Registration & Preparation

See Fees and Registration to learn more about the fees for orientation.

Contact our office at 828-227-7087 for assistance.
 
What if I can't attend the session I registered for? May I change the session I plan to attend?

Adjustments to the orientation schedule are done on an "as space becomes available" basis. We will make every effort to accommodate your schedule, but some sessions may fill up.
 
My parents aren’t sure they can attend. Should they pre-register?

All orientation fees are refundable up to 10 working days before the designated session. If you register for the family member orientation and are unable to attend, the Office of Orientation will refund your orientation fees. If you choose not to register and then are able to attend the session, please contact us immediately to see if we still have vacancies.
 
Which session should I attend?

See Fees and Registration to learn more about which session to attend. 
 
Is there anything I should do before orientation? 
See Before Orientation to find out how to prepare for your New Student Orientation session.

After we receive your registration card and payment, you’ll get a confirmation email or letter with information about your session. These materials are sent via the email address you provided on CatWalk or on your paper registration form.
 
Whom do I contact regarding special personal assistance or accommodation for disability?

On the registration card, please document your need for special assistance. We're happy to assist you in any way we can. When we receive your information, we'll call you and discuss your arrangements personally, or you can contact us in advance if you prefer. 
 
Must I have immunization documentation on file at WCU?

 If you have not completed this requirement by the time you are ready to attend your scheduled orientation program, bring pertinent information and documentation with you. For more about immunization, see Before Orientation.

Travel & Parking

If you need to arrive early because of the distance you're traveling, you'll be allowed to check into Scott Hall the day before orientation starts at a nominal additional fee. If you wish to wait until the day after orientation to leave, the same arrangement can be made. You'll get specific information concerning these options in the orientation brochure. 

Where will I park my car during orientation?

See Before Orientation for more information about parking at orientation.

See Before Orientation for more information about getting to WCU.

At Orientation

What will I do during orientation?

See Freshman Orientation Activities for more information about what you will do while you’re here.

While you will share some activities with your family, we’d also like you to spend some time on your own during orientation. Our program is designed to expose you to your first college experience while giving you and your family some time to learn about WCU on your own. 

To keep you safe, we enforce the following rules:

• You are expected to be in the residence hall at midnight (immediately following our Stay at Western activities). The residence hall is locked and the first-floor lobby is cleared at that time.
• Alcoholic beverages and drugs are not permitted during orientation.

Infractions of these regulations may result in your removal from orientation and/or having your admission to WCU rescinded. 

No alcoholic beverages are allowed during orientation programs. This policy applies to students and family members staying on campus. 
 
What is the computer requirement?

WCU requires that all new students—freshman and transfer—have a personal computer. While at orientation, you'll be given information about purchasing a computer.
 
Will I leave orientation with a class schedule?

Yes. At the end of orientation, you'll register for fall courses. Professional advisers and orientation staff and counselors will be present during registration to help with any questions or concerns.  

The individual residence hall rooms will not have phone service, but you may make contact arrangements with the Student Orientation Counselor on your floor. Also, you can have messages called in to the orientation office at 828-227-7087. After business hours and on weekends, the university police can be contacted at 828-227-7301. Consider bringing your cell phone for use during your stay with us.

Where will I stay?

See the Freshman Orientation page for more details on locations and roommates.