University News
WIU Announces Changes to Move-In and Orientation
February 6, 2014
MACOMB, IL -- Beginning August 2014, new freshmen at Western Illinois University will have the opportunity to move in a day earlier than in years past. New freshmen can move into their residence hall rooms beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22.
New Student Convocation, which traditionally has been held on the Saturday of move-in weekend, will now be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 in Western Hall. Fall 2014 classes begin Monday, Aug. 25.
According to Vice President for Student Services Gary Biller, Western is making several changes to summer and fall orientation to give students more time to get settled before classes start.
"Approximately half of our new student population are the first in their family to go to college, which means we need to change our practices to be intentional about both students' and families' acclimation to campus life," he added. "As we continue to better understand our students' changing needs, it was clear that many needed more time to adjust to their new surroundings. During summer orientation, students need more time to talk with academic advisers about their class schedules, and during the fall orientation, they need additional time to get settled in their rooms, purchase textbooks and find their classrooms before the first day of class."
According to Provost and Academic Vice President Ken Hawkinson, the University will host Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR) programs throughout June and July. SOAR programs begin in the evening and include an overnight stay in the residence halls so new students can meet each other and learn their way around campus. The second day of SOAR programs focuses on course placement and course scheduling, including students receiving their official University identification.
Move-in and fall orientation will continue throughout the first week of classes. The University is planning evening entertainment for students, as well as coordinating the class picture, time to discuss academic and social expectations and additional time for students to interact with each other in the residence halls.
Starting Wednesday, Aug. 20, Western will also host its annual program, Camp Leatherneck, for approximately 160 aspiring student leaders. The program is a two-day retreat for incoming students, which is designed to discover leadership strengths through a variety of activities, ranging from outdoor ropes courses to WIU spirit and traditions training.
For more information about Western's new orientation programs, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (309) 298-3100 or admissions@wiu.edu.
For more information on WIU residence halls, including move-in, visit wiu.edu/housing, or call (309) 298-2461 or email housing@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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