Navigating Your New Coug Journey: A Comprehensive Orientation Guide for Washington State University

Embarking on your academic journey at Washington State University (WSU) is an exciting endeavor. To ensure a smooth transition and set you up for success, WSU has a comprehensive New Coug Orientation program. This guide outlines the essential steps and resources available to new students, both before arriving on campus and during the initial weeks of classes.

Pre-Orientation Requirements: Setting the Stage for Success

Before attending your scheduled New Coug Orientation session, several crucial requirements must be fulfilled. These steps are designed to prepare you academically and logistically for university life.

1. Register for a New Coug Orientation Session

The first step is to register for a New Coug Orientation session. Orientation programs are offered on several dates throughout the summer and fall, so choose a session that fits your schedule.

2. Advising Consultation and Course Registration

All new students MUST complete an advising consultation and course registration BEFORE attending their New Coug Orientation session. Schedule and attend your advising consultation and course registration appointment. During your remote, online consultation, an academic advisor from your college or the Academic Success and Career Center will review your transcripts, placement assessment scores, and degree plan as they help you register for your first semester of classes. The goal of this appointment is to set you up for a successful first semester. Scheduling will become available in early May. In your first semester, you will be assigned an academic advisor within your college.

3. Complete the Pre-Campus Arrival To-Do List

The Pre-Campus Arrival To-Do List should be completed before arriving on campus for your first semester of classes. This list likely includes tasks related to housing, financial aid, and other administrative matters.

Read also: SDSU Orientation: What to Expect

4. Send Final Official Transcripts

Send final official transcripts before the start of classes. Make sure your high school or transfer institution and testing agencies are sending final official transcripts and test scores to the WSU Office of Admissions.

5. Complete Mandatory Programming

Complete mandatory programming the month you begin classes at WSU.

CougReady: Your Virtual Guide to Orientation

CougReady is an online program specially designed to help new students prepare for New Coug Orientation, advising consultations, course registration, and the transition to life as a Coug. It is divided into three steps:

Step 1: Preparing for Advising and Registration

CougReady Step 1 is designed to prepare you for your advising consultation and to register for your first semester of classes.

Step 2: Preparing for Move-In and More

CougReady Step 2 prepares new Cougs for move-in, purchasing text books, and conversations to have as a family.

Step 3: Making the Most of Your First Month

CougReady Step 3 goes over how to make the most of Week of Welcome, the first month of classes, and building your community.

If you have questions about CougReady, resources are available to assist you.

Placement Assessments: Ensuring Proper Course Placement

It is important that students who need to take placement assessments complete them at least two weeks prior to their advising consultation and course registration appointment.

ALEKS Math Placement Assessment

Complete the ALEKS math placement assessment if you are not transferring in college-level math.

Writing Placement Assessment

Take the Writing Placement Assessment if you plan to enroll in English 101 or an equivalent course. Additionally, students planning to enroll in the Honors College need to take the Writing Placement Assessment. If you have received equivalent credit for English 101 through college transfer or the Advanced Placement (AP) test in English, you do not need to take the writing placement assessment. However, all new students are required to take the assessment. The testing fee includes a 6-week review module, access to the assessment, and up to 4 retakes. If you have transfer credit from a previous college/university, the credits being transferred must be equivalent to WSU’s English 101 in order for you to be exempt from the Writing Placement process.

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

Before Your Advising Consultation: Preparation is Key

Before Your Advising Consultation and Course Registration Appointment: Send updated transcripts prior to your scheduled advising consultation to get the most out of your appointment. This includes Spring grades, AP test scores, and any other college level coursework. These can be unofficial transcripts.

Housing Information: On-Campus and Off-Campus Options

You can apply for housing after you have confirmed your offer of enrollment. If you’re eligible to live off-campus, explore additional options at offcampusliving.wsu.edu. The priority deadline for new housing applications is May 1. All applications received at that time will be treated equally in the first round of the placement process.

For Fall Start New Coug Orientation, students are encouraged to stay in the residence halls for the night between their session dates at the cost of $40. Additional night(s) before or after the orientation session are available upon request at $40 per night. Housing is not provided for Spring & August New Coug Orientation sessions.

Mandatory Online Programs: Promoting a Safe and Respectful Community

WSU requires all new students to complete several online programs focused on important topics such as consent, alcohol awareness, and hazing prevention.

Consent and Respect

This course discusses healthy and unhealthy relationships, the importance of consent, and how to report gender-based violence if it occurs.

Alcohol Wise

This 15-20-minute self-guided alcohol survey provides feedback specific to your own alcohol usage. The program is required for all incoming students who will be under the age of 21 at the beginning of their first semester.

Hazing and Hosting

This course helps you identify and report hazing if you see it happening. It is your responsibility to complete this program during your first semester. Failure to complete the course will result in a hold on your student account.

International Students: Additional Requirements

All international students are also required to attend an international tutorial program presented by International Programs. Orientation and the International Tutorial program are usually held just prior to the start of the fall and spring terms. Please remember you must sign up for New Coug Orientation. You are automatically registered for the Tutorial after you have paid your deposit. All international undergraduate and graduate students will be charged a nonrefundable $50 international student orientation/tutorial fee after the live tutorial. If you have attended college or university outside the United States, we recommend that you bring course descriptions and syllabi (translated into English) with you. Your sponsor should provide a Financial Guarantee Letter outlining the sponsorship conditions and financial coverage.

Family and Supporter Orientation: Engaging Your Support Network

On-Campus Family and Supporter Orientation is offered concurrently with June and July New Coug Orientation sessions. There is no Family and Supporter Orientation offered during August sessions. Looking for Family and Supporter information for Spring Start Orientation? Housing is not provided for families and supporters during orientation. Families and supporters are invited to book local accommodations in Pullman and the surrounding areas including Moscow, Colfax, Lewiston, or Clarkston. Registration for Family and Supporter Orientation can be completed when your student registers for New Coug Orientation. Students may register up to 4 participants for Family and Supporter Orientation. Any participant under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult family member who is also registered as a Family & Supporter Orientation program participant. The Family and Supporter Orientation runs concurrently with your student’s New Coug Orientation. The majority of your sessions will be separate from your student, however; there will be a few points throughout orientation where you will attend a session with your student. You can see a sample of your student’s schedule here.

Transfer Students

If you have earned an associate’s degree in the United States, you may be able to transfer to WSU with credit for the University Common Core (UCORE) general education requirements.

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