Academic Advising at Western

Your first experience with Academic Advising will be at an Advising & Registration session. Click here to make a reservation.

Academic advising at Western Washington University is a shared responsibility. The Academic Advising Center – in collaboration with Western faculty – helps students develop meaningful educational experiences. Students, faculty and advisors share responsibility for academic advising at Western. Advising involves working closely with advising staff and faculty to establish and complete academic goals; it provides opportunities to explore the intellectual side of your life, choose among educational options, and develop plans to support academic and life objectives.

What does "A Shared Responsibility" Mean?

Western's expectations of students may be different from your last high school, college, or university. At Western, academic advisors and faculty are well prepared to assist you, but rely on you to initiate advising conversations.

The Advisor's Responsibilities

Academic advisors have the responsibility of providing current and accurate information about Western's academic programs and degree requirements. Academic advisors also have the responsibility of guiding you to become confident in navigating Western's programs and policies.

The Student's Responsibilities

Your responsibility is to take the initiative in making advising appointments. We recommend that you meet with an advisor early and often to stay on track towards declaring a major and graduating. Prepare for your advising appointments by looking at advising resources such as major guides, visiting department websites, and writing down all your questions beforehand.

1. Advising and Registration: Advising Begins Here
   • What classes should I register for?
   • What can I study at Western?
   • What are GURs and why do I need them?
2. Academic Advising Center: General Advising After the Advising and Registration Session
   • What classes should I take next?
   • How am I doing on my GURs?
   • How do I choose/declare a major?
   • How can I raise my GPA?
3. Departmental Advising: Advising for Majors and Minors
   • Will my transfer courses apply to my major?
   • What do I need to declare my major?
   • Am I on track to finish my major?
   • Is study abroad/internship an option for my major?
4. Academic Advising Center: Your Resource for Continuing Advising
   • I've declared my major, but am I on track to graduate?
   • How do I add a minor?
   • Do I have time to double major?
   • Can I drop a class?