Orientation

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is New Student Orientation?

  New Student Orientation is the required engagement opportunity for our first-year incoming students. During this one-day, in-person program, you will have an opportunity to connect with Housing & Residence Life, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, and get your CWU Connection Card! We also provide a Parent & Support Network track for our Wildcat parents and support networks.

• How can I change my New Student Orientation session?

  New Student Orientation is the required engagement activity held at CWU in July.

  To change your date, contact Orientation at 509.963.1713 or email CWU.Orientation@cwu.edu

• What is Transfer Student Orientation?

  Transfer Student Orientation is the required engagement opportunity for our incoming transfer students. During this two-day, in-person program, you will be introduced to CWU resources designed to help you thrive on campus. You will also have the opportunity to meet new and current students, staff, and faculty members.

• What tasks do I need to complete beforehand?

  Visit the Admissions Next Steps website to ensure that you are completing all the necessary steps to prepare for New Student Orientation and Week of Welcome.

• What is Week of Welcome?

  We are excited to welcome you to CWU as an incoming student! During Week of Welcome, you'll experience dedicated programming to help you acclimate to CWU. Week of Welcome attendance is a required component of University 101. Visit the Welcome Events page for more information. 

  Week of Welcome for Fall 2024 will be September 20 - 24.

• UNIV 101: Transition to CWU (for First-Year Students)

  University 101 (UNIV 101) is an academic course designed to foster a successful transition to CWU and is brought to you by CWU Student Success. This graded course will promote a sense of belonging and discovery, stimulate engagement in curricular and co-curricular activities, and connect you to campus resources. Students with fewer than 45 credits are required to take UNIV 101 during their first quarter on campus.

• When will I meet with an Academic Advisor?

  During New Student Orientation, students will have a 20-minute advising appointment with an Academic Advising to confirm their fall quarter class schedule.

  Follow-up communications will be sent to your CWU email. For more information about Fall 2024 Advising check out the Academic Advising FAQ's.

  Incoming students should complete the pre-advising survey (link below) to provide additional information to their academic advisor.

  • LINK: pre-advising survey
• I took Running Start courses in high school. Will Orientation look different for me?

  Students with Running Start credits are defined as first-year students regarding Orientation and Housing & Residence Life. As a first-year student, you are required to attend New Student Orientation and Week of Welcome. While students with over 45 transferable credits are not required to take UNIV 101, we encourage you to take the course to help ensure a smooth transition to CWU.

• Do I need to take any placement tests?

  We encourage you to talk to your Academic Advisor to find out which placement tests you should take. CWU now offers an Academic Writing Self-Assessment for English placement. Students are encouraged to complete the ALEKS exam for math placement.

• I am unable to make it to any of the in-person required sessions. What can I do?

  New Student Orientation and Week of Welcome are required for all first-year incoming students, if you are unable to attend please contact Orientation at 509.963.1713 or email CWU.Orientation@cwu.edu