MISSION & VISION
Western maintains over a million square feet of housing and dining space on its century-old, 215-acre campus. Sixteen residence halls and one apartment complex make up nine unique residential communities, each community with their own resident director.
Western’s campus is live-on optional and has an operating capacity of 4,145 residents. Within the division of Business and Financial Affairs, the department of University Residences employs 60 full-time staff and more than 150 student staff.
University Residences supports and is guided by the:
- University Mission and Strategic goals
- Board of Trustees Guiding Principles for the Western Washington University Housing and Dining System
- 10 Year Capital Plan
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCC) recommendations of the 2008 Comprehensive Evaluation Committee Report
- Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) professional standards for higher education
- Association of College and University Housing Organization-International standards and guidelines
Our Vision
Students living in University Residences engage in a community unlike any other, where they explore their passion, purpose and place at Western.
Our Mission
Create affordable, safe and well-maintained University housing that supports participation in healthy, inclusive and sustainable communities, where students invest in their academic success and personal growth.
Department Principles
- Student Centered
- Collaborative Partnerships
- Culture of Evidence
- Customer Service
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Safe and Secure Residential Communities
- Stewardship
- Technology
- Work Environment
Residence Life Values
In 2024-2025, the Residence Life team collectively identified five core values that are central to the department's purpose. Residence life is committed to aligning department priorities, initiatives, and goals with these values to provide residents with the best possible on-campus experience.
Accountability: Fostering a culture where individuals and the community take responsibility for their actions and their impact. Accountability strengthens trust, promotes learning, and reinforces our commitment to growth and integrity in all that we do.
Inclusive Community: Creating and maintaining a diverse environment where the rights and dignity of all members are respected, inclusive of people, culture, and place.
Learning & Development: The process of acquiring and applying knowledge, skills, and/or values, that contributes to student success and collective growth to promote informed engagement within the greater global community
Respect: Recognizing and understanding there is inherent value to people, places, and spaces. Respect requires intentionally engaging in interactions that affirm the humanity and worth of each community member.
Student-Centered: Prioritizing residents’ needs, development, and success by considering the impact of every decision, listening to and collaborating with them, and empowering them to take ownership of their academic journeys and community experience.