Dear parent,

Welcome to the Winter 2018 issue of Parent Connection, one way Walla Walla University communicates with you, parents of currently enrolled students. Below you'll find information about mission service, tax forms, available scholarships, and more. You'll also find a special invitation for Senior Recognition and Homecoming Weekend 2018. Be sure to scroll to the end for ways to stay connected and to surprise your student!
Psalm 39:7 "...My only hope is in you."
—Claudia Santellano
Alumni and Parent Relations Director

Tips and tricks and FAQs
curated for parents like you.

Senior Class officers 2018

The 2018 class has selected their officers, leadership advisers, and sponsors. Class officers have specific roles and responsibilities to fulfill in the coming months, and will march at the front of the line at senior recognition and graduation. Congratulations to the officers and their families!

Spread the word about U-Days!

Know anyone who is thinking about sending their college-age student to Walla Walla University? As a parent of a current student, please encourage them to visit during U-Days 2018, where we'll host prospective students (and their parents, if they like) on our campus to learn about our academic opportunities, student life program, and spiritual activities. We'll even help cover our guests' meals and lodging expenses, as well as a portion of their travel costs. Guests can choose from two U-Days events.

• The March 8-10 U-Days is ideal for any senior who does not attend a North Pacific Union Conference Seventh-day Adventist academy. Registration deadline is February 16. 
• The April 8-10 U-Days typically includes seniors from our NPUC academies, but others can attend as well. Registration deadline is March 16.

To learn more about U-Days events and costs, or to register, please contact us at (800) 541-8900 or click here.

Your student...and mission service?

Currently 42 WWU students serve as student missionaries and taskforce volunteers around the world. Some serve stateside in cities like Spokane, Wash., while others are posted in remote countries such as Timor Leste. See more about Student Missions in "70-Too," a video about modern-day disciples and their journeys. 

Is your student interested in becoming a student missionary? We hope they, and you, are prayerfully considering God's calling. If they plan to apply, the regular-fee deadline for applications is March 21; after that, the application fee increases. To find more information about applying, click here.

Scholarship applications due Feb. 19!

Many generous WWU alumni and friends have provided scholarships for our students. Last spring, more than $604,000 was awarded! All current WWU students, student missionaries, and ACA students planning to return to WWU for the 2018-2019 school year can apply for these scholarships. Scholarship applications must be completed online by Monday, February 19, at midnight. No late applications will be accepted! 
 
Find more information about scholarships on our university website or call (509) 527-2815.

Tax form information

W-2 Tax Forms
If your student worked on campus during 2017, 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. In order for your student to view their W-2 form online, they will log in to myWWU, choose “Human Resources” under the Student App Center, then click on Main Menu > Self Service > Payroll and Compensation > View W-2/W-2c Forms. Be sure to allow the pop-up blocker.

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 2018.

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 2018-19 Uses 2016 Tax Information
The FAFSA is available for the 2018-19 school year. It uses the tax information from 2016. Since most families have their taxes done for 2016, this should make completing the FAFSA much easier. Students and families whose financial situation has changed since 2016 can work with Student Financial Services on an individual basis, after their initial award letter has been generated.

Help for your student!

The Student Development Center (SDC) houses Career Services, Disability Support Services, Internship Services, and Peer Tutoring. These services are FREE for current students, and are available to help them progress academically, and personally, to achieve their educational and career goals. Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
For more information, contact SDC at stu.dev@wallawalla.edu; or visit our website wallawalla.edu/sdc.

Tip to parents: Through the SDC there are currently 27 local internship opportunities available for students—encourage your student to apply!

University Health Clinic and Counseling and Testing Center
Now located in their newly renovated, ADA accessible facility, which is shared with the University Bookstore at 295 S. College Ave.

Tip to parents: The health clinic is available for students for either an RN or an ARNP visit, and can bill their insurance. The clinic can also assist in referring students to community providers for chronic or more severe health issues as needed.

Tip to parents: Counseling and Testing Center has opened a DROP-IN hour slot, Monday-Thursday, 12-1 p.m., where a therapist is available to address a student's concern, assess if counseling could be helpful, and/or to connect the student with available resources.

Senior stuff—recognition, graduation

Senior Recognition
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m., University Church
This special program recognizes and honors the 2018 graduating seniors. It features seniors in regalia, special music, and inspiring speakers to prepare the class for their soon graduation. The speakers for this year are Monty Buell (history faculty and '90 alum) and David Lindstrom (SDC director and '97/'03 alum).

Graduation Weekend
June 15-17
Class of 2018 graduation will be here before we know it. If you have a student graduating this June, be sure to make lodging accommodations early! For lodging accommodation information, click here.

Homecoming Weekend 2018

Theme: "Generosity in Service"
Honor Classes: 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2008 
If you attended Walla Walla Walla University be sure to join us April 26-29 for homecoming! The weekend will officially begin with our Thursday evening banquet (6 p.m.) featuring delicious food, music and programming. This year we celebrate anniversaries for our social work (BSW and MSW) programs and Thailand cultural mission trips. We will also recognize the now-retired home economic program, and our theology and religion majors. Other events include Friday afternoon seminars, golf tournament, PRISM concert, special speakers for Sabbath services, a tasty Sabbath lunch, class reunions, an event for young alumni, and more! Mark your calendars now, it will be a fabulous weekend!

To Be Continued—winter sermon series

Starting in January and going through March, the University Church joins a collective of nearly two-dozen Adventist churches across the country exploring the same weekly texts from the book of Acts. Together, we're studying Jesus’ continued work of redemption through the Church. For a list of speakers, texts to cover, a copy of the Daily Walk companion study guides for individuals and families, or to watch Sabbath services live (or archives), please visit the church website.

Join alumni events near you!

WWU holds alumni events throughout the continental U.S. As a parent of a WWU student, you are part of our WWU family and invited to attend these events! You'll enjoy a complimentary meal, hear all about the happenings on campus, and have a chance to ask questions on topics of interest. If you're near the areas we visit, be sure to RSVP and join us! You'll find us in:

• Southern California, Feb. 23 and 24
• Spokane, Wash., March 3 and 4
• Seattle, Wash., area, March 17 and 18
• Littleton, Colo., May 12

Get involved

Come visit your student

Local shuttle service from Pasco airport: The Grape Line shuttle runs seven days a week several times a day between Walla Walla and Pasco. Cost veries depending on the place of departure and the destination. Find more information or to make an online reservation >

Reserve a room: The Alumni Association manages three guest rooms on campus for rent. The fee for these rooms is $60/night plus tax. Arrange to stay in one of these rooms or to learn about other area lodging options >

Camper/RV accommodations available: 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 for more information.

Surprise your student!

Our "Surprise Your Student” program offers the opportunity to send your student cupcakes or care packages delivered directly to their door.  Cupcakes come from "Frosted," Walla Walla's very own cupcake shop. The care packages hold an assortment of fun, creative, and tasty treats and they can be personalized with several different themes:  "Birthday,” "Thinking of You,” "Get Well," and "Missing You.”  Through this program, you can also order gift cards to local merchants and balloon bouquets. Place your order and surprise your student today!

Quick resources for parents