Orientation for Fall 2013 for all new and transfer students is scheduled for the week of June 24^th, Monday through Thursday. 
Each student attends only one day
depending on his or her major.
Please let us know if you are planning to attend
by clicking the button below.

Interested in the
Overnight Orientation? 
We still have spots available.
For more information, please click here.

Placement Testing:
All students required to take a placement test should do so
PRIOR TO ORIENTATION.  However, tests are now being offered starting at 7:30 a.m. on the day of orientation.
Students taking the chemistry or language test should contact the Chemistry or World Languages department directly to schedule their tests.
For more information click here.

When and Where is June Orientation?

On all four days Orientation is being held on the Midtown campus

If you are not sure which academic school you belong to,
please see our list of majors.

Time:
Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on the Quad (near the Midtown library) or the Berkshire Gym in case of rain

View full schedule

Location:
Midtown campus

PARKING
Midtown campus:
5th Avenue Commuter Parking Garage    
     (Parking is also available in the White Street Parking
      Garage but we recommend that you park in the 5th Avenue garage).

What is required prior to attending orientation?

Prior to attending orientation, you must do the following:

1. Pay your $200.00 admission deposit (This is the most important step to receive your pre-orientation information)
2. Take all your required placement exams (placement exam schedule)
3. Submit your immunization records
4. RSVP online or over the phone (203-837-9700)

Click to view gallery

What can I expect to do during orientation?

1. To meet fellow freshmen and upper classmen as well as faculty and staff and be introduced to Western
2. To be welcomed to Western by the President, Academic Dean, Faculty, and Staff
3. To complete most of the processes needed to get you ready for the start of the semester (i.e., parking decal, ID card, computer passwords, etc.)
4. Receive your class schedule and have an opportunity
   to make changes, if needed
5. Learn about things to do on campus, such as joining clubs and organizations, programs run by housing, international travel opportunities, etc.
6. As a parent, to learn about how you can help your son or daughter be successful at Western

Information about overnight orientation.

This year for the first time Western is offering overnight orientation to the first 50 students signing up for each orientation day.  Participating students arrive at 6pm the evening before their scheduled orientation and check into Fairfield Hall where they drop off their pillows and sleeping bags before heading back out for fun programs with the other students.  Pizza will be served later in the evening so students should eat something before they arrive.  In the morning of orientation a continental breakfast will be served.
      Cost: $35.00
      Call to sign up: 203-837-9700

What about my parents?

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend Orientation with their son/daughter.

Lunch with the dean and faculty is free for all incoming Western students as well as two guests (parents, guardians, spouses, etc.)  Each additional guest will be asked to contribute $10. 
Lunch tickets for additional guests should be purchased at the Student Center Information Desk.

At June Orientation Western offers a number of programs specifically designed for students only, and parents only, while others are designed to be attended together. 

Welcome Week in August is geared mostly towards students to make them feel welcome and comfortable with their new surroundings.  However, parents are welcome to attend the "Entering of the Gates" ceremony as well as the Opening ceremony on Sunday, August 25, 2013 and may attend the dinner that evening (there will be a cost for family members).  Please check the Welcome Week schedule for more information.

If you want to find out how to avoid becoming a "Helicopter Parent" and find some other useful information for parents, please go to http://www.ecampustours.com/forparents/campuslife/helicopterparents.htm.

For more information please go to our Western Parents Club webpage.

When will I find out more about Welcome Week?

We keep our orientation web pages up year round so depending on the time you visit the Welcome Week web page you'll see either last year's information or this year's information.  As we transition from June orientation to Welcome Week, the information will be updated.  You should also check your email regularly and look for information.