Welcome to Western Carolina University!  We are glad you will be joining the Western Carolina University community by first attending the New Student Orientation Program.  The orientation program is designed so that you will receive quality academic advising and become familiar with your new home-away-from home.  The program is also available to family members to help them become familiar with Western Carolina University, its people, programs and offices. 

Please plan to arrive between 8:15-9:00 a.m. for check in at the A.K. Hinds University Center, 3rd floor, Grand Room.  A continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by your first academic meeting.  Orientation will conclude around 5 pm.

Overnight accommodations are available for the day before the summer sessions (June and July) should long travel distances make it necessary for early arrivals to campus.  Check in for accommodations will be from 7-10 p.m. at Scott Hall and the fee is $15 per person.  Items to Bring:  linens for a long twin bed, a pillow, toiletries, towels, and we recommend you bring a fan.  If you require accommodations that are handicap accessible, please contact our office immediately.

No overnight accommodations are available on campus in January or August.  However, students attending these session will check into Residential Living following orientation.

Transcripts:  Previous to your Orientation session, please submit your official transcripts for evaluation.  If you have not submitted the transcripts in advance, please bring a copy with you to Orientation. 

Immunization/Health Services Form:  If you haven’t already sent in your immunization/health services form, please mail it to the WCU Health Center, Bird Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 or fax it to them at (828) 227-7400.  You will not be allowed to complete the registration process until this form is cleared by Health Services.  Health Services will be located close to Orientation Check-In for any additional immunizations you might need. 

Health Insurance:  WCU requires all full-time enrolling students and all international (graduate and undergraduate) students to have major medical insurance. In the event that you do not have medical insurance coverage, the University will make available to you a student health insurance plan at a cost of $298 per semester (keep in mind that spring semester will provide you coverage through the summer).  While the student health center provides primary care to students on campus at low or no additional cost to you, this health insurance plan assists in meeting these medical expenses as well as any medical expenses incurred outside of our health center, including hospitalization, out-of-area care while traveling (even internationally), and specialty services not available at the student health center.  If you already have health insurance coverage, you do not need to enroll in the University supported plan, all you need to do is visit http://www.studentinsurance.com/ and waive the coverage online (no paper waivers will be accepted), enter your student data along with your current insurance information and submit.   Contact the Health Center at 828-227-7640 if you have any questions.

University Fees Due:  Please be sure that your $150.00 tuition deposit and the $150.00 housing deposit have been made, preferably before you attend your scheduled orientation program.  Again, you will not be allowed to officially register for classes until those fees are submitted.

CatCards:  One week prior to your scheduled orientation session a digital photo must be sent to catcard@email.wcu.edu or if you prefer to send a hardcopy photo please send it along with your registration form. Be sure to include student name, WCU Student ID number and birth date either on the back of the photo or in the email you send. Wallet size photos need to be mailed.  Students will pick up CatCards at check-in.   

Parking permits:  Students must register their vehicles online at http://police.wcu.edu/.  Parking permits will be available for pickup beginning on August 15 at the One Stop Student Service Center.

Orientation Parking:  Parking for Orientation will be marked.  Future students and their guests will be allowed to park in designated areas.  All vehicles must be parked in a legal parking spot.  Individuals requiring accommodations can use their placard and park in the appropriate slots.

Transfer Orientation Fees:  The Transfer Orientation fee is $65.00.   This fee allows transfer students to bring 2 guests with them at no additional charge.  If you plan on bringing a guest or guests with you, please make sure that you register them when you sign up for Orientation.  Registering your guests guarantees that we will have enough materials and food for the event.   

Reservations are required for Orientation.  Please remember to complete the CatWalk process by going to http://Catwalk.wcu.edu.  Our address is Orientation Programs, Western Carolina University, 224 Killian Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723.  Confirmation of your registration will be sent to your email or permanent address.  Look for updates regarding the schedule at www.wcu.edu/orientation.

If we can answer any questions for you, please do not hesitate to contact our office by email at orientation@wcu.edu by fax at 828-227-7200 or by phone at 828-227-7087.