orientation leaders with megaphone

Hello, New Rams!

New student orientation for incoming first year students is one full day packed with information, opportunities to meet new Golden Rams, and an introduction into life at WCU.

2026 Orientation Dates

Dates for our Winter Orientation for students starting in the Spring 2026 semester will be available mid-Fall. Orientations for students starting in Fall 2026 will take place late-June through mid-July with sessions organized by your chosen major. Attendance at one orientation day is required. Dates will be available this Spring.

 

Orientation Details

What to Expect

During your orientation day, you’ll be teamed up with a current student orientation leader (OL). Your OL will guide you through the day with a small group of first year students. This is a great way to make connections with other new Rams.

While in your group, you will meet a representative from your academic department to review class scheduling and requirements for your major, enjoy lunch in the dining hall, explore your future campus, and learn about support services and resources to help you be successful. Rams Up!

Guests

Guest registration for our Winter Orientation will open mid-Fall.

There is a $30 registration charge for each guest 12+ years old. Guests under 12 years old can attend at no cost. There is no charge for accepted students. Please be advised that New Student Programs has a no-refund policy in place for the family and guest orientation registration fee. Thank you for your understanding.

Parking & Transit

Information about Parking and Transit for our Orientation days coming soon!

Lunch

During orientation, lunch will be provided to students and guests in the Commons Dining Hall. Lunch is served buffet style with various food stations, an expansive salad bar, gluten-free options, and specialized food options which are prepared without the most common food allergies.

Accommodation Needs

New Student Programs is committed to making orientation accessible to all new Golden Rams and their guests. Please specify your needs on your orientation registration form, or reach out to us at orientation@wcupa.edu or (610) 436-3305 to discuss:

  • Accessibility Needs
    We will do our best to accommodate all accessibility needs. The sooner we know about your needed accommodation, the more time we have to prepare. While we will make every effort to meet your needs, we may be unable to assist with accommodation requests received fewer than two weeks before your scheduled orientation and will communicate any progress with you.
  • Spanish Language Interpretation
    New Student Programs offers interpretation services to our Spanish-speaking students and guests. Please let us know on your registration form or email us at orientation@wcupa.edu if you or your guest would like to utilize this service, and one of our interpreters will reach out to discuss your needs.
  • Low Sensory Spaces
    We recognize that some of the large sessions at orientation may cause sensory concerns for some individuals. Alternative low-sensory spaces will be available to make those sessions accessible to new Rams and their guests. Please see any member of the orientation staff and they can direct you to this space. A low-sensory space is also available during lunch as an alternative to The Commons Dining Hall. Tour the Commons Dining Hall in this video.
  • Financial Hardship
    If the guest registration fee poses a financial hardship for your family member or guest, please email us at orientation@wcupa.edu to discuss your options.

 

Orientation Registration

Orientation Registration for first- year students for our 2026 Orientation dates are not opened at this time. You will receive email communication once registration opens and you can register via your Admissions Portal

 

Student posing for a picture buying items

Accepted Student Next Steps

Beyond orientation, there is a lot to learn about WCU. From applying to housing, to class schedules, to Welcome Week - this list provides helpful dates and information for accepted students:

Next Steps for Accepted Students

 

Rescheduling Your Orientation Date

If you need to reschedule your orientation date, please do so in your Admissions Portal. Rescheduling can only be accommodated if space permits.

Questions?

If you have any questions about orientation, please don't hesitate to reach out to New Student Programs at orientation@wcupa.edu or (610) 436-3305.