If you are currently enrolled at a high school or college, please send a final transcript after you have finished your final courses. If you do not send a final transcript you will not be able to register for future courses at CWU. 


Attend a Discover! New Student Orientation & Registration event

• July for the fall quarter and winter or spring break for students starting at CWU in the winter or spring quarters.
• Required for freshmen. Contact New Student Programs if you will be unable to attend.
• Highly encouraged for transfer students. Contact the Academic Advising Center if you will be unable to attend.
• New student course registration begins on this day
• Representatives from academic and student services departments will be available to answer your questions.

New students will register for classes during orientation. After the first term, students will be able to register for classes on their own via the World Wide Web with the CWU SAFARI system which will be covered during orientation. 
 

During your freshman year, you will be assigned to a professional academic advisor that can help you:

• Make the transition to the university
• Explore majors/minors or other areas of professional study
• Interpret and learn university academic requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Become more self-reliant and self-reflective in your decision making
• Develop an academic plan to earn your degree
• Connect with appropriate resources on campus

For more information contact the Academic Advising office at (509)963-3060 or visit their web site at http://www.cwu.edu/academic-advising


You must apply for your major. This is typically accomplished at the orientation. 
The CWU online catalog will serve as the basis for major, minor and program requirements for the academic year. 


Apply for financial aid and scholarships (if applicable)

• Financial Aid--Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 15 for priority consideration for all sources of funds (however, federal aid remains available during the academic year for those who apply after March 1).
• Scholarships (for Fall only). You will automatically be considered for CWU general Fall Scholarships if you applied to CWU online before February 1st. Additionally, all official documents such as transcripts and ACT or SAT scores (if required) must arrive at CWU prior to February 1st.

Apply for on-campus housing (if necessary)

• Send $200 deposit and housing contract by June 1 for priority assignment (first-come, first-served).
• You must live on campus during your first year unless you meet one of the following criteria:
  • You are age 20 or older.
  • You plan to live with immediate family members in the Ellensburg area.
  • You have already completed your freshman year at another institution and will transfer with sophomore standing or above (this does not apply to Running Start students or College in the High School students).

There are two options for ordering textbooks. Students may purchase the books ONLINE from the CWU University Bookstore, at http://cwubookstore.collegestoreonline.com or they may purchase them from Edmonds Community College Bookstore, either in person or online, at http://collegestore.edcc.edu. Those students who want to use their financial aid to purchase textbooks MUST use the CWU University Store option. Both bookstores sell CWU sweatshirts, t-shirts and various school supplies. 
 

Every student admitted to CWU has access to a free CWU GroupWise e-mail account. GroupWise is the main e-mail source for CWU students. It will be important for you to check your CWU e-mail on a regular basis. 
 

Your card will allow you to check out materials from the library, use the computer lab, and obtain discounts at some movie theaters. Please come to the CWU office and have your photo taken. 
 

The Wildcat Connection is part of the CWU webpage where you can access your personal and campus information. You can link up to it from the CWU homepage. Once logged on the SAFARI link is your source for personalized student information that includes your financial aid, class schedule, grades, CAPS report, and more. You will receive information on how to access this account with your acceptance letter. 
 

CWU accommodates physically and learning disabled students. Please contact our Disability Support Services Coordinator, Connie Dahlberg at dahlberc@cwu.edu or 509-963-2171 for processing. The coordinator for University Centers located in Western Washington is Bree Callahan, at bcallahan@cwu.edu, 206-439-3800 or TDD 509-963-2143. 
 

Parking permits are available at the Parking Office in the Public Safety Building, Cashier's Office in Barge Hall, or online at http://www.cwu.edu/parking/permit-application. You can purchase your permit with a check, debit/credit card. Cash payments are only accepted at the cashier's office. Pierce County Center and the Moses Lake Center both offer free parking to students. Please contact the University Center you will be attending to purchase your student parking permit (Pierce County Center and the Moses Lake Center provide free student parking).