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!
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Did you know that ASWOU serves and supports all students on campus? Come learn about all things student government at Western: who they are, what they do, how to share your needs and opinions as a student, and how to get involved!
As a new student, you will have many thoughts about your experience at WOU and we are eager to hear about them! In this session, you will learn about the WOLF Student Experience Feedback Form and how you can share your story. Join us to learn what topics the form includes, when you can expect to take the form, the feedback we collected from students last year and how we are responding to that feedback. Attend this session to feel more prepared to share your thoughts and understand the vital role student feedback plays on our campus!
We will be playing the traditional Mexican game of "Loteria" but with cards and deck that was tailored to fit our Hispanic Serving Institution eligibilty. Students will have a fun engaging game to play while learning about Western Oregon as an HSI. There will be prizes for winners!
Join us for an informative panel discussion led by the counselors from the Student Health and Counseling Center. During this session, we will provide guidance to help you understand what to expect during your first counseling appointment. Our counselors will cover a range of topics, including the counseling process, confidentiality, types of services offered, and how to prepare for your appointment.
In this exciting adventure, teams will face off in a race around the university library to explore various hotspots. Teams will navigate to the 24-Hour Room to decode a secret message, visit the Information Desk to find hidden resources, and head to the cozy Learning Commons for a book-matching challenge from the Recreational Reading Collection. At the Writing Center, teams will match bilingual research and writing related concepts. Teams will journey to a 2nd floor study room to conquer a giant word search, and will ultimately dash to the 3rd floor with a (hopefully) stunning view of Mt. Hood and the final clue before racing back to the start.
So what's your major? - We've all been asked this question at least once by a well meaning adult (and maybe felt some fear in not having the "right" answer). However, roughly 80% of students change their majors at least once during their college careers. So why do we insist that students decide their major as soon as they step foot on campus? Here's a little secret...you don't have to know! Exploring different subjects before making any decisions about your major, especially if you're not sure what you want to do, is why we have the Exploratory Studies major option. In this session, we will play a round of "What's My Major?" Jeopardy to investigate the different job opportunities that come from a variety of different majors. The major and career pairings might surprise you and show you why being asked "what's your major?" isn't anything to fear!
Join us for an unforgettable event where you’ll learn important information about Title IX and Student Conduct — and meet a very special guest, Cookie Monster the mini horse! 🐴✨ Come find out how WOU supports a safe, respectful, and welcoming campus for all students through Title IX and the Student Conduct process.
We'll cover the FOUR R's: rights, responsibilities, reporting, and resources in an engaging, approachable way — no boring lectures here! Plus, there’s plenty of time for fun, photos, and friendly conversations with Cookie Monster and campus staff.
Come for the learning, stay for the cookies (the horse and the snacks)!
Ballroom Dance For All. Ballroom dance is a give an take, it is a reflection of the cultures and societies that created them. Come prepared to learn some interesting facts about iconic dances like the Tango and the Swing and stand up and learn these dances with new friends. No experience required. No partner required
We've all seen how it plays out on tv. The stunning but quirky investigator enters the wooded forest gripping the flashlight only to discover what appears to be a skull partially embedded in soil. Is it really bone? Is it human? Is that hole from a gunshot wound? What can we say about the victim from their skeletal remains and what techniques can we use to help catch the perpetrator? We'll cover all this and more in this hands-on session in forensic anthropology and investigation. Caution: you may never be able to watch forensics on television in the same way again.
The journey starts now, and your Wolf Pack is here to help you lead the way!
Not sure if your tuition is paid? Has your financial aid come through? Not sure where to get your textbooks? Curious about refunds? Need help with adding or dropping classes?
Join us for an info-packed session to get all your questions answered. You’ll walk away feeling confident, prepared, and ready to howl into your first term like a true Wolf!
Think you can handle the pressure of a real jury room? In this courtroom showdown, you become the juror. Examine real-life cases, weigh the evidence, and debate the verdict. It’s your civic duty—with a twist of drama and detective work. Bring your inner crime show fan and see if justice is truly served!
Math and science classes can be challenging. Faculty members from these departments invite you to learn about techniques that help students succeed. Current WOU students will share their experiences and thoughts on student success, as well as tips on how to connect with other students through clubs and organizations such as FEM in STEM, the Natural Science Club, the Pre-Med Club, the Math Club, and Byte Club. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the strategies and skills that will help them succeed at WOU. We welcome students who plan to major in math and sciences, as well as students who plan to major in other disciplines but want to do well in their General Education required courses.
