New Student Orientation

All new, transfer, and nontraditional students are required to attend one of Western’s Orientation programs.

Yes. On-campus New Student Orientation is required for all new first-year and transfers students. WBO courses are offered as supplemental programs to New Student Orientation, not as a substitute.

Orientation is a wonderful opportunity for new students to get acquainted with one another, Western, and the community. Most programming is mandatory; however, there are some parts of the program that are optional. This will be shared once you are registered.

Please note that there's a fee on your student bill for Orientation, this covers all the cool things we've got planned.

Orientation aims to uphold the affordability of our program while delivering a great experience for our new students. Student leaders are the heartbeat of this program and approximately, 65% of the orientation fee goes toward their salaries.  Food, event programming, printing are another 25% and the remaining 10% goes to general office operations.

The orientation schedule will be emailed to you and posted with Mountaineer U, the online orientation.

Orientation is required for all students entering Western because we believe our programs offer essential information! However, we also realize that other life circumstances may prevent you from attending our program.

If this is the case, please contact the LEAD Office or the Orientation Director to make special arrangements.

You will already be moved into your room in your assigned residence hall during Orientation, so you should have everything you need. Some of the Orientation programming will be on campus, and just everyday attire is all you need. However, some Orientation activities are quite active, and you will be spending time outside while you give back to the Gunnison community by doing a service project with your Headwaters 100 class and exploring the area on a Wilderness Pursuits trip. When you check in for Orientation, we’ll make sure you know what clothing you will need to wear for those activities.

Gunnison doesn’t have a taxi service or Uber, but don’t worry; the Orientation Office is here to help. Please email orientation@western.edu or call us at 970.943.2469, and we will be happy to coordinate a pick-up for you.