New Student Orientation

Orientation is an important first step in ensuring students will be successful at West Chester University, therefore all first-year (freshman) students are required to attend a two-part orientation program: a one-day program held in June, and a three-day August orientation that's held move-in weekend. Transfer students who have earned fewer than 60 credits must attend a one-day on-campus orientation in August.  Transfer students who have earned 60 credits or more must either attend on-campus orientation OR complete an online orientation.  We encourage you to explore the first-year and the transfer student tabs for more information to review with your student as they prepare for orientation.

On all first-year and transfer orientation days we offer an optional parent, family, and guest orientation session for you.  If you attend this program, you and your student will follow different schedules for the day.  The parent, family and guest and student programs both offer valuable information for you and your student as they transition to WCU.

You will receive the day's schedule and a parent folder with information and an overview of WCU at check-in.  During the day you will learn about the resources available for you and your student, network with faculty and staff, and have some of your unanswered questions resolved.

Please refer to the first-year and transfer tabs for more information about the orientation day, how to register, and what your student can expect from their orientation experience.

• Sample Parent Orientation Schedule for First-Year Orientation Days
• Sample Parent Orientation Schedule for Transfer Orientation Days
• Sample Transfer Orientation Schedule
• Sample First-Year Orientation Schedule

1. When should my student choose their orientation session?
   We encourage your student to register as soon as possible once registration opens. Discuss a date that works with your schedule and register online. Sessions can fill up, so the sooner a date is selected and confirmed the better. Requests to change a scheduled orientation date can only be accommodated if space permits.  Students must stay for the entire program to meet their orientation requirement, so choose a date that will not conflict with other commitments or appointments. Students who leave early will be required to repeat their orientation program.
2. Why is orientation mandatory?
   Orientation is mandatory because we have found that it is a crucial first step toward a student's success at WCU.  Orientation gives new students an opportunity to learn about the campus and find the many resources available to foster their success.
3. Does WCU offer overnight housing the day before our orientation program, or are there hotel accommodations in the area?
   University Student Housing may offer overnight accommodations in one of their affiliated residence halls for June first-year orientations.  Inquiries can be sent to conferences@ushcommunities.org.  A list of area hotels can be found on the University's Lodging page.
4. Will we see a residence hall?
   There will be optional residence hall tours at the end of the day.
5. Will I have time to visit other campus offices?
   Yes, most offices will stay open until 4:00 pm on June and August orientation days.
6. Why is there an orientation fee and will it appear on my student's bill?
   The orientation fee covers all the costs associated with the orientation program including staffing, food, business expenses, materials, presenters, student ID cards, and meals. Currently the orientation fee is a separate fee paid directly to the Orientation program.  Beginning with summer 2017 orientation, this one-time orientation fee will appear on your student's first semester bill.
7. Where do I park for orientation?
   Parking information and a campus map can be found by clicking the Parking icon on the New Student Programs homepage.
   Street parking is controlled by the Borough of West Chester and is strictly enforced. View our Campus Map here.
8. Why do my student and I have different schedules for orientation?
   During orientation, students are placed into small groups according to their major. These groups are facilitated by orientation leaders who are trained to focus on the needs of the incoming students, to answer their questions, and to give them the opportunity to meet other new students. The parent, family and guest program is a mix of group presentations and smaller sessions you attend based on your interest. This program also offers opportunities for parents, family members and guests to have their questions answered.
9. What if we cannot attend any of the scheduled orientations?
   If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled orientation days, please call the New Student Programs Office at (610) 436-3305 to discuss arrangements for your student to fulfill their orientation obligation.
10. What if my student misses their scheduled orientation?
    While we ask that you make every effort to attend your scheduled orientation, we realize that unexpected events do occur. If your student is unable to make their scheduled orientation, call New Student Programs at (610) 436-3305 to reschedule for a later session or to make other arrangements for your student to fulfill their orientation obligation.

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