New Student Orientation

Dinner

Meal times are determined by residence hall.  Students must use their meal swipe

• 5-5:45PM (Allegheny, Tyson, and University Hall)
• 6-6:45PM (Brandywine and Goshen Hall)
• 7-7:45PM (Commonwealth, Killinger, and Schmidt Hall)

Resident Floor Meetings

The First Floor Meeting is your first opportunity to meet your floor and learn more about the resources and support available to you in your residence hall. Your Resident Assistants will cover important information about living on campus, including community standards, safety protocols, and upcoming events. You will be able to ask questions, co-create floor expectations, and begin to build your caring, vibrant, student-centered residential community. Attendance at your first floor meeting is mandatory.

Night at the Rec

The Student Recreation Center welcomes the Class of 2028 with a night of fun-filled programs, activities, and giveaways. At this event you’ll be able to learn about our facilities, fitness programs, outdoor adventure pursuits, intramurals, and sport clubs offered both on and off campus. Food & drinks will also be provided. Please see list of activities below:

• “Hot Spot” shooting contest – 9:00-10:00PM (2nd Floor Basketball Courts)
• Plank and Pushup Challenges – 9:00-10:30PM (2nd Floor Turf Area)
• Open Climb – 9:00-10:30PM(Climbing Wall)
• “Mountain Ready” Fitness Test – 9:00-10:30PM (Climbing Wall)
• BodyPump w/ Amber - 9:15-9:45PM (Studio B - register on IMLeagues ahead of time to secure your spot)
• Cycle w/ Arie - 9:30-10:15PM (Studio C - register on IMLeagues ahead of time to secure your spot)

Outdoor Movie: Kung Fu Panda 4

Enjoy an outdoor movie and buttery popcorn on our Residential Quad. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on. No Kung Fu moves needed! 

Rain location: Sykes Student Union Ballrooms

Therapy Dogs

Hang out with some cuddly therapy dogs and learn more about our Counseling Center on campus.

Be Well Hut 

Join the Wellness Promotion Peer Educators at their Welcome Week BeWell Hut - a pop up, hands-on, tabling experience, to test your knowledge of a standard drink size. You will also practice your pour and learn more about the offerings and services of Wellness Promotion at WCU. Take home some Wellness Promotion swag for participating!

Rain location: Student Recreation Center

Goats & Totes

The name says it all! Come spend some quality time with therapy goats, take pictures, and grab a free Rammy tote bag (while supplies last)!

Rain Date: Friday August 23, 12-2PM

Chill with FSL

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon with Fraternity and Sorority Life! Indulge in free ice cream while getting to know our vibrant fraternity and sorority community at Ram Park. Enjoy live music from a DJ, engage in lawn games, and snag some exciting giveaways! Don’t miss out—come meet our members and experience the excitement!

Rain Location: Sykes Student Union Ballrooms

Dinner at the Commons Carnival

Step right up for an evening of delicious fun and festive flair! Join us in the Commons Dining Hall for a Carnival Dinner like no other. Enjoy a variety of carnival-themed dishes and classic favorites, all served up in a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Meal times are determined by residence hall floor. Students must use their meal swipe. Please see your schedule below:

4:30PM

• Allegheny Floors 2, 4, & 6
• Tyson Floors 3, 5, & 7
• Schmidt Floors 1 & 3
• Killinger Floor 2

5:30PM

• Brandywine Floors 3,5, & 7 
• Commonwealth Floors 2, 4, 6, & 8
• Goshen Floors 3, 5, & 7

6:30PM

• Allegheny Floors 1, 3, 5, & 7
• Tyson Floors 2, 4, & 6
• Schmidt Floors 2 & 4
• Killinger Floors 1 & 3

7:30PM

• Brandywine Floors 1,2,4, & 6 
• Commonwealth Floors 1, 3, 5,& 7
• Goshen Floors 2, 4, & 6

Floor Meetings

The First Floor Meeting is your first opportunity to meet your floor and learn more about the resources and support available to you in your residence hall. Your Resident Assistants will cover important information about living on campus, including community standards, safety protocols, and upcoming events. You will be able to ask questions, co-create floor expectations, and begin to build your  caring, vibrant, student-centered residential community. Attendance at your first floor meeting is mandatory.

Ram Rally

Get ready for the Ram Rally—a WCU tradition to ignite school spirit and welcome our new Golden Rams with a bang! This vibrant event showcases the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, the spirited Cheerleading Team, and our cherished mascot, Rammy.

