WSU Pullman Campus

New Coug Orientation

New Student Enrollment

Welcome to WSU!

New Coug Orientation is excited to support you in your transition to the Cougar Family. Our staff are dedicated to assisting you with your orientation, transition, and ultimate attainment of a WSU degree. Orientation will prepare you for your social, academic, and emotional acclimation, as well as your move to Pullman.

Orientation is a mandatory on-campus program for all new students. You’ll take part in learning modules, view college and department presentations, learn about student life, and meet one-on-one with an academic advisor to register for your first semester at WSU. You will be a part of a small group of other New Cougs guided by an orientation counselor (OC) who is a current student. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, make new friends, and fully immerse yourself in New Coug life.

90% of students agree Orientation helped prepare them for their first semester at WSU

New Coug Orientation Sessions

Students playing in the snow

Spring New Coug Orientation

New Cougs starting in the Spring Semester will attend a one-day New Coug Orientation program in January. Students will need to complete their New Student To-Do List, Pathway to Course Registration online module, and virtual advising appointment ahead of their express orientation session. Spring 2025 NCO will be announced in fall 2024.

Studnets walking with coffee

Summer New Coug Orientation

Our two-day Summer New Coug Orientation program is offered in June and July. First-year students will be advised and register for classes in-person at orientation. Transfer students are eligible for early advising and course registration prior to their orientation session.

Student's father proudly displaying WSU DAD t-shirt

Family & Supporter Orientation

The Family and Supporter Orientation sessions provide new WSU families and supporters with the tools necessary to support their new Coug’s transition to WSU. The family and supporter orientation will consist of separate programming focused on supporting your New Coug, but will run concurrent dates and times as your student’s session.

Community Based Orientation

In addition to our General New Coug Orientation and Transfer New Coug Orientation we also have several Community-Based Orientation sessions.

La Bienvenida – Orientación en Español para Familias/Spanish Language Orientation Program for Families

Las familias que hablan Español están invitados a orientación conocida como La Bienvenida. Esta sesión de dos días ofrece información sobre la comunidad de WSU, los servicios y el apoyo disponibles en el campus de Pullman, WA. Esta sesión es completamente en español para las familias. Los estudiantes seguirán un camino único en inglés, separados de su familia.

Hawai‘i Orientation Program

Hawai‘i Cougs and their families are encouraged to participate in an orientation program centering on their experiences as they prepare for the transition to college and life in Pullman, WA. The orientation will be held in Oahu, HI.

International Student Tutorial

International students must attend both a New Coug Orientation Program and the International Student Tutorial.

Families & Supporters Can Stay Informed Too!

Visit the WSU Family Website or join the WSU Pullman Parents Facebook Group to stay updated on all you need to know as your new Coug starts college.