Advising
We are here to help!
Please contact the Department Program Coordinator, Jessie Tanksley for student advising assistance. Jessie is available to answer questions, help plan your time in the major or minor, and sign off on major and minor evaluations. Contact Jessie at jessie.tanksley@wwu.edu or 360-650-3469 or schedule an advising appointment through Calendly (in person or via Zoom or Microsoft Teams).
New to Western?
If you are registering for your first term at Western and are interested in a Political Science major or minor, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- The Political Science Department has four Foundation Courses that correspond to the four "fields" of the Political Science Department.
- Political Science majors will complete all four Foundation Courses during their major studies.
- Political Science minors will complete at least two and a maximum of three of the Foundation Coursework during their minor studies.
- Students with prior college-level coursework (Running Start, Transfer Students, AP Credits, IB Credits) should speak with the Political Science Advisor, Jessie Tanksley, before registering for PLSC classes for their first term.
When should I contact my advisor?
- If you have transfer credits upon entering Western, you should check in with an advisor to determine how the credits will be awarded.
- When you declare the major or minor, you will submit a major or minor declaration form. Contact the advisor if you have questions about the requirements.
- As you progress in the major and minor, you may have questions about credits, field requirements, and schedule planning. You are welcome to set up an appointment with the advisor or send an email inquiry to discuss where you are at in the major or minor and make sure that you are on track to graduate.
- When you are ready to apply for graduation (aim to apply two quarters before you intend to graduate), you will need to contact the advisor to request a major or minor evaluation. The advisor will add a note in Degree Works for the Registrar's Office approving that the student has met or will meet the requirements to graduate.
Academic Advising and Student Achievement Center (AASAC)
Our team of professional and peer advisors is dedicated to supporting undergraduate student success through conversations and resources around academic plans and goals. We encourage students to meet with an Academic Advisor regularly to ensure good progress towards academic goals and to stay current on Western academic policies and opportunities. Please contact us if you have any questions!