Welcome to WWU (Old)

This is the accessibility version designed specifically for users needing extra accessibility features.
Feel free to check out the original experience here.

Flag Plaza trail

Flag Plaza

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to Western Washington University! My name is Hannah, and I'm a Junior majoring in Sociology. I'll be one of your tour guides; you'll meet the rest of our team along the tour. We're excited to show you our campus! But before we get started, let me explain a few of the ways in which you can use the virtual tour to view our campus. To start walking along the tour route, click the forward-facing arrow. If you'd like to move to the next stop, click the next stop button below. If you'd like to jump to a particular location, you can use the drop down menu or click directly on the map at the top right corner of the page. To explore a location in more detail, you can use the icons for 360's, photos and videos. In addition to the online tour you are about to take, we offer guided campus tours twice a day, Monday through Saturday so if you'd like to visit us in person, just click on the "Schedule Visit" tab. Let's get started on your tour! We are at Flag Plaza, the southern entrance to Western. From here, you can see some of the views that make Western's campus so spectacular, including the wooded hillside of Sehome Arboretum to the east, Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies to the south and the Robert S. Harrington Multi-purpose field and Ridgeway Residential Complex to the west. We'll visit some of these spots later in the tour. Fairhaven College was founded in 1967 and its programs emphasize independent learning, self-designed majors and narrative, rather than GPA-based evaluations. Fairhaven students work closely with faculty advisors to create their curricula, which can take advantage of all of Western's resources, but also include specialized Fairhaven classes no larger than 20 students and is discussion based.

Tour stop audio transcript

We are at Flag Plaza, the southern entrance to Western. From here, you can see some of the views that make Western's campus so spectacular, including the wooded hillsideof Sehome Arboretum to the east, Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies to the south and the Robert S. Harrington Multi-purpose field and Ridgeway Residential Complex to the west. We'll visit some of these spots later in the tour. Fairhaven College was founded in 1967 and its programs emphasize independent learning, self-designed majors and narrative, rather than GPA-based, evaluations. Fairhaven students work closely with faculty advisors to create their curricula, which can take advantage of all of Western's resources, but also include specialized Fairhaven classes no larger than 20 students and is discussion based.

Wade King Student Recreational Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Hi, my name is Will, and I'm a Junior majoring in Kinesiology (or Exercise Science). The Wade King Recreation Center was built in 2003 and focused on 3 main elements students wanted: natural lighting, a lot of cardio machines, and having outdoor activities indoor. Students have access to a 6 lane lap pool, 3 basketball/volleyball courts, a rock climbing wall , multi-activity court, a weight room and a floor of cardio machines, group fitness classes, and an indoor jogging track. If you are interested in athletics, there are 3 levels of Sports at Western: Varsity, Club Sports, and Intramurals. Varsity sports include Men and Women's Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Track & Field and Cross Country, and Women's rowing, volleyball and softball. Club sports include rugby, cycling, sailing, ice and field hockey, tennis, lacrosse and many others. Intramurals are a fun way to try out and compete in all sorts of sports without a lot of time commitments and include things like flag football, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and more. They have both competitive and non-competitive leagues. Sculpture: Rain Forest by James FitzGerald 1960

Academic Instructional Center trail

You are now on the 5th point on the Academic Instructional Center trail on your way to Academic Instructional Center.

You are now on the 7th point on the Academic Instructional Center trail on your way to Academic Instructional Center.

You are now on the 9th point on the Academic Instructional Center trail on your way to Academic Instructional Center.

Academic Instructional Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Hello, my name is Greg. I'm a Junior majoring in Management Information Systems and I am your third and final tour guide. We are in front of the Communications Lawn just outside our Academic Instructional Center West and Academic Instructional Center, which are connected by a glass-walled skybridge. These two buildings are home to Western's psychology, communication sciences and disorders and behavioral neuroscience programs. Also located in the AIC buildings are clinics open to the Bellingham public where students can gain experience in a workplace environment.

