New Coug Orientation

What is New Coug Orientation?

New Coug Orientation is a required program for ALL new students.

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. 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.

**Details to schedule your remote online advising consultation and course registration appointment will be emailed to you. Appointments will take place up until 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
  • 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Early Orientation Events
  • 9:30 | New Coug Orientation Welcome
  • 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. | Volunteering for Positive Community Impact
  • 3:50 p.m. | Interest Presentation 1
  • 4:30 p.m. | Interest Presentation 2
  • 5:00 p.m. | Transitions with Orientation Leader (OL)
  • 6:00 p.m. | Dinner

Day 2

  • 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast
  • 8:00 a.m. | Academic Success and Tech Ready
  • 9:15 a.m. | Finding Your Place in Your Academic College
  • 10:45 a.m. | Resource Fair and Housing Tours
  • 12:15 p.m. | Next Steps and Cougar Card Distribution
  • 12:30 p.m. | Check out of Stephenson and End of Program

Next Steps