New Student Orientation

1. Log into your Admissions Portal.*
2. Find the link to register at the top of your status page.
3. Choose your preferred date from the scheduling calendar. Only the dates you are eligible to attend will appear on your scheduling calendar.
4. To change your orientation after you've registered, please email orientation@wcupa.edu.

*Since you are logging into your admissions portal to register, use the email address and password you used when you submitted your admissions application to WCU.

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 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 the low-sensory space.  A low-sensory space is also available during lunch as an alternative to The Commons Dining Hall.

Be sure to upload an ID photo for your Ram Card.

The student's lunch in the dining hall is included in the program. Guests can purchase a meal ticket to eat in the dining hall for $5.50 at orientation, or they are welcome to explore off-campus lunch options in the Borough of West Chester.

We greatly appreciate your bringing cash to purchase your guest meal ticket if possible--exact change is great! This means less time in line and more time to eat for everyone. Thank you.

We know orientation is an exciting time for the entire family, but due to space limitations, each student is permitted to bring only one guest to orientation. We appreciate your cooperation with this policy in order to ensure a comfortable and productive orientation day for everyone. Guests and students will attend separate orientation sessions for portions of the day.

Parents, guardians, and anyone who supports a Golden Ram are encouraged to sign up for Ram Fam Central to help them stay up to date on the latest news, information and happenings at WCU.

Transfer Orientations
Please check back for the check-in location and schedule. They will be posted soon.

Adult Learner Orientation
The Adult Learner program will take place in Sykes Student Union. Please check back for the schedule.

Virtual Orientation
Virtual Orientation will take place in a Zoom webinar format. Please check back for the schedule.

New Golden Rams transferring to WCU are required to attend one of the following summer orientation sessions:

Tuesday, August 13
College of Business & Public Management, University College

Wednesday, August 14
College of Sciences & Mathematics, University College

Thursday, August 15
College of Arts & Humanities, College of Education & Social Work, College of Health Sciences, Wells School of Music

Friday, August 16
Open enrollment session for all majors

Friday, August 16
Adult Learner Orientation (evening program open to students age 24 or older)

Monday, August 19
Virtual Orientation (open to all transfer students)

Transfer Orientations

Free parking will be available in the Sharpless Parking Garage located at the corner of S. Church and Sharpless Streets (enter on Sharpless Street). Alternate parking will be available in The Commons Parking Garage (enter on N. Campus Drive). You can find both garages on our campus map.

Adult Learner Orientation

Free parking for the evening Adult Learner Orientation will be available behind Sykes Student Union.

To avoid being ticketed or towed, do not park in faculty/staff parking lots for any orientation session. These lots require a valid permit and are strictly enforced year round. Street parking is controlled by the Borough of West Chester and is also strictly enforced. If parking on the street, you will need to pay at the meter or kiosk. West Chester University does not validate or reimburse for Borough-controlled parking.

If you need to reschedule your orientation, reach out to orientation@wcupa.edu.

The West Chester University Resource Pantry supports student success by minimizing food and basic need insecurity and preparing students for life after graduation.

As a new Golden Ram, you can help support the Resource Pantry's mission by bringing a donation with you to orientation! The most-needed items for the Resource Pantry include:

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Dish soap
• Dryer sheets
• Laundry pods
• Lotion
• Menstrual Care Products
• Paper towels
• Reusable shopping bags
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Shaving lotion
• Soap (bar and pump)
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrushes/oral care

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

• Backpacks
• Binders
• Folders
• Loose Leaf Paper
• Notebooks
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters
  
  

You can also check out the Resource Pantry's Amazon Wish List for more ideas!

During on-campus orientation, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your orientation leaders and meet other new Rams who are transferring to WCU. You'll also learn about academics, advising, and the support services WCU offers to help all Golden Rams be successful.

Virtual orientation offers a series of presentations from departments across campus who will introduce you to and help you understand everything from academics, advising and how to get involved on campus, to housing, financial aid and key student support services.