Join us at the Academic Quad wearing your hall colors, and immerse yourself in the excitement. Enjoy the lively festivities and score tons of free Ram swag! Don’t miss out on this incredible kickoff to Welcome Week!

Please wear your hall colors to this event!

• Allegheny: Blue
• Brandywine: Gray
• Commonwealth: Green
• Goshen: Pink
• Killinger: Red
• Tyson: Orange
• Schmidt/University/South Campus/Commuters: Sky Blue

Rain Location: TBD

Responsible Rams

MANDATORY for first-year students residing in: Brandywine & Commonwealth Halls.

College life presents an opportunity to build meaningful social connections, explore new interests, and find your purpose on campus. During this session, you will hear WCU students share their experiences about their first year. Topics will include navigating social events, balancing time and schedules, and advice on decision making as responsible rams. You will learn valuable information that will help you make informed choices while enjoying your college experience!

Design your own Canvas Painting

Unleash your inner artist at our "Design Your Own Canvas Painting" event! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, join us for a fun and relaxed morning of creativity. You must sign up in advance for this event and it is limited to 30 people.

• Preregister for 9-10AM
• Preregister for 10-11AM

On-Campus Job Expo

Searching for an on-campus job? Don’t miss the On-Campus Job Expo! This is your chance to connect with campus employers and explore a variety of job opportunities right here on campus. Come find the perfect position to fit your schedule and interests!

Responsible Rams

MANDATORY for first-year students residing in: Allegheny & Goshen Halls.

College life presents an opportunity to build meaningful social connections, explore new interests, and find your purpose on campus. During this session, you will hear WCU students share their experiences about their first year. Topics will include navigating social events, balancing time and schedules, and advice on decision making as responsible rams. You will learn valuable information that will help you make informed choices while enjoying your college experience!

Connect, Not Compare 

Join us for an interactive workshop where you’ll team up with peers in pairs or small groups to play a connection card game. This engaging activity features thought-provoking questions and fun ice-breaker exercises designed to help you build deeper, more meaningful relationships with others. Dive in and enhance your connections in a lively and supportive environment!  

Tie Dye with your RAs

Unleash your creativity and add a splash of color to your day at our Tie-Dye with your RAs Event! Join us for a vibrant, hands-on event where you can design and personalize your own tie-dye creations. Whether you’re a tie-dye pro or a first-timer, we’ve got everything you need to make your masterpiece. Bring a plain white shirt, tote bag, or any fabric item you want to transform, or be one of the first 50 attendees to receive a t-shirt representing your residence hall! Let your imagination run wild and take home a colorful, custom creation that’s as unique as you are. Don’t miss out on this chance to express yourself and have fun with friends!

Rain Location: Residence Hall Lobby

Responsible Rams

MANDATORY for first-year students residing in: Killinger, Schmidt, and Tyson Halls.

College life presents an opportunity to build meaningful social connections, explore new interests, and find your purpose on campus. During this session, you will hear WCU students share their experiences about their first year. Topics will include navigating social events, balancing time and schedules, and advice on decision making as responsible rams. You will learn valuable information that will help you make informed choices while enjoying your college experience!

Office of Sustainability Open House 

Meet the Sustainability staff and Peer Educators while enjoying snacks and environmentally-themed games.

Build Your Own First-Aid Kits

Come visit the Student Health Center (SHC) and make your own First-Aid Kit to get you prepared for the year.  Open to the first 100 students.  While you are there, be sure to ask for a tour and learn about the services SHS provides.

Deans Meeting: Arts & Humanities

MANDATORY for first-year and transfer students in the College of Arts and Humanities. The majors include:  Art & Design, Communications & Media, English, History, Languages and Cultures, Philosophy, Theatre and Dance, Women's and Gender Studies.

College of Arts & Humanities students are invited to meet the Dean of your college, Dr. Jen Bacon, and connect with faculty and staff as you prepare for the upcoming semester. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with your mentors, explore departmental resources, and set yourself up for a successful term. Don’t miss this chance to start the semester on the right foot!

Deans Meeting: Business & Public Management

MANDATORY for first-year and transfer students in the College of Business & Public Management. The majors include: Accounting, Business Analytics, Business Management, Criminal Justice, Economics, Finance, Geography, International Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Urban and Environmental Planning.

College of Business and Public Management students are invited to meet the dean of your college, Dr. Evan Leach, and connect with faculty and staff as you gear up for the new semester. This is a valuable opportunity to engage with your mentors, discover departmental resources, and set yourself up for a successful term. Don’t miss out on this chance to kick off the semester with confidence and support!

