Student Life
WAU offers its students a rich multicultural campus experience.
US News and World Report rates WAU as one of the most diverse educational institutions in America with students from 40 states and 47 countries. Added to this is the backdrop of the rich learning environment of the nation’s capital and Washington, D.C., which includes over 200 foreign embassies and missions, the great museums of the Smithsonian, the Supreme Court, the House and Senate, the Library of Congress, and the White House. Whether it be government, advocacy, culture, public interest, law, or health care, Washington is at the epicenter. On campus, students find many ways to get involved in campus life, from student clubs and organizations to campus ministries and outreach programs, academics, the arts, outdoor recreation, cultural and community organizations, and numerous planned campus activities a year.
Spiritual Life
Weekly convocation, student-led vespers, and prayer groups formed by faculty, students, and staff help create a transformational spiritual environment that is integral to the WAUexperience. Find out more»
Athletics
The WAU Athletic Department boasts 13 great sports programs encouraging student-athletes to be physically active and play to their utmost potential l while putting Christ first and being an example on and off the field. Find out more»
First Year Experience
Opportunities are provided for students to become familiar with WAU campus facilities and learning resources, meet the faculty and staff, and get to know the surrounding area. All first-year students are required to attend. Find out more»
Center for Learning Resources
The Center for Learning Resources is open for all students, ready to assist in any way to help you achieve success as you move toward your educational goals. Find out more»
Student Association
The SA is a student led governing body which organizes social and religious activities and represents students’ concerns to the University administration. Find out more»
Student Resources
Coordinates and manages all aspects of student life on campus, including: Residence Life, Dining Services, Health Services, Retention, Student Activities, Student Association, Campus Discipline. Find out more»
Student Organizations
Students may organize and join associations to promote their common interest, goals, and missions as long as they are compatible with the misson of WAU. Find out more» 18 February 2010
In response to the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince Haiti on January 12, Washington Adventist University faculty, staff, and students immediately reached out to fellow members of the learning community who were directly affected by the tragedy.
The Office of Ministry arranged for a team of pastors in the metro region to stand by ready to assist with pastoral counseling and focused prayer sessions. The Office of Student Life & Retention worked with students who were struggling to contact family members and deal with the affects the tragedy was having on schoolwork and other aspects of campus life.
In addition, the Center for Learning Resources (CLR), which houses campus mental health services, responded by disseminating crucial information about stress management and grief recovery and reminding students to take advantage of the counseling services offered in the CLR.
Student leaders are currently working with the Office of Student Life & Retention to respond to the tragedy in a way that will directly touch the lives of the survivors in Haiti. Following a visit to the Haitian Embassy to determine needs, the students have chosen to collect shoes, launching a “Soothe the Sole Effort for Haiti” in mid-March, following Spring Break.
Those who wish to help are asked to donate new or gently used shoes appropriate for wear in a tropical area, including sandals, dress shoes, tennis shoes, Crocs®, and flip flops for men, women and children. Items can be delivered to the Office of Student Life & Retention, Wilkinson Hall 4th floor.

Student Life
Several years ago a short statement became very popular in our country; it simply said, “Be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.” When reflecting on that statement and thinking about student life on the campus of Washington Adventist University (WAU), I am reminded that the finishing and refining process occurs for several reasons, and one of those reasons is to pass on to others what we have learned.
The H1N1 virus is a form of influenza that is highly contagious is not “covered” by this year’s flu shot. The H1N1 virus spreads in the same way that seasonal flu spreads – primarily from person-to-person contact and through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. You may also be infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.