Course Planning and Registration FAQ
Who do I see for advising?
All Faculty members serve as Departmental Advisers. At the time of admission you are assigned a primary adviser. Once enrolled, students are encouraged to select an adviser from their primary area of interest. Students work with their adviser to create a customized Plan of Study. This becomes the basis of the Senior Evaluation for graduation.
What is a Plan of Study?
A student should have a Plan of Study by the time they reach 90 University credits. It lists all the courses for that student to take in the Art & Art History Department until graduation. It may be revised with their advisor but must be final upon Senior Evaluation.
How do I do a Senior Evaluation?
Two quarters before graduation, the Registrar will send you a notice to get a Senior Evaluation. First see your advisor to update your Plan of Study. Bring that to the department office, who will get it completed and signed. Take the signed Senior Evaluation form and Plan of Study along with the Application for Graduation form to the Registrar's office.
Can I register for Art History classes if I am not a declared major?
The following Art History classes, when offered, are open to all students.
- A/HI 220: Visual Culture in Ancient Greece/Rome
- A/HI 221: Visual Culture in Medieval Europe
- A/HI 230: Visual Culture in Western Europe 1400-1550
- A/HI 231: Visual Culture Western Europe 1500-1700
- A/HI 240: Visual Culture Western Europe 19th Century
- A/HI 241: Visual Culture Western Europe/America 20th Century
- A/HI 270: Visual Culture in South and Southeast Asia
- A/HI 271: Visual Culture in East Asia
If you are considering an area of specialization within the department, there may be survey course prerequisites. Seek advisement within the specialization before registering for any of the surveys.
Can I register for Art classes if I am not a declared major?
All Western students may register for Art 109 - Visual Dialogue.
For other classes, non-majors are admitted on a space-available basis. Attend the first day of class for any possible open spaces. All prerequisites must be completed. Department of Art & Art History majors receive priority. Requests are further prioritized based on the total number of earned credits.
When do Industrial Design and Fairhaven Students register?
Industrial Design and Fairhaven students may register for open seats in Art classes during Phase II of registration. If a class is already full, they should sign up on the electronic waiting lists and attend the first day of class.
Can I graduate from the Art Education program without admission to Woodring?
The Art Education study plan is designed for completion prior to the Education course study plan. This is in order to secure a teaching certificate in Art Education. Students cannot graduate without completing the requirements of both programs.
What can I do when a class is filled?
When you register, you will automatically be put on the wait list if the class is full.
Attend the first day of class. The instructor will fill any class openings from the wait list . Priority is given to Art majors with the highest number of credits.
If the instructor has room in the class, they will sign an override permission slip. Take this slip to the Art office. A space will be created for you, and you can then register via Web4U.
Whom do I go to for evaluation of transfer art credits?
Whatcom Community College Art 100 is the only accepted equivalent to Western's Art 109.
Besides that, most 100-level courses from other institutions transfer to Western as equivalents. Basic drawing, design, color, and three-dimensional design courses won't need to be retaken.
To determine whether classes will transfer, check the Transfer Credit Policies. For other courses, make an appointment with a faculty member of the area in question. For example, meet with a WWU Design faculty to determine if a WCC Graphic Design course meets Western's requirements.
Need more info?
For advising and information about the Department of Art & Art History, email us or call 360-650-3660.