Parents and Support Network
Your Wildcat Family
We define any parent, guardian, sibling, partner, friend, teacher or advocate who is helping your student through this process as a support network.
Support Network Resources
As a parent or guardian, you play a vital role in your student’s transition to Central. We’ve collected a wide variety of resources to help you (and your student) succeed.
Academic and Student Life Resources
CWU has a variety of unique resources designed to help your student succeed both during their education.
Parent and Support Network Tips
We've got you. Here are some tips to make things go smoothly.
Family Programs
CWU's community is bigger than you think. We have a wide range of resources to guide you.
Explore Ellensburg
Meet Ellensburg, your Wildcat's new hometown: close to the bustle of the city, but just far enough away to keep it wholesome.
Welcome to the Wildcat Family
No words can capture the pride and possibilities your Wildcat is embarking on.
Pre-College Prep
CWU has programs to help your student prepare for college.
Transfer Center
The Transfer Center helps transfer students make a seamless transition from their previous institution(s) to CWU. It provides pre-admission advising, transition support, and assistance establishing connections to the campus community and its many resources.
Jump Start
The Jump Start program creates a welcoming and supportive transitional experience for first-year underserved student populations. This extended orientation program allows students to move in one week earlier than other students. Student meet faculty and staff and receive an indepth exploration of university resources, academic and community resources, university facilities and academic and student life processes. Students also meet each other and establish friendships and an increased sense of belonging. The extended orientation supports you during a year-long program through your first year at CWU!
Veteran and Millitary-Connected Student Center
CWU Veteran and Millitary-Connected Student Center can provide information and guidance to veterans, active duty, dependents and others regarding questions on Veterans Education Benefits. It also provides information on tuition waivers and grants, which include Police & Firefighters, Veterans in Foreign Conflict Grant, and the Survivors' & Dependents' Waiver.
CAMP
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) provides a variety of resources, from applying to the university, to financial and academic support, to students from migrant or seasonal farm working backgrounds.
Early Outreach
It is never too early to begin paving your path to a postsecondary education. Explore college-bound opportunities and develop skills necessary to be successful in college by getting involved early with Early Outreach at CWU.
See For Yourself
Discover what it's like being a college student at CWU by Visiting Campus.
Visit CWU
CWU News

Former CWU rugby coach hired as general manager of pro club
March 24, 2026 by David Leder

Kittitas County lends support to Old Heat renovation project at CWU
March 23, 2026 by Marketing and Communications

Basic Needs, Wildcat Pantry continue expanding access for all CWU students
March 18, 2026 by Rune Torgersen