Whether you are a natural ham, can't imagine life without wood shop, or are fashionista looking for a home for your style and flair...We.Have.What.You.Need!!! Come check out what Theatre at WOU has to offer. We'll give you the scoop on all things major. minor, and extra curricular. Want a home away from home? Love creativity and making friends? We've got you covered!! We'll tell you about the shows we're doing, the PAID jobs we have available (so many jobs!!!), the amazing classes we offer (including plenty of opps for NON-MAJORS!), and the MANY ways you can participate.
National Student Exchange (NSE) is a unique study-away program that allows students to travel and study at another school within the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin islands - all while staying on track with graduation (and even paying WOU tuition rates!). Learn more about this low-cost, affordable, and accessible program here at WOU!
Intramural and Club Sports are a great way to meet meet new people, be active and scratch that competitive itch! Come to this session to learn the difference between Intramural and Club Sports and for information on how to join each.
Starting college can be intimidating enough without diving headfirst into new software. Join WOU’s Center for Teaching and Learning for a no-pressure, interactive introduction to Canvas. Try out different ways to interact with course content and receive hands-on support, so that you can feel confident when you step into the classroom. Win prizes, eat snacks. Please bring a device that you plan to access Canvas with.
Interested in the nursing field? Ever wonder what it takes to get into nursing school? We've got you covered! Come learn about the Pre-Nursing track at WOU and how we support students on their journey into this competitive field. This session is designed for Pre-Nursing majors and those interested in learning more about the program. It will also include a Q&A with current Pre-Nursing students.
Join Student Engagement to find the best involvement opportunity for you! In this session, we will cover everything from clubs and organizations to leadership opportunities on campus and everything in between. This session is perfect if you are unsure of how to get involved here at WOU! Come cultivate a sense of belonging with us!
It's a big world... but how can you afford to live and travel abroad? Answer: by teaching English. There are more English as a second language users in the world than native speakers of English, and there is still a high demand for English teachers in countries where English is not a language used by most people at home. However, unlike in the past when any native speaker of English was assumed to be capable of teaching the language to students, today the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has become professionalized and schools want to hire trained English teachers. WOU's English Department offers a 26-credit TEFL Certificate that can be completed as a Minor in Linguistics and will complement any number of Majors from Business to Education to International or Interdisciplinary Studies or English Studies. Join us to learn about teaching abroad and answer any questions you have. Whether you make teaching your career or use your skills to live abroad for a year or two after graduating but before starting a career in the US, employers value experience abroad, and your life will never be the same.
This session will introduce students to Handshake and step them through searching for employment. It will also talk in more detail about why experience matters for their current situation, and their future decisions.
So, you heard college was free… but then you got an unexpected email about a bill. Now what? Join our session to learn how to navigate your student account and stay on top of your finances with confidence!
Get ready to embark on your On-Track journey! This mandatory orientation is your first step to success, where you'll meet MSSP staff, connect with fellow students, and ensure you're fully prepared for fall term. The Wolfpack is here to support you every step of the way! (Note: This is only for students already accepted into the On Track Program.)
Have a talent? Like to perform? We're looking for all acts-- single or group! Sign up for your audition in the WUC or ask a WOU Crew member how to get signed up. The Variety Show itself will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27th at 7:00PM in the Pacific Room of the WUC. We can provide a piano, DI boxes, microphones, and all standard sound equipment. We do not have instrument amps, or a drum kit, so please provide your own equipment if your act requires anything additional. It's your time to shine! Feel free to email woucrew@wou.edu or ask your WOU Crew member if you have any questions.
Get connected with the LGBTQ2SIA+ community at WOU, hosted by the student-led club: Triangle Alliance! Learn about what Triangle Alliance puts on annually, from Pajama Jammy Jam, Red and Black Ball, Drag Brunch at Night, and Drag Show, what we do as a club, and how to get involved for the 2025-2026 school year!
Are you passionate about culture, community, and celebrating what makes us unique? Come join the Multicultural Student Union — one of the most vibrant and impactful student organizations on campus! MSU is your gateway to meaningful leadership opportunities, cultural events, and lifelong friendships. Represent and uplift diverse voices while making a real difference in our campus and local community. Stop by our event to meet new people, enjoy some activities, and delicious free tamales while you're at it!
Thursday September 25, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm PDT The Grove
