, Washington, in 1886.[13] Eventually the school moved to Bellingham (then "New Whatcom"), and through the efforts of William R. Moultray and George Judson (Phoebe's son).[14] Governor John McGraw signed legislation establishing the New Whatcom Normal School on February 24, 1893. In November 1895, construction began on a permanent school building, now known as Old Main, the current administration building. Designed by prominent Seattle architects Warren Skillings & James Corner, it was completed by early 1897 but could not be opened to students until funds could be secured to install heating, lighting, and to do general grounds maintenance, which were not included in the original contract.[15] The first official class entered in 1899, composed of 88 students.

The institution that is now Western Washington University underwent several name changes. In 1901, the school's name was changed to State Normal School at Whatcom to reflect New Whatcom's name change. In 1904, the name was changed to Washington State Normal School at Bellingham when the townships of Whatcom and Fairhaven joined, and again in 1937, to Western Washington College of Education when it became a four-year college. Twenty-four years later it became Western Washington State College and finally, in 1977, the institution gained university status and changed to its present name.

The 1960s was a period of especially rapid growth for Western, as its enrollment increased from 3,000 students to over 10,000 during the decade. Also during this time, the Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies was founded (1967), with non-traditional education methods that would serve as a model for Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Two years later, the College of the Environment, the nation's first dedicated environmental science college, was founded, continuing Western's trend toward "cluster" colleges. That same year, on a spring afternoon, students gained headlines by blocking Interstate 5 to protest the Vietnam War. Also in 1969, the College of Ethnic Studies was established; however, after being met with significant resistance, it was dismantled in 1975.[16]

Since this period, the College of Arts and Sciences was founded (1973) and divided into the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and the College of Science & Engineering (2003); the College of Fine and Performing Arts was formed from several art departments (1975); and the College of Business and Economics was established (1976).

Today, WWU has a student body that currently consists of over 16,000 students. The university is the third largest in Washington after Washington State University and the University of Washington.

Campus

WWU is located in Bellingham, a city of about 95,000 people, overlooking Bellingham Bay and many of the San Juan Islands. The university is 90miles north of Seattle, 55miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and an hour's drive from 107780NaN0 Mount Baker. The university is located close to Interstate 5.

The campus is 215acres, including the 38acres Sehome Hill Arboretum, operated jointly with the City of Bellingham. Campus facilities include an electronic music studio, an air pollution lab, a motor vehicle research lab, a marine research lab, a wind tunnel, and two electron microscopes. Western's Vehicle Research Institute has led Automobile Magazine to describe Western as "very possibly the best school in the country for total car design."[17] Western also has off-campus facilities at Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes, Washington; Lakewood, a 15acres student-university facility at nearby Lake Whatcom; and Whatcom County property used for environmental and aquatic analyses.

Public sculpture collection

See main article: Western Washington University Public Sculpture Collection.

WWU's prized collection of outdoor and indoor public art sculptures is a major presence on its campus. The collection, funded by the Washington State Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donations, includes 36 works:[18] Founded in 1960,[19] the collection includes large-scale works by James FitzGerald, Isamu Noguchi, Robert Morris, Mark di Suvero, Anthony Caro, Nancy Holt, Beverly Pepper, Richard Serra, Donald Judd and Bruce Nauman, among others.

Academics

Academic organization

Western offers multiple bachelor's degrees, as well as the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Education, Master in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Music, Clinical Doctorate in Audiology, and Doctor of Education.[20] The university is also authorized to award honorary degrees.[21] The university is composed of the following colleges:

valign=top

Accreditation

The university is accredited by the following:

Honors

The undergraduate honors program offers merit scholarships worth up to $5,000. These scholarships are awarded to successful applicants to the honors program. No separate application is necessary.[29] High-achieving freshmen from colleges in other western states can enroll at Western at a reduced tuition level that is equivalent to a $30,000 four-year scholarship.[30]

Rankings

In 2022-23, U.S. News ranked Western as the top public master's granting university in the Pacific Northwest, while placing 14th overall in the West (both public and private).[31] Western was one of only two public schools ranked among the top 25 Master's-Granting Universities (West) category. The universities found in this ranking are schools that lack doctoral programs but still retain master's programs. The institution has a 93% acceptance rate.[32]

Western Washington University ranked first among the top medium-sized colleges and universities with alumni serving as Peace Corps volunteers in 2013 and 2014.[33]

Notable degree programs

Research institutes and laboratories

College of Business and Economics

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

College of Science and Engineering

College of the Environment

Multi-College

Athletics

See main article: Western Washington Vikings.

See also: Western Washington Vikings women's rowing.

WWU is an official member of NCAA Division II,[61] having joined in September 1998. In 2011–12, approximately 350 students are participating in 15 varsity sports at Western, six for men and nine for women. In 2010–11, WWU placed seventh among 310 NCAA Division II schools in the Sports Director's Cup national all-sports standings, the second-highest finish in school history. The Vikings were sixth in 2009–2010 and tenth in 2008–2009. WWU has had eight straight Top 50 finishes and been among the Top 100 in each of its first 13 seasons as an NCAA II member.

In 2010–11, Western won its third straight and seventh overall Great Northwest Athletic Conference All-Sports championship, taking league titles in volleyball, men's golf and women's golf, and the regular-season crown in women's basketball. The Vikings, who won the Northwest Collegiate Rowing Conference championship, placed second in men's and women's cross country, men's and women's outdoor track, men's indoor track and softball.

The Vikings have won an NAIA national championship in softball (1998) and NCAA Division II national championships in women's rowing (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2017),[62] men's basketball (2012)[63] and women's soccer (2016).[64] WWU athletes have also won individual national championships in track and field.[65]

Varsity sports

The Vikings field varsity teams for men and women in cross country, soccer, golf, basketball, and track & field. Women's teams compete in volleyball, softball, and rowing. Between 1903 and 2008 WWU fielded a football team but folded it in hopes of saving money to keep other WWU teams competitive.[66]

Club sports

In addition to its varsity sports programs, WWU also has a number of student-run club sports teams:[67] [68]

Students

A total of 16,121 students were in attendance at Western Washington University in the 2018–19 academic year.[69] 92 percent of students are under 25 years of age, and 84 percent are from Washington State.

Many students at Western Washington University participate in organized student government. The Associated Students of Western Washington University (ASWWU) is "an organization designed and run by Western students, the Associated Students (AS) seeks to ensure a fulfilling college and academic experience for all university students through the many services, facilities and programs it offers."[70] Within ASWWU, there are five main areas of focus: clubs, activities, programs, facilities & services, and governance.

The AS aims to provide "funding, space and services" to students "uniting around common interests."[70] The AS staff assist student development of clubs and provide advising, "continuity, referral and record keeping" throughout the entire process. Currently there are over two hundred student clubs in the following categories: Arts and Music, Cultural, Political, Special Interest, Gaming, Social Issues, Departmental, Limited Membership, Service, Religious, and Recreational.[70]

In the 2021–22 school year, the music department has a new course for music education majors called K-12 Classroom Accompanying Pedagogy (MUS 262.)[71] A new course in Music and Sustainability (MUS 397E) is available to all Western students.

The History Department offers HIST 390 which is a special topics class with in-depth readings of primary and secondary sources. In Spring of 2023, a HIST 390 on Indigenous History of North America was offered. The class covers the formation of the Iroquois confederacy, Mississippian chiefdoms, the Illinois people, Caddo people, and more.[72]

Students who desire to set up a table in Red Square to promote their club need to sign up for a space through the university. A blue board at the West side of Red Square has general university policy on freedom of speech and also guidelines for using chalk on the bricks.

There is a livestream of Red Square filmed from the top of Bond Hall.[73]

KUGS radio station accepts albums from students to air. KUGS also has a large library of vinyl records that can be listened to in the studio.

Media

There are multiple news outlets associated with the university.

