New Coug Orientation

New Coug Orientation is here to support you in your transition to life as a college student at WSU. Orientation will prepare you for your social, academic, and emotional acclimation, as well as your move to Pullman. New Coug Orientation is a required program for all new students.

WSU offers three program options:

June and July overnight immersive sessions all students are eligible and highly encouraged to attend these sessions.
August Week of Welcome sessions eligible students include: Experience WSU participants, non-resident students traveling more than 350 miles, transfer students (at least one term in college after high school), veterans, and adults 25 years+.
Online New Coug Orientation sessions eligible students include Experience WSU participants, transfer students (at least one term of college after high school), veterans, and adult students 25 years+.

Before orientation, you’ll complete CougReady Step 1 online and attend a virtual consultation with an academic advisor to schedule your classes.

During orientation, you will be a part of a small group of other new Cougs guided by an orientation leader (OL) who is a current student. Your OL will lead you through your session as you are introduced to your college, academic support resources, and student life. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to ask questions, make new friends, and fully immerse yourself in Coug life.

90% of students agree Orientation helped prepare them for their first semester at WSU

New Coug Orientation Sessions

OC Carlos helps new Cougs register for class

Fall Start New Coug Orientation

New Coug Orientation is a required program for ALL new students. Fall Start Orientation is for students admitted to WSU for the summer or fall 2026 terms. All new Cougs MUST complete CougReady Step 1 (online module) and attend their virtual advising consultation before attending New Coug Orientation.

Learn more about Fall Start Orientation

Students sitting at Spring Orientation Welcome

Spring Start Orientation

Spring New Coug Orientation is a one-day program for first-year and transfer students beginning classes in January. Students attending Spring orientation will complete academic advising and course registration virtually before arriving for their session.

Learn more about Spring Start Orientation

Student's father proudly displaying WSU DAD t-shirt

Family & Supporter Orientation

The Family and Supporter Orientation sessions provide WSU families and supporters with the tools necessary to support their new Coug’s transition to WSU. The program is separate from the student program but takes place at the same time during June and July in- person sessions.

On-campus Spring Family & Supporter Orientation

On-campus Fall-Start Family & Supporter Orientation

Community Based Family Programs

The new La Bienvenida

Families who speak Spanish are invited to attend a family welcome program known as La Bienvenida. La Bienvenida programs are offered May in communities throughout Washington. These sessions offer information in Spanish about the WSU community, financial services, and on-campus support services.

The new Hawai‘i Family & Supporter Welcome Programs

Hawai‘i families are encouraged to participate in a community welcome centering on their student’s experiences as they prepare for the transition to college and life in Pullman, WA.

International Student Tutorial

International students must attend both a New Coug Orientation Program and the International Student Tutorial.

Learn more about the tutorial

Families & Supporters Can Stay Informed Too!

Visit the WSU Family Website or join the WSU Pullman Parents Facebook Group to stay updated on all you need to know as your new Coug starts college.

Welcome to WSU!