Q. How many students participate in Summer Advantage?
A. For the past two years approximately 20 students enrolled in Summer Advantage. Because of increased marketing we expect many more this year. There is limited space, an early application is recommended.

Q. Is transportation provided from the airport to the campus?
A. Yes. We are happy to transport students from and to the Pullman bus terminal or airport when arriving and departing the Summer Advantage program.

Q. Can I visit places in Pullman on my own?
A. Of course! You are welcome to explore Pullman and Moscow. You are a freshman in college and have the freedom that all our freshman students have.

Q. Can I visit family and friends overnight?
A. We suggest remaining in Pullman for the short duration of the Summer Advantage program. You are welcome to hangout with family and friends should they come to Pullman. If they need overnight accommodations refer to this travel link. Overnight guests are NOT permitted in the residence halls.

Q. Are scholarships available?
A. Unfortunately not Summer Advantage program scholarships. We are working hard to promote the program to donors that are interested in providing scholarships to Summer Advantage students. You may use scholarship funds received by private donors if approved by the donor.

Q. What is my mailing address while I'm participating in the program?
Attn: Student's Name
Summer Programs
PO Box 641035
Pullman, WA 99164-1035

Q. Can I leave campus whenever I want?
A. Absolutely, part of the learning process at college is not only learning in the classroom but also learning about you. You will learn to make decisions that will support your success at Washington State University. We can guide you, should you want it, to make responsible choices. For example, going shopping Vs studying, sleeping-in vs. attending class, etc.

Q. Are there resources available to help me in my undergraduate classes?
A. Yes. Faculty keep regular office hours and are available to help you with your classes. Students are expected to take the initiative to meet with faculty regularly to discuss their progress. Academic assistance is also available at the Student Advising and Learning Center (SALC). Additionally, Summer Advantage schedules weekly succeeding in college types of workshops that Summer Advantage students will attend.

Q. How will I be able to contact my child?
A. Most cell phone providers get great service in Pullman. All of the residence halls come equipped with telephones jacks.  Please let us know if you would like for us to arrange to have the jack turned-on in your child’s room.  It will cost approximately $50 for the month. This service includes a phone and voice mail. Arrange a set time for phone calls with your son or daughter once their schedule is finalized. Your son or daughter will also be given a WSU email account.

Q. Will I be able to email my child?
A. Every student enrolled at Washington State University is provided a free email account. Email is a popular form of contact on campus and is a great way for you to keep in touch with your son or daughter throughout the program. If your son or daughter isn't bringing a computer, students have access to computer labs on campus for a fee.

Q. What responsibilities and obligations do I have to the program?
A. All Summer Advantage students are expected to attend all classes, workshops, residence hall meetings, special "family-dinner" gatherings, and scheduled activities (including a possible weekend travel excursions (Cougar Adventure)). As in any community living environment, each student is expected to respect the rights of others, maintain reasonable cleanliness in the residence, and behave in a manner befitting collegiate life. In addition, rules prohibiting the use or possession of any illegal drugs, including alcohol, are strictly enforced. Individuals violating the University's Standards of Conduct will be subject to the university disciplinary process the Office of Student Conduct and possibly WSU or Pullman police department.

Q. How does Alive! work with Summer Advantage?
There is space held for you in the June 28 - 30 Alive! Session 5 for Summer Advantage students. This program is a MUST for all students and parents new to WSU. The Summer Advantage classes on Monday June 30th will be in the evening allowing students attending Alive! Session 5 to attend the full Alive! program and not miss the any of their first day classes.

The Alive! program will allow Summer Advantage students to meet with an advisor and be introduced to the process of registering for classes. Students will walk away with their fall class schedule. Helpful Alive! information will be used during Summer Advantage and all of your years at WSU. The things you learn in Alive! will be practiced during Summer Advantage. Should you need financial assistance with the Alive! program contact the New Student Programs office at 509.335.4242

To sign up for Alive!
Click on this link Alive! Orientation.
Click on "Reserve Your Spot" (yellow box on the right).
Click on "Download Registration" (PDF).
Write Summer Advantage Student under the words "Reservation Form."

Q. How many hours a day will my son/daughter need to study?
In college, your son/daughter may be shocked by the workload they suddenly face. Many students are surprised at the differences in studying for college courses versus how they studied in high school. For every hour spent in class your student will probably need to study at least two hours. The Summer Advantage class is held two hours a day Monday through Friday. Students will probably need four hours daily focused on studying. We suggest studying during daylight hours, when students are more alert, and studying in 45 minute sessions. We will be offering study skill and test taking workshops during Summer Advantage.

Q. How many students live on campus?
A. Washington State University in Pullman is a residential university. Every summer about 5,000 student attend summer session classes in Pullman over the three summer session date blocks. Most students live within walking distance to campus.

