UPSD Advising

Students have access to multiple advising options at Western Washington University:

• General university advisors are available in the Academic Advising and Student Achievement Center.
  • General advisors can help you identify general university requirement (GURs) courses, figure out your academic plans, and find the right major.
• College of the Environment (CENV) Undergraduate Academic Advisors are available to all college pre-majors and majors.  
  • Kathryn Patrick advises prospective students and pre-majors.
  • Mary Moores advises all declared majors and helps students complete their major evaluations in preparation for graduation.
  • Find contact information and drop-in advising information at the CENV Undergrad Academic Advising webpage.
• Faculty Advisors in Urban and Environmental Planning & Policy Department (UEPP) advise students on courses sequencing, internship opportunities, and career options.
  • Students are assigned a faculty advisor when they are admitted to their major.
  • Faculty advisors are listed in a student's Degree Works
  • Students should meet with their faculty advisor within the first quarter of being admitted to their major.
  • Faculty hold regular student office hours. These are posted in the UEPP Department’s main office, located in Artnzen Hall 217.
• UEPP Diversity & Student Outreach Committee (DSOC) hosts quarterly peer advising sessions for pre-majors and majors.  
  • Sessions are hosted on the Friday before registration
  • Look for flyers or announcements in classes for specific dates and times

Applying to the Major:  

Students can apply to the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development (UPSD) major in Spring quarter. Applications are due on April 18 (or the Monday after, if the 18th falls on a weekend). Learn more on the applying to the UPSD Major webpage.

Once admitted to the UPSD major, students are required to attend a group advising session with Mary Moores, a CENV academic advisor and meet with their faculty advisor.  

Preparing to Graduate:

Students must complete a major/minor evaluation a month prior to applying to graduate. Visit the Registrar’s degree application webpage for application due dates. To complete a major/minor evaluation, please contact Mary Moores in the CENV advising office. Faculty do not complete major/minor evaluations.  

Annual Open House:

The UEPP Department hosts an annual open house in fall quarter to welcome new majors and answer pre-major's questions. At the session, faculty review major requirements; discuss internship opportunities; share news about the program, students, and alumni; and answer prospective student questions. Representatives from Western Urban Planners club and the Diversity and Student Outreach Committee talk about opportunities for student engagement and events.