New academic year gets started as WWU ramps up for Fall Quarter

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New academic year gets started as WWU ramps up for Fall Quarter

September 15, 2025

Fall quarter is here, and the energy of a new year is building across campus. Students are arriving, classrooms and programs are gearing up, and a wide range of events will mark the start of the year. From campus traditions and academic gatherings to athletics, arts, and community celebrations, the weeks ahead will bring Western together in many ways.

Highlights in the weeks ahead

State of the University - Thursday, Sept. 18, PAC at 8:30 a.m.
President Sabah Randhawa will deliver the annual State of the University Address at 8:30 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. The event is open to all faculty and staff and will provide updates on accomplishments, challenges, and the strategic vision for the year ahead.

Convocation - Monday, Sept. 22, Carver Gym, doors open 9:30 a.m.
All faculty and staff are encouraged to welcome and cheer on new students in this year's Convocation ceremony, marking the start of their academic journey, featuring campus leaders and alumni, music, and a spirited send-off.

Info Fair - Monday, Sept. 22, starting at 11:00 a.m. at Red Square
Part of Western Welcome, the Info Fair brings together more than 150 campus departments, programs, and student organizations along with local businesses to connect with students and highlight resources, services, and opportunities.

First Night Out - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m. at Red Square
In an annual tradition connecting WWU with our downtown neighbors, thousands of students walk from Red Square to Depot Market Square downtown for music, entertainment, food, and discounts at more than 50 local businesses.

WWU Athletics

All students get free admission to regular-season home games with their Western ID.

• Volleyball - Sept. 25 & Sept. 27, Carver Gym
  The Vikings host Montana State Billings on Thursday (7 p.m.) and Seattle Pacific on Saturday (7 p.m.) at WECU Court in Carver Gym.

• Men's Soccer - Sept. 24 & Sept. 26, Harrington Field
  Home matches vs. Sonoma State on Tuesday (7 p.m.) and vs. Regis on Thursday (6 p.m.).

• Women's Soccer - Oct. 9, Harrington Field
  The Vikings take on Central Washington at home at 7 p.m.

• Viking Jam - Oct. 15, Carver Gym
  Western's annual basketball season-kickoff event, with player introductions, contests, and spirit activities at 7 p.m.

For more information about these games and other events, visit: https://wwuvikings.com/

Arts & Performances

• Renée Green Artist Talk & Dedication - Thursday, Oct. 2
  Dedication of Space Poem #15 (To the Remembered Earth)with an artist talk (Academic West 210, 5:30 p.m.) and reception at the Academic West Skybridge.

• Sanford-Hill Piano Series: Alessio Bax - Friday, Oct. 17
  Internationally renowned pianist Alessio Bax performs in the PAC Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m.

• Tartuffe - Friday & Saturday, Oct. 17-18
  Theatre production of Molière's Tartuffein the DUG Theatre (PAC 199).

For more information about these and other events, visit: https://cfpa.wwu.edu/happening

Save the Date

Fall Family Weekend, Oct. 18-20

Families will be welcomed back to campus for a full weekend of events and community, organized by the Foundation for WWU and Alumni! More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

These reflect just a portion of the many opportunities to engage as the quarter gets underway. Additional events will be announced throughout the fall. Stay tuned to Western Today, check the WWU Events Calendar, and follow WWU's channels for coverage, photos, and stories:

• WWU Athletics

• CFPA Events

• Instagram: @westernwashingtonuniversity

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• LinkedIn: Western Washington University