Students taking a tour during orientation

Welcome to Orientation! You look good in Gold.

  • Gold Gateway

    Log in to confirm your admission, pay your deposit, and start your journey toward becoming a Bronco.

    Get started

  • New Student Hub

    After you have completed the required items in Gold Gateway, check the New Student Hub for the next steps on your Orientation to-do list.

    Get started

Summer/Fall 23 Info

Summer and Fall 2023 New Students

Students beginning summer or fall 2023 should check back here after February 1, 2023 for registration information. In the meantime, please check out some of the resources below, including sample orientation materials, to get a head start.

New Student Orientation

 

New Student Orientation

Congratulations on your admission to WMU! Your academic journey begins with New Student Orientation. Orientation is required for all incoming students (transfer, beginner and early middle college) starting either summer session or fall semester in 2023. Orientation is the most efficient and effective way to become more comfortable with your transition from high school or transferring from another institution. All orientation sessions will be held in-person on the main campus of WMU.  Students only need to attend one orientation program.

During orientation, you will learn more about the many programs and services available to you at WMU, including social engagement opportunities, making connections with other students, touring campus and meeting with your new advisor to select your courses.

You can take care of other University business during orientation, including:

Guests and Families

Students are welcome to bring two guests to orientation. If participating in the overnight program, students will spend the night in one of our residence halls; however, guests will be responsible for their own accommodations.

Orientation Dates

WMU offers a variety of orientation options to suit your schedule. Take a look below to discover which session will work best for you based on your student type. Capacity is limited for each session, so sign up for your choice as soon as possible!

One-day programs

DateStudents
Monday, May 8Honors students only
Tuesday, May 16Honors students only
Wednesday, May 17Honors students only
Friday, May 19Transfer and Early Middle College students only
Monday, May 22Open to all, except Transfer students
Wednesday, May 24Open to all, except Transfer students
Friday, July 14Transfer and Early Middle College students only
Friday, August 18Transfer and Early Middle College students only

Two-day programs

DatesStudents
Thursday and FridayJune 1-2, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
Monday and TuesdayJune 5-6, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
Thursday and FridayJune 8-9, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
Monday and TuesdayJune 12-13, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
Thursday and FridayJune 15-16, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
Monday and TuesdayJune 19-20, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
Thursday and FridayJune 22-23, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
Monday and TuesdayJune 26-27, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
Thursday and FridayJune 29-30, 2023Open to all, except Transfer students
  • One-Day Sample Agenda - Families (Beginners/Honors College)
    TimesEvent Description
    8:15 a.m.Check-in and browse tables
    9 to 9:15 a.m.Welcome
    9:15 to 9:55 a.m.Student Panel
    Students Leave and Parent/Family Sessions Begin
    10 to 11:25 a.m.Breakout sessions
    11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.Lunch and Tours
    1:30 to 2:30 p.m.Family strategies for supporting students
    2:35 to 2:40 p.m.Break
    2:45 to 4 p.m.Meet and Greet

    Breakout sessions include information on Residence Life/Dining Services, Financial Aid, Bronco Express/Accounts Receivable, Health Promotion and Education/Wellbeing, Academic Advising, Global Engagement/Study Abroad, and Career and Student Employment Services.

  • One-Day Sample Agenda – Students - Honors/Transfers/EMC
    TimesEvent Description
    8:15 a.m.Check-in and browse tables
    9 to 9:15 a.m.Welcome
    9:15 to 9:45 a.m.Student Panel
    Students Leave and Parent/Family Sessions Begin
    10 to 11:25 a.m.Breakout sessions
    11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.Wrap-up (students return)
    Tours and/or lunch available
    1:30 p.m.Academic Advising available

    Breakout sessions include information on Residence Life/Dining Services, Financial Aid, Bronco Express/Accounts Receivable, Health Promotion and Education/Wellbeing, Academic Advising, Global Engagement/Study Abroad, and Career and Student Employment Services.

  • Two-Day Sample Agenda – Parents and Families
    TimesEvent Description
    Day One
    9 a.m.Check-in begins
    9 to 10:45 a.m.Browse tables
    10:45 to 11:15 a.m.Welcome
    11:15 a.m. to NoonFamily Strategies for Supporting Student Success
    Noon to 12:20 p.m.Campus Safety
    12:30 to 1:30 p.m.Lunch
    2 to 4 p.m.Breakout Sessions
    4 to 5 p.m.Meet and Greet
    Day Two
    8:30 to 9:30 a.m.Continental Breakfast
    9:30 to 10:30 a.m.The Bronco Way
    10:30 to 11 a.m.Student Panel

    Breakout sessions include information on Residence Life/Dining Services, Financial Aid, Bronco Express/Accounts Receivable, Health Promotion and Education/Wellbeing, Academic Advising, Global Engagement/Study Abroad, and Career and Student Employment Services.

