Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Orientation
- Who should attend the Summer Orientation program?
- Is Summer Orientation required?
- I am a transfer student. Do I really need to attend Summer Orientation?
- When and where is Summer Orientation?
- How do I register for Summer Orientation?
- How do I know which session to attend?
- Are my parents allowed to attend Summer Orientation? What about my siblings?
- What time does Summer Orientation start?
- What if I am on vacation during Summer Orientation and can’t attend?
- Do I have to take my placement tests before I attend orientation?
- What requirements are there before I am allowed to register?
- When do I get my class schedule?
- How do I make changes to my class schedule, after Orientation?
- What is the cost of Summer Orientation?
- When does LEAP (Learn, Engage, Adapt, and Plan) Week begin?
- When do Fall classes begin?
- When will I get information about Summer Orientation?
- Is there a separate Summer Orientation for students with disabilities?
- What if I am a part-time student?
- What if I am an adult or non-traditional student? Do I still need to attend Summer Orientation?
- How do I find out about how to get involved on campus?
- How do I get a student ID?
- Where do I go to pay my bill or find out about Financial Aid?
- When can new students move into the residence halls?
- What immunizations must I provide in order to register for classes?
- Do I need to show any other immunization if I will be residing on campus?
Technology Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the Summer Orientation program?
All students who are new to Western Connecticut State University (Freshmen, Commuters, Transfers, etc.) and their parents are welcome to attend the Virtual Summer Orientation session. Transfer students may choose to attend our transfer orientation instead (date and place to be determined).
Is Summer Orientation mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. The orientation is the time when you get ready for life at WCSU. You will meet some faculty, fellow students, and obtain invaluable information that will help make your experience at WCSU even more rewarding.
I am a transfer student. Do I really need to attend Orientation?
The short answer is yes, we definitely recommend you do, but you should attend our special virtual transfer orientation on August 6 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
When and Where is Summer Orientation?
There are four Virtual Summer Orientation sessions scheduled in June and July from 2-4 p.m.:
Session 1: Thursday, June 18, School of Visual & Performing Arts
Session 2: Monday, June 22, Ancell School of Business
Session 3: Wednesday, June 26, Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences
Session 4: Thursday, July 9, School of Professional Studies
Each Orientation session is from 2 – 4 p.m. with a LIVE chat immediately following from 4 – 4:30 p.m.
How do I register for Summer Orientation?
It is not necessary to register for the Virtual Summer Orientation session. The sessions have designated days according to your major. You will receive a Save the Date email invitation approximately 48 hours prior to your scheduled Orientation session from Platform Q. On the scheduled day of your Orientation event, you will receive an email with a link to join your session just before the start time of the program at 2 p.m. Should you have any questions, please call 203-837-9700 and leave a message, or send an email to diazv@wcsu.edu.
How do I know which session to attend?
The Orientation sessions are divided according to your major.
Are my parents allowed to attend Summer Orientation? What about my siblings?
Your parents and siblings are welcome to attend the Virtual Summer Orientation session with you. If they can’t, each session is being recorded and will be posted on the Orientation website and can be watched at a later time.
What time does Summer Orientation start?
Virtual Summer Orientation starts at 2 p.m.
What if I am on vacation during Summer Orientation and can’t attend?
All of the Virtual Summer Orientation sessions will be recorded and posted on the Orientation website and can be viewed at a later time.
Do I have to take my placement tests before orientation?
WCSU has canceled all placement exams due to COVID-19 safety restrictions. All incoming first-time students who were accepted “test optional” or students instructed to take a math or writing placement exam from their new student placement sheet (found in their acceptance packet) will be placed into an appropriate math and writing course for the fall. Students will be given an assessment the first week of classes in their math and writing course in order to adjust placement if necessary.
What requirements are there before I am allowed to register?
The following information must be in place before you can register for classes:
- make your $200.00 non-refundable deposit
- all students are required to submit the Connecticut State University Student Health Services Form, which includes the state mandated immunizations. The form is provided in your admission packet or is available on the Health Services webpage.
- you will need to have taken any applicable placement test as noted in your admissions packet (Math, English, and/or Chemistry)
- You will be shown how to access your schedule online during orientation and a final schedule will be mailed to you though USPS in mid-August. Transfer students need to meet with their academic department in order to build a schedule.
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When do I receive my class schedule?
The Registrar’s Office builds schedules for first-time freshman students. You will be shown how to access your schedule online during orientation and a final schedule will be mailed to you through USPS in mid-August.