Q. What steps does the WSU Summer Programs Office take to ensure students safety during the program?
A. Pullman is located in a rural community that is relatively safe. The goal of the WSU Police Department, WSU administration, and Summer Programs, is to do everything possible to create an environment where people can feel safe to learn, work, live, and visit. It is very important to us to make living groups safe, secure communities. Summer Advantage staff members perform nightly rounds in their buildings and have an on-call system during the evenings and on weekends. Outside doors to the McCroskey Hall are locked at all times. Students also play a role in assuring their own safety by complying with safety guidelines as they would at any location.

Q. Can students arrive early or stay beyond the program's closing date?
A. You are welcome to arrive first thing Sunday morning. We ask that you notify us of your arrival plans prior to traveling to Pullman.

No, to staying late. We cannot make any exceptions on this matter. Additionally, students aren't able to store belongings in a residence hall or move into their fall residence hall early, unless special arrangements are made with Housing and Dining Services (509.335.4577). Below you will find local storage business and phone numbers.

Advantage Mini Storage 509.332.0865
Blue Sky Self Storage 509.334.7444
C&S Mini Storage 509.332.2526
Coffee House Mini Storage 509.332.5180
Cougar Closet 509.332.7575
Evergreen Storage 509.334.0234
Grand Ave Storage and Supply 509.332.1281
KIP Development 509.334.7444
Morgan Rent-A-Space 509.332.4865
Pullman Mini Storage 509.334.7939

Q. What are the supervisory roles of Summer Advantage staff?
A. Our philosophy is to create an environment that is fun and exciting, with support for student success. Our staff will assist Summer Advantage students in getting oriented, acclimated, and familiar with all aspects of University life that will aid in their success while at Washington State University. In addition to organizing activities and assisting students, our highly trained, motivated, and experienced staff provides the necessary supervision to ensure the safety and well being of our Summer Advantage students. All staff members are Washington State University undergraduate upperclassmen or graduate students who have proven themselves through past experiences working with WSU freshman as well as experience in the residence halls. Click here for more information on our staff.

Q. What medical care is provided for an ill student?
A. In our Summer Advantage program, a Summer Advantage staff member will escort any ill student to the on-campus Health and Wellness Center for proper medical attention. In the event of a medical emergency, students will be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room. All medical expenses incurred (including prescription and nonprescription medication) are the responsibility of the student and his/her parents.

Q. What services are covered by the Health and Wellness fee?
The Health and Wellness fee provides free access to physicians and other practitioners, registered nurses, and health educators for primary health care and preventive health education.

Students can consult a health care provider with an appointment during regular operating hours without charge. Students have access to the urgent care clinic, the nurse clinic, the telephone nurse, the women's clinic, the wart clinic, the observation room, and the minor surgery room at no charge. In addition to the above, students have no-cost access to various wellness programs on campus.

All students have access to the HWS Pharmacy where they can purchase prescription and over-the-counter medications at very competitive prices. The pharmacy will fill prescriptions from non-HWS providers and accepts many major health insurance pharmacy cards.

Items purchased at HWS that are not covered by the student health fee can be paid for in cash, charged to a credit or debit card, the Cougar card, or a student's university account.

See other health and wellness related questions.

Q. What is included in the Summer Advantage, tuition, housing, and dining fees?
A. Tuition for three credits; residence hall lodging; laundry, basic telephone service, Internet, and cable service; three all-you-can-eat meals per day, Monday-Friday, and $50 cougar cash for weekend meals; a student ID card; Student Recreation Center access, Health and Wellness services; and student success workshops.

Q. What is NOT included?
A. Transportation to/from campus and your home city, parking fees, personal spending money, textbook and/or instructional materials,phone service, and storage after the program.

Q. When is the Summer Advantage Payment Due?
There are THREE separate payments you must make.

• Summer Advantage Registration program fee ($400) due at time of registration.
• Housing and dining payment due June 15th ($1,110.25), you can pay this when you register.
• Tuition, Student Recreation Center, Health & Wellness payment due June 20th ($2,308.50 instate/$2378.50 out-of-state).

Q. What payment options are there?
A. A $400 program fee deposit is required when registering for the program. The University accepts payment by credit card if you are registering on-line or check should you need to mail in your registration or cash, payable in person only at the cashiers window, and only for tuition payments. In addition to the program fee, you also must pay for tuition and housing and dining fees which are all separate transaction. Once again, those can be paid for with check by mail, credit card on-line, or cash in-person.

Check payments may be mailed to:
Washington State University Cashier,
PO Box 641027,
Pullman, WA 99164-1027.

Q. What is the Student Recreation Center fee?
A. This fee allows students unlimited usage of the Student Recreation Center during daily operational hours. See the University Recreation link to find other opportunities for recreation during your stay this summer.