Student publications

Student-run publications at WWU include:

The Student Publications Office of the university publishes the Front, Klipsun, Occam's Razor, and the Planet, as well as Jeopardy.[86] The Associated Students of Western Washington University also operates media services, including Wavelength, a weekly online and printed alternative news source.[87]

Official publications

An official source of news is WWU News (formerly Western Today), a source for official campus news operated by the Office of University Communications.[88]

Police

The Western Washington University Police Department (abbreviated WWUPD) are a university police force at the university. The police chief of the department is Katryne "Katy" Potts,[89] who was sworn into the position in January 2023.[90] The department also has a staff of "Green Coats" under their public safety branch, who offer "safety escorts on campus, event security staffing and building access services for current students."[91]

People

Notable faculty

Notable alumni

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: WWU Brand Guide . Western Washington University Brand Guide . May 18, 2023.
  2. Web site: Endowment Management Reports. The Foundation for WWU & Alumni. Western Washington University. 2024-01-03.
  3. Web site: Brad Johnson Named WWU's New Provost and Executive Vice President . 2023-05-06 . WWU News . Western Washington University. April 26, 2022.
  4. Web site: About -Council of Presidents.
  5. Web site: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion . Western Washington University . March 26, 2019.
  6. Web site: IPEDS-West Washington University.
  7. Web site: Western Washington University Athletics Brand . Brand and Communication Guide . . 2024-01-03.
  8. Web site: Locations.
  9. Web site: Victor E. Viking. Western Washington University Athletics . Jan 3, 2024.
  10. Web site: Berend . Emily . Ekstrom . Mandy . Winter 2018 . Sustainability Signage . Sustainability Engagement Institute . Western Washington University.
  11. Web site: Contact Us . 2024-01-04 . Western Washington University.
  12. Web site: Western Washington University Locations . 2024-01-04 . . en.
  13. Web site: Lynden Chamber of Commerce - Lynden, Washington. Lynden Chamber of Commerce. July 3, 2015.
  14. Book: Judson, Phoebe Goodell . A Pioneer's Search for an Ideal Home: A Book of Personal Memoirs . 1925 . 1984 . University of Nebraska Press . Lincoln, Nebraska . 0-8032-2563-6 . 289. A Pioneer's Search for an Ideal Home .
  15. News: Whatcom Normal School . 5 January 2021 . The Seattle Post-Intelligencer . Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers . 3 January 1897 . 12.
  16. Bryan . Maurice . 1993-01-01 . The College of Ethnic Studies at Western Washington University: A Case Study . WWU Graduate School Collection.
  17. Web site: Notable in the Northwest. Tice. Carol. 27 October 2007 . Seattle Times . 2 October 2018 . dead . 2018-10-03 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181003062013/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2003975210_collwebhotprograms.html.
  18. About the WWU Outdoor Sculpture Collection.
    The WWU campus map has a list of sculptures.
  19. Web site: Outdoor Sculpture Collection . Western Washington University. 12 April 2016.
  20. Web site: Find a Program . 2024-01-04 . Graduate School . Western Washington University.
  21. Web site: Honorary Degrees . 2024-01-04 . Office of the Provost . Western Washington University.
  22. Web site: Accredited Institutional Members . Nasm.arts-accredit.org . July 11, 2012.
  23. Web site: NCATE Accredited Institution . Ncate.org . January 1, 1954 . July 11, 2012.
  24. Web site: Accredited Programs details . Main.abet.org . July 11, 2012.
  25. Web site: Chemistry Department at Western Washington University . Chem.wwu.edu . July 11, 2012.
  26. Web site: AACSB List of Member Schools by Country . Aacsb.net . July 11, 2012.
  27. Web site: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs – Directory . Cacrep.org . January 1, 1980 . July 11, 2012.
  28. Web site: Planning Accreditation Board: Accredited Planning Programs. Meehan. Douglas. www.planningaccreditationboard.org. en. 2017-02-23.
  29. Web site: Honors Program . Western Washington University .
