PAMOJA

A Living Learning Community

Student and family

What is Pamoja?

Pamoja (pronounced pa-mow-jah) is a Swahili word meaning "together," symbolizing unity, collaboration, and community.  

The program centers the identity of Black students through the celebration and affirmation of the Black student experience at WWU, providing a shared space for connection. Western students residing and participating in Pamoja help foster a warm and vibrant community supporting inclusive civic responsibility, personal wellness, and career preparedness.

Pamoja offers residents opportunities to engage in culturally-centered programming, community involvement, and connections with resources. Regular programmatic events and interactions allow students to deepen knowledge and understanding of themselves, peers, and the world. 

The History of Pamoja

In response to student feedback and requests for more identity centered spaces to support and advocate for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students on Western’s campus, Black Affinity Housing was specifically created. The program began in 2021.

In 2025, Western Washington University evolved their affinity housing options into 'Living Learning Communities' to more intentionally integrate educational engagement within the residential community. Students' voices were enlisted to rebrand the identity of the community, and Pamoja was named. 

students playing a game inside Clark Glass
student outside Clark Glass
mural in Clark Glass

Location

For the 2026-27 academic year, Pamoja is located on the 5th floor of Alma Clark Glass Hall. Alma Clark Glass Hall is named after the first Black student to attend Western, and is a short distance to the Ridgeway Commons and Red Square. 

Benefits

  • Live with students of shared or similar interests in their community
  • Academic support
  • Engage in community events and celebrations 

How to Join

Students indicate interest in Pamoja via the housing application. Students are accepted into Pamoja on a first-come basis. 

If you mark interest on your application, you will be notified in your housing offer email if you are accepted into Pamoja or on the waitlist.

students on campus
student at an event

Goals for Pamoja

  1. Build a caring and connected community among residents.  
     
  2. Provide deeper opportunities for engaged learning about development of their own multidimensional personal and social identities.
     
  3. Connect residents with campus resources across promoting academic success and personal wellness centering the Western Washington University Black student experience.
     
  4. Foster an environment focused on wellness to support the emotional, physical, and mental health of students through culturally competent care services and structures. 

Resident Expectations

  • Events in the community
    • Ex. Alma Clark Glass Birthday celebrations
  • Events hosted by Black Student Coalition
    • Ex. Welcome BLACK, Juneteenth Celebration, Black Heritage month
  • Respectful and open to varied cultural practices within the diverse community.
  • Live in compliance with the community standards at WWU.

Recommended course for fall: currently pending

Pamoja Support

Disability Access

University Residences works in partnership with the Disability Access Center (DAC). Students requesting accommodation must complete both a Housing application and a DAC Needs Assessment. For details and timeline visit Housing's Disability Accommodation. 

Questions?

We welcome your questions about Pamoja LLC. Contact reslife@wwu.edu for more information.