General Orientation

What is General New Coug Orientation?

New Coug Orientation is a mandatory program for all new students attending fall semester. You are required to attend a session in order to register for classes. You’ll take part in learning modules, view college and department presentations, learn about student life, learn about campus resources, and meet one-on-one with an academic advisor to register for classes. You will be placed in a small group of other New Cougs guided by an orientation counselor who is a current WSU student. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, make new friends, and fully immerse yourself in being a Coug in Pullman.

New Coug Orientation is centered around preparing our students for their transition to university life. Because of this, families and supporters will not be able to attend orientation with their students. If families and supporters wish to learn more about the university, academics, or programs, they may attend our Family & Supporter Orientation which runs concurrently with all our other orientation sessions.

As a part of the New Coug Orientation experience, students are required to stay overnight in the Stephenson Complex. Families and supporters looking for accommodations during New Coug Orientation can explore the many hotel options in the area by visiting our travel information website.

***If attending Fall Orientation, be prepared to move in to your residence hall before Fall Orientation begins. Unlike Summer Orientation, no supplemental housing will be available for Fall Orientation.

Program Cost
Session Dates
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Already Have College Credits?

Students with Running Start or College in the High School must attend one of our General New Coug Orientation session.

Any students with 27+ college semester credits or 40+ college quarter credits may attend our Transfer New Coug Orientation sessions if they would like.

Student Schedule at a Glance

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

Day 1

  • The Fall New Coug Orientation schedule can be found here.
  • Noon – 5:00 PM | Orientation Check-In; CUB (Compton Union Building) Junior Ballroom
  • 3:00 – 5:00 PM | Be #PullmanProud! – Optional Event
  • 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Dinner On Your Own
  • 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Meet Your Orientation Counselor
  • 8:15 p.m. – 10:00 PM | Evening Activities

Day 2

  • 7:15 AM | Meet With Your OCs
  • 7:30 – 8:30 AM | Breakfast
  • 8:45 – 9:30 AM | New Coug Orientation Welcome
  • 9:45 – 10:30 AM | Foundations of Your Academic Journey
  • 10:45 – 11:30 AM | Pre-Advising
  • 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM | Advising & Registration Prep with OCs and Lunch Rotation
  • 1:45 – 2:45 PM | Resource Fair
  • 3:00 – 4:35 PM | Interest Sessions – Choose Your Own Adventure
  • 4:45 – 5:45 PM | Student Life Panel
  • 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Backyard BBQ

Day 3

  • 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Advising and Registration Rotations 
    • Breakfast 
    • Campus Resource Tour 
    • Academic Advising & Registration 
    • Lunch  
    • Next Steps with your OC 
    • Check-Out  
  • 4:00 PM | Program Ends

Family and Supporter Schedule at a Glance

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

Day 1

  • The Fall New Coug Orientation schedule can be found here.
  • Noon – 5:00 PM | Orientation Check-In; CUB (Compton Union Building) Junior Ballroom
  • 3:00 – 5:00 PM | Be #PullmanProud! – Optional Event
    • Be #PullmanProud is an optional event where you can get to know your student’s new community. Visit the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center where you can enjoy light refreshments, learn all about the many amenities and attractions available.
  • 5:00 – 7:15 PM | Dinner On Your Own – Check out local options here
  • 7:15 – 8:00 PM | Welcome Reception for Families and Supporters

Day 2

  • 7:30 – 8:30 AM | Breakfast
  • 8:45 – 9:30 AM | Orientation Welcome
  • 9:30 – 9:45 AM | Meet Your Family and Supporter Staff
  • 10:00 – 10:50 AM | Foundations of the Academic Journey
  • 11:00 – 11:30 AM | Career Services at WSU
  • 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | Lunch
  • 1:00 – 1:45 PM | Finances, Cost of Attendance, and Student Accounts
  • 1:45 – 2:45 PM | Resource Fair
  • 3:00 – 3:45 PM | Free Time, Visit the Bookie, Relax
  • 4:00 – 5:15 PM | Campus Tour
  • 5:35 – 7:30 PM | Backyard BBQ

Day 3

  • 7:30 – 8:45 AM | Breakfast
  • 9:00 – 11:45 AM | Interest Sessions – Choose Your Own Adventure
  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch
  • 1:30 – 2:45 PM | Family Transitions – Staying Connected and Letting Go
  • 3:00 – 4:00 PM | New Coug Orientation Session Closing and Evaluation
  • 4:00 PM | Program Ends

Next Steps