Communications Facility trail

Communications Facility

Tour stop audio transcript

Across the Communications Lawn is the Communications Facility, which houses the Communication, Journalism, Physics & Astronomy and Computer Science departments. The "Comm Facility" is also the home of three of Western's award winning, student-run publications, The Western Front, a twice-weekly newspaper, Klipsun, a feature magazine published twice a quarter, and The Planet, a quarterly environmental magazine. Undergraduates at Western get the opportunity to publish their work in these high quality publications and build their portfolios. On the lawn in front of the Comm Facility, you'll see one of the many sculptures on campus. Western has one of the largest outdoor art sculpture gardens of any university in the nation. This sculpture is the "Stadium Piece" – or what the students like to call, "Stairs to nowhere." All of the art sculptures on campus are interactive and students really enjoy that element.

Environmental Studies Building trail

Environmental Studies Building

Tour stop audio transcript

Here is our Environmental Studies Building, home to Huxley College of the Environment, which was established in 1968 and is one of the oldest environmental colleges in the country. Also in the building is the geology department, and numerous geology and environmental science lab spaces, including a wave pool to model coastal erosion. One of the things that sets Western apart from other Universities is our commitment to the environment. In 2010, Western created a grant program funded by students' Green Energy Fee that provides funding for student-driven sustainability projects. Also, several buildings on campus are LEED certified, which is an internationally recognized mark of excellence in environmental design and function.

Arntzen Hall trail

Arntzen Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Here is Arntzen Hall, headquarters for many of Western's social science programs, including political science, anthropology, and sociology . It's also a one of the many great spots on campus to grab a snack, cup of coffee or lunch. The average class size at Western is approximately 45 students, but that drops to about 25 once in you are in your upper division courses. Some introductory courses can be around 100 students, and Arntzen Hall holds the largest lecture hall which seats 450 students, but only a couple of courses fill this class. Western is committed to keeping most class sizes small so students can receive a better learning experience. However, Western's General University Requirements allow students quite a bit of flexibility in the classes they choose to take. Students can opt for larger or smaller classes as they want.

Parks Hall trail

Parks Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Parks Hall is home to the College of Business and Economics. The setup of classrooms in Parks is unique: many of them feature oval tables or horseshoe shaped seating so students get the feel of working in a boardroom environment. We also offer an accelerated Masters of Business Administration program at our on-campus facility. Both business programs also take advantage of Bellingham's location, often helping students find internships in nearby Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.

Biology trail

Biology

Tour stop audio transcript

Here is the Biology Building and the Chemistry Building, which are connected by a skybridge. Western's science programs are considered among the best in the country, in no small part because of the opportunities students have to participate in professional level research projects. Because Western's student body is 94% undergraduate, professors are able to offer students in undergrad programs positions that would normally be filled by graduate students. As part of our Marine Biology Program, Western owns Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes, Washington that gives students hands-on experience in the field.

Haskell Plaza trail

Haskell Plaza

Tour stop audio transcript

You are now in the largest outdoor sculpture on campus. This is Haskell Plaza, named in honor of Red Haskell, one of Western's strongest donor supporters. This Plaza was designed to reflect the San Juan Islands with its grassy mounds representing islands and colored bricks representing tides and deep water. It also prominently features Feats of Strength – the little green people scattered throughout the Plaza – by international artist Tom Otterness, whose other Feats of Strength works are featured around the world. Sculpture: Feats of Strength by Tom Otterness 1999

Chemistry Building trail

Chemistry Building

Tour stop audio transcript

Chemistry and biochemistry programs are among the strongest of their kind in the country. The department has state-of-the art facilities with 8500 sq. ft. of dedicated research space and a large portfolio of modern instrumentation. Current external grant support averages $1 million annually. The department is also active in the development of new educational materials, textbooks, and innovative teaching methods. More than $2 million in support from Research Corporation, the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and Western is being used to provide competitive start-up packages, student and faculty summer research stipends, student travel support, and matching funds for new instrumentation.

