Orientation : Welcome Weekend 2024

FAQ Welcome Weekend

WELCOME WEEKEND 2024

Friday, August 23 – Monday, August 26
Welcome weekend’s 2024 schedule is coming soon!
Stay tuned for upcoming event information: Entering the Gates Ceremony, RecFest, Greek Life Carnival, Act Out, Take It or Leave It game show, Honors Student Orientation, and BINGO.
See below for any questions you might have in preparation for the starting of the 2024 school year.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Technology Frequently Asked Questions

Are my parents allowed to come to Welcome Weekend?
Yes, they can attend on the first day of Welcome Weekend, August 23 to attend the “Entering the Gates Ceremony”. 

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Do I need to show any other immunization if I will be residing on campus?

All residence hall students are required by Connecticut State Law, Public Act 01-93, to have documented proof of immunization with meningococcal vaccine (including group A, C, Y & W-135 or Menactra) within five years of moving into the residence hall) before arriving on campus.  Please submit your proof to the Health Services office located in front of Litchfield Hall, Midtown campus.  The HRL Department highly encourages all resident get vaccinated before fall move-in. Also, you may email your information to healthservices@wcsu.educreate new email (pdf only) or fax your information to (203)837-8583.

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How do I find out about getting involved on campus?

You can visit our website, https://www.wcsu.edu/csi/, to see what student organizations are already on campus or how to form your own club or organization.  During Welcome Week you can meet many of the student organizations at Clubs Carnival.

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How do I get a parking decal/ID Card?

Parking decals were discontinued effective July 1, 2016.  Students no longer need any stickers or decals.  However, parking locations are limited to the two parking garages on the Midtown campus, and the commuter lots and Centennial Parking garage on the Westside campus.

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How do I get to WCSU for Welcome Weekend?

Directions and a map can be found here: https://www.wcsu.edu/campustour/.
Directions from the local airports can be found here: /orientation/travel/

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How do I register for Welcome Weekend?
You do not have to register for Welcome Weekend.  But if you have any questions, you can call 203-837-9700 or send an email to diazv@wcsu.educreate new email.

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I am a transfer student.  Do I really need to attend Welcome Weekend?

Yes.  We encourage all students to attend not only to familiarize themselves with resources and services available at WCSU but also to get to know other students, form connections, and make friends by having a good time together.  If you have not already gotten your ID card and computer accounts, now is the time to do so considering you will need them for the start of the school year.

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What do I do if I need accommodations for my disability during Welcome Weekend?

If you have a disability and require special accommodations for Welcome Week or your classes, contact WCSU’s AccessAbility Services office at (203) 837-8225.  To find out more information you can go to their website: www.wcsu.edu/accessability.

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What do I do if I need special dietary accommodations?

If you have special dietary requirements, please contact the office of Student Affairs at 203-837-9700 to let them know what you need and special arrangements can be made through Food Services.

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What do I need to bring for Welcome Weekend?
If you are planning to buy or rent your books, bring cash or credit cards and a copy of your schedule.  If you have not yet submitted your proof of immunization, please bring that with you as well.

If you’re a commuter student, bring your WCSU ID card to the events and get a taste of what WCSU is all about!

If you’re a resident student, remember to move in only at the appointed time as indicated in the email you received (or will receive).  Bring a print-out of your residence-hall check-in time which should be displayed in your car window.  For detailed information about what to bring refer to the Housing & Residence Life website.

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What if I am a part-time student?

Part-time students are invited and encouraged to attend Welcome Weekend.  Just like our full-time students you can learn something about WCSU and get to know other students in a fun and informative setting.  If you have not already had the time to do so, now is also the time to make sure you get your ID card, computer accounts, buy your books, etc.

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What if I am an adult or non-traditional student?  Do I still need to attend Welcome Weekend?

Yes.  There will be a lot of information available during orientation that is important to all students.

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What immunizations must I provide in order to register for classes?

Connecticut State law requires students to present immunizations in order to register for courses. Please go to www.wcsu.edu/healthservices and click on immunization requirements for details.

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What is the “Entering the Gates” ceremony and why is it important?
During the “Entering the Gates” ceremony, you, as a new member of the WCSU community, will enter through the university gates, symbolically leaving behind your life as a high school student or student at another university.  Led by the university president, deans, and faculty in academic regalia, you will enter and accept your new role as a responsible member of the WCSU community and university life.

This tradition was started in 1999 and has been a part of the Welcome Week activities ever since. Similar traditions have been part of opening ceremonies at many other colleges and universities around the country, including Ivy League schools such as Penn or Brown.

It’s time to take on your new role and be proud of it!

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What requirements are there before I am allowed to register?

The following information must be in place before you can register for classes:

  1. make your $200.00 non-refundable deposit
  2. CT State Law requires all students submit required immunizations on the Connecticut State University Student Health Service Form provided in your admission packet or available at www.wcsu.edu/healthservices/onlineforms/. If a vaccination record from the physician’s office is included, the form can be completed by the student. In this case, no healthcare provider signature is required. These forms should be emailed to healthservices@wcsu.educreate new email (pdf only), mailed or faxed (203-837-8583) to Health Services before the start of the semester or you may bring them when you come to campus for Orientation.
  3. you will need to have taken any applicable placement test as noted in your admissions packet (Math, English, and Chemistry)

If you missed Summer Orientation and need to catch up, you will be sent your schedule along with a package of information to help you get on track for the Fall semester.  Transfer students need to meet with an advisor as soon as possible after being accepted (don’t forget to bring your program sheet to the meeting).  If you just now got accepted to WCSU, please make an appointment with the Advisement Center online or call them at 203-837-8397 to register for classes.

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What type of meal plans are available and who can get them?

Please check the following website for more information: https://wcsu.sodexomyway.com/my-meal-plan/

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When and where is Welcome Weekend?
Welcome Weekend begins on August 23rd. A schedule with all of the weekends activities  will be posted on-line. The new schedule for 2024 is coming soon!

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When can new students move into the residence halls?

New students who are registered as full-time (12 credits or more) will be eligible to move into their residence hall on Friday, August 23, the first day of Welcome Weekend.  Students who are not yet registered for 12 or more credits will need to see the Registrar prior to the move in date.  Please check your WCSU email for your specific half hour move-in time-slot (this email will be sent in early August).  Print that email and display the time prominently in the windshield of your car.  

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When do Fall classes begin?
Classes begin on Tuesday, August 27, 2024

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When will I get information about Welcome Weekend?
You will receive an email about Welcome Weekend in mid-August and a reminder email will be sent to all students later in the month.  Your best source of information, however, will be the detailed schedule posted on the web which will be updated continuously as we get closer to Welcome Week.

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Where can my parents and I stay if we are coming in from far away?
Here is a list of hotels that are only about 10-15 minutes away from our Midtown and Westside campuses:

Midtown campus:

Westside campus:

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Where do I go to pay my bill or find out about Financial Aid?

The Cashier’s Office is located on the first floor of the Old Main Administration Building where you will be able to handle all billing inquiries or you may visit their web site at https://www.wcsu.edu/cashiers/.  

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment is also located on the first floor of the Old Main Administration Building where you can find answers to any of your financial aid concerns, or go to https://www.wcsu.edu/finaid/.

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Where do I park for Welcome Weekend?

Student parking at the Midtown campus is available only in the parking garages.  Parking restrictions apply. Student parking at the Westside campus is in the assigned commuter and/or resident student lots.  Please consult the parking area chart for details.  Please check our website for directions at https://www.wcsu.edu/campustour/.
Students moving into the residence halls will have received an email with a half hour appointed time for move-in.  Cars need to be unloaded quickly and then have to be moved to one of the parking garages.

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Will I be able to purchase my books during Welcome Weekend?

Yes, there will be time during or after Welcome Weekend for students to purchase their books. Textbooks may be purchased with cash or check (valid Government issued ID required). Bring a printout of your class schedule. Credit cards will be accepted only if the cardholder is present. Follett gift cards will also be accepted for all purchases.If you put money into your WestConnect account, you can use your WestConnect card at the bookstore.  Books can also be ordered online from the WCSU Bookstore website and will be delivered directly to your residence hall on move-in day at no extra charge.  Some textbooks are also available for rental and in detail format.  See the WCSU bookstore website for additional information.

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Technology FAQ

How can I use my computer in the Residence Hall (ResNet)?

For more information on the available wireless networks visit: https://support.wcsu.edu/?ht_kb=which-university-network-do-i-connect-to

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How do I get a WCSU Windows account?

A WCSU Windows account is necessary for students to access the University’s network from the computer centers, classrooms, labs, residence halls, and wireless network. You will be able to get your account information during Summer orientation, Welcome Week, and any other time during the semester from the following staffed computer centers on campus: Midtown Computer Center (Haas Library), Westside Computer Center (WS 117), and the Student Technology Training Center (SC 225). opens in a new windowhttps://support.wcsu.edu/?ht_kb=how-do-i-obtain-a-wcsu-user-account

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I am not very computer savvy. Where can I get help?

The general computer centers, located in room 117 of the Westside Classroom Building and at Midtown on the first floor of the Haas Library, employ student lab assistants who can provide assistance based on their individual knowledge. However, students needing extensive help should visit the Student Technology Training Center (STTC) in room 225 of the Student Center on the Midtown campus. More information about the STTC can be found at: https://www.wcsu.edu/sttc.

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I want to purchase a computer to bring to WCSU. What should I buy?

Almost any new desktop or laptop computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers (IBM, Apple, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc.) should be more than adequate for basic student use on campus.

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Is WCSU Wireless?

Western Connecticut State University offers fast and reliable wireless network access to students, faculty, and staff on the Westside and Midtown campuses. For locations and more information, visit https://support.wcsu.edu/?ht_kb=which-university-network-do-i-connect-to.  To use the wireless network, your laptop, tablet, or other mobile device must be equipped with a wireless network adapter. WCSU’s wireless network uses SSIDs of “Western” , “Western-Student”, and “Western-BYOD” for easy connection. You will be prompted to log in using your Windows account credentials.

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Should I bring my own computer?

You do not need to bring your own computer. However, a laptop with wireless capability can be useful. In case you do not own a computer, WCSU has a number of computer facilities available for student use. Some are open as early as 8am, and close as late as 11pm. Some are open around the clock. You can find more information about the computer labs here: https://www.wcsu.edu/iti/computers/

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Should I get a WCSU email account?

WCSU User Accounts are automatically created for accepted students. An informational message containing instructions for setting up a password is sent to your personal email address given when applying through Admissions. To learn more about accounts, visit opens in a new windowhttps://support.wcsu.edu/ and select “Accounts”

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What computer facilities are available at WCSU?

WCSU offers a number of staffed facilities where you can receive assistance from our friendly student staff. We also have 24 hours computer labs available for student use. For a complete list of facilities and hours, please visit:     opens in a new windowhttps://www.wcsu.edu/iti/computers/

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What is a WestConnduit?

WestConnduit is WCSU’s campus portal.  WestConnduit allows you to see your grades, course schedules, academic history and financial aid information, and allows you to register for classes and make payments to the university.  It also provides access to Blackboard, WCSU’s online course management system, campus and personal announcements, the campus events calendar, and convenient links to other university resources.

WestConnduit can be accessed by visiting www.wcsu.edu and clicking on the WestConnduit link.

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Last updated: August 7, 2024

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