New Student Orientation

When registration opens, students will be able to register by:

1. Logging into their Admissions Portal. The link to register will be at the top of the status page once registration opens.
2. Register for the preferred date.

NOTE:  Since students are logging into their admissions portal to register, they must use the email address and password used when  they submitted their 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 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. 

The Commons Dining Hall

Before coming to on-campus orientation, upload an ID photo for your Ram Card.

Learn more about Next Steps for Accepted Students.

Student lunch is in the SECC Dining Hall and is included in the program. Families and Guests can purchase a meal in the dining hall via this link. Another option is if you would like to pay in cash as it helps the meal ticket line move more quickly. Exact change is greatly appreciated! Families and guests are also welcome to explore off-campus lunch options in the Borough of West Chester. 

To view the 2025 January Orientation Schedule, click here. 

 

NSP will host an in-person orientation on January 10th, 2025 and a virtual orientation on January 17th, 2025.

Free parking will be available in the Sharpless Street Parking Garage located at 25 Sharpless Street. Please use this as your primary parking location. If needed, overflow parking will be available in The Commons Parking Garage, 124 North Campus Drive. You can find the garages and Philips Memorial Building on WCU's campus map. 

To avoid being ticketed or towed, do not park in designated faculty/staff parking lots. These require a valid permit and are strictly enforced over the summer. 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 students need to reschedule orientation, please reach out to orientation@wcupa.edu for assistance. Requests to reschedule can only be accommodated if space permits. 

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, and you'll meet with a representative from your academic department who will review scheduling and requirements for your major and answer questions. You'll also learn about all the support services WCU offers to help every Golden Ram be successful.