New Student Academic Concerns

Registration:

Help with selecting the appropriate classes will be provided to all international students either by the ISA, through the Academic Advising Center, or through an academic department. In the welcoming packet you received from International Student Services there has been included a quarter class schedule booklet. It is advisable for you to become familiar with this booklet or go to the Central Washington University home page and select Course Search (WIN).

For international students coming from outside the U.S. and beginning their program of study fall quarter, it is especially important to contact the ISA via email or fax or telephone to plan your fall quarter class schedule. The ISA can assist you in pre-registering for fall quarter classes before you enter the U.S. and before the beginning of fall quarter. This is important. The choices become limited for class selection in the fall because of pre-registration of all CWU continuing students. These students have been able to register for fall classes during spring or summer quarters (pre-registration). It is not advisable to wait until the beginning of fall quarter to choose your classes; many will no longer be "open" or have places available because of pre-registration. In order not to have a problem registering for classes for fall quarter, it is important to begin communication with the ISA. All entering fall quarter freshman will be automatically registered into Block Classes by the ISA and the Academic Advising Center.

Transfer Students:

International students who will transfer to CWU fall quarter with an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited Washington State community college may attend a transfer orientation provided during the summer quarter. You will have received information about these orientations by the Academic Advising Center. It is strongly recommended that you attend this transfer orientation. You will be able to pre-register for your fall classes at this time.

Note:

Transfer students who will study at one of CWU's extended degree centers will receive registration information and orientation directly from the degree center.

Paying Tuition:

An important thing to know is how to pay your tuition. CWU Student Financial Services accepts may forms of payment. Payment Options Tuition and fees are due on the fifth day of each quarter. Late payments will be assessed a fee. 2003-2004 Tuition and Fees

Fall Orientation:

International students beginning their studies at CWU on the main campus in Ellensburg will have received in their welcoming packet from International Student Services the Fall International Student Orientation Schedule. This is held during the first two days before classes begin. It is planned to help orient you to campus, to the Residence Halls and Dining Services, and to the downtown Ellensburg community.

You will be able to get your CWU I.D. card called CWU Connection Card; a Washington State I.D. card provided by the Department of Licensing; a telephone long-distance calling card; to open a bank account; and to purchase items such as bedding and other items you may need. Advising and help with class registration will be available during the first two days of the quarter.

Note:

Students wishing to sign up for the bus service from Sea-Tac International Airport to the CWU Ellensburg campus the Friday before classes begin fall quarter, must return the sign-up information sheet provided in your ISS welcoming packet. Bus pick-up service is only provided at the beginning of fall quarter.

Quarter System:

CWU is on the quarter system. Most quarters are 10 weeks in length. You have been admitted to begin your program of study either fall quarter (late September to mid-December); winter quarter (January to mid-March); spring quarter (late March to mid-June); or, summer quarter (full session runs from mid-June to mid-August). Immigration allows you to enter the states up to 30 days before you begin your program of study, but no later than the initial date on your I-20 (check number 5).

School Vacations:

Between fall and winter quarters, there is a two-week break. Most students use this time to travel within the U.S. or to return to their home countries. Residence Halls and Dining Services are closed. Students wishing to remain on campus must make special arrangements with the Residence Halls but no on-campus meals will be provided. Between winter and spring and spring and summer quarters, there is a one week break. Students may remain in their Residence Halls but no meals will be served. The longest break occurs between the end of summer quarter and the beginning of fall quarter. Classes are over the end of August and don't begin again until the end of September. Almost all international students travel during this month-long vacation. Please see Immigration procedures: travel for more information

Have a question about applying to CWU as an international student?

Email your admission questions to: Cwuadmis@cwu.edu

Any questions? Please go here.