Department-Hosted Events
Events hosted by Western Colleges, Departments and Programs
Scholars Week events hosted by one of Western’s seven colleges, or by a specific department, or program, will be offered concurrently across campus during Scholars Week May 11 – 15, 2026. These events may be open to the public or exclusive to those affiliated with the college, department or program hosting the event.
A schedule of these activities and events, occurring in different locations across campus at various times and dates during Scholars Week, will be posted below and updated as information is received.
More information may be available by directly contacting colleges, departments, and programs hosting their own Scholars Week events.
Department-hosted Events Scholars Week 2026
Department of Design and Art Motion Commotion Event
- Monday, May 11, 5:30 p.m., Miller Hall 138
- Motion Commotion: A curated screening of student work from the Department of Design and the Art Department, featuring projects from a range of courses and levels. The selected pieces have been compiled into a single continuous reel. Join us for a casual viewing event.
Political Science Association Student Conference
- Tuesday, May 12, 2026
- The conference will include
- Seven (7) student panels on a variety of political science topics, 8:30 a.m. - 2:20 p.m., Arntzen Hall 4th floor
- A roundtable on Trump v. US (2024): The Supreme Court's Recent Executive Immunity Ruling
- Featuring Washington Supreme Court Justice Montoya-Lewis; 2:30 -3:45 p.m., Biology Building 234
- Gordon Sandison Memorial Lecture at 4:00 p.m., Academic West 204
- "Descendant Daughter" by Justice Montoya-Lewis
- Register for this event here.
- Closing Reception at 5:00 p.m., lobby of Academic West
- For more information go to the Political Science page.
- The conference will include
Communication Studies Scholars Week Research Symposium
- Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | CF 105 | 5:00-6:30pm
- The Communication Studies Scholars Week Research Symposium highlights the research and creative scholarship of student presenters. Their projects examine how communication shapes relationships, identity, health, media, and social life. The campus community and guests are warmly invited to attend, learn from their work, and celebrate student scholarship in Communication Studies.
Art/Art History Department Panel
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Fine Arts 232, 10:00 - 11:50 a.m.
Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Scholars Week Presentations
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026, College Hall 231, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
- This event will spotlight outstanding WGSS students and their research. Chosen by their professors, students will present a five-minute research talk followed by an informal time to discuss their research poster with audience members. Students, Faculty, Staff, Families, and Friends are all invited to join in this celebration of WGSS Student Scholars.
Fairhaven College Scholars Day Event
- Thursday, May 14th, 2026, Fairhaven College 3rd floor, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- An all-day conference-style event featuring outstanding student work. Students are nominated all year by their professors, and those who accept their nomination go on to present their work on interdisciplinary panels.
Institute for Critical Disability Studies, Student Showcase & Mixer
- Friday, May 15th 3:30-4:30 in Interdisciplinary Science Building 244
- Light refreshments will be provided
- Also available on Zoom (https://wwu-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/qg0SiGxuQnabHJcAgZcwFA)
- 3:30pm-4:00pm - Student Presentations
- 4:00-5:00 - Neurodiversity and Disability Scholars Mixer
- Casual conversation
- Crafting corner
- Allergen-friendly snacks
To request accommodations, contact icds@wwu.edu
The following information will be updated frequently with newly added department-hosted events. Please check back.
Questions and Info
Contact scholars.week@wwu.edu.
For accessibility services, please contact the Disability Access Center at drs@wwu.edu or 360-650-3083 or visit in person at Wilson Library 170.