Spring Start Orientation

Countdown timer to January 8

What is Spring New Coug Orientation?

New Coug Orientation is a required, in-person program for all new students attending spring semester. During your one-day orientation program you will attend college presentations, engage in student life activities, and learn about campus resources. 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.

Before you arrive in-person for Spring Orientation, you will need to complete remote online academic advising and register for classes.

Steps to complete virtual advising:

  1. Confirm your enrollment at WSU.
  2. Register for Spring New Coug Orientation.
  3. Schedule your remote online advising appointment.*
  4. Complete the Pathway to Course Registration Modules. The modules will help you identify what placement assessments to take and how to prepare for advising.
  5. Register for the classes discussed with your advisor.
  6. Attend in-person Spring New Coug Orientation on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

*Once registered for Spring Orientation, students can schedule a remote online advising appointment via the custom checklist linked in their registration confirmation email. If remote advising was not completed before Thursday, December 18 students should use the same link to schedule an appointment to be advised and register for classes on Friday, January 9.

Thursday, January 8, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Registration for 2026 Spring Start Orientation is now closed. Please contact orientation@wsu.edu to register for a session later in January to fulfill your New Coug Orientation requirement.

OC scanning a new Coug's QR code to check in for orientation.

Tips for your remote online advising appointment:

  • Have unofficial transcripts on hand from all previous and current college level coursework.
  • Be ready to discuss transfer credit and your academic plan.
  • Take any necessary placement assessments.

Questions? Contact the Transfer Center
509-335-8704

Spring Family & Supporter Orientation

Student, their supporters, and Butch in front of the WSU Fight Song banner.

Students registered for Spring Orientation can register up to two supporters to attend an express Spring Family & Supporter Orientation. During the program, supporters will learn more about WSU’s academics, campus resources, and your role in supporting your new Coug in this transition. There will be a few times during the program where students, families, and supporters come together, including lunch. There is no cost for this express program.

Looking for accommodations during move-in and orientation? Explore your hotel, restaurant, and recreation options in the area by visiting our travel information website.

Schedules at a glance

Schedules are subject to change without notice. Please check often for updates. A detailed schedule will be provided at check-in.

*The Spring NCO Family and Supporter Orientation is an express program that mostly coincides with the student program. Events with an asterisk* separate family and supporters from their student.

Student schedule

  • 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Check-in & resource fair
  • 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Welcome
  • Meet your orientation counselor*
  • Resource tour*
  • Lunch
  • Academic foundations presentations
  • Interest sessions*
  • 5:30 | Dinner*
  • Optional evening activities*

Family & supporter schedule

  • 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Check-in & resource fair
  • 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Welcome
  • Family resources presentation*
  • Campus tour*
  • Lunch
  • Academic foundations presentations
  • From family to Coug community*
  • 3:15 p.m. | End of family and supporter programming

Next Steps