PACK Welcome

PACK Welcome (Prepare, Advise, Connect, Know) is a series of orientation activities for admitted students beginning in the summer or fall. With personalized academic advising and a team dedicated to helping you prepare for campus life, PACK Welcome is your opportunity to get a jumpstart on your journey at Western. Check out the timeline below for more information!

New Student CheckList

Before you begin your classes for Fall Term, there are a few things you need to do. Use the checklist below to make sure you’re ready for beginning of your time at WOU!

1. Complete the 'WOU Said Yes!' Checklist

The first step in beginning your journey as a Wolf is to complete the tasks on the WOU Said Yes! checklist.

It’s especially important to have your WOU Portal and email set up and sign your Revolving Charge Contract (found on your WOU Portal).

2. Apply to Part of TRIO Programs [Optional/Special Populations]
  • Western has two TRIO Programs—the Student Enrichment Program and Teacher Prep Student Support Services for incoming students that identify as being first generation (neither parent/guardian has a 4-year degree), low-income, or have a documented disability. This is a great resource that provides additional support year round, free First-Year Seminar classes, and more!
3. Apply to be Part of the On-Track Program [Optional/Special Populations]
  • The On-Track program is designed to provide historically underrepresented and underserved college students with a support program that will assist in ensuring academic and personal success, as well as provide opportunities for social development.

Learn More & Apply

4. Set up Your Advising Appointment & Register for Classes
  • All new students must set up an advising appointment to get registered for classes. Be sure to check your WOU Email frequently for updates from your advisor!
5. Complete the Online Orientation Module
  • If you’re looking to get ahead and learn more about academics at WOU, check out some of our online orientation modules!

Incoming First-Year Orientation Module

Incoming Transfer Orientation Module

6. Register for Accommodations with Disability Access Services [Optional/Special Populations]
  • The office of Disability Access Services provides individually tailored, reasonable accommodations for the WOU community and its programs.
  • If you would like to request disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in a WOU activity or event, please complete the online request form at least three (3) business days in advance. If you have questions, contact Disability Access Services (DAS) at 503-838-8250 or das@wou.edu.

Apply for Accommodations

7. Purchase a Parking Permit [Optional]
  • If you plan on parking on campus while you’re here, you need to purchase a year-long parking permit.
  • 2024-2025 parking permits can be purchased on your WOU Portal page. Click on the “Buy a Parking Permit” module located in the right hand column and follow the on-screen instructions

Red WOU Portal Module with the text,

8. Accept Your Financial Aid
  • Once Financial Aid has been awarded, you’ll want to accept, decline, or reduce the amount of your Federal Direct Loans and Federal Work Study Award (if applicable) for it to apply to your student account.
    To view and accept your financial aid award offer, login to our WOU Portal then select the green WolfWeb icon at the top > Financial Aid Menu > Financial Aid Dashboard.
9. Fill out the Destination Western Interest Form [Optional]
  • Destination Western is our all-expenses paid, ten-day residential orientation program designed to support students who may need a little extra support in math, writing, or the social adjustment of entering college.
  • The application goes live in early summer!

Join the Interest List

10. Prepare for Your PACK Connect Summer Orientation Day
  • PACK Connect Days are our summer orientation days where you get to learn about resources on campus, connect with fellow new wolves, and get all your questions answered!
  • These events take place in early July. We can’t wait to see your there!
  • Registration will open soon!
11. Update Your Preferred Name [Optional]
  • Western Oregon University is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive community.
  • If you’d like to change your preferred first name in WOU systems, you can do so on your WOU Portal.
    • Click the green “WolfWeb” button at the top of the page
    • Click “Personal Information & Profile” option
    • Click “View and Update Preferred First Name” and follow the prompts.

Update Your Name Tutorial

12. Complete Your Campus Recreation 'Assumption of Risk' Form
  • Campus Recreation at Western Oregon University is all about providing opportunities to stay active, meet new friends, and have fun! Whether you’re into fitness, intramural sports, or outdoor adventures, we’ve got something for everyone. In order to participate in Campus Recreation activities & services, you must complete your Assumption of Risk form found on your WOU Portal in the “My Programs” section.
  • Once this form is completed, it will disappear from your Portal.
13. Find On-Campus & Local Jobs/Internships [Optional]
  • To really know what you need for your future, we encourage you to try it out first! The Center for Professional Pathways (CPP) can help connect you with opportunities to give you necessary skills and experience that you will need for your careers down the road. More information about the Center for Professional Pathways can be found here.
  • To find out more about student employment opportunities visit the CPP website for general information or go directly to Wolflink (also known as Handshake) located at the top of your WOU Portal to see current postings!
14. Find Your Course Textbooks
  • Many classes require textbooks. You can see what textbooks you need for your course online!
    • Go to books.wou.edu/SelectTermDept
    • Enter in the courses you’re registered for. Make sure you have the correct instructor!
    • Click “View Your Materials”
    • All books can be found at the WolfStore at the Werner University Center
15. Follow us on Social Media to Stay Updated
16. Prepare for PACK Welcome Week & Fall Move-In Day!
  • Before you dive into your first term of classes, we have a jam-packed week of exciting activities to help you become acclimated to campus life. From speakers, to socials, to signing your name on the sidewalk, join your fellow new wolves to begin making your mark at WOU!
  • Fall orientation is your time to get to know all about WOU, make new friends, and explore various opportunities available to you as you embark on your journey at Western Oregon University!

Check Out Last Year’s Welcome Week Schedule

Learn More About Move-In Day

Suggested Packing List

PACK Welcome Week

Before you dive into your first term of classes, we have a jam-packed week of exciting activities to help you become acclimated to campus life. From speakers, to socials, to signing your name on the sidewalk, join your fellow new wolves to begin making your mark at WOU!

Contact the department of New Student & Family Programs

orientation@wou.edu | (503) 838-9482 | M-F, 9am-5pm | Virtually & On Campus (WUC 210)