Top 20 questions asked by students and parents
1. Can I graduate in four years?
Yes! At WSU 97% of students obtain their preferred class schedules. Additionally, the Four-Year Degree Agreement shows WSU'S further commitment to helping students meet their educational and personal goals. This agreement, involving about 60% of WSU's major programs, guarantees that if you seek all the required course work to graduate in four years, the university will ensure your completion of the requirements or provide substitute courses or even pay the cost of an additional semester.
2. Do I need to bring a computer with me to campus? If so what kind?
At WSU it is not necessary to bring your own computer. There are five student computing labs with hundreds of computers available and each lab is attended to by a lab monitor who is trained to help students. Also available are a wide variety of software, elaborate printing capabilities and Internet access. A lab fee of $65 per semester is charged. Students who bring their own computer can certify it, get help with technology issues, and get help connecting to the WSU network through Student Computing Services. As to what kind to bring to WSU, that's an entirely personal decision; WSU supports all major computing platforms. Some computers are better suited for certain majors, however, so students may want to determine their field of study before making a major purchase.
3. Should I have my own car?
An array of transportation options in the Pullman-Moscow area enables many students to get along nicely without a car. One of the advantages of attending WSU is that most students live on or near campus, where they are within easy walking distance of central campus. Also, WSU has an agreement with Pullman Transit that allows students to ride the bus throughout the city of Pullman for free. Students who do bring cars to campus will pay from $54 to $215 per year for a parking permit, and parking adjacent to most residence halls is limited.
4. How big are the typical freshman classes?
Classes range in size, but 63% of classes have less than 30 students, and 45% of classes have less than 19 students enrolled. There are only 6 classes with an enrollment greater than 300 students.
5. What is a typical freshman schedule?
Typically, students take five courses per semester, spending 15 hours in class per week. We recommend that students spend a minimum of 15 to 25 additional hours per week studying for their classes in order to be academically successful. Some majors require considerably more study time.
6. Does Pullman have an airport?
Yes. The airport is only two miles from WSU. Horizon Air flies out of the Pullman-Moscow Airport and connects in Lewiston (Idaho) and Seattle with national and international flights.
7. Can you have pets in the residence halls?
Only pets that live in water-filled aquariums.
8. What is Dads'/Moms' weekend and can both parents come to the weekends?
Dads' Weekend in the fall and Moms' Weekend in the spring are planned by WSU students. Both parents are always welcome. These are great times for students and parents to get together, meet friends, and experience Cougar Spirit. Many special activities are planned, such as open houses, plays, barbecues, art shows, films, concerts, and intercollegiate athletic events. Parents generally stay in local hotels; Pullman-area lodging tends to fill up rapidly, so reservations may need to be made a year in advance.
9. How do I find people with similar ethnic backgrounds?
The richness of American culture is very much in evidence at WSU. Students and faculty of color sponsor programs shared by the entire campus through the Multicultural Student Centers. The centers include an African American Student Center, a Native American Student Center, a Chicano/Latino Student Center, and an Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Center. Social, cultural, and academic activities at the centers and campus-wide recognize and support students' ethnic backgrounds. Some of these include Native American Pow Wows, Black History Month activities, Semana de la Raza, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Awareness Month.
10. When is tuition due?
Tuition is due the first day of class each semester and is payable to the Student Accounts Office.
11. Is there a mandatory health fee?
Yes. The health fee is included in tuition for all full-time students. It enables WSU students to use the WSU health and wellness facilities, which are fully staffed by doctors, whenever needed. More information on facilities and fees is available from WSU Health and Wellness Services.
12. Am I required to live on campus?
All single undergraduate freshmen under 20 years of age are required to live in organized living groups which are officially recognized by the university (residence halls, fraternities, and sororities) unless they are residing with parents or legal guardians. More information on campus living and residence requirements is available from the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
13. Can I bring my own microwave and refrigerator to the residence halls?
Refrigerators under 4.5 cu. ft. are allowed, but not microwaves. However, microfridges and refrigerators can be rented from Housing Services. You can get more information from the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
14. Does WSU have a safe environment?
WSU enjoys a lower crime rate than many more populated areas. In fact, WSU Pullman is one of the safest major university campuses in the nation, as ranked by stateuniversity.com. Still, crimes do occur here (as they can anywhere). The most common crime committed at WSU by far is larceny, the vast majority of these incidents being "crimes of opportunity" in which victims leave valuable items in unsecured areas. The Department of Public Safety staff meets with student groups and is actively involved in promoting safe behavior. The University also has a campus-wide alert system and emergency management and communication plans that are frequently tested and evaluated.
15. What kinds of things do students do for fun at WSU?
Many students take advantage of the recreation facilities on campus: for instance, the Student Recreation Center (SRC) provides an extensive array of exercise equipment and recreational classes. WSU offers many outdoor activities and rentable outdoor equipment through the Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC). Students can also take advantage of over 250 registered student organizations through Student Involvement. Nationally known musicians and comedians perform on campus in Beasley Coliseum. Art exhibits and cultural events are held frequently on campus and in the surrounding community. Students join the entire Coug community in cheering for the University's sports teams. WSU also offers one of the most extensive intramural sports programs in the nation. The town of Moscow, ID, only 8 miles from Pullman, is home to the University of Idaho, and offers additional opportunities for shopping and cultural events.
16. What if my daughter or son has difficulty adjusting to college life?
The difference between high school and college is that students are on their own. For most students, this is a major change, and help is readily available at WSU. Concerned faculty have their doors open, and support programs have trained staff members to work with students as they adjust to college life and learn to make decisions for themselves. The Center for Advising and Career Development, Counseling Services, and Multicultural Student Services are among the many WSU offices and programs that support new students.
17. What if my son or daughter is not ready to choose a major?
Don't worry; students don't have to know their major right away. In fact, nationwide, 35 percent of college students haven't selected a major when they first enroll. Generally, students should select a major by the first semester of the sophomore year to graduate on time. There is time after enrolling at WSU to find a major that fits. College is a time to explore. WSU's general education curriculum gives students the opportunity to explore subjects they might enjoy while fulfilling requirements that they can apply toward any major. The Center for Advising and Career Development at WSU offers resources to help students choose a major that fits their talents and goals.
18. Will my daughter's or son's teachers be professors?
WSU takes pride in having more undergraduate courses taught by faculty members than by teaching assistants. WSU is committed to quality undergraduate education; and more full professors, department chairs, and renowned researchers are teaching in introductory-level classrooms than you would expect at most national research universities.
19. What does WSU do to help students find jobs after college?
Career counselors work with students individually to assess interests and values, identify career options, relate academics to work, and prepare for graduate or professional schools. The Center for Advising and Career Development hosts workshops, career fairs, and on-campus interviews, and maintains a resume referral service and current job listings.
20. Are part-time jobs available on or around campus?
The Campus Student and Hourly Employment Office in the French Administration Building provides a central location where students can begin to search for part-time employment, including campus jobs, off-campus jobs, and work/study opportunities.
