Welcome to our WWU Family!
Our close-knit campus is deliberately designed so that your student will find lifelong friendships with their peers, and most importantly with Jesus Christ. Faculty, staff and administration here at WWU are devoted to fulfilling this mission in each student, and we’re thankful for your partnership along the way.
Parent and Family Guide
This guide has been designed to provide information that will help keep you informed and allow you to continue to mentor your student throughout this experience. We have included important dates, phone numbers, and information about the transition to college, specifically for this academic year. Download the Parent and Family Guide PDF.
Questions? Please ask!
Claudia Santellano, Alumni and Parent Relations Director
claudia.santellano@21333b.com | (509) 527-2644
Enrolling your student
Campus information
Parent Connection e-newsletter, sent by email in November, December, February, and May. Check your email address on file or update at 21333b.com/update.
Parents' FAQ
Parental involvement in the university experience can increase motivation and improve grades, but the right balance between involvement and interference is essential for the student’s growing independence and self-responsibility. Staying in touch with your university student through expressions of love and specific interest creates a helpful level of parental involvement.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) does not allow us to release student information or academic information to parents, even if they are paying the bill, unless the student gives explicit permission. If they choose to do so, students can give parents login information to their WWU account (myWWU) for access to various types of information.
Statements are generated by the tenth of each month. Students are usually mailed one copy, or they can access their financial information at any time from their WWU account (myWWU). Using myWWU, students can also authorize other people (e.g., parents or sponsor) to receive a statement by mail.
Students can drop courses for a number of weeks into a term, but there are important deadlines and financial consequences to keep in mind. Before dropping a course, the student will need to visit with the course instructor and academic advisor. Dropping courses can affect students’ financial aid eligibility and scholarships, regardless of their GPA.
In order to succeed academically, students must complete all course requirements, which typically include an exam during finals week at the end of the term. On the rare occasion that early departure is necessary, the student may request an early exam through the office of the associate vice president for academic administration. If the request is granted, there is a $100 fee for each early exam.
There are many resources available to your student. These include mentoring for all freshmen through our Freshman Success Program, free tutoring at the Teaching Learning Center, academic advisement, counseling services, career counseling, health and wellness services, and disability support services. Course instructors often provide individual assistance to students as well.
The Walla Walla Walla University family gathers each week at CommUnity for worship, academic reflection, and celebration of the values of the university. All undergraduate students taking six or more credits are required to attend a minimum number of CommUnity meetings each term. Attendance is not required for students who already have a baccalaureate degree, are enrolled for less than six credits, are married, have dependent children in their immediate care, or are at least 25 years of age.
The student should first attempt to speak with the instructor and/or department chair or school dean about the issue. If the issue remains unresolved, the student may contact the associate vice president for academic administration ((509) 527-2395) for assistance.
This status and special monitoring occurs when a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 or their term GPA is below 2.0 for two consecutive terms. Such students are limited to taking no more than 13 credits and are encouraged to meet regularly with their academic advisor. If the GPA does not improve sufficiently during the probation term, the student will be dismissed from WWU. A dismissed student may apply for readmission, presenting evidence of readiness to succeed.
Students who live in residence halls are more connected to the campus and have an increased likelihood of academic success. Students from outside the Walla Walla Valley are required to live in the residence halls until they are at least 22 years old, married, or have senior status (135 credits). Students of any age who wish to live with an immediate family member may submit a request for off-campus housing.
Support WWU, support your student:
- Send your student a gift or note of encouragement through our parent relations office. We'll package your gift and deliver it anywhere on campus. Surprise your student.
- Visit your student during Family Weekend.
- Opportunities for student internships at your company? Want to volunteer to mentor a student? Let us know! Get in touch with our Student Development Center.
- Looking for a speaker for an event or for your professional organization? Consider our faculty experts!
10 Tips for Parents of Successful Students
1. Stay connected.
You may be tempted to call often. Consider texting or sending an email to your student. When you visit, consult your student first.
2. Give them their space.
Your student is going to be very busy with their new role so keep conversations quick and light-hearted. Allow your student to set the pace.
3. Resign as manager.
Be a helpful consultant for your student, and encourage them to seek out campus resources. It is best if your student tries to handle situations on his or her own.
4. Accept your student.
Remember that the university experience is a period of exploration and search for identity.
5. Give your student the opportunity to express new viewpoints and opinions.
Remain open and nonjudgmental when your student shares new experiences with you.
6. Keep a positive perspective.
Be realistic about finances, academic achievement, and the choices your student is making. Life may not always conform to the accustomed road map. Ask questions rather than jump to conclusions.
7. Talk to your student about overall wellness.
Encourage your student to get enough sleep, to eat healthful meals, to exercise and to spend quality time recharging.
8. Be knowledgeable about WWU.
Knowing what resources are available can be reassuring for you and your student.
9. Be a fabulous listener.
Listen, listen, listen. Your student is asking to be heard, not fixed.
10. Pray and trust God.
Let God be the “manager.” It will benefit you, the university, and your student.