New Student Orientation

Welcome

Congratulations on your decision to attend Western Michigan University. You will soon join the many proud Broncos that are part of the WMU family. Your college years are a time of learning, exploration and self-discovery and there are many opportunities waiting for you. Your WMU journey begins with orientation. You will make great connections with faculty and staff as well as other new students, many of whom could become your friends for life. You will leave orientation with a lot of Bronco pride and the excitement of returning to the campus  to begin your collegiate journey.

Which orientation program should i attend?

 

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

  • All 2020 high school graduates are required to attend Orientation (regardless of how many credits they are transferring in).
  • All 2017, 2018, and 2019 high school graduates (that did not complete any college credits after graduating) are also required to attend New Student Orientation.
  • Early Middle College graduates are required to attend Orientation, the year they plan to begin at Western.

  • Students that are not enrolling on main campus (i.e. students enrolling fully online or at one of our regional campuses) are not required to attend New Student Orientation.

  • View the 2020 Orientation dates.
  • Once you complete your Intent to Enroll form and pay your Enrollment deposit of $100, you will be able to register for New Student Orientation. All of these steps can be completed through the Gold Gateway.  Please note that the Enrollment Deposit is your first payment towards tuition, not your Orientation fee. 
  • There is a $220 Orientation fee that all new students pay with their fall tuition.  This covers programming and staffing for Orientation and first-year programming throughout the year. 

PARENT AND FAMILY ORIENTATION

  • Open to all parent and family members that have a new beginner student starting in the fall semester.   Parent, family members and guests will have a separate orientation program and are encouraged to attend.  Accommodations for parent, family members and guests are not available on campus.  For more information, please CLICK HERE for more information.
  • Parent, family members and guests who have a student starting in the spring are encouraged to attend Spring Orientation with their student.  There is a session just for you during this program.

TRANSITION ORIENTATION PROGRAM

  • Any new transfer, adult learner (age 22+), returner or second bachelor's student starting in the summer I, summer II or fall semester should attend the Transition Orientation Program.  CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
  • Parent, family members and guests who have a student starting in summer I or II or fall are encouraged to attend the Transition Orientation Program with their student.  There is a session just for you during this program.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION

  • International students are required to attend an International Student Orientation.  CLICK HERE for more information.

SPRING ORIENTATION

  • Any new transfer, beginner including adult learner (age 22+), returner or second bachelor's students starting in the spring semester should attend the Spring Orientation Program.  Spring Orientation registration is currently closed and will be available in mid-October.
  • Parent, family members and guests who have a student starting in the spring are encouraged to attend Spring Orientation with their student.  There is a session just for you during this program.

Orientation Resource

The Campus Navigator is live and ready to serve as your guide to Orientation and University resources.