Parent Resources

Winter 2017
 
Dear Parents,

Since 2008 my job has been to enroll students at Walla Walla University. But this year was very different for me—my own daughter is among the nearly 400 freshmen on our campus. 

There were many new things for me to learn. How and when to make payments, budgeting around her job and activities, the process of declaring (and undeclaring) a major, setting up a dorm room, seeing “Bouncing Ben” and “Jumping Einstein,” accessing her grades… All of these required a new level of communication with her—and a new level of restraint from me. 

And, now I better understand what I’ve heard from other parents who have traveled the same path. Their tips, and candor about their feelings during this phase of life, have been very helpful to me.

What about you—what insight might you impart with next year’s freshman parent? What have you learned since all of this started? Please CLICK HERE now to share your observations and tips with other parents by completing this simple form.

Our WWU students are amazing—good job, parents! May God continue to bless them, and us parents, too, as we all learn and grow through these college years.


Jodi Wagner
Vice President, University Relations and Advancement

P.S. Please see the information at the end of this letter for more about scholarships, taxes, and other financial matters.
 


ASWWU Sends Refugees to School
   This year, the Associated Students of Walla Walla University (ASWWU) are working with Impact Hope to help Congolese refugees in Rwanda finish high school. Founded by Hans Thygeson (1990 business administration major) and his wife, Mindy, Impact Hope sends displaced student refugees to Adventist boarding schools for around $600 per year.  
   When ASWWU contacted Impact Hope, they had sponsored around 200 refugees to attend Adventist boarding academies in Rwanda. In fall quarter alone, ASWWU’s Hope in the Hills campaign raised enough to send an additional 77 refugee students to school! The ASWWU goal is $75,000 and they are nearly 75 percent complete.
   We’re inspired by how our students practice generosity in service, a core value here at WWU. And you can be part of it too! Find more information or contribute to ASWWU’s Hope in the Hills campaign by clicking this link.

Is Your Student Interested in Mission Service?
   WWU has more than 60 student missionaries serving all over the world, and they’ll tell you their experiences are truly transforming. Is your student interested in becoming a student missionary? Click here to find helpful information, including a list of frequently asked questions. This year’s regular-fee deadline for applications is March 16; after that, the application fee increases.

Construction Begins on Bowers
   A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, Jan. 16, to mark the beginning of a renovation project that will transform Bowers Hall, home of the Walla Walla University School of Business. Click here to read more.


Richardson Transitions to Oakwood
   David Richardson, Jr., vice president for student life and mission at WWU has accepted the position of vice president for spiritual life and mission at Oakwood University, effective February 1. Hilary Catlett, MSW, LICSW, dean of students and assistant vice president for Student Life, has been appointed as interim vice president. To read more about Richardson's work at WWU, click here

University Days in March, April
   Know anyone who might be interested in sending their college-age student to Walla Walla University? As a parent whose student is already attending here, please help us by letting others know they are welcome to visit during University Days. University Days is when we host an interested student (and their parents, if they like) on our campus. This is an opportunity to learn about our academic programs, student life program, and spiritual activities. 

This year we have two main University Days, with the first March 2 to 4. This event is designed for students who do not attend one of the North Pacific Union Conference Seventh-day Adventist academies. The deadline to sign up is February 10. The second event is April University Days. This is where all of our in-union academies bring seniors to visit our campus. It will be taking place April 2 to 4, and the deadline for signing up is March 17. While the students are on campus, we will be covering their meals and lodging expenses as well as helping with a portion of their travel costs. 

If you have questions or would like to sign up for one of the University Days, please contact us at (800) 541-8900 or click here.

Surprise Your Student!

   Our "Surprise Your Student" program offers cupcakes from "Frosted," Walla Walla's very own cupcake shop, as well as an "Out of the Blue Box" and a "Stress Buster Box" with an assortment of fun, creative, and tasty treats.

We also have personalized "Birthday,” "Thinking of You,” "Get Well," and "Missing You" packages, gift cards to local merchants, and balloon bouquets. We would love to help you make your student's day! For details, click here or call (800) 377-2586.

Scholarships Available for
Upcoming School Year 

   Alumni and friends of WWU have provided additional scholarships for WWU students through endowments and generous annual gifts. Last spring, more than $610,000 was awarded! Current Walla Walla University students, student missionaries, and ACA students planning to return to WWU for the 2017-2018 school year can apply for these scholarships. Applications must be completed online by Friday, February 17, at 5:00 p.m. No late applications will be accepted! Encourage your student to apply by clicking here.
 
There is also more information about scholarships on our university website or you can call our office at 509-527-2815.

Information About Tax Forms
W-2 Tax Forms
If your student worked on campus during 2016, their W-2 form was mailed to the current address we have on file. Students also have electronic access to their W-2 form through their myWWU account.