How do I make changes to my class schedule after Orientation?
Students can make changes to their schedule, after orientation, in person at the Office of the Registrar in the Old Main Administrative Building, 1st floor or in the Academic Advisement Center, Old Main 202. Any questions can be directed to (203) 837-9206 or (203) 837-8397.
What is the cost of the Orientation?
There is no cost associated with the Virtual Orientation sessions.
In 2020, classes begin on Wednesday, August 26th.
When will I get information about Summer Orientation?
After you have paid your $200.00 non-refundable deposit we will send you an invitation email regarding Virtual Summer Orientation. You will also receive reminder postcard in the mail. Approximately 48 hours prior to your scheduled session you will receive a Save the Date email from Platform Q and you will receive an email with a link to join your session just before the start time of the program at 2 p.m.
Is there a separate Summer Orientation for students with disabilities?
No, there is no separate summer orientation for students with disabilities, however the AccessAbility Services office will be remotely open during Orientation to answer questions. Please contact the office directly by calling 203-837-8225 or emailing obere@wcsu.edu if you have any questions.
What if I am a part-time student?
Part-time, matriculated students are invited and encouraged to attend all of our Orientation programs – both Virtual Summer Orientation and LEAP Week at the beginning of the fall semester. Just like our full-time students you can learn a lot about WCSU to enhance your college experience.
What if I am an adult or non-traditional student? Do I still need to attend Summer Orientation?
You are welcome to take advantage of the Virtual Summer Orientation program but you are not required to do so. A lot of non-traditional students have family obligations and find it difficult to attend. We encourage you, however, to view the recorded sessions that will be posted on the orientation website.
How do I find out about how to get involved on campus?
Some of the Orientation Leaders will be able to answer this question during your Virtual Summer Orientation session. You can also visit the Student Life/Student Activities website and see what clubs and organizations are already on campus or how to form your own club. During LEAP Week in August you can meet many of the clubs during Club’s Carnival.
How do I get my school photo ID?
You can obtain your university WESTCONNect Photo ID Card by going to the WESTCONNect main website page https://www.wcsu.edu/westconnect/ and follow the directions.
Where do I go to pay my bill or find out about Financial Aid?
Please visit the Cashier’s Office web site at www.wcsu.edu/cashiers for all your billing inquiries.
Please visit The Office of Student Financial Services web site at www.wcsu.edu/finaid for all of your financial aid questions.
When can new students move into the residence halls?
The Housing and Residence Life department is working on a plan that will allow students to drop off their belongings between August 3 to August 14, then move-in on the 24th. Alternate arrangements will be provided to those who have to travel over three hours.
Please continue to check your WCSU email account for more details.
What immunizations must I provide in order to register for classes?
Connecticut State law requires students to present immunization in order to register for courses. Please go to www.wcsu.edu/healthservices and click on immunization requirements for details.
Do I need to show any other immunization if I will be residing on campus?
Students living on campus must also provide proof of having received a Meningococcal vaccine (must include group A, C, Y&W-135 or Menactra) within 5 years of moving into the residence hall. Please mail or fax (203-837-8583) form to Health Services before the start of the semester.
How do I get a WCSU User account?
Students who wish to use any of the computer facilities at WCSU (Computer Centers, technology classrooms, 24-hour labs, etc.) or access the wireless network must obtain a WCSU User Account. Accounts are automatically created when students are either accepted into a degree program by Admissions, or registered for a class. An informational message containing instructions for setting up a password is sent to the student’s personal email address given when applying through Admissions or first registering in person through the Registrar’s office. To learn more about accounts visit https://support.wcsu.edu/ and select “Accounts”.
WCSU has a mobile app for quick, on-the-go access to important information and services including news, announcements, email phone numbers and more. Visit your mobile device’s app store to and search for ‘myWCSU’ to download. my WCSU is accessible anytime, anywhere.
WestConnduit is WCSU’s campus portal. It brings together campus announcements, upcoming events, social media and access to essential resources.
WestConnduit can be accessed by visiting www.wcsu.edu and clicking on the WestConnduit link.
Western Connecticut State University is 100% wireless, including residence halls and wireless printing. To use the wireless network, your laptop or other mobile device must be equipped with a wireless network adapter. To use the WCSU wireless network and wireless printing, you must have a WCSU User Account To learn more about the wireless network and wireless printing, please visit https://support.wcsu.edu and select “internet and WiFI”.