Family FAQs

From the moment they arrive on campus, your student will explore new subjects, meet new people and begin the transformation into becoming a college student. Being at college doesn't mean they no longer need their families. But they do need different things from you than they have before, and your influence remains strong. It's important for you to stay connected and involved. We hope this list of FAQs will help answer your questions and help you identify the resources your student needs to succeed.

Financial Aid

My student was awarded work-study. What is that and how do they receive it?

Work-study is financial aid that your student earns by working on campus. It allows your student to earn a paycheck while attending Whitman, which can help pay part of their costs or cover personal expenses. Most offices on campus hire work-study students and provide jobs that are flexible around class schedules and academic needs while providing valuable work experience and building your student’s resume.

How does my student find a job that will allow them to earn their work-study award?

Whitman offers a matched work-study program that helps match incoming students who qualify for work-study with on-campus jobs. The application form is distributed by the Career and Community Engagement Center in partnership with the Financial Aid Office in late July. Students can register for the program through Sunday, Aug. 9.

While we work to place as many students as we can, not every student who applies will be matched with a position. Therefore, students are also encouraged to look for additional job opportunities for both on- and off-campus work using our online jobs platform, Handshake. Your student can activate their Handshake profile by logging in with their whitman.edu email address.

Won’t working while in school hurt my student’s academic performance?

Our data actually shows that students who work also do well academically. Having a work-study position helps your student work on time management and study skills, while also increasing their responsibility. Our campus employers are extremely flexible around hours worked to accommodate academic needs.

My student received loans. How do we accept them?

Your student can go to their Whitman portal and log in. Once logged in, they can select Financial Aid and then loans. They can accept the loans online and the Financial Aid office will process them.

Are there academic requirements for receiving financial aid?

Students must maintain good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 24 credits in the two immediately preceding semesters) to remain eligible for aid. Students receiving talent-based scholarships for debate, music, art or theater may have additional participation requirements.

Are books covered as part of financial aid?

An allowance for books and supplies has been included in the total financial aid package, but students will still need to buy their books.

How much are books going to cost?

The cost depends on the classes your student takes. Your student could pay very little or as much as $370 per class. Your student can save money by purchasing used books that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The bookstore provides rentals on as many high-end textbooks as possible.

What is the refund policy?

If a student withdraws during the semester, the refund policy applies to tuition and fee charges and special course fees. A student who moves from a residence hall after the semester begins, or fails to move into a room reserved for second semester, will be refunded room charges based on checkout date. Board charges will be prorated on a weekly basis as of the date of withdrawal, except for a min-imum charge of $100 per semester. If a student receives federal funds, the refund will be adjusted based on that fee schedule. See the full refund policy in the college catalog.

Residence Life and Housing

Can my student request a roommate?

For most students, we use our online housing questionnaire to pair students with similar habits to help make the first-year experience a positive one. This year, due to COVID-19, we are also allowing students to request a specific roommate if there is someone they would like to live with. We are also offering additional single rooms for students who would prefer not to have a roommate. Please have your students watch their email for more information or contact the Residence Life and Housing Office for details.

Where can my student find the housing questionnaire?

Your student needs to fill out the housing questionnaire in the applicant portal, engage.whitman.edu/login.

What is my student’s mailing address?

While living at Whitman, your student's mailing address is:
Student Name
Whitman College
280 Boyer Ave.
Walla Walla, WA 99362

It is not necessary to add a room number or building name.

My student has a physical disability. Can you accommodate them?

Whitman College works to place students with physical disabilities in a residence hall that meets the safety needs and the comfort needs of the individual. If accommodations may be necessary because of a documented disability, please email keithaam@whitman.edu for more information.

Will my student be placed with someone that is the same gender? What if they are LGBTQIA+?

We strive to foster supportive living environments for all students. We understand that for some students, this may be best facilitated through a gender-inclusive housing arrangement. Students interested in gender-inclusive housing may elect to be placed with a different gendered roommate by contacting the Residence Life and Housing Office.

Is my student going to make friends?

Our residence hall staff works hard to help students connect with each other and the greater Whitman community. RAs and RDs plan a variety of events throughout the year to get students together and having fun.

Do they need a car?

Whitman does not recommend students bring cars to campus. Most students find they don’t need them. Parking is also extremely limited. The good news is that campus is within walking distance to downtown, a grocery store, restaurants and coffee shops. The city offers affordable public transit and is bike- and pedestrian-friendly. The college also offers a free bike share program and has an on-campus bike repair shop. There are ride-sharing services in town, and depending on COVID-19 restrictions, the college may coordinate bus services to nearby airports, Seattle and Portland during academic breaks.

When will they find out who their roommate is?

Room assignments are released in early August. Your student will receive their housing assignment and roommate information in their Whitman email, as well as in the mail. We encourage your student to connect with their roommate before packing to avoid bringing unnecessary items.

What do they need for their room?

Our rooms come equipped with an extra-long twin bed (except in Prentiss Hall and Stanton Hall), mattress cover, desk and chair, wardrobe and storage, chest of drawers, bulletin board, window blinds and a telephone for local calls. Students will want to bring bedding, towels and toiletries, their clothes, lamps, laundry items, and other personal items to make themselves feel at home. A full list of suggested items, as well as things to leave at home, was included in the Student Welcome Guide.

New Student FAQ

Residence Life