What is New Student Orientation?
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When is New Student Orientation?
Our office holds orientation programs at specific times throughout the year .
- Summer Orientation – June weekday sessions are either one day, or one and a half days in length
- Spring Orientation – Held right before classes begin in January
Summer orientation is designed for students who are admitted for the Fall semester. Spring orientation is designed for students who will be enrolled for the Spring semester.
Click here for Orientation details.
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Do I have to attend orientation?
Orientation is strongly encouraged, but not required. If you do not attend, you will not be able to register for classes until the Friday prior to the start of the Spring or Fall semester (by then, certain classes may be full). Knowledge is power, and knowing where to go, what help is available, and meeting your advisor can help you become a successful student. If you do not attend Orientation, you will be required to meet with your advisor, schedule for classes, and obtain a student ID on your own.
Transfer students are also strongly encouraged to attend. Although you have already had some college experience, Orientation will help you discover what’s unique about being a WVU student.
Finally, nontraditional students are also strongly encouraged to attend. Nontraditional students are those over the age of 23 or who graduated from high school more than five years ago. Attending Orientation will help you adjust to campus and learn about our student support services. Nontraditional students attend the same program as transfer students.
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Why do I have to pay a fee for orientation?
The costs associated with the Orientation program are not included in your tuition and fees. Therefore, we must charge a nominal fee to cover operational expenses. The fee covers food and lodging expenses (if you are staying in campus housing for the extended program), campus transportation, all of the informational brochures and handouts, postage and mailings, a student handbook and academic planner, and other associated expenses. If you have a financial difficulty and are unable to pay your Orientation fees, please contact the Orientation Office. We will work with the Financial Aid Office to determine your need.
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Why is orientation held in June?
We find that June is the most convenient for a majority of our incoming students. Having orientation in June allows the University to better plan for class availability. We encourage you to make family vacation plans and senior trips around orientation.
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What happens during my orientation session?
During each orientation session, the program seeks to introduce you to campus and life at WVU. During the program, you will get your WVU picture ID taken, meet with an academic advisor, register for your classes, meet with your Resident Faculty Leader, and learn about many of the student support services available for you as a student. There is also a concurrent parents program for when students are scheduling for classes.
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What is the difference between a standard (one day) program and an extended (day and a half program)?
If you are familiar with campus or have already been to a Mountaineer Visitation Day or on a campus tour, it is recommended you sign up for the standard program. If you are not familiar with WVU’s campus, you should attend the extended program.
Standard Orientation Program --The standard program begins early in the morning and concludes around 5:00 p.m. After checking in and being welcomed, you'll be off to special interest sessions that introduce you to our many services and activities. You will have your picture taken for your Mountaineer Card (student ID), and students living in the residence halls will meet with their Resident Faculty Leaders. Commuters will attend a session designed to address their needs. During the afternoon, you will meet your academic advisor and finalize your class schedule. Optional campus tours will also be given.
Extended Orientation Program – The extended program is ideal for those who live far from campus or those visiting WVU for the first time. The program will start mid-morning with the official University welcome; however, placement exams are given before the welcome. If you are living in a residence hall, you will meet your Resident Faculty Leader. Commuters will attend a session designed to address their needs. You will have your picture taken for your Mountaineer Card (student ID), take a tour of campus, and make new friends. In the evening we'll offer a mini-sample of our WVUp All Night events. On the second day you'll meet with your academic advisor and finalize your class schedule. Your second day should conclude around noon.
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