Meet with an Adult and Higher Education (AHE) Programs Advisor

When you receive your New Student Welcome/Advising Email, you’ll find out who your assigned advisor is — their contact details are listed below. You’ll also meet them at New Student Orientation, where you can ask any questions about AHE academics.

For General Questions About the Program

For general program questions, contact Sherry Haskins, AHE Program Coordinator at Sherry.Haskins@wwu.edu - she can also direct you to helpful resources (like tech support).

To stay on track in the AHE program, plan to meet with your advisor during your first quarter (or early in your second). Together, you’ll complete your AHE Study Plan using Degree Works — an online tool that helps you map out your courses and make sure you’re meeting all degree requirements.

Get started

• Watch the short tutorial video under “Make a Plan” on the Graduate School website.
• Check out the Guides for Students Using Degree Works.
• Access Degree Works through Web4U → Student Tab → Student Records → Degree Works.

Course Planning Tips

• Register for required/core courses first — these build the foundation for your academic journey.
• Complete all core courses before enrolling in AHE 588 (Portfolio and Applied Research Proposal) unless you have instructor permission. You should be in your final two quarters when you take this.
• AHE 592 (Field Experience) should follow AHE 588, also in your final two quarters (or with advisor permission).

Elective Credits

• AHE 518 (Current Issues in AHE) is offered every quarter with a new topic and can be repeated up to three times for elective credit.
• Check the AHE Course Offerings Schedule for upcoming topics.
• For detailed course info, refer to the AHE Student Handbook.

Each year, your advisor will reach out to you on Canvas to schedule an advising appointment — this can happen by email, phone, or in person, whichever works best for you. If you choose not to meet, just let your advisor know in writing.

Your advising session is your chance to:

• Get help with your study plan and course decisions
• Discuss your progress and strategies for success
• Explore career goals and networking opportunities
• Talk through any academic challenges

Sessions can be quick (5–30 minutes) and are available year-round. Just email your advisor or message them on the Canvas advising forum anytime you need assistance.

We use solution-focused advising because we understand that AHE students juggle work, family, and studies. Your advisor is here to help you make smart course choices, monitor your progress, and connect you with career resources.

If personal life challenges are affecting your studies, your advisor can guide you to campus support services. You can also lean on your peers in the program — especially through the Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) — for community, encouragement, and tips on work/life balance.