New Coug Orientation

New Coug Orientation is here to support you in your transition to life as a college student at WSU. 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. New Coug Orientation is a required program for all new students.

Before orientation, you’ll complete CougReady Step 1 online to prepare you to attend an advising consultation and course registration appointment.

During orientation, you will be a part of a small group of other new Cougs guided by an orientation leader (OL) who is a current student. Your OL will lead you through your session as you are introduced to your college, academic support resources, and student life opportunities. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to ask questions, make new friends, and fully immerse yourself in Coug life.

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

New Coug Orientation Sessions

OC Carlos helps new Cougs register for class

Fall Start New Coug Orientation

New Coug Orientation is a required program for ALL new students. Fall Start Orientation is intended for students admitted to WSU for the summer or fall 2026 terms. All new Cougs MUST complete CougReady Step 1 as well as an advising consultation and course registration appointment remotely, online before attending New Coug Orientation.

Learn more about Fall Start Orientation

Students sitting at Spring Orientation Welcome

Spring Start Orientation

Spring New Coug Orientation is a one-day program for first-year and transfer students beginning classes in January. Students attending Spring orientation will complete academic advising and course registration virtually before arriving for their session.

Learn more about Spring Start Orientation

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.

On-campus Spring Family & Supporter Orientation

On-campus Fall-Start Family & Supporter Orientation

Community Based Orientations

The new La Bienvenida

Families who speak Spanish are invited to attend a family welcome program known as La Bienvenida. La Bienvenida programs are offered May in communities throughout Washington. These sessions offer information in Spanish about the WSU community, financial services, and on-campus support services.

Please check back in January for more details and to register for an event near you.

The new Hawai‘i Family & Supporter Orientation

Hawai‘i 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.

Please check back in January for more details and to register for an event near you.

International Student Tutorial

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

Learn more about the 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.

Welcome to WSU!