ISSS
Arrival and Orientation
Congratulations and welcome to Central Washington University!
Arrival and Orientation
Please review the information below to help plan your arrival to campus.
International student success at CWU begins with orientation. ISSS provides a mandatory International Student Orientation for all new students.
Ellensburg New Student Orientation
Arrival Day
Residence halls and CWU apartments are open for move in the day before orientation begins. Some earlier move-in special arrangements may be possible by contacting the Housing Department.
Orientation Dates
Fall Quarter Orientation: A 2-day orientation the week before classes begin
Winter Quarter Orientation: A single day orientation the day before classes begin
Spring Quarter Orientation: A single day orientation the day before classes begin
Summer Quarter Orientation: No orientation before the quarter begins. Please attend the following Fall Quarter Orientation
Specific information (exact dates of move-in and arrival, orientation location, etc.) will be sent to your email we have on file from OISPPrograms@cwu.edu.
Any orientation questions can be sent to OISPPrograms@cwu.edu.
University Centers Orientations
Winter 2024 Centers F-1 Orientation will be on November 28, 2023 at the Lynnwood campus, Snoqualmie Hall, room 101 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Free CWU swag and goodies will be given to those who attend!
If you have questions about the mandatory international student orientation, contact our Centers' orientation team (Shelby.King@cwu.edu).
Orientation and Arrival Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the nearest airport to CWU?
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How do I get to Ellensburg from Seattle?
Ellensburg is about 90km from the city of Seattle. If you need to take a bus from the city or directly from SeaTac Airport, these are your options:
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When should I arrive in Ellensburg?
International students should arrive in Ellensburg on the day before orientation. Be sure to complete the Arrival Form to provide your arrival details and preferences.
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Is international student orientation mandatory?
Yes!
If you are unable to attend the International Student Orientation please email OISPPrograms@cwu.edu with a detailed explanation of why you cannot attend. We will then provide you with instructions.
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I won’t be able to arrive by the first day of class. What should I do?
Please do your best to arrive in time to attend the first classes on January 3rd. If it is impossible, please do the following:
- Contact sevis@cwu.edu to let us know when you plan to arrive. If we determine that it is okay for you to arrive by the planned date, we will add a notation to your SEVIS record to notify Customs and Border Patrol that you have permission to arrive late.
- Contact your professors by email to inform them that you’ll be late. Students who do not attend (or show signs of activity for online classes) by the third day of class will risk getting dropped from the course. If you need assistance contacting your professors, your International Student Advisor (Roz Moes) can assist you.
- If your classes have an online component, participate online as much as possible.
- If you applied for on-campus housing, email housing@cwu.edu to inform them when you will arrive/check-in to your room.
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Can I move-in early to Ellensburg on-campus housing?
Yes! International students participating in our orientation will be allowed to move in on the day before orientation, even if your check-in time is scheduled differently in MyHousing.
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Important Links
Questions? Contact Us.
Office of International Studies and Programs
Hebeler Hall 102