1098-T Tax Forms
This form allows you to claim a tuition tax deduction. Your student can retrieve the form through myWWU. They should select “Student Center” and “Student Center Classic,” then navigate to the Main Menu > Self Service> Campus Finance > View 1098-T. Paper copies were mailed to the student's home address if the student did not request electronic access.

If your employer pays a portion of your student's tuition (this is often called “subsidy”), and if your employer includes that amount on your W-2 form as taxable income, please contact us to request that we adjust your 1098-T to reflect this information. You may contact us at 509-527-2980 or email 1098T@wallawalla.edu for further information. The deadline for these changes is the end of February 2017.

TL11A Canadian Tax Form
Canadian students needing a TL11A Tax Form should contact the Accounting Office at 509-527-2980 or email 1098T@wallawalla.edu for more information.

FAFSA for 2017-18 Uses Tax Information
The federal government changed the FAFSA for next school year to use tax information from 2015. This should make applying for financial aid much easier, because by now most families have their taxes done for the prior year. Students and families whose financial situation has changed since 2015 can work with Student Financial Services on an individual basis, after their initial award letter has been generated.


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You're Invited...
Senior Recognition
Class of 2017
Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m.
University Church


The program honors the graduating seniors of 2017 and features seniors in regalia, special music, and an address from two of our faculty.

The speakers for this year are Emily Tillotson, assistant professor of social work and sociology at WWU (and 1997 bachelor of social work, and 2000 master of social work graduate) and Paul Dybdahl, professor of mission and New Testament at WWU (1992 bachelor of arts in theology graduate).

Dates to Remember

March 2-4 March U-Days

March 16-26 Spring Break

March 22, 4 p.m., Financial Clearance Deadline for Spring Quarter

March 27 Spring Quarter Begins

April 2-4 April U-Days

April 27-30 Homecoming Weekend
Theme: "Celebration"
Honor Classes: 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2007 

Walla Walla University is celebrating its 125th birthday throughout 2017, including during Homecoming. Enjoy celebrations throughout the weekend as we recall the blessings of our university's history. In addition, we will be celebrating the Aviation Program's 50th anniversary and 10 years since the establishment of the WWU chapter of Engineers Without Borders. 

The Messengers, the well-known WWU singing and traveling group lead by Mike Loewen in the 1970s and 1980s, will have a reunion as well as a concert Saturday evening during our "Blast from the Past" birthday celebration. 

For more details, click here.



Save the Date
Class of 2017 Graduation
June 11, 8:30 a.m.
Centennial Green
 
 



Local Shuttle Service Offered to Pasco
The Grape Line shuttle runs 7 days a week several times a day between Walla Walla/College Place and Pasco:

• Destinations/Departures are: Walla Walla Airport, Walla Walla Transit, College Place, Touchet, Wallula, Burbank, Pasco Intermodal, Pasco Transit, and Pasco Airport.
• The Grape Line also makes connections with other transportation services such as Greyhound, Amtrak, and Ben Franklin Transit.

Costs for tickets range from $7 to $15 depending on the place of departure and the destination. Click here for more information or to make an online reservation.
 
Reserve A Room
The three alumni guest rooms, housed in the Havstad Alumni Center, continue to be a great and convenient value for lodging in the WW Valley. Formerly managed by the Alumni and Advancement Services, the Alumni Association is now overseeing their usage. Nightly rates are $60 (plus tax). WWU also offers University Guestrooms that are near the campus for $60/night. To arrange to stay at one of these rooms or for other area lodging options, click here.

Camper/RV Accommodations Available
Looking for a place on campus to stay while visiting your student? Camper/RV parking is available behind Sittner, the men’s residence hall. Power, water, and sewage hook-ups are included in the $10 nightly fee. First come first served. Call Sittner front desk at (509) 527-2111 to more information.
 
Winter Snapshots

A Walla Walla winter: A high of 41 degrees and a low of 29 degrees—climate data lists those as the average temperatures for a Walla Walla winter. But this year’s La Nina winter has meant more snow and more cold than many can remember in recent years. Here, Walla Walla University students bundle up and make the most of it, sledding on campus with President John McVay (pictured pushing a sled down the hill outside of Peterson Memorial Library).



One day at WWU:
Click here to see a video about a day in the life of a WWU student. 


Adventist Health University Clinic
Alumni Events
Campus Directory
Dean's List
Meal Plans
Payment Plans
Scholarship Search
Student/ Spiritual Life

Student Handbook
WWU Calendar
University Church


Frequently Used Numbers
Academic Advisement
(509) 527-2132
Academic Records
(509) 527-2811
Advancement/Alumni
(509) 527-2631
Campus Health and Wellness (509) 527-2425
Campus Ministries
(509) 527-2010
Career Center
(509) 527-2664
Counseling and Testing Services (509) 527-2147
Marketing and Enrollment Services (509) 527-2327
Parent Relations
(509) 527-2644
Student Financial Services
(509) 527-2815
Student Employment
(509) 527-2357
Student Missions
(509) 527-2633
Teaching Learning Center
(509) 527-2313

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