Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the application due date?
A. We do not have a set deadline for applying. We do, however, encourage students to get their applications in early. The majority of applications are submitted in April and May. Last year all programs had a waiting list by early May. If there is space available, you may apply in the summer.
Q. Why is Business Week so affordable compared to other programs?
A. The student registration fee is only a portion of the true cost. The actual cost is $1200 per student. The difference is contributed by over 400 local and statewide businesses, individuals, and service clubs. It is the Business Week staff and volunteers who contact the businesses for support, not the student.
Q. When is the registration fee due?
A. You may include your registration fee with your application, pay the fee upon your acceptance OR call our office to set up a payment plan. All fees must be paid by June 1st, or by special arrangement at least 3 weeks before the start of the program.
Q. How do I pay the registration fee?
A. The fee is payable by check, money order, or charge/debit card. A payment plan for the fee can also be arranged by contacting the office at (253) 815-6900.
Q. What if I can't afford the registration fee?
A. 1. Check with your school to see if they can help. 2. Try contacting a local business person or service club for help with your registration fee. Business Week can provide materials to help with this process. 3. Complete the Business Week Financial Assistance Packet. It will be reviewed and you will receive an award letter letting you know what financial assistance you have received. You may also call the Business Week office at 800-686-6442 or e-mail registrar@wbw.org for questions or concerns with the cost. We can provide a packet of materials to help your raise the money yourself. 1. Try contacting a local business person or civic club for help. 2. Check with your school to see if they can help. Contact Business Week for an application.
Q. Other Expenses
A. The cost of your room, meals, a program t-shirt and all program materials are included in your registration fee. You will probably want to bring a small amount of spending money for snacks and souvenirs. Other optional fees, if applicable, include the $75 fee for 2 college credits, ~$25 for parking at WWU and $25 for the recreation center at CWU.
Q. Are blankets/sheets/towels, etc. supplied?
A. Linens and pillows are supplied to participants at Central Washington University, Gonzaga University and Pacific Lutheran University. Participants at Western Washington University will need to bring a sleeping bag or linens for a twin XL and pillow or can buy a linen package (~$25) when they check in on campus.
Q. I am a vegetarian, will there be appropriate meals available?
A. Each campus accommodates vegetarians with a wide variety of entree’s available at each meal. Meals are served buffet style so that each student may make their own food selections while taking into consideration any dietary modifications they may need.
Q. Can I share a dorm room with my friend?
A. Yes, if you and your friend of the same gender check-in on campus at the same time, you can request to room together. Please note that we DO NOT make rooming arrangements at the Business Week office. Rooms are assigned on campus by the university at time of check in. We strongly encourage rooming with an unfamiliar person, as it is part of the Business Week/college experience. Males and females are housed in different dorms.
Q. How are the students organized for the week?
A. Each student will be part of a group of 8-12 students called a "company" or "clinic." Most of your time will be spent in company meetings as you learn to work as a team. Each company has a business person who has volunteered to be your Company Advisor (mentor).
Q. Who are these Company Advisors and what is their background?
A. The Company Advisors come from a wide variety of businesses and have an even wider array of backgrounds. Many are employees of PEMCO, State Farm, Boeing, BECU, retail stores or many other businesses. Each Week there are 20-30 Advisors, one for each company.
Q. Is there a Code of Conduct?
A. Yes. Business Week has a Code of Conduct that each participant and parent/guardian must sign for the student to participate. Violation of the Code of Conduct is grounds to be sent home. Click here to view our Code of Conduct.
Q. What is the supervision at Business Week?
A. Students are in Company meetings, discussion groups, lectures, etc. throughout the day. During free time there are activities planned that the students may take part in. In each dorm (males and females are housed in different dorms) there is a floor supervisor for approximately every 15 to 20 students. The floor supervisors do a bed check every night. Security also patrols the grounds outside the dorms throughout the night.
