Orientation FAQs

Do I have to attend Orientation?

Yes. All incoming students are required to attend one of the four Orientation sessions. The material covered will be essential to your transition into Western State College (i.e. placement tests, campus tour, information on campus resources, fine tuning fall class schedule, etc). This also applies to transfer students.

What is the fee for?

The fee charged ($120) for Orientation includes your food and housing during Orientation and covers the sessions and services utilized.

The fee also covers all the Week of Welcome (WOW) events and activities that take place during the first week of the fall semester (August 19-August 28, 2011). WOW includes a “Welcome Back Concert”, free Wilderness Pursuits trips, an academic success workshop and other various activities.

When will I receive my Orientation Confirmation?

After you register for Orientation online and your registration is processed, you will be sent an Orientation confirmation email. This letter will include information on class registration, as well as important information from our Office for Student Affairs.

When can I register for fall classes?

After you reserve your spot at an Orientation session you will be eligible to register for classes. Your Orientation confirmation letter will include all the information you will need. To set-up a phone registration appointment call the Academic Resource Center at (970) 943-7056. If you need additional help, don't worry, our staff will help you fine tune your schedule at Orientation.

Can my family come too?

Western has programs for both parents and siblings alike. There will be activities for them to participate in throughout the weekend. During the first three Orientation sessions they are welcome to stay on-campus. The fees associated are $70 for each family or guest to stay on campus (includes meals), or $55 if they wish to stay off campus and participate in Orientation. There is a $25 fee for children 12 and under participating in the Sibling Program.

Our Orientation staff is happy to pick-up any students arriving to their Orientation Session by plane into the Gunnison Airport (GUC). If you need to be picked up please indicate so on the Orientation Reservation form or call the office at (970) 943-2469 before you travel so we can schedule someone to pick you up.

What should I bring to Orientation?

Alarm clock, toiletries, sunscreen, baseball cap or hat, water bottle, light/comfortable clothes (i.e. light jacket, walking shoes), sleeping bag & pillow.

Please also bring any SAT or ACT scores, college credit or AP scores earned after you were admitted to Western, personal scholarship information, financial aid awards and admissions correspondence if you have any questions.

While at Orientation can I stay with an Off Campus friend?

No. All new students are required to stay on campus during their Orientation.

Will I be able to choose my roommate for Orientation?

No, assignments are made at random during Orientation check-in. The roommate you are assigned during Orientation will not be your roommate for the school year. Fall roommate assignments for the school year are on-line by late July.

Can my guests/siblings stay on campus with me during Orientation?

Guests, siblings and family are welcome to stay on campus during Orientation. However, they will be staying in a separate residence hall from the new students.

What if I can't attend any Orientation Session due to extenuating circumstances?

This is a very rare occurrence. We try to space the Orientation sessions throughout the summer to accommodate everyone's schedule. We even have an Orientation session scheduled right before classes start. If you feel you cannot attend any of the sessions, please contact the Orientation Office as soon as possible at (970) 943-2469 or email Sara Phillips at sphillips@western.edu.

How do I get accommodations for a disability?

Indicate this at the appropriate spot on the Reservation Form. If you have any other questions or concerns please notify the Orientation Office at (970) 943-2469.