Guest Services Guide to the University

Cultural, social and recreational programs and facilities abound at Western and serve as important opportunities for both recreation and education. As a registered participant in a conference or special program at the University, you will have access to the following facilities. We invite you to check out these opportunities.

Viking Union Facilities And Services

Visit the Viking Union website

Academic Year: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to midnight Fridays; 9 a.m. to midnight Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays

Summer Quarter: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

The Viking Union facilities include a multi-purpose lounge, a television viewing room, meeting rooms, a coffee shop, a music listening room, an art gallery and a performance area. A cash machine is located in the Viking Union lobby. The Western Washington University branch of the United States Post Office is located on the 500 level of the Viking Union, one floor down from High Street. The Post Office hours of operation are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. During intersessions, the hours are limited to 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Viking Union Plaza serves as an open-air market where vendors sell clothing, jewelry, photographs, food and drink.

The Associated Students' Co-Op Bookstore

Visit the Associated Studens' Bookstore website

Academic Year Hours: 8 a. m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Summer Quarter: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

The Associated Students' Co-op Bookstore is located next to the Viking Union. The store has a large supply of books for general reading as well as texts currently being used on campus. In addition, it features school supplies, gifts, cards, sporting goods and clothing, toiletries, film and film processing, and a cash machine.

Wilson Library

Visit the Western Libraries website

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 12 midnight, Monday through Thursday

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday

12 p.m. to 12 midnight, Sunday

On-the-premises use of the collections of Wilson Library is granted during your visit as a participant in a special program or conference. Wilson Library--the University's research library-- with its branches contains more than half a million volumes, as well as many periodicals, government documents, micro-materials and recordings. All book collections are in open stacks, and reference materials are convenient and easy to use. Informational brochures regarding the Libraries at Western are available at the Wilson Library service desk and will provide you with more specific information regarding the variety of library services available on campus.

*The Library's Summer Hours are the same

The Performing Arts

Visit the Performing Arts Center website

The College of Fine and Performing Arts sponsors concerts, performances and recitals ranging from classical to jazz. These include performances by symphonic, chamber and solo artists, choral groups and dance companies, as well as a full schedule of theater productions.

Please check at the guest services desk in your residence for a listing of events occurring during your stay on campus.

The Visual Arts

The visual arts flourish at Western in a number of forms. Two galleries are currently on campus. The Western Gallery, located in the Fine Arts complex, features historic and contemporary arts of regional, national and international importance. The Viking Union Art Gallery specializes in Northwest contemporary art forms and student work.

Hours of Operation:

The Viking Union Art Gallery

Visit the Viking Union Art Gallery website

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Western Gallery

Visit the Western Gallery website

Academic Year

Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Closed on Sunday

The Out-Of-Doors

The Outdoor Sculpture Collection at Western

Visit the Outdoor Sculpture Collection website

Started in 1957 by a group of visionary Western Washington University trustees, the collection now numbers 23 works by 22 artists.

For more information on the collection, contact the Guest services desk in your residence.

The Sehome Hill Arboretum

Visit the Sehome Hill Arboretum website

Located behind the Fairhaven residences is Sehome Hill, home to the arboretum, a park jointly owned/operated by the city and the university.

Multiple trails traverse the hill leading to a tower which overlooks Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.

Additional Information

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff will be pleased to assist you in check-in, departure, campus, general, or specific information. You may contact us using our contact page, phone us at (360) 650-7537, or snail mail us at: 516 High St., Office of Conference Housing / Edens Hall 101, Bellingham, Washington 98225-9195.