Orientation FAQs for January Orientation

Student Orientation Questions Parent Orientation Questions

Student Orientation Questions:

What do I need to bring for orientation?
You may wish to bring a sweater in case some rooms are cold. You may also wish to bring a notepad and pen to write down important information you want to remember from Orientation. Please dress for the weather because you will walk between buildings for lunch during the Orientation day.

Do I need to stay for the entire Orientation day?
Yes, you are required to stay for the entire day. If you do not, you will need to make up the portion of the day that you missed.

What if I need to leave early from Orientation?
Mark your calendar now for January 18th (for Orientation) and January 21st (for the snow date) to avoid scheduling conflicts. You should be sure to clear your schedule for the entire day. We realize that in some cases conflicts cannot be avoided. If you cannot stay for the entire Orientation day, please contact the Office of New Student Programs as soon as possible to request approval to leave early. You can reach New Student Programs through the Orientation e-mail account at orientation@wcupa.edu. If a situation such as illness arises during the Orientation day, you must speak to a staff member at check-in or to your Orientation leader as soon as possible to apprise them of the situation. They will contact the Director of New Student Programs to request approval for you to leave early.

Will a meal be provided for me?
Yes, there will be a buffet lunch for you in the middle of the day. The cost of your meal is included in your Orientation fee.

Should my parents come?
We recommend that your parents come to the Parent Orientation so they can ask any questions they may have about WCU. Your parents will not be with you for the majority of the day.

Can my girlfriend/boyfriend/sibling, etc. stay with me during the day?
No. Only incoming students can attend the student Orientation, so guests may not stay with you through the program. Guests can attend the Parent Orientation or they can spend the day in town or in a nearby area such as Exton. Orientation is for you to experience, and we want you to make the most of it, therefore the Student Orientation program is for new first-year and transfer students only.

Can I be placed in the same group as my friend who is also coming to WCU?
Students are placed in peer groups based on several factors including their major, their pre-major choice and chosen advisor and their status as a resident or commuter student. Even if you and your friend are the same major, we cannot guarantee that you will be together as peer groups are small and we sometimes find it necessary to split majors among several groups. It is better for you to stay in the peer group you are assigned to so you have the chance to meet other students in your major and get to know some other students who will be attending WCU.

Do I have to stay with my peer group the entire day?
Yes, you do. Your Orientation Leader will take attendance throughout the day. If you are not with your assigned group you may be asked to repeat the day because you will be marked absent. Being with your peer group gives you an opportunity to meet other new students like you and maybe make some new friends.

When will I get my student ID?
For January Orientation, ID pictures will be taken at check-in and will be distributed at the end of the Orientaiton day.

Is academic advising and scheduling included as part of January Orientation?

No, January Orientation does not include academic advising or scheduling. Your acceptance packet from the Office of Admissions contained scheduilng information and a list of academic departments and phone numbers. Please refer to this information regarding advising and scheduling.

What will happen in the event of inclement weather?

A snow date of January 21st has been scheduled in the event that inclement weather forces the cancellation of Orientation on January 18th. If the snow date is necessary, Orientation will begin and end later on the January 21st in order to accommodate student move-in. All announcements regarding weather cancellations on January 18th and the change to Orientation starting and ending time on January 21st will be posted to this website. An announcement will also be available by calling (610) 436-3305.

Parent Orientation Questions:

Do I need to stay for the Parent Orientation?
No parents do not need to stay for the Parent Orientation, but we recommend that you attend. Orientation helps you to answer any questions you have and to learn important information about WCU. If you choose not stay or if you choose to leave at some point during the Parent Orientation, your student will be finished at approximately 3:00 p.m. on January 18th. Orientation will begin and end later on January 21st if the snow date is necessary.

What do I need to bring to Orientation?
Parents should bring cash to pay for a lunch meal ticket if choosing to stay on campus for lunch. We also recommend that you bring a notepad and pen to write down important information you will receive throughout the day. You should also dress for the weather as you will walk between buildings for lunch.

Will I be with my son or daughter throughout the day?
No, you will not. Parents and students will separate for a moment at registration so students can check-in and have their ID picture taken. You will then be together for breakfast and the Welcome session, but after that students will go with their Orientation Leader and peer groups until the end of the day. Parents and students will have lunch at separate times as well.

Will lunch be available for parents?
Yes, lunch will be available at the Lawrence Center Dining Hall. Parents can pay for a meal ticket at Parent Orientation check-in or they can pay at Lawrence Center Dining Hall at lunch time. Meal tickets are $7.00. If you decide not to eat on campus, you are more than welcome to go into town for lunch. If you plan to go to the afternoon information sessions, please note that you will only have about an hour to eat lunch.

Can I bring other relatives such as a younger sibling or grandparents?
Other relatives are welcome to come along, but they must stay with you at the Parent Orientation session. They cannot stay with your son or daughter through the Student Orientation process.