New Student Orientation

Registration for first year students opens in April 2025.  Once registration is open, students may log in to the Admissions Portal to register.  

New for 2025, each student is welcome to bring up to four guests to orientation.  Please complete the guest registration portion of the orientation registration.  
  
There is a $30 registration charge for each guest 12+ years old. Guests under 12 years old can attend at no cost.  There is no charge for accepted students. If you have any questions, pleasse contact orientation@wcupa.edu

New Student Programs is committed to making orientation accessible to all new Golden Rams and their guests. Please specify your needs on your orientation registration form, or reach out to us at orientation@wcupa.edu or (610) 436-3305 to discuss: 

• Accessibility Needs
  We will do our best to accommodate all accessibility needs. The sooner we know about your needed accommodation, the more time we have to prepare. While we will make every effort to meet your needs, we may be unable to assist with accommodation requests received fewer than two weeks before your scheduled orientation and will communicate any progress with you.
• Spanish Language Interpretation
  New Student Programs offers interpretation services to our Spanish-speaking students and guests. Please let us know on your registration form or email us at orientation@wcupa.edu if you or your guest would like to utilize this service, and one of our interpreters will reach out to discuss your needs.
  
• Low Sensory Spaces
  We recognize that some of the large sessions at orientation may cause sensory concerns for some individuals. Alternative low-sensory spaces will be available to make those sessions accessible to new Rams and their guests. Please see any member of the orientation staff and they can direct you to this space.  A low-sensory space is also available during lunch as an alternative to The Commons Dining Hall. 

The Commons Dining Hall

Before coming to on-campus orientation, upload an ID photo for your Ram Card.

Learn more about Next Steps for Accepted Students.

During orientation, lunch will be provided to students and guests in the Commons Dining Hall.  Lunch is served buffet style with various food stations, an expansive salad bar, gluten-free options, and specialized food options which are prepared without the most common food allergies. 

Locations and schedules will be released at a later time. Stay tuned!

Orientation will be held throughout June and July. Students will have a few options for which day to attend, depending on their major. It is required that each student attend their orientation day.

Arts and Humanities: Tuesday June 24, Wednesday July 9, or Thursday July 10
ASP (Academic Success Program): June 24, June 25, June 26, or June 27
Business and Public Management: Wednesday June 25, Friday June 27, Tuesday July 8, Friday July 11, or Wednesday July 16
Education and Social Work: Tuesday June 24, Wednesday July 9, or Thursday July 10
Health Sciences: Wednesday June 25, Friday June 27, Wednesday July 9, or Tuesday July 15
Music: Tuesday June 24, Wednesday July 9, or Thursday July 10
Science and Mathematics: Thursday June 26, Tuesday July 8, Friday July 11, or Wednesday July 16
University College: (Exploratory Studies/Undeclared Majors) - Tuesday June 24, Thursday June 26, Thursday July 10, Tuesday July 15

Orientation Day is from 9am – 3:00 pm.  Check-in begins at 9:00 am.  
  
Check-in at the Business and Public Management Building 
50 Sharpless St 
West Chester, PA 19383 

Complimentary parking will be available in select on-campus parking garages during orientation days.  Parking garage details are forthcoming. 

If students need to reschedule orientation, please reach out to orientation@wcupa.edu for assistance. Requests to reschedule can only be accommodated if space permits. 

The West Chester University Resource Pantry supports student success by minimizing food and basic need insecurity and preparing students for life after graduation.

As a new Golden Ram, you can help support the Resource Pantry's mission by bringing a donation with you to orientation! The most-needed items for the Resource Pantry include:

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Dish soap
• Dryer sheets
• Laundry pods
• Lotion
• Menstrual Care Products
• Paper towels
• Reusable shopping bags
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Shaving lotion 
• Soap (bar and pump)
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrushes/oral care

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

• Backpacks
• Binders
• Folders
• Loose Leaf Paper
• Notebooks
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters

You can also check out the Resource Pantry's Amazon Wish List for more ideas!

 

During on-campus orientation, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your orientation leaders and meet other new Rams, and you'll meet with a representative from your academic department who will review scheduling and requirements for your major and answer questions. You'll also learn about all the support services WCU offers to help every Golden Ram be successful.