Consent Carnival

Join the Center for Women and Gender Equity for consent themed fun! Activities include giant Jenga, a boundary wheel, a sexual geography map and more. Grab some WCU swag and enjoy some classic carnival snacks!

First Gen Fry-Day

Are you a student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a four-year college degree? That means you're first generation! Learn about resources and meet other first-gen students and enjoy fries from Chickie's & Pete’s!

Deans Meeting: Science & Mathematics

MANDATORY for first-year and transfer students in the College of Science & Mathematics. The majors include: Anthropology and Sociology, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Engineering, Political Science, and Psychology.

Attention College of Science and Mathematics students! Join us for a special event where you can meet the Dean of your college, Dr. Jessica OShaughnessy, and connect with faculty and staff as you get ready for the new semester. This is your chance to interact with your mentors, discover valuable departmental resources, and lay the groundwork for a successful term. Seize this opportunity to begin the semester with confidence and strong support!

Deans Meeting: Education & Social Work

MANDATORY for first-year and transfer students in the College of Education & Social Work. The majors include: Early & Middle Grades Education, Secondary Education, Educational Foundation and Policies, Literacy, K-12 Health and Physical Education, Social Work, and Special Education.

Get ready for an exciting kick-off, College of Education & Social Work students! Join us for a meeting with th Dean of your college, Dr. Desha Williams, where you'll have the chance to meet your faculty and staff and gear up for the semester. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect, have some fun, and get excited about the term ahead!

Welcome to the Borough

All students are invited to join us during Welcome Week in the heart of beautiful downtown West Chester for our Welcome to the Borough program! See what the Borough has to offer with exclusive student discounts, including places to eat, shop, snap photos, volunteer, and visit iconic West Chester locations. Don’t forget to claim your free t-shirt and exclusive Welcome to the Borough bag! As a WCU student, you are part of the West Chester community, so start exploring your town now! Hop on the WCU shuttle at Wayne Hall to get to downtown West Chester and take the shuttle back home to campus.

This event is rain or shine!

Wellness Trivia at Chickie's & Pete's

Put your wellness and trivia knowledge to the test while enjoying delicious Chickie’s and Pete’s! The first 50 students will snag a voucher for free fries, and you could even win a prize! Join us for a fun-filled event with great food, exciting trivia, and the chance to walk away with some awesome rewards. Don’t miss out!

Glitz, Glam, and Bingo!

Who is ready for Glitz, Glam, and a whole lot of Drag Bingo?! Stop on by Rams After Hours for a night of wonder and fun to end your Friday right. Let’s start this semester with a little bit of sparkle and some glamorous prizes! Sponsored by the Student Activities Council (SAC).

Title IX and Consent: Stacy Rose

MANDATORY for first-year students residing in: Brandywine and Commonwealth Halls.

An audience interactive program that addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios presented by consent education expert Stacey Rose!

Gordon Natural Area Tour

Learn about the plants and animals of the Gordon Natural Area (GNA) from GNA Stewardship Manager Dr. Nur Ritter. Walk, bike, or take the Gold Loop shuttle and request they stop at R lot to get to and from the GNA.

REQUEST R-LOT STOP ON THE WAY BACK

Title IX and Consent: Stacy Rose

MANDATORY for first-year students residing in: Allegheny and Goshen Halls.

An audience interactive program that addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios presented by consent education expert Stacey Rose!

Title IX and Consent: Stacy Rose

MANDATORY for first-year students residing in: Killinger, Schmidt, and Tyson Halls.

An audience interactive program that addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios presented by consent education expert Stacey Rose!

Transfer Student Swag Swap 

Calling all transfer students:  swap your old school's swag for some new WCU gear!

Rain Location: Inside The Village Clubhouse

West Chester University First Responders Meet and Greet

Please join us at Dinniman Plaza in front of the new SECC building for a chance to meet with area first responders and learn more about the Fire, EMS, and Police services. This event is designed to bring students, staff, and campus community together with their local first responders in a friendly environment to discuss any topic of concern or just chat.

This event is rain or shine!

Pot a Plant

You are invited to plant cuttings of various plants while supplies last! Seeds and pot painting activities will be available throughout the event. Fresh produce grown in our own campus garden will also be available to take at this event while supplies last. This event is sponsored by the Office of Sustainability and the Francis Harvey Green Library. 

Butterfly Garden

Join us for an enchanting afternoon amidst nature's delicate beauties at our Butterfly Garden Event! Step into a world of vibrant colors and graceful movements as we explore the fascinating life of butterflies.

Rain Location: Sykes Student Union Ballroom A

Ram Park (next to the Sykes Student Union, near Parking Lot)

Cupcake Decorating at the Library

Join us for an exciting and delicious afternoon at our Cupcake Decorating Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking to have some fun, this event is perfect for you. We have teamed up with Yori's Bakery to bring you blank chocolate and vanilla cupcakes ready for your creative touch.

Vision Board Creation Workshop

Unleash your creativity and envision your future at our Vision Board Creation Workshop! This inspiring event is designed to help you set your goals and dreams for the upcoming semester and beyond. We provide everything you need to create a personalized vision board that reflects your aspirations.

Rams Boardwalk Bash

Join us at Sykes Student Union as we bring the boardwalk to WCU! Come enjoy tasty boardwalk treats, fun activities, and  meet other Golden Rams! Sponsored by the Student Activities Council (SAC). 

Sykes Student Union (Ballrooms, TV Lounge, and Outdoor Pergola)

Ram Magic

Join us at for an unforgettable evening of enchantment and wonder! Experience the mesmerizing magic of Kid Ace, an internationally renounced magician, seen on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Steve Harvey Show, and in music videos from artists like MGMT and Lil Yachty.

The magic begins at 8pm at Asplundh Concert Hall, featuring fresh popcorn, exciting giveaways, tarot card readers, caricature artists, and more.

Show starts at 10pm.  Don't miss out on this magical night of entertainment and surprises!

Find that Class and Gourmet Coffee Truck

Campus may seem large (it’s 403 acres after all!), but you got this! Student Government Members and Orientation Leaders are here to walk you around campus to check out where your classes will be held. Bring your class schedule, stop at the free gourmet coffee truck, and get searching! Did I mention free coffee?!

This event is rain or shine!

Deans Meeting: University College

MANDATORY for first-year and transfer students in University College. This includes Exploratory Studies (undecided) and Interdisciplinary Studies.

This meeting is a great chance for University College students to connect with the Dean of your college, Dr. Tabetha Adkins, and gear up for the new semester. Engage with your mentors, ask questions, and get all the information you need to start the term off right. It’s your opportunity to make valuable connections and set yourself up for success!

Deans Meeting: Wells School of Music

MANDATORY for first-year and transfer students in the Wells School of Music. The majors include: Music Education, Music Performance, Music, and Music Therapy.

This meeting offers Wells School of Music students a fantastic opportunity to meet the School's Dean, Dr. Chris Hanning, and prepare for the upcoming semester. It’s a chance to engage with your mentors, ask important questions, and gather all the essential information to kick off the term confidently. Don’t miss this opportunity to build connections and set yourself up for a successful start!

Big Queer Welcome

Are you a friend of Dorothy? This year's Big Queer Welcome transports you to the Wonderful World of Oz! We'll follow the yellow brick road from Munchkinland to the gleaming Emerald City. Let us introduce our welcoming and diverse body of Trans and Queer students, faculty, and staff to start the semester off right. Join the LGBTQIA+ community at WCU for a mix & mingle event featuring themed mocktails, a bountiful brunch, and fabulous giveaways. We’ll introduce LGBTQIA+ resources at WCU and get to know our newest community members. We can’t wait to see you over the rainbow!

Tacos with Transfers

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It! Join your fellow transfer students for delicious walking tacos and great company. It’s the perfect chance to meet new friends, enjoy some tasty food, and have a fantastic time!

Men of Color Meet-Up

All incoming male students of color are welcome to this informal reception. The event will be hosted by VP Dr. Zeb Davenport and Chief Ray Stevenson. Remarks will be at 1:20pm, followed by an opportunity for students to meet other faculty and staff who identify as men of color. Students are encouraged to drop in when they can, grab some food, and connect in brotherhood.

Deans Meeting: Health Sciences

MANDATORY for first-year and transfer students in the College of Health Sciences.  The majors include: Environmental Health, Public Health, Health Sciences, Respiratory Care.

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet the Dean of your college, Dr. Scott Heinerichs, and kick off the semester with confidence! This event is designed for students to engage directly with the Dean, learn about upcoming initiatives, and gain valuable insights into the college’s resources and opportunities.

Class Photo - 2028

MANDATORY for all first-year students!

Welcome, Class of 2028! Before you dive into your first college course, seize this chance to make your mark on campus. Head to the Academic Quad for a memorable welcome event where you will snap a photo with your entire class spelling out 2 0 2 8, enjoy delicious ice cream and water ice from local trucks, and receive your exclusive class t-shirt. Join us for a fun-filled gathering and kick off your college journey with excitement and camaraderie!