New Student Orientation

1. Log into your Admissions Portal.*
2. Find the link to register at the top of your status page.
3. Choose your preferred date.
4. To change your orientation after you've registered, please email orientation@wcupa.edu.

*Since you are logging into your admissions portal to register, use the email address and password you used when you submitted your admissions application to WCU.

New Student Programs is committed to making orientation accessible to all new Golden Rams and their guests. Please specify your needs on your orientation registration form, or reach out to us at orientation@wcupa.edu or (610) 436-3305 to discuss: 

Accessibility Needs
We will do our best to accommodate all accessibility needs. The sooner we know about your needed accommodation, the more time we have to prepare. While we will make every effort to meet your needs, we may be unable to assist with accommodation requests received fewer than two weeks before your scheduled orientation and will communicate any progress with you.

Spanish Language Interpretation
New Student Programs offers interpretation services to our Spanish-speaking students and guests. Please let us know on your registration form or email us at orientation@wcupa.edu if you or your guest would like to utilize this service, and one of our interpreters will reach out to discuss your needs.

Low Sensory Spaces
We recognize that some of the large sessions at orientation may cause sensory concerns for some individuals. Alternative, low-sensory spaces will be available to make those sessions accessible to new Rams and their guests. Please see any member of the orientation staff on your orientation day and they can direct you to this space.  A low-sensory space is also available during lunch as an alternative to The Commons Dining Hall. 

Before coming to on-campus orientation, be sure to upload an ID photo for your Ram Card at least 48 hours before the program.

Only students who upload a photo at least 48 hours ahead of time will be able to pick up their ID card at orientation.

The student's lunch in the dining hall is included in the program. Guests can purchase a meal ticket to eat in the dining hall for $5.50 at orientation, or they are welcome to explore off-campus lunch options in the Borough of West Chester.

We greatly appreciate your bringing cash to purchase your guest meal ticket if possible--exact change is great! This means less time in line and more time to eat for everyone. Thank you.

We know orientation is an exciting time for the entire family, but due to space limitations, each student is permitted to bring only one guest to orientation. We appreciate your cooperation with this policy in order to ensure a productive orientation day for everyone. Guests and students will attend separate orientation sessions for portions of the day.  Parents, guardians, and anyone who supports a Golden Ram are encouraged to sign up for Ram Fam Central to help them stay up to date on the latest news, information and happenings at WCU.

On-campus Orientation check-in starts at 8:15 AM at Sykes Student Union on Rosedale Avenue. The orientation program begins at 9 AM and will end at approximately 3 PM.  See the full student and guest schedules below.

Virtual orientation begins promptly at 9 AM and ends at approximately 12 PM. You cay log on to the virtual orientation up to 15 minutes ahead of the program's start time.

January On-Campus Student Schedule

January On-Campus Guest Schedule

January Virtual Orientation Schedule

Friday, January 12, 2024 - On-campus orientation*
Friday, January 19, 2024 - Virtual Orientation

*If on-campus orientation must be canceled due to inclement weather, students will be rescheduled for the January 19 virtual orientation.

Free parking will be available behind the Sykes Student Union. Alternate parking is located in M Lot adjacent to the Swope Music Building. 

To avoid being ticketed or towed, do not park in faculty/staff parking lots. These require a valid permit and are strictly enforced. Street parking is controlled by the Borough of West Chester and is also strictly enforced. If parking on the street, you will need to pay at the meter or kiosk. West Chester University does not validate or reimburse for Borough-controlled parking. 

If you need to reschedule your January orientation, reach out to orientation@wcupa.edu. 

The West Chester University Resource Pantry supports student success by minimizing food and basic need insecurity and preparing students for life after graduation.

As a new Golden Ram, you can help support the Resource Pantry's mission by bringing a donation with you to orientation! The most-needed items for the Resource Pantry include:

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Dish soap
• Dryer sheets
• Laundry pods
• Lotion
• Menstrual Care Products
• Paper towels
• Reusable shopping bags
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Shaving lotion
• Soap (bar and pump)
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrushes/oral care

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

• Backpacks
• Binders
• Folders
• Loose Leaf Paper
• Notebooks
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters
  
  

You can also check out the Resource Pantry's Amazon Wish List for more ideas!

During on-campus orientation, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your orientation leaders and meet other new Rams. You'll also learn about academic, advising, and  the support services WCU offers to help all Golden Rams be successful. 

Virtual orientation offers a series of presentations from departments across campus who will introduce you to and help you understand everything from academics, advising, and how to get involved on campus, to housing, financial aid, and key student support services.