  30. Web site: Freshman Out-of-State Scholarships. July 3, 2015.
  31. Web site: Western Washington University | Overall Rankings | Best College | US News . Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com . January 12, 2023.
  32. Web site: Western Washington University Admissions . 2023-01-03 . U.S. News & World Report.
  33. Web site: WWWU again ranked No. 1 by Peace Corps . News.wwu.edu . February 11, 2014 . July 11, 2012.
  34. Web site: WWU Named Among Best Undergraduate Philosophy Programs in the Country . News.wwu.edu . December 13, 2011 . July 11, 2012.
  35. Web site: Canadian-American Studies Center . Western Washington University . July 11, 2012.
  36. Web site: CEBR . Cbe.wwu.edu . April 10, 2013.
  37. Web site: CEFE . Cbe.wwu.edu . April 10, 2013.
  38. Web site: CEME . Cbe.wwu.edu . February 1, 2012 . April 10, 2013.
  39. Web site: CIB . Cbe.wwu.edu . April 10, 2013.
  40. Web site: SBDC . Cbe.wwu.edu . April 10, 2013.
  41. Web site: CIB . Cbe.wwu.edu . April 10, 2013.
  42. Web site: Border Policy Research Institute . Western Washington University . August 20, 2012.
  43. Web site: Associates of the Center for Cross-Cultural Research, www.wwu.edu/~culture . Western Washington University . August 20, 2012.
  44. Web site: CPNWS – Home | Western Libraries @ Western Washington University . Western Washington University . August 20, 2012.
  45. Web site: CPE – home . Western Washington University . August 20, 2012.
  46. Web site: Critical Junctures Institute: Research Affiliates . Western Washington University . July 25, 2011 . August 20, 2012.
  47. Web site: Morse Institute for Leadership: Home . Western Washington University . August 20, 2012.
  48. Web site: AMSEC: Homepage . Western Washington University . May 31, 2012 . August 20, 2012.
  49. Web site: Internet Studies Center – Internet Studies Center ISC WWU . Yorktown.cbe.wwu.edu . August 20, 2012.
  50. Web site: Wwu Vri . July 11, 2012 . Vri.etec.wwu.edu.
  51. Web site: Institute of Watershed Studies . Western Washington University . August 20, 2012.
  52. Web site: Spatial Institute Home . Western Washington University . May 18, 2023.
  53. Web site: Institute of Environmental Toxicology: Home . Western Washington University . January 20, 2012 . August 20, 2012.
  54. Web site: The Resilience Institute . Western Washington University . October 24, 2011 . May 18, 2023.
  55. Web site: Center for Instructional Innovation and Assessment . Pandora.cii.wwu.edu . July 11, 2012 . August 20, 2012.
  56. Web site: Shannon Point Marine Center – Welcome . Western Washington University . August 20, 2012.
  57. Web site: WWU Neuroscience: Home . Western Washington University . July 17, 2012 . August 20, 2012.
  58. Web site: Institute for Energy Studies . Western Washington University . November 2, 2012 . November 2, 2012.
  59. Web site: Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation (CCER)| University of Washington . CCER . August 20, 2012.
  60. Web site: Mike Puma. Center for Education Data & Research.
  61. Web site: Division II Schools . NCAA. August 2, 2018 .
  62. Web site: Rowing: Division 2 . NCAA.
  63. Web site: Division 2 Men's Basketball . NCAA.
  64. Web site: Division 2 Women's Soccer . NCAA.
  65. Facts about Western Athletics http://www.wwuvikings.com/ot/about-viking-athletics.html
  66. News: Jensen . Stacy . Western Washington Football Officials Call It Quits . 6 December 2021 . Bleacher Report . 12 January 2009.
  67. WWU active sport clubs https://wp.wwu.edu/campusrec/activeclubs/
  68. WWU AS clubs list http://asclubs.wwu.edu/
  69. Web site: Western Washington University . 2024-01-04 . College Navigator.
  70. Web site: About the Associated Students. Western Washington University. August 26, 2008.
  71. Web site: Western Washington University . 2021 . Music Education P-12, BMus . March 18, 2022 . catalog.wwu.edu.
  72. Web site: HIST 390 - Topics in History - Acalog ACMS™ . 2023-07-15 . catalog.wwu.edu.
  73. Web site: Western Live Cameras . 2022-09-13 . Western Washington University . en.
  74. Web site: Sanford . Nate . June 2, 2021 . We're changing the name. Here's why . 2023-11-04 . The Front . en-US.
  75. Web site: About Us . 2023-02-06 . The Front . en-US.
