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 24 Info

Summer 2024 orientation registration will open in early February 2024. 

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 2024. 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.

July and August Orientation Agenda

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

View the material that was presented during Orientation 2023.

Bronco Express and 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.

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 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.

Career and Student Employment Services / WMU Signature
Learn about full-time, part-time and internship opportunities on and off campus. This session explains 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.

Health Promotion and Education
Learn about well-being education, student leadership opportunities, and resources available through the HPE Office. Topics include mental health, violence prevention, sexual health, substance use, and more.

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

  • Video of WMU and You: A Safe Space To Be

    WMU and You: A Safe Space to Be

    As you begin your time at WMU, we want to make sure you are aware of your rights and responsibilities, as well as the resources available to help you stay safe. Learn more about public safety, Title IX, and student rights and responsibilities.

July and August Orientation Agenda

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.