Ross Engineering Building trail

Ross Engineering Building

Tour stop audio transcript

Here is the Ross Engineering Technology Building, which is home to Western's Engineering Technology Programs. Western's engineering programs, which include industrial design, electrical, plastics and manufacturing engineering, emphasize hands-on experience for students. Also in the Engineering Technology department is the Vehicle Research Institute (VRI), whose students build racecars, alternative-fuel vehicles, and was one of the top finishers in the Progressive X-Prize competition to design and build a mass-producible, 100-mpg car. A current student project in collaboration with WWU Professors and regional representatives is building a 24ft hybrid shuttle bus from scratch. When completed, it will be integrated into a Washington transit system.

Science, Mathmatics and Technology Education Building trail

You are now on the 5th point on the Science, Mathmatics and Technology Education Building trail on your way to SMATE.

You are now on the 7th point on the Science, Mathmatics and Technology Education Building trail on your way to SMATE.

You are now on the 9th point on the Science, Mathmatics and Technology Education Building trail on your way to SMATE.

You are now on the 11th point on the Science, Mathmatics and Technology Education Building trail on your way to SMATE.

You are now on the 13th point on the Science, Mathmatics and Technology Education Building trail on your way to SMATE.

You are now on the 15th point on the Science, Mathmatics and Technology Education Building trail on your way to SMATE.

SMATE

Tour stop audio transcript

Here is the Science Math and Technology Education Building, better known as SMATE. SMATE has five lecture halls on its first floor, and its second floor is home to Western's Learning Resource Center. The Center's primary goal is to provide resources for Western's teaching students and teachers throughout Whatcom County to use in spicing up math and science curriculums and activities in their classrooms. The founder of the program, George "Pinky" Nelson, is a former astronaut who has been inducted into the Astronaut hall of fame who came to Western to help increase awareness and success in the Sciences and Technology programs in Washington state.

Fine Arts trail

Fine Arts, Western Gallery

Tour stop audio transcript

Here is the Fine Arts Building and Art Annex. These buildings contains studio and classroom space for Western's art students, including a ceramics studio, photography studio and darkroom, a screen printing shop and large workshop space for bigger, constructed projects. There are also two galleries in the Fine Arts Building: the B Gallery, which primarily showcases student work, and the Western Gallery, which hosts rolling exhibits from local and international artists.

Carver Gymnasium trail

Carver Gym

Tour stop audio transcript

This is Carver Gym – where Viking Athletics and the Physical Education and Recreation departments are housed. Western currently has 15 NCAA Division II varsity sports, including soccer, track and field, fast-pitch softball, men's basketball and women's rowing. Our men's basketball team – who just won the 2012 Division II National Championship – and our women's crew team who are 7 time National Champs!

Bond Hall trail

You are now on the 5th point on the Bond Hall trail on your way to Bond Hall.

You are now on the 7th point on the Bond Hall trail on your way to Bond Hall.

Bond Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Here is Bond Hall, where the History, Philosophy and Mathematics departments are located. Also in Bond is a Math Tutoring Center where students can seek assistance with homework assignments or studying. Students have many options for tutoring and academic help at Western, including The Academic Advising Center located in Old Main (we'll stop there shortly) where advisors are available at any time for free counseling. Tucked behind Bond is College Hall, home of Western's Honors Program, including professors' office and an Honors Lounge where students can congregate to study or just hang out. You are also standing in historic Red Square. Red Square is a vibrant community space, playing host to everything from outdoor concerts to club events to study sessions and gatherings of friends. A favorite meeting place among students is Fisher Fountain, the centerpiece of Red Square. This is also Western's "free speech zone" where students can speak about, promote, or participate in anything they like as long as it doesn't harm themselves or others. [Fun fact: A weather vein designed by a Western engineering student controls the height of the fountain's spray to prevent wind from blowing water all over students as they walk past].

