Thousands of students, families to attend summer orientation sessions
KALAMAZOO—Some 8,000 people, including transfer students as well as beginning students and their families, are expected to attend orientation sessions this summer at Western Michigan University.
New freshmen
All incoming first-year students are required to attend one of the 12 day-and-a-half sessions being held at various venues on campus for New Student Orientation. These sessions are filling up quickly, so students are urged to register now for one of those that remain open.
As many as 3,200 incoming freshmen and 4,100 of their parents and other family members are expected to participate in the sessions, which begin Monday, June 3, and run through Tuesday, July 2. Activities take place from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. the first day and 7 a.m. to noon the second day.
While on campus, students will be divided into small groups and learn about college life and the people, educational options, services and resources at WMU. Most of their time will be spent touring campus, taking placement tests, meeting with academic advisors, registering for fall classes, finalizing financial aid, getting school ID cards, connecting with faculty and staff members, and engaging in student development and social activities.
Parent and family orientation sessions run concurrently with the student sessions and include meetings with University officials on topics such as financial aid, campus safety and on-campus living. Participants also attend the Parent and Family Academy, a classroom-like experience instituted in 2011 to help them with their transition as a WMU family member.
Families leave with a better understanding of the issues college students face and how they can support as well as meaningfully interact with their college student throughout the student's time at the University.
Transfer students
The Transfer Transition Program is designed specifically for admitted transfer students. Attendance is not mandatory, but those who choose to participate in this orientation come away with a better understanding of WMU and its service and resource offerings.
About 700 transfer students will take part in the four monthly half-day sessions that already are underway. The three remaining sessions will be held on campus in the Bernhard Center from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 14, July 19 and Aug. 16.
Students are encouraged to register the week before the session they plan to attend and should note that sessions end at 1:30 p.m. for those who take advantage of the optional campus tour and lunch.
For more information about the New Student Orientation program offered through the First-Year Experience Programs office, visit wmich.edu/fye/orientation online or contact Steve Booher, program coordinator, at fye-info@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2167.
For more information about the Transfer Transition Program offered through the Office of Transfer Student Services, visit wmich.edu/transfer/services online or contact Steve Miller, program coordinator, at transfer-services@wmich.edu or (269) 387-0740.