CWU Rolls Out the Crimson Carpet for 1,000 on Wildcat Day April 11

More than 1,000 prospective students and their parents will descend on Ellensburg this weekend to take part in Wildcat Day, phase one of Central Washington University's orientation process for new and transfer students. CWU has admitted 550 more students this year than fall 2014, an increase of about 15 percent.

Hosted by CWU's Housing and New Student Programs, the event welcomes students admitted for fall quarter 2015 and provides them with information about all the opportunities available to incoming Wildcats.

"Wildcat Day is a day that we can roll out the Crimson Carpet and let our new and prospective students celebrate the quality of our students, our faculty and staff, and the programs offered at CWU," said Richard DeShields, associate dean of Student Living. “Admissions, financial aid, the registrar’s office, dining, and alumni relations are all open, and colleges, academic departments, and student clubs are hosting fairs so that students and their parents can get a real taste of the CWU college experience.”

In addition, students will be given tours of the Ellensburg campus, residence halls, the Student Union/Recreation Center, and the Aviation Training Center.

“The First Year Experience at CWU assists students in making connections with faculty, staff, and peers while also understanding how to navigate the university community,” continued DeShields. “This event welcomes our newest and prospective Wildcats to Ellensburg and a community that is invested in their success. Our goal is to help students celebrate their participation in CWU and help inspire those who are still finalizing their plans to commit to Central.”

New this year is the invitational scholarship banquet to showcase CWU’s offer of 12, full-ride scholarships (valued at $80,000 each) to high-performing Washington State high school seniors. The 200-person banquet will include students and their parents and the university’s academic leadership, including college deans, the Provost Marilyn Levine, and President James Gaudino. The purpose of the banquet is to welcome the students and encourage them to apply for the scholarships, which will be awarded at the end of April.

“The students are invited to apply based on their exceptional performance in various areas, not just academic achievement,” said Linda Schactler, CWU’s chief of staff. “We’re looking at excellent young musicians, athletes, scientists, and artists, whom we would like to support throughout their college career.”

For more information about Wildcat Day, go to www.cwu.edu/orientation/phase-i-wildcat-day.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu