First-Year Orientation and Programs
Fall Advising & Registration
Required
Western’s required Advising & Registration program provides an opportunity to learn about academic planning and prepare you for classes. Fall Advising & Registration (A&R) sessions are available in August and September. You can make your A&R reservation beginning in early June.
Viking Launch
Optional
Viking Launch allows students to move into residence halls a week early and, before the quarter begins, take an experience-based seminar designed to launch them toward a major or professional field.
Western Outdoor Orientation Trips (WOOT)
Optional
WOOT supports, enhances, and eases the transition to Western for first-year students through outdoor adventure.
First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs)
A FIG is a cluster of three courses: two general education courses (psychology and anthropology, for example) linked with a two-credit seminar (max. of 25 students). The learning community environment created by a FIG cluster can help students connect more quickly to university life, and foster a smoother transition from high school to college learning and expectations.
Distinguished Scholars Programs
While Scholars programs vary in their offerings, the goal of each is to create a small cohort experience for first-year students. Applications are open January through February.
BEES Program
The BEES program offers a great opportunity to enhance the success of pre-engineering students and prepare them to apply for engineering majors at Western. This program provides a systematic sequence of academic, social, and career support services in addition to providing up to $10,000 in scholarship funding each year to eligible students. Applications are open in February.