Winter & Spring Welcomes
If you will be joining us for your first term at WOU during Winter or Spring term, we have a special orientation just for you! We’re excited to have you as a WOU Wolf!
Learn more about your next steps for at WOU by scrolling below.
New Student CheckList
Before you begin your classes for Winter or Spring 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. Set up Your Advising Appointment & Register for Classes
- Transfer students are eligible to register starting February 26 and new first-year students can register starting March 3. Information on how to connect with an advisor and get registered will be emailed to your WOU email closer to those dates. Still have questions? No worries, just email advising@wou.edu, and we’ll help you figure out your next steps.
3. 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!
4. Register for Accommodations with Disability Access Services [Optional/Special Populations]
- WOU values diversity and inclusion and we are committed to fostering full participation for all students. At WOU, Disability-related accommodations are determined through Disability Access Services (DAS). If you believe you may be eligible for disability-related accommodations, please contact our office. DAS will work with approved students and, upon request, will notify and coordinate approved academic accommodations with faculty. More information about the application process for disability-related accommodations can be found here.
- 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
5. 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
6. Accept Your Financial Aid
- If you have already submitted your FAFSA or ORSAA, be sure to log into your WOU Portal, then click on the WolfWeb icon then Financial Aid Menu and then Activate your StudentForms account to see if any documents are being requested. If there is something there, click on the link and follow the directions.
- If you haven’t had a chance to set up your portal yet, you can learn how to do so here.
- View your Financial Aid Award Offer after all requested documents have been submitted. To view your award offer, visit the WOU Portal, click the WolfWeb icon, click Financial Aid Menu, and then Financial Aid Dashboard.
- Haven’t applied for financial aid yet? Apply for the FAFSA today – it’s not too late! If you are submitting for the current year, please make sure you select 2024-2025.
- Learn more about Financial Aid, including how to set up an appointment on the Financial Aid website.
7. Winter/Spring Welcome Orientation RSVP
- We invite you to our Spring Welcome Orientation Events on Monday, March 31st or Tuesday, April 1st. We have two types of orientation for Spring Welcome!
- On Monday, March 31st, 2025, we’ll have a drop-in style event where you can come talk to resources like Financial Aid, Advising, current students, the Center for Professional Pathways, and more. These are lowkey events where you can come at a time that works for you and stay as little or as long as you’d like.
- On Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, we’ll have scheduled “Orientation Tours.” You can sign up for these orientations to get a personalized class and resource tour!
- Please RSVP even if you cannot attend to be connected to campus resources.
- RSVP HERE
8. 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
10. 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
Getting Involved
If you’re looking for even more ways to be prepared and get involved, check out the following resources:
Getting Connected with LGBTQIA2S+ Services
Operating under Abby’s House, the Stonewall Center is a student-led center dedicated to providing resources, support, and a safe hangout space for the LGBTQIA2S+ community at Western Oregon University. The Stonewall Center is open from 9am-5pm and is located in the Werner University Center, Room 110. It is staffed by the Violence Prevention/LGBTQ+ Coordinator, the Stonewall Coordinator, and volunteers. Throughout the year, the Stonewall center hosts educational, informational, and social programs, including a Lavender Graduation. To keep up to date with events and Stonewall Center operating hours, follow The Stonewall Center on Instagram: @woustonewall.
Questions? Contact stonewall@wou.edu! You can also reach the Violence Prevention/LGBTQ+ Coordinator, Ezra Lambert, at (503) 751-4151 or email them at lamberte@wou.edu.
Check out some of our resources below or on our website.
- Campus Resource Guide
- Guide to resources in our wider community
- List of gender neutral restrooms on campus
Veterans Services
The Veterans Resource Center at WOU provides an environment that promotes the retention and graduation of student veterans in post-secondary education through the coordination of services fostering academic, personal, and professional development. You can read more about our services on our website.
We offer two programs, a full-service lounge, and scholarship opportunities for the military family. We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to all the great opportunities to connect with your military family!
TRIO Programs
Our TRIO Student Support Services programs, the Student Enrichment Program and Teacher Prep Student Support Services, support students that are first generation (neither parent graduated from a 4-year college), meet financial eligibility requirements, or are eligible to receive services through our Disability Access Services. Both programs are accepting applications.
- The TRIO SSS Student Enrichment Program (SEP) provides services and a supportive environment to equip students in any major with skills to be successful in college. The purpose of this federally funded TRIO Student Support Service is to increase the retention and graduation rates of this student population.
You can apply for the SEP program using this link. - The TRIO Teacher Prep – Student Support Services Program (TP-SSS) provides services and a supportive environment to equip education majors, with skills to be successful in college. The purpose of this federally funded TRIO Student Support Services Program is to increase retention and graduation rates of participants.
You can apply for TP-SSS using this link.
Multicultural Support Services
The office of Multicultural Student Services & Programs (MSSP) is committed to the recruitment, retention and graduation of underrepresented & underserved populations by providing educational opportunities and outstanding programming for ethnically and culturally diverse students. MSSP strives to enrich the undergraduate experience and foster a supportive environment for students of color to live, learn and grow as active members of the Western Oregon University community and as individuals.
Our services include:
- Personal Guidance, Advising, and Advocacy
- Academic Advising and support to Develop an Academic Progress Plan
- Peer Mentoring
- Referrals to University and Community Resources
- Cultural/Social Activities & Events
- Student Recognition and Graduation Celebrations
- Facilitating the successful transition of first-year students
And our programs include:
On-Campus & Local Jobs/Internships
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!
Campus Recreation
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.
