What to Expect During Orientation
Orientation consists of two onboarding opportunities. Admitted Student Days, which is an optional engagement opportunity during July. Week of Welcome is a required experience for all first-year incoming students. During these Orientation experiences, you will receive an introduction to CWU resources, and you will have an opportunity to connect with new and current students, staff, and faculty. Orientation is also an opportunity to take care of any checklist items. Make sure to visit the Next Steps webpage.
For your Ellensburg campus Orientation, take advantage of campus and housing tours, housing and dining information, hands-on resources, financial aid sessions, and student employment resources, among many other sessions.
You will also be introduced to your rights, responsibilities, and policies as a student.
Dedicated parent and support network programming is also available at Orientation: support networks are integral to students' success.
- Week of Welcome
We're excited to welcome you to CWU as a new student. During Week of Welcome, you'll experience dedicated programming to help you acclimate to CWU. Welcome events are also a time to take care of items on your checklist that will get you ready for your first day of class. Visit the Welcome Events page for more information.
- UNIV 101: Transition to CWU (for First-Year Students)
University 101 (UNIV 101) is an academic course designed to foster a successful transition to CWU and is brought to you by CWU Student Success. This graded course will promote a sense of belonging and discovery, stimulate engagement in curricular and co-curricular activities, and connect you to campus resources. Students with fewer than 45 credits are required to take UNIV 101 during their first quarter on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What tasks do I need to complete beforehand?
Visit the Admissions Next Steps website to ensure that you are completing all the necesary steps to prepare for Admitted Students Day & Week of Welcome.
- When will I meet with an Academic Advisor?
We encourage you to connect with your Academic Advisor and register for classes prior to attending Admitted Students Day. Follow-up communications will be sent to your CWU email. For more information about Fall 2023 Advising check out the Academic Advising FAQ's.
- I took Running Start courses in high school. Will Orientation look different for me?
Students with Running Start credits are defined as first-year students regarding Orientation and Housing. As a first-year student, you are required to attend Week of Welcome. While students with over 45 transferable credits are not required to take UNIV 101, we encourage you to take the course to help ensure a smooth transition to CWU.
- Do I need to take any placement tests?
We encourage you to talk to your Academic Advisor to find out which placement tests you should take. CWU now offers an Academic Writing Self-Assessment for English placement. Students are encouraged to complete the ALEKS exam for math placement.
- How can I change my Admitted Students Day?
Admitted Student Days are optional engagement activities held at CWU in July.
To change your date, contact Orientation & Events at 509.963.1506 or email cwu.orientation@cwu.edu
- I am unable to make it to any of the in-person Week of Welcome sessions. What can I do?
Week of Welcome is required for all First-year incoming students, if you are unable to attend please reach out about additional options, contact Orientation & Events at 509.963.1211 or email cwu.orientation@cwu.edu