New Student Orientation

Move-In Hub 

Come get your questions answered about Move-In, Welcome Week, and more! 

First Year Student Move-In

Welcome home!

Campus Garden Tour

An open house garden tour (show up anytime between the designated hours) to learn about WCU's on-campus garden that follows organic principles and offers a place for research, teaching, volunteering, experiential-learning, service-learning, and recreation.

Canceled in the event of rain.

North Campus Garden (between Merion Science Center and Mather Planetarium)

Tour the Gordon Natural Area

Come explore the 126-acre Gordon Natural Area! Established as protected land in 1971, the Gordon Natural Area includes a walking trail, mature forests, and is home to more than 1,700 species.

Canceled in the event of rain.

Find a map of the Gordon Natural Area here.

Gordon Natural Area Main Entrance,
South Campus

If taking the gold route shuttle, tell driver to let you off at Lot R.

Learn about alcohol by volume (ABV) and "order drinks" based upon the amount of ABV.

Outside the SECC main door (dining hall entrance)

Outdoor Movie:  Super Mario Bros.

Enjoy an outdoor movie showing of Super Mario Bros. and buttery popcorn with your favorite RAs on the residential quad. You don't have to live on-campus to come enjoy this movie with us. This is open to all new students!

Rain location is Sykes Student Union Theater.

Residential Quad

Move-In Hub 

Come get your questions answered about Move-In, Welcome Week, and more! 

First Year Student Move-In

Welcome home!

ROTC Obstacle Course 

Come meet members of ROTC and participate in an obstacle course which will include crawling, running, jumping and more!

Rain location is Student Recreation Center- MAC Court. 

Geothermal Pumphouse Tours

WCU’s geothermal system efficiently heats and cools almost half of campus building space – it’s one of the largest of any University in the country.  Check out the central Pump House where the geo-exchange heating and cooling happens. You're in for a colorful surprise!

Tour the Gordon Natural Area

Come explore the 126-acre Gordon Natural Area! Established as protected land in 1971, the Gordon Natural Area includes a walking trail, mature forests, and is home to more than 1,700 species. 

Canceled in the event of rain.

Find a map of the Gordon Natural Area here.

Gordon Natural Area Main Entrance,
South Campus

If taking the gold route shuttle, tell driver to let you off at Lot R.

11:30am - 12:30pm

Campus Sustainability Tour

Take a tour to view how WCU is committed to responsibly using environmental, social, and economic resources effectively and in innovative ways to support an enduring, healthy and safe university.

Canceled in the event of rain. 

Bartram's Oak on the Academic Quad

11am - 3pm

Commuter Success Day

Meet commuter students, get set up for academic success, feel more comfortable with campus resources, and ask current students questions about life at WCU.

Register for Commuter Success Day

Sykes Student Union, Ballrooms

Registration is required

1pm - 2pm

BeWell Hut:  Cannabis 

Learn the eight dimensions of wellness and answer questions about one dimension and its connection to cannabis use.

Outside the SECC main door (dining hall entrance)

1pm - 2pm

Planetarium Show

Relax under the “stars!” Check out WCU’s Planetarium and our 32-foot nanoseam dome. 

Space is limited. Register in advance.

Mather Planetarium, Science Center

1pm - 4pm

WeCU Greek 

Come join members of the fraternity and sorority community for lawn games, music, and a cold treat from 1-4 at Ram Park!

Rain location is Center for Student Involvement- Sykes Student Union.

Ram Park

2pm - 4pm

Therapy Dogs

Hang out with cuddly therapy dogs and learn more about the Counseling Center on campus.

Sykes Student Union Lounge

2:30pm-4pm

RAM (Real Achievement Matters) Initiative 

Learn about how to become a peer mentor to students who are completing a 2-year Career Pathway program. The RAM Initiative is a program for young adults with disabilities to attend college and live their dream, while learning more about their career aspirations. 

Sykes Student Union- First Floor Lobby 

3pm - 4pm

Connect, Not Compare

During this interactive workshop, you will break up into pairs or small groups and play a fun, connection card game.  

Sykes Student Union, Room 115

4pm - 4:45pm

Cycle Group Fitness Class

A cardio and strength training class based on a variety of resistance and sprint sets on bicycles. Learn combinations of climbs, jumps, and sprints to get your heart rate soaring!

Student Rec Center, Studio C

4pm - 5:30pm

First-Gen Meet & Greet

Did you know you're considered a first-generation college student (first-gen) if none of your parents or guardians completed a bachelor's degree? Join us  to learn about supports WCU has in place to help you and the thousands of other first-gen students who call West Chester home.

Sykes Student Union, Ballrooms

6pm - 6:30pm

Ab Blast Group Fitness Class

Perfect for when you are in a rush! This class is focused on strengthening your abdominal muscles by performing various exercises that work the core and its surrounding muscles. The class uses bodyweight and weighted movements to give the core a good burn.

Student Rec Center, Studio B

8pm - 10pm

Ram Rally

The Ram Rally is a tradition held at the beginning of the semester as an exciting way to fire up new Golden Rams! The event features the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, the Cheerleading Team, and our beloved mascot, Rammy! Head to Hollinger Fieldhouse, wear your purple and gold, join in the fun, and grab plenty of free Ram Swag!

Hollinger Field House

REQUIRED PROGRAM

MEET YOUR DEAN:  College of Education and Social Work

WCU’s academic programs are organized into six colleges and one school. If your major is in the College of Education and Social Work, come meet and greet the head of your college, Dr. Desha Williams.

REQUIRED PROGRAM

MEET YOUR DEAN: College of Science and Mathematics

WCU’s academic programs are organized into six colleges and one school.  If your major is in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, come meet and greet the head of your college, Dr. Lisa Marano (Interim).

Rise and Paint

Come ease into the day with relaxing and painting.  Advance registration required.  

Space is limited to 20 participants. Register for Rise & Paint.

Rise and Paint

Come ease into the day with relaxing and painting. Advance registration required. 

Space is limited to 20 participants. Register for Rise & Paint. 

Health Services:   Build Your Own First-Aid Kit

Come visit Student Health Services (SHS) and make your own First-Aid Kit to get you prepared for the year.  Open to the first 500 students.  While you are there, be sure to ask for a tour and learn about the services SHS provides.

REQUIRED PROGRAM

MEET YOUR DEAN: College of Arts and Humanities

WCU’s academic programs are organized into six colleges and one school.  If your major is in the College of Arts and Humanities, come meet and greet the head of your college, Dr. Jen Bacon.

REQUIRED PROGRAM

MEET YOUR DEAN: College of Health Sciences

WCU’s academic programs are organized into six colleges and one school.  If your major is in the College of Health Sciences, come meet and greet the head of your college, Dr. Scott Heinerichs.

Office of Sustainability Open House

Take a tour of the Office of Sustainability, learn about the Sustainability Council and Peer Educators and make connections with members.

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Goshen, Killinger, & Schmidt

Info Session with the Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Tracey Ray Robinson.  This program is mandatory for first-year residents of Goshen, Killinger and Schmidt halls.

Welcome to the Borough

Join us during Welcome Week in the heart of beautiful "uptown" West Chester! See what the Borough has to offer and enjoy exclusive student discounts. You'll find places to eat, shop, snap photos, and volunteer. Visit iconic West Chester locations all while checking items off your West Chester bucket list. Check at least five items off your list to receive an exclusive t-shirt (while supplies last).  Also enjoy complimentary Rita's as our official welcome gift!  As a WCU student, you're part of the West Chester community, so start exploring your new town!

Students taking the shuttle should get on at the on-campus Church St. stop and get off at stop #4 (Walnut & Miner). 

This event is rain or shine.

Hop on the Uptown Loop Shuttle or take a 10 minute walk into town. The Uptown Loop Shuttle will run throughout the event.

Check-in at the Historic Chester County Courthouse, 2 North High Street

Uptown Loop Shuttle

Shuttle buses are free to WCU students! Hop on the Uptown Loop shuttle which takes you to a nearby shopping center, downtown West Chester and East Campus.

Bus stop at Church St. and University Ave.

BeWell Hut:  Standard Drink Size Pour

Learn about standard drink sizes by practicing pours with water and various glasses typically used to serve alcohol.

Outside the SECC main door (dining hall entrance)

First-Gen Fryday 

Are you the first in your family to attend college? Learn about resources and meet other first-gen students while enjoying fries from Chickie and Pete’s.

Lawrence Center - Chickie and Pete’s 

Banana Whip Pit Stop 

 Why is WCU so obsessed with bananas??

Come by to refuel on a yummy and healthy frozen banana treat! Until 3pm or while supplies last. 

Outside SECC - Commons Entrance 

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Commonwealth & Brandywine

Info Session with the Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Tracey Ray Robinson. This event is mandatory for first-year residents in Commonwealth and Brandywine halls.

Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building

Transfer Student Swag Swap 

Calling all transfer students:  enjoy music, lawn games and swag with your peers before the tailgate! Feel free to bring your previous school swag to exchange for WCU swag.

The Hammocks - The Village/East Village on South Campus 

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Allegheny & Tyson

Info Session with the Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Tracey Ray Robinson. This event is mandatory for first-year residents in Allegheny and Tyson halls.

Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building

4:30pm - 6pm Tailgate

6pm - 7:30pm Scrimmage 

WCU Golden Ram Tailgate and Football Scrimmage 

Come cheer on your Golden Rams Football Team at their first scrimmage of the season! Plus enjoy snack foods, participate in contests, and show off your school spirit. Go Rams!

Rain location is Student Recreation Center. 

8/25 UPDATE:
Due to the possibility of thunderstorms, the Tailgate will be held in the Student Recreation Center. The scrimmage will be held as scheduled at Farrell Stadium except in the event of a thunderstorm. 

Farrell Stadium, South Campus

Stadium shuttles will be operating every 10 minutes from Wayne Hall entrance (facing Rosedale) starting at 4:15pm. 

7pm - 11pm

Rams After Hours:  Foam Up and Fuel Up

One Friday night each month, Rams After Hours hosts fun and free events for WCU students. Join Rams After Hours for their first event of the fall semester, Foam Up and Fuel Up, including a foam dance party, music, party lasers, snacks, giveaways and other fun activities.

Rain location is Sykes Student Union. Foam cannot be used indoors; however all other activities will proceed as scheduled.

A sensory-friendly space for this event will be available in Sykes 255.

8/25 UPDATE: 
Due to the possibility of thunderstorms, this event will be held in the Sykes Student Union.

Ram Park, located next to Sykes Student Union

7pm - 10pm

Create and Explore at the Francis Harvey Green (FHG) Library

Choose from make and take planners, coloring pages, buttons and more. Participate in mini golf, scavenger hunt bingo and watch a movie... All while becoming more acquainted with the library.

First and Second Floors, FHG Library

REQUIRED PROGRAM

MEET YOUR DEAN:  University College

WCU’s academic programs are organized into six colleges and one school.  If you're in exploratory studies (undecided)  or Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS)  in the University College, meet and greet the head of your college, Dr.  John Craig.

Work On Campus Expo

Looking for a job on-campus? Check out the On-Campus Job Expo to meet campus employers and learn about opportunities to work on campus

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Goshen, Killinger, & Schmidt

Title IX Speaker:  Stacey Rose

This interactive program addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios. This event is mandatory for first-year residents in Goshen, Killinger, and Schmidt halls.

 
Warning:  Topics covered in this presentation(sexual assault/violence, Title IX) may be sensitive. 

Cycle Group Fitness Class

A cardio and strength training class based on a variety of resistance and sprint sets on bicycles. Learn combinations of climbs, jumps, and sprints to get your heart rate soaring!

First Responder Meet & Greet

Please join us at Dinniman Plaza in front of the new SECC building for a chance to meet with area first responders and learn more about the Fire, EMS, and Police services. This event is designed to bring students, staff, and the campus community together with their local first responders in a friendly environment to discuss any topic of concern or just chat.

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Brandywine & Commonwealth

Title IX Speaker:  Stacey Rose

This interactive program addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios. This event is mandatory for first-year residents in Brandywine and Commonwealth halls.

   
Warning:  Topics covered in this presentation(sexual assault/violence, Title IX) may be sensitive. 

First Gen Introduction to Rock Climbing

First generation college students are invited to conquer the three-story indoor rock climbing wall.  With paths for beginners to advanced climbers, this is the perfect opportunity to test out the rock wall while meeting fellow first gen students.

