Here are some of the things you’ll experience at the New Student Orientation:
Class Registration
By the time you leave orientation, you’ll have picked classes for your first term at WCU.
Information Fairs
Learn more about campus organizations and local businesses and services through information fairs designed to help you get to know our community.
Meet-and-Greets
You’ll get to know counselors, academic advisers, and faculty as you meet to talk about your plans and options at WCU.
A Peek at Residential Living
Selected residence halls will be open on the evening before each orientation session. Come by to see what life is like in the residence halls.
Optional Rafting Adventure
Want to make a splash at orientation? We offer participants in the two-day sessions a rafting adventure on the nation’s most famous whitewater destination, the Nantahala River, for an additional cost. Unfortunately, the rafting adventure is not available to August orientation students. You may register online at the time you select your orientation date. For more information, contact Tammy Haskett, director of orientation.
Optional Backpacking Trip
If you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors while building lasting friendships, sign up for WCU’s First Ascent Backpacking Trip. A five-day trip that takes place before the semester begins, you’ll join professional guides and a group of your peers for adventure in the rugged N.C. wilderness.
For more information or to register, visit the Base Camp Cullowhee website or contact Base Camp Cullowhee’s Josh Whitmore at jwhitmore@wcu.edu or 828-227-3466.
Math Placement Testing
If you’re planning to major in electrical engineering, head to Belk 220 for a math placement test immediately following check-in. Our orientation counselors will lead you there.