Q. Can I have visitors while I am attending Business Week?
A. No. Business Week is a very rigorous program. We keep you busy from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You will have free time during the day, but visitors are not allowed on campus. This is included in our Code of Conduct and is a violation and grounds for being sent home from the Business Week Program.
Q. Can I leave campus while I am at Business Week?
A. No. There are boundaries within the campus that you must abide by. There are some exceptions for local relatives picking you up for dinner, if you have a doctor’s appointment, interview, etc. Any reason for leaving campus requires prior parental approval and confirmation through the on-campus Business Week office. Students will be required to sign in and out through the Business Week office.
Q. How many students attend Business Week?
A. Each week this summer approximately 200 to 300 students will participate in a Business Week Program.
Q. Where is Business Week held?
A. Business Week is held at Gonzaga University in Spokane (eastern Washington), Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma (western Washington), Central Washington University in Ellensburg (central Washington) and Western Washington University in Bellingham (northwest Washington). Directions to each campus will be included in the information packet available approximately three weeks prior to camp.
Q. Is transportation provided to Business Week?
A. Transportation to Business Week is your responsibility. Business Week encourages carpooling with other students from your school or area (be aware that those students with a vehicle attending WWU program will have to pay for a weekly parking permit - ~$25). Other means of getting to campus include the Greyhound bus or go by plane or train. Business Week host universities offer shuttle service from the local airport, bus station or train depot (except PLU).
Q. What time do I need to be at the program on Sunday?
A. Registration will be held on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
At registration you will be assigned to a “company” and receive your official Business Week T-shirt and program materials. At this time you will also be assigned a room in the residence hall. Please allow at least twenty minutes to register! You do not need to arrive early. Parents and friends (who are not attending the program) may wait for you nearby and review your student notebook and schedule.
Lunch is available before 12:45 p.m. as a part of the program for those who have registered on time. Parents and guests are welcome to join you; their meal is at their own expense (generally under $10). Your registration fee covers the cost of all your meals.
The Program begins promptly at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Family and friends are welcome to attend the opening assembly. It is extremely important that you be there on time!
Q. When is Business Week over?
A. The Business Week Program ends on Saturday morning. On Friday night at 7:00 p.m. there is an awards ceremony which parents and friends are invited to. There is also a dance from 9:00-11:15 p.m. (Business Week students only). Saturday morning breakfast is provided, but there are no scheduled activities. Students are to be out of their dorm rooms by 10:00 a.m. Students may leave on Friday night after the awards ceremony with prior parental permission. All parents are required to complete a Check Out form.
Q. What is the dress code for the Business Week Program?
A. Business Week programs are informal. Most likely the days will be warm and the evenings cooler. Shorts, T-shirts and a sweatshirt are advised. Friday evening awards ceremony is dress-up time -- dresses, sweaters, slacks, sport jackets are in order. Shoes and shirts are absolute musts in dining halls and the gym. It is expected that you dress appropriate for the Business Week Program in ways that will not cause a safety hazard or disrupt the learning environment. Clothing or jewelry that shows too much skin, displays illegal/immoral actions or items, including alcohol, drugs, gangs, or violence, is not to be worn on campus. Our complete dress code policy can be found here.
Q. What do I need to bring with me to Business Week?
A. Besides your enthusiasm and open-mind, you need to bring the basic essentials for the week. Approximately two weeks prior to your week of attendance, the Business Week office will email an information packet with details specific to your week. A packing checklist is available here.
Q. Will there be phones available in the dorm rooms?
A. There are pay phones available. Dorm rooms are also equipped with phone lines. Students must supply their own phone and credit card for long distance, if desired.
Q. Are computers, cell phones, mp3 players and other electronics allowed at BW?
A. Computers/laptops are not required for student company business. Cell Phones, computers/laptops and MP3 players are allowed at Business Week programs, but please do not bring them to program sessions, seminars, and company meetings. This includes games, too! TV’s and other expensive items should not be brought. Washington Business Week will not be responsible for ANY lost, stolen or damaged personal items.