Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our new student orientation programs? Check out this page!
Don’t see your question answered? Please contact the department of New Student & Family Programs by phone at (503) 838-9482 or email at orientation@wou.edu.
General & PACK Welcome FAQs
What’s the difference between all of the PACK things?
- PACK Welcome is our overarching orientation program model for incoming fall admitted students! This begins around February with first steps and guides you through our new-student checklist so that you’re prepared for the fall!
- PACK Connect Days are our summer orientation days that occur on campus around June and July. You’ll be able to get a lot of business done, turn in important documents, make connections with staff and faculty, meet fellow incoming students, and much more!
- PACK Welcome Week occurs the week prior to fall classes beginning and is jam packed with lots of educational sessions, keynote speakers, and fun activities! You’ll be able to meet many other incoming student, build relationships, and get all set up for classes!
I won't be able to make it to a PACK Connect Day this summer. What should I do?
- Don’t worry if you can’t make it to a PACK Connect Day. Please complete this form to let us know and to get connected with resources on campus. You’ll need to be logged in to your Wolf Den with the credentials you created when you applied.
- Check out our PACK Welcome page for things to do before fall. Fall term class registration begins around May. If you haven’t been in contact with an advisor yet to help get registered for classes by late May/eraly June, please email Paige Jackson at jacksonp@wou.edu.
- You can also check out our online orientation modules here:
I have decided that WOU isn't for me at this time. How do I cancel/defer my admission?
- To cancel your admission for fall term, please use our Intent to Register form. You’ll need to be logged in to your Wolf Den with the credentials you created when you applied.
- If you would like to defer your admission or have any questions about your admission, you can email admissions@wou.edu and they’ll be able to help you out.
I am a new student for winter or spring term. Is there an orientation for me?
- Yes! To find out more about our Winter and Spring Welcome Orientation events, click here!
How do I reserve my space for housing?
- Information about reserving a space with University Housing can be found on this page. Any other housing related questions can be directed towards housing@wou.edu or (503) 838-8311.
When is move-in day for fall?
- For Fall 2024, move-in day is Sunday, September 22nd, 2024! This will be the beginning of PACK Welcome Week. Monday, September 30th, 2024 is the first day of Fall 2024 classes!
When and how do I register for classes?
- For first-year students, registration for fall courses begin in late May. An advisor should be reaching out to you around the end of May to help you get registered.
- For transfer students, registration for fall courses begins in early May. An advisor should be reaching out to you around the beginning of May to help you get registered.
Destination Western FAQs
When will the application for Destination Western go live?
- At the time being, we are currently awaiting state funding that allows us to host this program. Once funding is secured, you will be able to apply. If you’d like to stay updated with our program, you can fill out our interest form here.
Why should I apply for Destination Western?
- The past few years have been a wild ride for everyone. As a result, many students are feeling a little anxious about their academic transition to college-level work. Western Oregon University has heard these concerns and created a perfect opportunity for you to get an extra boost in your leap to university life: Destination Western! Destination Western is an all-expense paid two-week residential program that WOU is hosting in September before fall term classes begin. Destination Western was created with student support in mind. We want to set you up for a strong start at WOU, so we encourage you to apply/add yourself to the interest list today. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our family of WOU Wolves! Click here for more information.
How will Destination Western help me succeed as a student at WOU?
- Destination Western connects new students with the tools they need to succeed in college related to academic success, support resources, and peer communities. The transition from high school to college (and even from one college to another) can be challenging. Incoming students will benefit from a program that can provide them with the personalized support they need. By participating in Destination Western, our hope is that new students will feel more prepared for their college journey at WOU and valued in a new environment. We’re looking forward to seeing students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences building connections, and breaking down some of the barriers that may be in place when entering college. Additionally, students who attended our 2021 and 2022 sessions of Destination Western have demonstrated higher retention rates, GPAs, and level of campus involvement compared to their non-Destination Western peers.
I'm a student athlete, can I still participate?
- For students in Winter and Spring sports: YES!
- For Fall sports, we are actively working with Athletics to get as many athletes in the program and create a balance between your games, practice, and the Destination Western program. Please reach out to our Director of New Student & Family Programs, Megan Habermann, at habermam@wou.edu so that we can review whether or not it will work for you.
How do rooming accommodations work for Destination Western?
- If you will be living in the residence halls for the academic year, you will be able to move into that room early for Destination Western
- If you will be living off campus for the academic year, we will place you into a residence hall room for the duration of the program.
Do I have to be a student during fall term to be a part of Destination Western?
- Yes. All Destination Western participants must be enrolled in Fall 2024 classes.
What do the cohorts look like and what do they mean?
- Within the program, you are put into a cohort of about 20 students who share a similar background as you. For example, we typically have Student Enrichment Program cohorts, Multicultural Student Supports and Services cohorts, American Sign Language cohorts, transfer cohorts, and more. As a group, you will attend morning meetings together, your math and writing classes, and go to evening activities together. You will get to know your peers and future friends as you begin navigating college together. As the program progresses, there will be more mixing between the cohorts during evening activities and the other events, so you have the opportunity to meet all of your other Destination Western peers!
Are the math and writing classes in Destination Western for credit?
- No. Our math and writing classes are non-credit bearing. This allows you to be able to “practice” college without the weight of credit on the line and learn more authentically.
