» Fall 2009
You're Invited!
Our campus frequently hosts speakers from around the world on a variety of topics, open to the public and usually free.
- Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day Blood Drive
- Nov 28: Apple Cup Viewing Party! Family Friendly!
- Nov 30: Myers Briggs Workshop
- Dec 2: Resume Writing Workshop
- Dec 3: WSU Vancouver Choir Concert with Chamber Orchestra
Anniversary celebration raises $120k for scholarships and faculty fellowships
More than 170 Washington State University Vancouver faculty, staff, alumni and fans came together Sept. 19 to celebrate the campus’ 20th anniversary. A silent auction, dinner program and paddle raise earned $120,000 for student scholarships and faculty fellowships. Besides the feeling of accomplishment that comes from helping students achieve their educational goals, guests enjoyed reconnecting and reliving memories of the last two decades.
Twenty years ago, WSU Vancouver offered one scholarship for $500. At that time, WSU Vancouver consisted of 18 students taking classes in the north wing of Hudson’s Bay High School. In 2009, WSU Vancouver awarded $147,000 in scholarships to 114 students. Today 3,000 students take classes in one of 13 buildings on the 351-acre campus.
"Scholarships are more important than ever," said Hal Dengerink, chancellor at WSU Vancouver. "Forty years ago tuition covered 20 percent of the cost of a college education. Today tuition pays for 70 percent of the cost. As time goes by, students are shouldering more of the burden. At minimum wage, you’d have to work close to 80 hours a week just to pay for school now."
Chancellor's Seminar Series
$25 per person. Includes lunch and parking, www.vancouverusa.com or 360-694-2588.
"How Can the State Work with Business and Partners to Grow and Improve Jobs?"
- Lecture by Rogers Weed, director, Washington State Department of Commerce
- Jan 15, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"System Design: a Roadmap for Higher Education in Washington"
- Lecture by Ann Daley, executive director, Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board
- March 5, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Learn the ins and outs of financial aid
WSU Vancouver will offer Financial Aid 101, Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Administration building, room 110.
Students and parents are welcome at this class for beginners to learn how financial aid can help pay for college.
• Find out what financial aid really is
• How to apply for financial aid
• How to find out if you’ve been awarded financial aid
• How to access the money once it’s been awarded
Everyone who wants to learn more is welcome, no matter where they choose to go to college.
Find out more on our website
Deadline to be aware of!
Complete FAFSA applications are due ASAP after January 1. If you don’t have a clue what FAFSA is, don’t miss Financial Aid 101.
Learn how to find and get scholarships
WSU Vancouver will offer Scholarships 101 Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Administration building, room 110.
Students and parents are welcome at this class for beginners to learn how scholarships can help you pay for college.
• Where to find the best scholarships
• How to write award-winning essays
• Get helpful tips from prior award winners
Everyone who wants to learn more is welcome, no matter where they choose to go to college or university.
Find out more on our website
Deadline to be aware of!
University-wide scholarship applications for the 2010/2011 academic year are due January 31. If this is Greek to you, be sure to attend Scholarships 101.
Survey for Cougar Families
Help us help you, and tell us what you think in our parent survey!
Did you know?
There are lots of ways to get involved with WSU Vancouver. Join us!
There are lots of ways for parents and families to get involved with WSU Vancouver. Join us!
For your convenience, a campus map can be viewed online. Unless otherwise stated, parking is available at parking meters or in the Blue Daily Pay lot for $3.
Read with us
Grab a copy of Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi,” and enjoy a good read along with WSU Vancouver students, faculty and staff. Join us throughout the 2009/2010 academic year for activities related to the novel.
January
Enter your travel photos in a contest then meet at the Travel Café to share photos, travel stories and learn about local and global travel hot spots.
February
Take a break on Mental Health Day to discuss strategies for coping with fear, stress and loneliness with a mental health professional.
March
Hike, watch “Into the Wild” or learn about famous survival stories—plants, animals and people—on Survival Day.
For more details go to the reading project website.
Scholarship Luncheon
Scholarship donors and recipients meet over lunch
WSU Vancouver distributed $147,000 in scholarships to students this academic year. Fifty scholarship donors and the 114 students who received scholarships had an opportunity to meet at a luncheon on Oct. 7.
“The lunch is an annual event that gives students a chance to say ‘thank you,’” said Jennifer Crooks, WSU Vancouver director of development and alumni relations “Our donors enjoy meeting the students and learning about their lives and goals. Establishing and maintaining a good relationship with our donors inspires them to continue supporting our students.”
Encourage your student to apply for scholarships. Seventy-five percent of the students who attend WSU Vancouver take advantage of some form of financial aid including scholarships. Visit www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/finaid//schol.htm, or attend Scholarships 101 on January 6 (more on that in this edition of Coug notes). Go to TheWashboard.org, a scholarship repository site for Washington Students
Resources
Resources to help your student be successful
Remind your student to check the Student Resource Events and Workshops calendar periodically to see if there is a course that might be helpful. Workshops cover topics such as time management, stress management, reading for retention, test-taking strategies and more. Find a link to the calendar at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/src
The Student Resource Center facilitates educational, personal and professional development through integrated services that challenge, support and empower students. It’s located in the lower level of the Student Services Center and is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Assured Acceptance to Top High School Students
Applicants from the state of Washington to the Pullman, Tri-Cities and Vancouver campuses who rank in the top 10% of their class or who have earned at least a 3.5 GPA at the time of their application will be granted assured admission.