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Welcome to Orientation! You look good in Gold.

  • Gold Gateway

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

    Get started

  • Orientation Hub

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

    Get started

  • Transfer Students

    Some special conditions apply to the Orientation process for transfer students. Read about these ahead of time to avoid confusion.

    Learn more

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation: Getting Started

Once you have been admitted to Western Michigan University, your next step is to work through the orientation path. First, you will confirm your admission, pay your enrollment deposit, and complete a pre-advising survey in Gold Gateway. After that, the Student Orientation Hub (SOH) houses all the information, links, documents, and modules you need to ensure a smooth transition into university life. Located on the SOH homepage is a journey map to help you navigate the path and keep track of your progress. Our entire campus community is here to help you thrive and to make your orientation process as informative and simple as possible. If you encounter any technical issues or have questions, please email ost-info@wmich.edu for assistance.

 

COVID-19 Information

For the safety of our campus community, 2021 New Student Orientation will take place virtually via online modules. Please watch your W-Exchange email inbox for further information.

WMU COVID-19 Response Info

What happens during orientation?

  • Orientation Phase 1A - Gold Gateway
    • Complete Intent to Enroll form
    • Pay $100 Enrollment Deposit (first-year students only, waived for Pell eligible)
    • Complete the pre-advising survey
    • Click here to access Gold Gateway.
  • Orientation Phase 1B - Student Orientation Hub

    Follow links on SOH homepage to complete checklist tasks:

    • Register for Group Advising Session
    • Complete Foundations in Writing and Reading survey
    • Submit photo for Bronco ID
    • Sign up for Peer2Peer e-mentor
    • Complete FASFA and Financial Aid forms
    • Submit final transcripts

    Please note- not all tasks apply to all students. Complete the following only as applicable:

    • ALEKS math placement assessment
    • On-campus housing
    • Office of Disability Services
    • Military documents
    • IB & AP Scores
    • SAT/ACT scores

    Access SOH at https://westermichigan.force.com/orientation. Log in with Bronco NetID (username) and password

  • Orientation Phase 2 - Academic Advising
    • After attending your Group Advising Session, you will receive an invitation from your college to schedule a 1:1 virtual advising appointment. During that appointment, you will select and register for classes
    • To assist in accessing campus technology, complete Two-factor Authentication (2FA) via link in SOH
  • Orientation Phase 3 - Orientation
    • Complete Online Orientation Modules (Access link in SOH or via GoWMU with Bronco NetID)
    • Attend Virtual Engagement Sessions with student organizations, departments and student leaders (Links in SOH)
    • OPTIONAL- Attend a one-day, on-campus orientation session (Additional information forthcoming via email)
  • Orientation Phase 4 - Post-Orientation
    • Complete EVERFI modules on alcohol, sexual assault prevention and diversity, equity and inclusion (Link in SOH)
    • Complete Orientation Survey (Link in SOH)
    • Prepare for Fall Welcome and Move-in (Visit this web page for dates)

Download the Orientation Process Map

Download Now

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.  The combined fee of $300 will appear on the fall tuition invoice as two separate line items.  Students who attend orientation and decide not to enroll at WMU will be responsible for an orientation fee of $150.

    Orientation is required for all incoming transfer students.  A fee of $150 will appear on the fall tuition invoice.  Students who attend orientation and decide not to enroll at WMU will be responsible for the fee.

  • How do I log into the Student Orientation Hub?

    Access the SOH at https://westermichigan.force.com/orientation and log in with your Bronco NetID (username) and password.

  • What is the difference between the group advising and the one-on-one advising sessions?

    The group advising session will cover all things related to academics and prepare you for your one-on-one advising appointment.  During the general advising session, you will learn about Degree Works and how to track your progress toward graduation, the importance of using and checking your WMU email, how to access Elearning for online courses, find and read your schedule, and resources available to you. The one-on-one session is tailored specifically to your academic plan and is where you will register for your first semester classes.

  • Why do I have to attend both the group and one-on-one advising sessions?

    The group advising session will cover some of the basics as it relates to academics here at WMU and what to expect from your academic advisor.  Because you will have the general knowledge about academics and the advising process, your one-on-one advising appointment will be the opportunity to just focus on you and your academic plan.  This is also where you will register for your courses.

  • How long do I have to wait between the group advising session and the one-on-one session?

    After attending your group advising session, you should hear from your advising college within 7 to 10 business days.  Be sure to check your WMU email.

  • Which email address is orientation information being sent to?

    Information related to orientation should be going to your new WMU 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 orientation@wmich.edu to your safe senders list, will help ensure prompt delivery.

  • How do I know if I missed something, especially checking two different emails?

    Your WMU email account should be your main connection to WMU.  Most messages related to WMU business will come to your WMU email address.  If you only want to check one email account, you can always connect your email accounts with one another.  To track anything related to Orientation, you can log into your Student Orientation Hub and/or refer to your process map.

Orientation Tips

 

Orientation Tips

  1. Each student’s journey is unique- we know it, now you do too- don’t stress about it!
  2. Not all tasks in checklists apply to all students. If one is not applicable to you, simply move on to the next.
  3. Scheduling your classes occurs with your academic advisor during the 1:1 session- be on the lookout for an email directly from them!
  4. Take advantage of all opportunities to meet people and get involved- even virtually- during the Orientation process. Familiar faces on day one, in class or at lunch make campus life much more fun!
  5. We are here to help- no question is dumb or concern unimportant. Email us at orientation@wmich.edu or call our office at (269) 387-2167.