Frequently Asked Questions

New Cougs are making a big commitment in time, money, and resources. Research shows that students who participate in orientation are better prepared to succeed by being set up from the beginning on how to navigate a university, learn at the college level, and develop self-agency as a young adult. 

Please talk with the Math department about any questions regarding the Math Placement.

Math Department Contact Information: Email: math.stats@wsu.edu. Phone: 509-335-3926.

Math Placement Details: http://www.math.wsu.edu/placement/

Math Exemptions: http://www.math.wsu.edu/placement/exceptions.php

Please talk with the Writing department about any questions regarding the Writing Placement.

Writing Department Contact Information: Email: writing.program@wsu.edu. Phone: 509-335-7959.

Writing Placement Details and Exemptions: https://writingprogram.wsu.edu/writing-placement/

Please talk with SLCR-Foreign Languages about any questions regarding the Language Placement.

SLCR-Foreign Languages Language Placement Contact Information: Foreign Languages advisor: heustis@wsu.edu

Foreign Languages – Language Placement Details: https://slcr.wsu.edu/placement-testing/

While students have the opportunity to experience the full immersion of the life of a WSU student, it is up to families/supporters to find appropriate accommodations off campus during the New Coug Orientation. We welcome you to explore the diverse options our Pullman area has to offer. For a full list of hotels around the WSU campus, please visit the Pullman Chamber of Commerce site.

You will meet with an academic advisor during your orientation session.

Families can attend a family and supporter orientation if they would like to learn more about their student’s transition to WSU. More details and updates about this program can be found on our Family and Supporter page.

Orientation is a requirement of all WSU incoming students.

Students with college-level credit earned while in high school need to attend a general orientation program. 

Option #1: Pay with a credit card

Option #2: Students may defer the $250 orientation registration fee on the registration form. The fee will not appear in the student’s account until the first day of classes and can be paid with financial aid.

Option #3: The Office of New Student Enrollment has limited funding available for those who demonstrate financial need. Please contact orientation@wsu.edu to discuss your situation.

 Note: While the student may possibly receive a fee waiver, the waiver only covers the student and not the optional Family & Supporter Orientation fee(s).

Services and programs for new students
Orientation/registration programs
Week of Welcome activities
Meals during orientation session
Parking permits for the duration of the program

You can send medical records to the Cougar Health Services here: cougarhealth@wsu.edu.

Students who are attending the NCO programs must be in compliance with the university’s vaccine requirements. For further details, please visit our Required Immunizations website: https://cougarhealth.wsu.edu/2021/07/23/vaccine-and-exemption-documentation/

Students that are one vaccine away from being becoming fully vaccinated may still attend our NCO. However, the student will not be allowed to stay within WSU Housing unless the student has completed the exemption process.

You will not be able to tour your residence hall during orientation.

You can change your orientation date all on your own! Follow these quick, easy steps:

1. To do this, you must go back on to our website: https://orientation.wsu.edu/sign-up. 
2. Click “Register Here” and log in
3. Click on the session you are currently registered for
4. Click “cancel registration”
5. Return to our website and sign up for a different session

NOTE: Before switching sessions, please check which sessions are still available. You can see these after you select the “Register Here” button. All the available sessions will be on the right hand side of the screen.

For questions about mail services in Pullman, please contact WSU Mailing Services here: https://printing.wsu.edu/mailing-services.

Advising appointments usually range from 30-45 minutes. However, students can expect to wait for their appointment time during the day.

You will need to attend all of the days of your New Coug Orientation in order to fulfill your orientation requirement.

You will meet with an academic advisor on the final day of orientation.

Students will not receive a printed course catalog in the mail. Please refer to the Washington State University Catalog website for further information: https://catalog.wsu.edu/General

The “Undergraduate Advising Hold” will be lifted upon full completion of orientation.

Students can select their intended major when registering for New Coug Orientation. When students meet with an academic advisor during their orientation session, they can then confirm their intended major with their advisor.

The Writing Placement Assessment is a very important piece for students, however, if you missed your opportunity, know that you can simply take a history class this semester and take the writing placement at a later date for your English class for spring semester. Your advisor will help you with this during your advising session on the last day of orientation.

Please talk with the Writing department about any questions regarding the Writing Placement Assessment.

Writing Department Contact Information: Email: writing.program@wsu.edu. Phone: 509-335-7959.

Writing Placement Details and Exemptions: https://writingprogram.wsu.edu/writing-placement/