Miller Hall trail

Miller Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Newly remodeled Miller Hall houses Woodring College of Education, Modern and Classical Languages and the International Programs and Exchanges Office. Woodring is one of the highest producers of teachers in WA state. Emphasizing real-world experience, Woodring students usually start working with classrooms as soon as they enter the program. The International Programs and Exchanges Office helps Western students extend their studies abroad to more than 75 countries on 6 continents. Behind Miller Hall, you can see the forested hill of Sehome Arboretum, a 180-acre park co-owned by Western and the City of Bellingham. The Arboretum features 6 miles of hiking and biking trails, an outdoor lecture space often utilized by biology and geology classes, and a lookout tower with a breathtaking view over Bellingham from the San Juan Islands to Mt. Baker.

Fraser Hall trail

Fraser Hall

Haggard Hall & Wilson Library trail

Haggard Hall & Wilson Library

Tour stop audio transcript

Across from Miller Hall are Western's two library buildings. The newer building on the Left is Haggard Hall, and the older building on the right is Wilson Library. Wilson Library was originally constructed in 1928, and though it has been remodeled several times since, it still retains much of its classic charm, including stained glass windows, a large stone staircase and a beautiful high-ceilinged reading room. The majority of Western's library collection is housed in Wilson, as is the Writing Center and the Teaching-Learning Academy. Western is also part of ILLIAD, an Inter-Library Loan internet accessible database that allows student to request materials from different libraries around the world for free. Haggard Hall is more technology oriented, offering numerous resources for students such as computer labs, large-scale printing, a Student Technology Center, and Academic Technology User Services, where students can seek assistance with technology troubles and check out various audio, video and photography equipment. Western has wireless internet everywhere on campus, and with our numerous laptop checkout stations, you don't need to spend all of your time in the computer labs. Other features of the combined libraries are study rooms with interactive equipment, designated quiet study areas, Zoe's Bookside Bagels café and space for students and faculty to present research and artwork.

Performing Arts Center trail

You are now on the 5th point on the Performing Arts Center trail on your way to Performing Arts Center.

Performing Arts Center

Tour stop audio transcript

The Performing Arts Center, or PAC is home to the College of Fine and Performing arts and contains the main rehearsal and performance spaces for students in the music, theatre and dance programs. The plays, concerts and recitals, both student and professional, that take place in the PAC are cultural cornerstones of Western's community. Anyone can participate in the performing arts programs, whether they are auditioning to perform or are faithful members of the audience. As you probably notice, the Performing Arts Center Plaza featuring a spectacular view of Bellingham Bay. Downtown Bellingham is just a short walk from Western, and maintains Bellingham's community feel with having only a handful of chain businesses and keeping the rest local. Bellingham is a city of 80,000 people – not including Western students – and there is always something for students to do on or off campus.

Bay trail

Viking Union trail

Viking Union

Tour stop audio transcript

The Viking Union, or VU, is a main hub for student activity on Western's campus. Along with the Viking café, Viking market and Underground Coffeehouse, which are great places for students to meet and mingle, the VU is headquarters for the Associated Students, Western's student government. The AS is students' representation in the governing of the university and is also in charge of all things related to student activities. Western's AS is one of the largest student-led university system in the country. Some of the services and activities provided by the AS include the Resource and Outreach Programs – such as the Queer Resource Center, Women's Center, Veteran's Outreach Center and Disability Outreach Center - Western's student run radio and TV stations, the Outdoor Center and more than 200 clubs. The VU also houses the VU Gallery, which hosts rotating art exhibits from student and professional artists. Right next to the VU is the Associated Student's Bookstore, where students can shop for textbooks and school supplies, and where you can snag some great Western gear as a souvenir of your visit.

Viking Commons trail

You are now on the 5th point on the Viking Commons trail on your way to Viking Commons.

You are now on the 7th point on the Viking Commons trail on your way to Viking Commons.

