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Student Leadership Opportunities

Orientation Team

The Orientation Team (O-Team) is an elite group of 12 student leaders who assist with Summer Orientation and Registration programs as well as Fall Orientation. Members of the Orientation Team gain a valuable career-enhancing leadership experience while assisting new students and their families in their Western Illinois University transition. O-Team members present and facilitate small group discussions, perform a series of campus life skits in front of family and student audiences, serve as a guide and resource person for incoming students and families, and play an active role in planning and coordinating Fall Orientation.

Student Orientation Staff

The Student Orientation Staff (SOS) is a large volunteer group of student leaders who gain valuable leadership experience while assisting with Fall Orientation. SOS leaders help new students adjust to campus life at Western by leading small group orientation sessions prior to classes beginning in the fall. During these sessions, SOS leaders share their own experiences with new students and offer guidance and support in their transition to the University.

Academic Assistance, University Withdrawals, and Exit Interviews

Academic Assistance
Student Development and Orientation (SDO) offers support to students experiencing academic difficulties resulting from a variety of situations, as well as personal challenges of any kind that may be impacting their academics. Academic assistance is available in the following areas:

  • Academic success
  • Academic status
  • Study skills
  • Tutoring
  • Time management
  • Writing skills
  • Academic major and career exploration

SDO can help find the right campus resource for any particular circumstance.

University Withdrawals and Exit Interviews
SDO conducts exit interviews when students are contemplating withdrawing from the University to ensure students are aware of all options and alternatives when making this critical decision. SDO can provide insights that may impact a student's decision to withdraw. Check the Student Handbook for important dates.

Student Absence Policy

Students who have missed or will be missing classes are encouraged to contact Student Development and Orientation (SDO) for documentation purposes. It is the students' responsibility to discuss the situation with their faculty in accordance with each faculty member’s guidelines for absences. However, SDO staff will serve as a contact for students when they are unable to make direct contact with faculty in extreme emergencies.

Emergency and Crisis Follow-Up Assistance

Student Development and Orientation (SDO) serves as an emergency contact for students experiencing immediate health, emergency, or personal issues that may affect their academic performance. For students in crisis, the office acts as a liaison between students, family members, faculty, University personnel, and/or community agencies. SDO staff provides academic and moral support to those who have experienced a personal tragedy. In case of the death of a student or immediate family member, the staff assists with necessary notifications.

Freshman Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR)

Summer Orientation and Registration is a required program for new freshmen. Each two-day session is designed to promote personal academic success and individual development. Informative presentations, small group discussions, academic advising, placement exercises, and class registration are designed to help students enter the University informed and confident about their upcoming years at Western Illinois University. SOAR is one of the first steps that students take in their transition to Western.

First Year Experience (FYE)

New freshmen will participate in three components of the FYE program.

FYE Classes:
Freshmen will enroll in two FYE courses, one each semester. In this program, students participate in extracurricular activities, and attend small classes led by a faculty member and peer mentor, to start off their college career on a path toward academic success.

FYE Common Reading:
Incoming freshmen receive a copy of the annual common reading book when they attend a SOAR session. They should bring the book to campus for fall and spring classes, since it may be required reading.

FYE Residence Halls:
Students are given the opportunity to meet and live with other freshmen. Residence life staff provides FYE program sessions designed to assist students in the residence halls with their academic and personal transition into the University environment and residence hall community. All freshman residents are encouraged to participate in FYE sessions and programs that help them become actively involved in their residence hall and campus community. Some topics include healthy relationships, time management, study skills, and campus resources.

A current list of FYE courses can be viewed online at Course Offerings.

Transfer Registration

Transfer New Student Registration programs are available for students who have been accepted to Western Illinois University. Students who have not completed the required English composition course and/or an approved math class at their previous institution are required to attend a scheduled Transfer New Student Registration program. These programs include placement testing for those who need it, advising, class registration, and an orientation to Western. Students will learn about the campus, academic programs, financial aid, on- and off-campus living options, and student support services. There are three Transfer New Student Registration programs scheduled throughout the spring and summer.

Fall Orientation

Incoming freshmen and transfer students are encouraged to begin their future at Western by learning about the campus and its many programs, services, and resources. Student Development and Orientation coordinates many activities and social events to help new students adjust to college life. Fall Orientation kicks off with the President's New Student Convocation and the President's Family Picnic. New students also have the opportunity to attend a session with a Student Orientation Staff (SOS) leader to learn about all of the resources on campus and ask any questions about the University. The week also includes various open houses around campus and an activities fair that encourages students to become involved on campus.

President's New Student Convocation

Convocation is a memorable event that ushers in the traditions and history of Western Illinois University. At this traditional ceremony, President Goldfarb, WIU faculty, staff, and students will officially welcome new students and family members to Western. It's an opportunity to meet new people and celebrate the start of an academic journey!

Everyone is invited to an all-campus picnic immediately following Convocation.