  • Two-Day Sample Agenda – Students
    TimesEvent Description
    Day One
    9 a.m.Check-in begins at residence halls
    9 to 10:45 a.m.Browse tables
    10:45 to 11:15 a.m.Welcome
    11:15 to 11:30 a.m.Meet Orientation student leaders and group icebreakers
    11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Lunch
    1 to 2 p.m.Pre-advising College Information Sessions
    2:15 to 3:45 p.m.Moving Conversations
    3:45 to 5:20 p.m.Campus Tour and Student Involvement Zone
    5:30 to 6 p.m.Dinner
    7:15 to 8:30 p.m.The Bronco Way
    8:30 to 10:30 p.m.Evening activities
    10:30 p.m.Snacks and return to the residence halls
    Day Two
    7 to 8 a.m.Breakfast
    8 to 8:15 a.m.Meet up with Orientation Leader
    8:30 to 1 p.m.Academic Advising Sessions and Course Registration

    Breakout sessions include information on Residence Life/Dining Services, Financial Aid, Bronco Express/Accounts Receivable, Health Promotion and Education/Wellbeing, Academic Advising, Global Engagement/Study Abroad, and Career and Student Employment Services.

  • All undergraduate domestic students planning to enroll in either summer session or fall 2023 courses will need to sign up for a two-day session unless already registered for the transfer/early middle college or honors sessions.

  • Transfer and Early Middle College students are eligible to register for courses based on the number of credit hours transferred to WMU. Transfers are students that started at another higher education institution and are transferring to WMU complete a degree. Early middle college are high school students that took college courses to complete an associate's degree.

  • Honors students are defined as students who have accepted their admission to the Lee Honors College.

Non-undergrad Student info

  • WMU grad student in front of tree and seal

    Graduate Students

    For questions and information related to graduate orientation, please visit the Graduate College.

    Graduate Orientation

  • International WMU student Medallion Scholar in NYC

    International Students

    For questions related to orientation for international students, please visit International Student Services.

    Learn more

  • Parents on move in day carrying large box

    Parents and Families

    Your student has access to a wealth of resources at WMU, and we want to provide you with the knowledge, resources and assistance needed to help too.

    Bronco Guide

Orientation Materials

Take a moment to view the slides from various presentations that were delivered during Orientation 2022.

Bronco Express & Accounts Receivable
A representative from Bronco Express will explain the financial aid process, discuss financing options, talk about the billing and payment process, and answer your questions.

Housing and WMU Dining Services
Learn about what to expect this fall with your housing experience and move-in, as well as details about dining and on and off-campus meal plans.

Campus Safety and Security
WMU takes the safety and security of students very seriously. Learn about some of the many programs and services from across campus.

Lee Honors College
Learn about the Lee Honors College requirements, read some statements from current students, learn about upcoming events and meet the staff.

Student Engagement and Community Standards
Whether you live on campus or not, you are part of the Western Michigan University community. This presentation will help you explore how you can become actively engaged within your community, while learning about various standards that we value at WMU.

Student Success Services
WMU is committed to providing academic support programs that connect students to resources they may need to achieve their academic and personal goals. Attend this session to learn more.

Institutional Equity
The Title IX Coordinator will share how to get involved in the University-wide effort to end all forms of sexual misconduct.

Family Strategies for Supporting Student Success
Discuss how you can engage with and support your student as they settle into life at WMU.

Career and Student Employment Services / WMU Signature
Learn about full-time, part-time and internship opportunities on and off campus. This session will explain WMU's web-based employment service, Handshake – and the resources for career planning that are available throughout the academic year. You will also Learn about this student engagement program for students to reflect on their out-of-class learning experiences, to explore and identify a passion that will be reflected on their WMU diploma.

