We look forward to you joining the Western Carolina University community! The Orientation
program is designed to provide you with quality academic advising and to help you
become familiar with university life and university services. While on campus students
will be able to meet their advisor and register for classes, configure their computer
to our network and meet representatives from on and off campus who provide students
with services and support.
Students and guests must pre-register to participate in New Student Orientation. Participation
and program cost is $125 per student which includes meals and accommodations.
Please plan to arrive between 9 am and 10:30 am for residence hall check-in at Scott
Hall. Orientation check-in at the Ramsey Center will begin at 10:30 am. Students
and guests will check-in at the residence hall first and then proceed to the Ramsey
Center for their name badges and other materials. All students and guests must check-in
to their residence hall and arrive at the Ramsey Center by 11:30 am.
Early Arrival: Students and guests that have opted for early arrival should plan to arrive on campus
between 7 pm and 10 pm the day before the session. Directional signs will guide you
to Scott Hall for check-in.
Rafting Trip: Want to get to know some of your fellow Catamounts better and have a great time on
one of the nation’s most exciting whitewater destinations? Plan on showing up for
your Orientation session a day early and to participate in the First Ascent Rafting
trip. Learn More
Please note: Rafting is for students only.
Orientation will begin at 8 am in the AK Hinds University Center on the 3rd floor.
We look forward to you joining the Western Carolina University community! The Orientation
program is designed to provide you with quality academic advising and to help you
become familiar with university life and university services. While on campus students
will be able to meet their advisor and register for classes, configure their computer
to our network and meet representatives from on and off campus who provide students
with services and support.
Students and guests must pre-register to participate in New Student Orientation. Participation
and program cost is $70 per student which includes meals.
Transcripts: Previous to your Orientation session, please submit your official transcripts for
evaluation. If you have not submitted the transcripts in advance, please bring a
copy with you to Orientation.
Please plan to arrive between 8 am and 9 am for check in at the A.K. Hinds University
Center, 3rd floor, Grand Room. A continental breakfast will begin at 8 am followed
by your first academic meeting. Orientation will conclude around 3-4 pm.
Orientation Parking: Parking for Orientation will be marked. Future students and their guests will be
allowed to park in designated areas. All vehicles must be parked in a legal parking
spot. Individuals requiring accommodations can use their placard and park in the
appropriate slots.
New Student Orientation helps incoming students through university processes and ensures
that students are ready to start the new semester on the right foot. During Orientation,
students will register for classes, set up their computer and complete any last minute
entrance requirements. Orientation also provides an overview of campus resources and
services including:
- Financial Aid
- Student health and student health insurance
- Residential Living
- Dining services/meal plans
- Student accounts and e-bills
First-year student, Academic Success Program and Catamount Gap Orientation lasts a
day and a half and family members can participate for a cost of $70 per person.
Family members can participate in the single day Transfer student Orientation for
a cost of $30.
Participation fees cover the cost of meals, printing, building usage fees and pay
for the student staff. Those interested in spending the night in a residence hall
during Orientation can do so for an additional $30 per person per night's stay.
New Student Orientation is designed so that you will receive quality academic advising
and become familiar with your new home-away-from home. Please be sure to complete
all of the items in the ‘Before Coming to Orientation’ list before arriving on campus.
Academic Success Program (June 20-21, 2019)
Check- In: Please plan to arrive on June 20, 2019. When you arrive on campus, report to Reynolds
Hall for Check-in. All students should plan to arrive by 11 am. Detailed information
about the check-in process will be mailed to you in early June.
Early Arrival: Check-in is available on the evening of June 19, 2019 between the hours of 7 pm and
10 pm for an additional charge. Please contact the Orientation office at 828.227.7735
for more information.
Items to Bring: Each member of your party staying in our residence halls should bring linens for
a long twin bed, a pillow, toiletries, towels, comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes,
umbrella and we recommend that students bring a fan; parents will be housed in an
air-conditioned facility. If you require accommodations that are handicap accessible,
please contact our office immediately. (See the Residential Living home page, for specific details regarding what you can and cannot bring to your campus room.)
Keys: All participants will be issued standard keys to their room and an electronic card
to access the residence hall entrance. All participants are urged to keep their rooms
locked at all times, and to keep their keys and card secure. Failure to return standard
keys upon departure will result in a $100 replacement fee per key.
Parking Permits: Summer parking permits will be available for $62. Students must bring proof of insurance
and vehicle registration, along with the summer parking registration form.
Catamount Gap (June 24-25, 2019)
Check- In: Please plan to arrive on June 24, 2019. When you arrive on campus, report to Harrill
Hall for Check-in. All students should plan to arrive by 11 am. Detailed information
about the check-in process will be mailed to you in early June.
Early Arrival: Check-in is available on the evening of June 23, 2019 between the hours of 7 pm and
10 pm for an additional charge. Please contact the Orientation office at 828.227.7735
for more information.
Items to Bring: Each member of your party staying in our residence halls should bring linens for
a long twin bed, a pillow, toiletries, towels, comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes,
umbrella and we recommend that students bring a fan; parents will be housed in an
air-conditioned facility. If you require accommodations that are handicap accessible,
please contact our office immediately. (See the Residential Living home page, for specific details regarding what you can and cannot bring to your campus room.)
Keys: All participants will be issued standard keys to their room and an electronic card
to access the residence hall entrance. All participants are urged to keep their rooms
locked at all times, and to keep their keys and card secure. Failure to return standard
keys upon departure will result in a $100 replacement fee per key.
Parking Permits: Summer parking permits will be available for $62. Students must bring proof of insurance
and vehicle registration, along with the summer parking registration form.
We look forward to having you on campus for a great orientation and for your participation
in our Summer Learning Communities!
The Orientation fee includes lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast and lunch on
day two for all registered participants. All other meals, including breakfast the
first day, are on your own.
The student fee amount for Catamount Gap and the Academic Success Program is $145.