Viking Commons

Tour stop audio transcript

The Viking Commons is one of Western's 3 dining halls and primarily serves the students living in the north campus residence halls. However, all students are welcome to eat in any of the three dining halls. The dining halls are also open for all staff and visitors, though they mostly serve students living on campus with meal plans. Western's Meal Plans offer different choices for students depending on what they prefer. Our dining halls are buffet style so students can eat as much as they want. Every meal plan includes dining dollars that students can use at various markets and eateries on campus. There are a variety of meal plan options which you can view online. At each of the dining locations on campus, University Dining Services aims to make sure students' nutritional needs are met by providing numerous healthy food options as well as options for students with dietary restrictions and food allergies

The Residence Halls trail

Mathes Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Mathes Hall is one of the residence halls on the north end of campus, along with Nash Hall, Higginson Hall, and Edens Hall. Western does not require students to live on campus their first year, but it is highly recommended. Residence halls are a hub of social activity and community that help introduce new students to all that Western has to offer and encourage students to forge new friendships. Student organizations called Hall Councils serve to provide resources and activities for hall residence and are a great opportunity for students to get involved in campus leadership.

Edens Hall trail

Edens

Tour stop audio transcript

Edens Hall, at the end of the Memory Walk on North Campus, was built in 1921 and renovated in the 1990s. Edens Hall is home to more than 120 students and is the building used for the Honors Program residence cluster. Located in Edens are the offices of University Residences, where students can find information about living and dining on campus.

Ridgeway trail

Ridgeway

Tour stop audio transcript

You are now at Ridgeway Residential Complex (or more commonly known as "The Ridge"). Along with eight residence halls, the Ridge includes one of campus' three main dining halls and tennis and basketball courts. The Ridge has Greek letters for each building name; however, Western does not have any sororities or fraternities. Every few years the option of having a Greek System is put to a student vote and is voted down by a large margin. Western students feel there are so many clubs, activities, and other opportunities in which to get involved that having a Greek System may hinder the inclusive community we have here.

Fairhaven Complex trail

Fairhaven Complex

Tour stop audio transcript

Fairhaven College was founded in 1967 and its programs emphasize independent learning, self-designed majors and narrative, rather than GPA-based evaluations. Fairhaven students work closely with faculty advisors to create their curricula, which can take advantage of all of Western's resources, but also include specialized Fairhaven classes no larger than 20 students and is discussion based.

Buchanan Towers trail

Buchanan Towers

Tour stop audio transcript

Part of the South Campus residence hall community, along with the Fairhaven Residence Hall, are Buchanan Towers and Buchanan Towers East, suite style residences that include individual common rooms and kitchenettes; and the Birnam Wood Apartments, full apartments owned by the university that are generally reserved for upperclassmen.

Old Main trail

You are now on the 5th point on the Old Main trail on your way to Old Main.

You are now on the 7th point on the Old Main trail on your way to Old Main.

Old Main

Tour stop audio transcript

Old Main was the first building on Western's campus, and was once the home to everything from classrooms to dorms to a basketball court. Old Main now mostly houses administrative offices, including Admissions, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, disAbility Resources, Veterans Affairs, New Student Services, the Student Employment Center and the Career Services Center. If you are interested in learning more about the Admissions process or criteria, you can visit the Admissions website to get additional information. If you are on campus between 12 and 2pm, the Admissions Office provides walk-in advising and would be happy to meet with you. Just go to Old Main 200. In front of Old Main is Western's Memory Walk, where marble slabs cover time capsules from every graduating class since 1912. Every student who graduates from Western is eligible to put a memento in their class' capsule before they walk the stage at commencement. These marble slabs and the mementos beneath them are a wonderful symbol of the rich tradition of excellence here at Western. For over 100 years, Western graduates have made a difference in Washington and the world, truly demonstrating our motto "Active Minds Changing Lives". We hope you enjoyed your tour of Western. Please come visit us in person or contact the Office of Admissions if we can help you in any way. Thanks!

Lakewood trail

Lakewood on Lake Whatcom

Tour stop audio transcript

Lakewood on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham

Shannon Point Marine Center trail

Shannon Point Marine Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames