Hello, New Rams!
New student orientation for incoming first year students is one full day packed with information, opportunities to meet new Golden Rams, and an introduction into life at WCU.
2025 Orientation Dates
New first year student orientation takes place from late June through mid-July, with sessions organized by your chosen major. Attendance at one orientation day is required.
Academic Success Program (ASP)
- Tuesday, June 24
- Wednesday, June 25
- Thursday, June 26
- Friday, June 27
College of Arts and Humanities
- Tuesday, June 24
- Wednesday, July 9
- Thursday, July 10
College of Business and Public Management
- Wednesday, June 25
- Friday, June 27
- Tuesday, July 8
- Friday, July 11
- Wednesday, July 16
College of Education and Social Work
- Tuesday, June 24
- Wednesday, July 9
- Thursday, July 10
College of Health Sciences
- Wednesday, June 25
- Friday, June 27
- Wednesday, July 9
- Tuesday, July 15
College of Science and Mathematics
- Thursday, June 26
- Tuesday July 8
- Friday July 11
- Wednesday July 16
University College (Exploratory Studies, Undeclared/Undecided)
- Tuesday, June 24
- Thursday, June 26
- Thursday, July 10
- Tuesday, July 15
Wells School of Music
- Tuesday, June 24
- Wednesday, July 9
- Thursday, July 10
Orientation Registration
Registration for first year students opens mid to late April 2025. Students will receive an email soon with the specific orientation registration date. Once registration is open, students may log in to the Admissions Portal to register.
Orientation Day Details
Check-in begins at 9:00 am at the Business and Public Management Building
50 Sharpless Street
West Chester, PA 19383
The Orientation Day concludes by 4:00 pm.
What to Expect
During your orientation day, you’ll be teamed up with a current student orientation leader (OL). Your OL will guide you through the day with a small group of first year students. This is a great way to make connections with other new Rams.
While in your group, you will meet a representative from your academic department to review class scheduling and requirements for your major, enjoy lunch in the dining hall, explore your future campus, and learn about support services and resources to help you be successful. Rams Up!
Guests
New for 2025, each student is welcome to bring up to four guests to orientation. Please complete the Guest Registration portion of the Orientation Registration.
There is a $30 registration charge for each guest 12+ years old. Guests under 12 years old can attend at no cost. There is no charge for accepted students.
Parking & Transit
Parking
Complimentary parking will be available in select on-campus parking garages during orientation days. Parking garage details are forthcoming.
Regional Rail and Bus Transit
Learn more about regional rail and bus transit to and from West Chester University.
Lunch
During orientation, lunch will be provided to students and guests in the Commons Dining Hall. Lunch is served buffet style with various food stations, an expansive salad bar, gluten-free options, and specialized food options which are prepared without the most common food allergies.
Accommodation Needs
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 some of 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 this space. A low-sensory space is also available during lunch as an alternative to The Commons Dining Hall. Tour the Commons Dining Hall in this video. -
Financial Hardship
If the guest registration fee poses a financial hardship for your family member or guest, please email us at orientation@wcupa.edu to discuss your options.
Accepted Student Next Steps
Beyond orientation, there is a lot to learn about WCU. From applying to housing, to class schedules, to Welcome Week - this list provides helpful dates information for accepted students:
Rescheduling Your Orientation Date
If you need to reschedule your orientation date, please do so in your Admissions Portal. Rescheduling can only be accommodated if space permits.
Questions?
If you have any questions about orientation, please don't hesitate to reach out to New Student Programs at orientation@wcupa.edu or (610) 436-3305.