Thousands of students, families to attend summer orientation sessions
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—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.
First-year students
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 Friday, May 30, and run through Wednesday, July 2.
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 Bronco 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 a special session 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 and 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 have an easier time transitioning to WMU and come away with a better understanding of the University.
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 Fridays on campus in the Bernhard Center from about 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. June 13, July 18 and Aug. 15.
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.
During orientation, they will get their Bronco Cards and participate in activities such as presentations from Residence Life, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Activities and Leadership Programs, and Career and Student Employment Services.
Before participating in this orientation, students are encouraged to arrange a meeting with their academic advisors to select courses and register for classes.
Additional information
Registration forms and a complete schedule of events for New Student Orientation and the Transfer Transition Program are available on the First-Year Experience website at wmich.edu/fye.