Fall Start Orientation

What is Fall Start New Coug Orientation?

New Coug Orientation is a required program for ALL new students. Fall Start Orientation is intended for students admitted to WSU for the summer or fall 2026 terms.

New Coug Orientation sessions for fall start students are offered in June and July. August programs are express one-day programs focused on supporting international, transfer, and students who are unable to attend an immersive summer program in their transition to WSU. August programs do not include Family & Supporter Orientation programming and guests cannot be accommodated. Supporters of students attending August orientation sessions are encouraged to take advantage of the summer webinar series.

Before attending orientation, all new Cougs must complete their Pre-Orientation section of the New Student Checklist. This includes preparing for and attending a remote online advising consultation and course registration appointment. There will not be any advising or course registration on-site at orientation sessions.

Register for New Coug Orientation

On-site Summer Family and Supporter Orientation

We encourage families and supporters to learn more about the university, academics, and resources by attending our Family & Supporter Orientation focused on their role in supporting their new Coug in the transition to WSU. Families and supporters will attend a unique track, separate from their student.

Already Have College Credits?

Any student with 27+ college semester credits or 40+ college quarter credits after high school is considered a transfer student at WSU.

Learn about Transfer Orientation

Fall Start Orientation Requirements

All new Cougs must complete their Pre-Orientation section of the New Student Checklist before attending orientation.

  1. Complete CougReady Step 1.*
  2. Take any required placement assessments, or identify an exception in Step 1.
  3. Submit updated unofficial transcripts and test scores.
  4. Schedule and attend a remote, online advising consultation and course registration appointment.**
  5. Register for classes in myWSU during your appointment.

*CougReady Step 1 access will be emailed to you in early May.

**Details to schedule your remote online advising consultation and course registration appointment will be emailed in early May. Appointments will take place between Monday, June 1 and Thursday, July 30. There will not be on-site advising at orientation.

Student Schedule at a Glance

The New Coug Orientation schedule is subject to change without notice. Please check often for updates. A detailed schedule will be provided at check-in.

Day 1

  • 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Stephenson Check-In
  • 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | CUB Check-In + WSU Resources (VMASS, Cougar Health, Bookie, CoreTech, CougarCard Plus, Transfer Center)
  • 9:30 | Welcome and New Coug Orientation Overview
  • 10:00 a.m. | Meet your Orientation Leader (OL)
  • 10:40 a.m. | Community Connection Session 1
  • 11:35 a.m. | Lunch and Campus Tour Rotations
  • 2:00 p.m. | Community Connection Session 2
  • 2:55 p.m. | Community Connection Session 3
  • 3:50 p.m. | Interest Presentation 1
  • 4:30 p.m. | Interest Presentation 2
  • 5:00 p.m. | Transitions with Orientation Leader (OL)
  • 5:45 p.m. | Dinner
  • 7:30 p.m. | Evening Activities

Day 2

  • 7:00 a.m. | Breakfast
  • 8 a.m. | Winning Strategies for Academic Success + Be Tech Ready
  • 9:15 a.m. | Academic Open Houses
  • 10:30 a.m. | Resource Fair, Cougar Card and Housing Tours
  • 12:15 – 12:30 p.m. | Closing with Orientation Leader (OL), Check out of Stephenson, and End of Program

Next Steps