Western Washington University (WWU) is a public research university located in Bellingham, Washington. Founded in 1893, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as education, business, engineering, arts and sciences, and more. With an enrollment of around 16,000 students, WWU is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and emphasis on student success.
The campus of WWU is located in a beautiful natural setting, with views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the North Cascades mountain range. The campus is home to a variety of facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and student housing. The university also boasts a number of cultural and recreational amenities, such as art galleries, theaters, athletic fields, and a student-run radio station.
WWU has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with a number of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. The university is a signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment and has set ambitious goals for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
Western Washington University
It’s a good idea to look at these 36 interesting facts about Western Washington University to know more about this public research university.
- Western Washington University was founded in 1893 as the New Whatcom Normal School, with just 88 students and 4 faculty members.
- The school’s name was changed several times over the years, eventually becoming Western Washington University in 1977.
- The university’s main campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, about 90 miles north of Seattle.
- WWU has a total enrollment of around 16,000 students, with about 90% of them coming from Washington state.
- The university has four colleges: the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Fine and Performing Arts, and the Woodring College of Education.
- WWU offers more than 160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including 15 master’s degrees and 2 doctoral degrees.
- The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 and an average class size of 25 students.
- WWU is a public university and is part of the Washington State Higher Education System.
- The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- WWU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries.
- The university is known for its strong programs in environmental science, marine biology, and education.
- WWU has a nationally-ranked program in human services, which prepares students for careers in social work, counseling, and nonprofit management.
- The university is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Energy Studies, the Center for Cross-Cultural Research, and the Salish Sea Studies Institute.
- WWU is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, a group of universities that emphasizes undergraduate education in the liberal arts.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a number of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship.
- WWU has been named a “Tree Campus USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation for its efforts to maintain a sustainable and healthy campus forest.
- The university is home to the Sehome Hill Arboretum, a 180-acre forested park with hiking trails and educational programs.
- WWU has a student-run organic garden, which provides fresh produce for the campus dining hall and helps students learn about sustainable agriculture.
- The university has a popular outdoor recreation program, which offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, and backpacking.
- WWU has a strong athletic program, with 15 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
- The university’s mascot is the Viking, and its colors are blue and white.
- WWU has a vibrant student life, with more than 200 student clubs and organizations.
- The university has a student-run radio station, KUGS-FM, which broadcasts music, news, and public affairs programming.
- WWU has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a number of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting social justice and cultural understanding.
- WWU has a number of study abroad programs, with opportunities to study in countries such as Spain, Italy, China, and Costa Rica.
- The university has a strong commitment to community engagement, with a number of programs and initiatives aimed at partnering with local organizations and businesses.
- WWU has a popular entrepreneurship program, which helps students start and grow their own businesses.
- The university has a number of art galleries, including the Western Gallery, which features contemporary and historical art exhibitions.
- WWU has a performing arts center, which hosts a variety of music, theater, and dance performances throughout the year.
- The university has a strong commitment to service learning, with a number of courses and programs that incorporate community service and civic engagement.
- WWU has a campus shuttle system, which provides free transportation to students, staff, and visitors.
- The university has a beautiful campus, with a mix of modern and historic buildings, as well as views of the Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains.
- WWU has a number of on-campus dining options, including vegan and vegetarian choices, as well as locally-sourced and sustainable food.
- The university has a student health center, which provides medical and mental health services to students.
- WWU has a career services center, which helps students with job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and career counseling.
- The university has a strong alumni network, with more than 110,000 graduates living and working around the world.
Western Washington University is a vibrant and dynamic institution that provides students with a rigorous education, a supportive community, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. With its strong commitment to sustainability, diversity, and community engagement, WWU is a leader in higher education and an important contributor to the Bellingham and Pacific Northwest communities. Whether students are interested in the arts, sciences, education, business, or any other field, they are sure to find a program that suits their interests and helps them achieve their goals. With its beautiful campus, dedicated faculty and staff, and welcoming atmosphere, Western Washington University is an excellent choice for students who want to make a positive impact on the world.