  76. Region 10 Mark of Excellence Awards winners announced in Seattle . 2017-04-14 . Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) . Indianapolis . 2023-11-03.
  77. Web site: Department Timeline . 2023-11-04 . Western Journalism Alumni . en-US.
  78. Web site: About Klipsun Magazine . Klipsun Magazine.
  79. Web site: Publications . 2023-11-03 . Journalism . Western Washington University.
  80. Web site: Occam's Razor . 2023-11-04 . Occam's Razor . en-US.
  81. Web site: The Planet Western Student Publications Western Washington University . 2023-11-04 . cedar.wwu.edu.
  82. Web site: Our Team . 2023-11-04 . The Planet Magazine . en-US.
  83. Web site: About . 2023-02-06 . Window . Western Washington University.
  84. Web site: Window Magazine . 2023-02-06 . Western Publications (Contributing to Education through Digital Access to Research (CEDAR)) . Western Washington University.
  85. Web site: WWU's Window Magazine wins trio of awards at recent CASE conference . 2023-02-06 . Western Today . Western Washington University.
  86. Web site: Student Publications . 2023-11-04 . Student Publications . Western Washington University.
  87. Web site: Organizations . Associated Students of WWU . Western Washington University.
  88. Web site: About Western Today . 2023-02-06 . Western Today . Western Washington University.
  89. Web site: Contact Us . 2023-11-04 . University Police . Western Washington University.
  90. Web site: New police chief takes helm at Western . 2023-11-04 . Cascadia Daily . en.
  91. CnnN7UpLM4d. westernwashingtonuniversity. Did you know that our University Police Department, through its Public Safety Assistant program, offers safety escorts on campus, event security staffing and building access services for current students?. January 19, 2023. Western Washington University. Western Washington University.
  92. Gait. Robert I.. 1991-07-01. Who's Who in Mineral Names: Ada Swineford (b. 1917). Rocks & Minerals. 66. 4. 279–284. 10.1080/00357529.1991.11761629. 0035-7529.
  93. News: Ravulur. Nandita. Game Boys. October 31, 2012. Puget Sound Business Journal. October 12, 1997.
  94. Web site: The CIA agent who exposed US complicity in helping Pakistan develop a nuclear bomb. October 13, 2007. the Guardian.
  95. News: de Barros. Paul. Carrie Brownstein: the Northwest's funny girl . April 29, 2020. The Seattle Times. March 3, 2012.
  96. Web site: Ryan Couture UFC Bio . September 14, 2018 . 2019-03-26.
  97. Web site: Hockinson's Crouch second U.S. finisher in women's Boston Marathon . The Columbian . 2016-04-18 . 2016-09-16.
  98. Web site: Class Notes | Political Science | Western Washington University.
  99. Web site: The Wire Spring 2013 Edition . Western Washington University .
  100. Web site: Oscar Nominee TJ Martin to Host Screening of 'Undefeated' at WWU March 1 . News.wwu.edu . February 14, 2012 . August 20, 2012.
  101. Web site: Kam Williams. Oscar-Nominated Director Weighs-In on His Heartwarming Documentary | The Afro-American Newspapers | Your Community. Your History. Your News . Afro.com . February 9, 2012 . August 20, 2012.
  102. Web site: From Here to ODESZA. Daneet Steffens.
  103. News: Suquamish Tribe Approves Same-Sex Marriage. Yardley. William. 2011-08-11. The New York Times. 2019-11-12. en-US. 0362-4331.
  104. Web site: Alumni Profile - Jesse Moore. 2020-12-30. www.wwu.edu/.
  105. Web site: Lazenby. Oliver. BHS grad and voice of longtime WSU sports Bob Robertson passes away. 2020-12-31. The Northern Light. en.
  106. News: Woolfe. Zachary. 2020-10-14. Erin Wall, 44, Dies; Acclaimed Soprano in Mozart and Strauss. en-US. The New York Times. 2020-12-31. 0362-4331.
  107. Web site: 2011-06-26. John Michael Greer: Independent scholar, History of ideas, Cultural critic, Neo-Druidism, Hermeticism. December 31, 2020.
  108. Web site: Our Campaigns - Candidate - Michael P. "Mike" Farris. 2021-01-01. www.ourcampaigns.com.
  109. Web site: Alliance Defending Freedom. 2021-01-01. Southern Poverty Law Center. en.
  110. Web site: Kelli Linville. 2021-01-01. web.leg.wa.gov.
  111. Web site: Biography – Larry Springer. 2021-01-01. en-US.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Western Washington University".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.