Thousands of students and families to attend orientation sessions

KALAMAZOO--More than 8,000 people, including beginning students and their families as well as transfer students, will be attending orientation sessions this summer at Western Michigan University.

As many as 3,500 incoming freshmen and 4,500 of their parents and other family members are expected to be on campus for one of the 12 New Student Orientation sessions that begin June 4 and run through June 29. Registration has already closed for some of these sessions, which take place over a day and a half in various campus venues. The deadline to register for unclosed sessions is June 1.

In addition, 700 transfer students will take part in four half-day Transfer Transition Program sessions taking place from 8 to 11:40 a.m. in the Bernhard Center. The three remaining sessions are set for Friday, June 22; Friday, July 20; and Friday, Aug. 10. The deadline to register is one week prior to whichever program the registrant plans to attend.

The Transfer Transition Program is a half-day orientation program designed specifically for admitted transfer students. Attendance is not mandatory, but those who choose to participate come away with a better understanding of WMU and its service and resource offerings. The sessions end at 1:30 p.m. for participants who take advantage of the optional campus tour and lunch.

All incoming first-year students are required to attend New Student Orientation, during which they are divided into small groups and learn about college life and the people, educational options, services and resources at WMU. They tour campus, take placement tests, meet with academic advisors, register for fall classes, finalize financial aid, get their school ID cards, connect with faculty and staff members, and participate 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.

For more information about the orientation program, visit wmich.edu/fye/orientation online or contact Steve Booher, program coordinator, at steve.booher@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2167. For more information about the Transfer Transition Program, visit the Office of Transfer Student Services online at wmich.edu/transfer/services or contact Steve Miller, program coordinator, at steve.miller@wmich.edu (269) 387-0740.