2pm - 3:30pm

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Allegheny & Tyson

Title IX Speaker:  Stacey Rose

This interactive program addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios. This event is mandatory for first-year residents in Allegheny and Tyson halls.

   
Warning:  Topics covered in this presentation(sexual assault/violence, Title IX) may be sensitive. 

Goats & Totes

Spend some quality time with therapy goats while grabbing a free WCU tote bag and road trip snacks!

In the event rain is forecast for Saturday, this event will take place one day earlier on Friday, August 25, from 10 AM - 12 PM

Open Rec Night

Come explore all that Campus Recreation and the Student Rec Center have to offer! Tour three floors of fitness spaces, try pop-up group exercise classes, climb the rock wall, visit the sport club expo, and talk with Campus Rec staff about all the ways to stay healthy and active. Enjoy a live DJ, refreshments, and giveaway prizes! 

Cycle Group Fitness Class

A cardio and strength training class based on a variety of resistance and sprint sets on bicycles. Learn combinations of climbs, jumps, and sprints to get your heart rate soaring!

BodyPump Group Fitness Class

Using light to moderate free weights and a barbell with lots of repetition, BODYPUMP gives you a total body workout. You’ll leave the workout feeling challenged and motivated, ready to come back for more.

A Night Under the Stars

Enjoy a night with friends under the stars. Stargaze, play lawn games, and create some crafts and memories with fellow WCU students!

Academic Quad

Rain Location: Sykes Student Union

REQUIRED PROGRAM

MEET YOUR DEAN:  Wells School of Music

WCU’s academic programs are organized into six colleges and one school.  If you are a student in the Wells School of Music, come out to meet and greet your dean, Dr. Christopher Hanning.

Find that Class, Build Your Own Flower Bouquet, and Coffee Trucks

Campus may seem large (it’s 403 acres after all!), but you got this!  Current students are here to walk you around campus to check out where your classes will be held. Bring your class schedule (find it in myWCU)!

While you wait for your tour, you'll have the opportunity to build a flower bouquet!  You can also snag a free specialty coffee from Blue Wren Coffee House at their boutique coffee truck!

This event happens rain or shine. 

REQUIRED PROGRAM

MEET YOUR DEAN:  College of Business & Public Management

WCU’s academic programs are organized into six colleges and one school.  If you are a student in the College of Business & Public Management, come out to meet and greet your dean, Dr. Evan Leach.

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Goshen, Killinger, and Schmidt

Dean of Students Roundtable

Join the Dean of Students to learn more about campus and the academic/co-curricular opportunities here at WCU! This event is mandatory for first-year residents in Goshen, Killinger, and Schmidt halls.

Transfer Students:  Get Taco-tive with Your Peers!

Transfer students: get taco-tive with your peers! Come enjoy walking tacos and conversation starter cards on tables with both orientation leaders and fellow transfer students alike.

BodyPump Group Fitness Class

Using light to moderate free weights and a barbell with lots of repetition, BODYPUMP gives you a total body workout. You’ll leave the workout feeling challenged and motivated, ready to come back for more!

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Brandywine & Commonwealth

Dean of Students Roundtable

Join the Dean of Students to learn more about campus and the academic/cocurricular opportunities here at WCU! This event is mandatory for first-year residents in Brandywine & Commonwealth halls.

REQUIRED PROGRAM: Allegheny & Tyson

Dean of Students Roundtable

Join the Dean of Students to learn more about campus and the academic/cocurricular opportunities here at WCU! This event is mandatory for first-year residents in Allegheny and Tyson halls.

REQUIRED PROGRAM: All First-Year Students 

Class of 2027 Class Photo & Golden Welcome

Gather on the Quad and say "Rams UP" for the 2027 class photo!  Join Rammy, President Fiorentino, and  WCU community members and enjoy music, free snow cones, and receive your free class t-shirt! This event is mandatory for all first-year students.  

Big Queer Welcome

Come find your folks and foster queer joy! 

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
Welcome to the fall semester, Rams!  You did it! Get involved on campus and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions or need help.  WCU professors and staff are here for you!

Keep an eye on your WCU email for the weekly Ram Round-Up newsletter that's packed with information about upcoming events, and be sure to check out Ram Connect – it's your one-stop shop for campus involvement, student events, and information about WCU's hundreds of student clubs and organizations

#RamsUP