First-Year Next Steps

• Submit your Application

To submit your application, follow the instructions on the application page.

• Once Admitted, Accept your Admission

Once you are admitted, confirm your enrollment by accepting your admission in your Applicant Portal:

1. Log into your CWU Applicant Portal using the same email and password you used to apply for admission.
2. View your Admissions Decision.
3. Refresh your CWU Applicant Portal and "Accept your Admission".
   
   We recommend accepting your admission early, but the priority deadline to accept your admission for Fall quarter is May 1.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Admissions at 509-963-1211 or Admissions@cwu.edu.

Action Items

• Submit your CWU application
• Log into your CWU Applicant Portal
• View Your Admissions Decision
• Accept your Admission

• Create your MyCWU Account

Create your new MyCWU student account. Your MyCWU account will be your primary account for viewing/accepting your financial aid, signing up for housing, and registering for classes.

• Access your CWU Outlook Email Account

Access your CWU Outlook email account, and check your email regularly for updates.

Your CWU Outlook email account is your primary point of contact for financial aid, advising, and other areas of campus. Once set up, you will need to check this regularly for important communication.

For instructions on accessing your account, visit the Help Desk website.

Questions?

If you have any trouble creating your MyCWU account, contact the CWU Help Desk at 509-963-2001.

Action Items

• Create your new MyCWU student account
• Access your CWU Outlook email account

• Submit your FAFSA/WASFA

Students should plan to submit either a FAFSA or WASFA. We recommend that you begin your process with the WASFA Questionnaire. A person may not be eligible or may choose not to apply for federal aid due to immigration status, federal loan default, or repayments owed to federal grants.

If you are eligible for federal aid, you will be directed to submit your FAFSA through the US Department of Education website.

The FAFSA becomes available October 1 for the next academic year. We recommend that you apply before the priority date of February 1.

• Apply for Scholarships

CWU Merit Awards are based on academic merit. All new students who apply for admission by March 1 (for fall start) will automatically be considered for merit awards, with no separate application required. Additional scholarship opportunities for students beginning in the fall are available on our scholarship website.

• Accept your Financial Aid Package

Once you are offered a financial aid package, you will view and accept this offer through your MyCWU account. Once logged in, select "Financial Toolbox," then, "Accept/Decline Awards."

• Complete Entrance Counseling/Promissory Note

If you accept loans, you must complete these federal requirements before your money will be released to CWU. Visit the Financial Aid website for more information.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 509-963-1611 or email FinancialAid@cwu.edu.

Action Items

• Submit your FAFSA or WASFA
• Apply for additional scholarship opportunities
• Accept your financial aid package in your MyCWU account
• Complete entrance counseling/promissory note at StudentAid.gov

• Apply for Housing

All first-year students (including Running Start students) are required to live on campus. The housing application becomes available in late January for the upcoming academic year, and room selection is first come, first serve. Find out about our residence halls before you apply for housing. Be sure to complete your CWU Housing Application early so you can room in the hall of your choice. You will also select a meal plan in your housing application. Learn more about our 15+ CWU dining locations and meal plan options before you apply. For fall start, you must select your housing before August 15, otherwise a room and board contract will automatically be assigned to you.

Find out more about the housing application process, and apply for your housing through your MyCWU account.

Questions?

Contact the Housing office at 509-963-1831 or housing@cwu.edu.

Action Items

• Apply for on-campus housing through your MyCWU account

• Check your CWU Student Email

Academic Advisors will be sending important information about advising and class registration to your CWU Outlook email account. Make sure to check your CWU Outlook email often after accepting your admission to CWU.

• Complete any Placement Tests and Send Scores

You will receive additional information from your advisor regarding necessary placement tests for your courses.

English Self-Assessment: As a prerequisite for certain courses, you must complete an English self-assessment.

Math Placement: More information regarding the math placement test can be found on the Testing Services website.

• Register with Disability Services (if Applicable)

Disability Services provides individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to fully participate in and benefit from all aspects of the education environment. If you require an accommodation, visit the Disability Services website to register.

Action Items

• Check your CWU Outlook email for messages from advising
• Complete necessary placement tests
• If applicable, register with Disability Services

• Admitted Student Days

Admitted Student Days are optional visit days designed to welcome admitted students to campus and assist them with finalizing plans before attending in the fall. Connect with business areas on campus, including Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Connection Card, and Housing and Dining. Afternoons are dedicated to connecting you with other incoming students, to experience life as a Wildcat through activities like the river float, a planetarium show, service-learning projects, and much more. Parents and support networks will have the opportunity to connect with other parents, guests, staff, and faculty, as they navigate the journey of their student.

Admitted Student Days: July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28.
RSVP for an Admitted Student Day

• Week of Welcome (required)

Week of Welcome is a required orientation experience designed to help you build connections at CWU. You will have the opportunity to connect with other students, become familiar with CWU, gain wellness strategies, and learn about CWU procedures, expectations, and how to contribute to the community. We want to help prepare you for a successful academic experience. In addition to many fun activities, there will be several required educational sessions, workshops, and connections.

No registration will be required since attendance is required.

Questions?

Visit the Orientation website to learn more. Contact Orientation at 509-963-1713 or CWU.Orientation@cwu.edu.

Orientation Action Items:

• RSVP for an Admitted Student Day
• Attend Week of Welcome starting September 15, 2023

• Attend Welcome Week

Welcome Week is an exciting time for new students. You will receive information about moving into your residence hall, as well as activities that are designed to welcome you to campus and help you make sure that you are prepared for your first day of classes. Make sure that you check your CWU Outlook email for more information.

• Purchase your Course Materials

You may purchase their required course materials from the Wildcat Shop. You will receive information about required and additional course materials through your Canvas portal and from the faculty members teaching your courses.

Students who want to use their financial aid to purchase course materials MUST purchase through the Wildcat Shop.

• Obtain your Connection Card

Your Connection Card is your student ID. This card will allow you to access your Dining Dollars through your meal plan, use Wildcat Bucks, swipe into certain buildings and rooms on campus, check out materials from the library, and obtain discounts to some businesses downtown at some movie theaters.

To obtain your Connection Card, upload your photo and pick up your card when you come to campus at the Connection Card office in Bouillon Hall 104. To upload your photo, either download the GET Mobile app (Android or Apple) or visit get.cbord.com/cwu and log in with CWU credentials. Once in the app, click on "Quick Links" to upload your photo.

• Purchase your Parking Permit (if Applicable)

Parking permits are available at the Parking Office in the Public Safety Building or at the Cashier's Office in Barge Hall. You can purchase your permit with a check or debit/credit card, however cash payments are only accepted at the Cashier's Office.

You can also complete a parking application online.

Action Items

• Attend Welcome Week
• Submit your Proof of Immunizations
• Obtain your Connection Card
• Purchase your Parking Permit (if applicable)