 

Your Next Steps

  • 1. Gold Gateway
    1. Log into the Gold Gateway using the username and password you created at the time of completing your WMU application.
    2. Accept your admission to WMU and pay the $100 Enrollment Deposit (waived for Pell eligible students).
  • 2. After accepting your admission

    Once you have accepted your admission and paid the enrollment deposit, access the New Student Hub using your Bronco NetID and password.  Here you will complete the following orientation tasks (not all tasks apply to all students):

    • Register for Orientation - REQUIRED
    • Complete the Pre-Advising Survey – REQUIRED
    • Sign-up for On-Campus Housing - OPTIONAL
    • Complete ALEKS math placement assessment – REQUIRED if not transferring a math course to WMU
    • Complete the Foundations in Writing and Reading survey - REQUIRED if not transferring a writing course to WMU
    • Complete the Online Orientation Modules – OPEN MAY 1
    • Submit your photo for your Bronco ID card
    • Submit Military documents - REQUIRED if using military benefits
    • Complete your FAFSA - OPTIONAL but required for student loans
  • 3. Academic Advising

    Academic advising will take place during your *in-person orientation session.

    *Because transfer and Early Middle College students are eligible to register for courses based on transfer credit hours, they will receive a link to book an appointment with an advisor which can be held either in-person or virtually upon completion of the pre-advising survey. This appointment may happen before you attend your in-person Orientation session; however, advisors are available on the day of in-person orientation in the afternoon.

  • 4. Online Orientation Modules

    All students are required to complete the Online Orientation Modules, which open May 1 in Elearning and should be finished by August 19. You are automatically enrolled into these modules after you complete your Pre-Advising Survey.

    Please note: it may take up to 24 to 48 hours for the modules to appear in Elearning. Please set aside 30 to 60 minutes to complete all six modules.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to participate in orientation?

    Yes. All new beginner and transfer students starting classes in Summer I, Summer II or Fall at WMU for the first time are required to attend orientation.

  • How much does orientation cost?

    Orientation and Fall Welcome are required for all freshmen and Early Middle College students. Orientation fee will be determined by the session attended ($150 for Honors, Transfer and Early Middle College and $215 for the two-day programs). The Fall Welcome fee is $250.  These fees will appear on your fall tuition invoice as two separate charges.

    Orientation is required for all incoming transfer students.  A fee of $150 for Honors, Transfer and Early Middle College or a fee of $215 for the two-day programs will be added to the fall tuition.  Students who attend orientation and decide not to enroll at WMU will be responsible for the non-refundable fee.  If you are a transfer student and participate in Fall Welcome, you will be charged the Fall Welcome fee of $250 in addition to the orientation fee.  The fee(s) will appear on your fall tuition invoice as two separate charges.

  • How do I log into the New Student Hub?

    You can access the New Student Hub at wmich.edu/newstudenthub and log in with your Bronco NetID (username) and password.  

  • First time using your Bronco NetID?

    You should have received a Bronco NetID and a temporary password via email from the Office of Information Technology. Your Bronco NetID is different from your WIN (Western Identification Number). Visit Change Password to set you set your Bronco NetID password. If you do not have your Bronco NetID and temporary password, please contact the Technology Help Desk at (269) 387-HELP or email helpdesk@wmich.edu.  You may need to check your junk, spam or promotions folders to locate this message.

    • Log in to goWMU to verify your new password.
    • Be sure to check your WMU email regularly, as important University business -- such as your financial aid offer details and housing information -- will be sent there.
  • Which email address is orientation information being sent to?

    Information related to orientation will come to your personal email address; however, please check both your WMU personal email accounts to ensure you receive all communications. Please also be sure to monitor your spam, junk, clutter and promotions folders too! Adding ost-info@wmich.edu to your safe senders list, will help ensure prompt delivery.  You can also link your WMU and personal email accounts together.  You can contact the Help Desk at (269) 387-4357 (HELP) for assistance.

  • How do I know if I missed something orientation related?

    To track anything related to Orientation, you can log into your New Student Hub.

Orientation Tips

 

Orientation Tips

  • Each student's journey is unique- we know it, now you do too- don't stress about it!
  • Not all tasks in the checklist apply to all students. If one is not applicable to you, simply move on to the next; it will remain the same color.
  • Scheduling your classes occurs with your academic advisor when you attend in-person Orientation.  Transfer, and Early Middle College Students – it is possible that your advising session may occur virtually, before your in-person Orientation session.  Advising is also available in the afternoon on the day of a schedule session.
  • Take advantage of all opportunities to meet people and get involved during the Orientation process. Familiar faces on day one, in class or at lunch make campus life much more fun!
  • We are here to help - no question or concern is unimportant. Email us at ost-info@wmich.edu or call our office at (269) 387-2167.