Spring Orientation

Orientation is your gateway to a comfortable transition into college. Whether you are fresh out of high school, transferring from another institution or returning to higher education to expand your knowledge and career options. Orientation is a valuable time to meet other students, connect with college faculty and staff, and gear-up for academic success at Western.

REGISTER for Spring Orientation

Option 1: Register Here online

Option 2: Register by phone at (970) 943-2469

**Please note that after you register, Campus Life & Orientation will charge your student account the $20 Orientation fee.

Before coming to Orientation on January 10, 2010 you should:

Review your acceptance letter, checking for the following:

Your declared major

Tuition classification (resident, non-resident, or pending residency)

Items needed to complete your admission file

Note: If the information on your acceptance letter is inaccurate, contact the Admissions Office as soon as possible at 1-800-876-5309 or admissions@western.edu.

Register for Spring Classes

Visit the Academic Resource Center for step by step instructions.

Secure your Financing

Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov. Your Financial Aid Award Letter should reach you six to eight weeks after completing your FAFSA and any other required paperwork.

For Colorado Residents only

Apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend. Visit www.collegeincolorado.org to apply. This stipend will apply to your account each semester you register for classes and lower your tuition bill! Note: This is a one time application that will require your Social Security number, legal name, and date of birth. If you have any questions, please contact Financial Aid at (970) 943-3085.

Reserve your housing and meal plan

The Residence Life packet is mailed to you shortly after your acceptance letter. Return the Residence Life Application, the student dining contract and student housing contract to the Office of Residence Life. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Residence Life at (970) 943-2101.

Will you need disability services?

If you need assistance, please contact the Academic Resource Center at (970) 943-7056.

Transfer Students: If you are a transfer student have you heard about Westerners in Transition (WIT)?

WIT is Western State College's premiere program for Adult Learners and Non-Traditional students. WIT will guide you through the processes of navigating admissions, financial aid, registration, and other important steps involved in matriculating at Western. You will meet other students who share your experiences of going to college as an adult learner and can provide essential mentoring as you work toward your goal of a college degree. For more information, please contact Sally Romeroat (970) 943-2150 or visit the WIT homepage.

What will you do during your Orientation:

Receive academic advising advice

Learn how to access Western OnLine (WOL), your portal to all campus information and Western Email

Learn about opportunities to get involved with the unique clubs and organizations on campus

Learn about recreational opportunities in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas

Get your Mountaineer Card. This card will be your official student ID and will give you access to the library, fitness center and athletic events. Depending on how you wish to utilize your card, you will also be able to use it at Packers, the WSC Bookstore, Games Area, campus laundry facilities, soda/vending machines, copy machines, Wilderness Pursuits trips or gear rentals and even for pizza delivery in Gunnison.

Find a job. There are a lot of on and off-campus job opportunities. Visit the Careers for Mountaineers website.

Submit Immunization Records and Selective Service Registration. You should receive these materials along with your Orientation information letter. All students must comply with immunization and selective service policies. For specific information, contact the Student Affairs Office at (970) 943-2090.

After your Orientation

Pay Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are due by Wednesday, January 14, 2010 - regardless of whether or not a bill is received. Contact the Cashier's Office at (970) 943-3003 to find out your account balance. After the first of August you can always view your account statement via Western OnLine (WOL).

You can arrange tuition and fee payment in a number of ways:

Through Western OnLine (WOL). Log onto your WOL account and pay via credit card. For instructions visit the Financial Aid homepage.
By mail. Pay by check or credit card by returning your account statement with the appropriate information included. Payment must be received, not postmarked, by January 14, 2010.
By telephone. Call the Cashier's Office at (970) 943-3003 to pay via credit card.
In person. Stop by the Cashier's Office in Taylor Hall 207, or leave a payment in the drop box located just outside the office during your Orientation or when you arrive for classes in August.
W-Pay. Western's monthly payment plan option allows families to break up the bill into four equal installments per semester for a reasonable fee.

Plan for Academic Success

Western prides itself in the numerous services it has available for students. Take the time to discover the different academic and student services available.

Learn how to take advantage of resources such as: