• Orientation Schedule
• Freshman Seminar Program
• Academic Advising Information
• Freshman Seminar Groups
• New Student FAQ's
• Academic Department Course Information

Academic & Career Center
New Student Programs

NEW STUDENT FAQs

• Should my parents plan to participate in the full weekend schedule of Orientation events?
  Events for both student and parents are scheduled through mid-day on the Sunday afternoon of Orientation weekend. On Sunday, a mid-day break is scheduled to allow parents time to depart campus.

• Will I have time to open a bank account during Orientation weekend?
  Depending upon arrival time on Saturday (residence hall check-in begins at 8 a.m.), there may be time on Saturday morning to visit a local bank.

• What is Orientation check-in?
  All students are required to register at Orientation check-in between 9 am and 1 pm in the lobby of Rockefeller Center. The student will receive a packet of important information, a nametag indicating Freshman Seminar group assignment and have a photograph taken for a student ID card. Also, the check- in process allows us to determine who has arrived on campus so that we can plan for the weekend events.

• What should I bring to campus to furnish my residence hall room?
  Visit the Housing & Residence Life web site for more information at www.wvwc.edu/housing/.

• How is my Freshman Seminar group selected?
  Students are randomly assigned to a Freshman Seminar group, taking into account an equal distribution of male and female students.

• When will I meet with my Freshman Seminar Leader?
  On Sunday, the second day of Orientation, students meet their assigned Freshman Seminar group, Freshman Seminar leader and student leaders. From this point on, Freshman Seminar groups will follow an on-going meeting schedule as part of the Freshman Seminar course.

• If I am unable to attend an on-campus registration day how will I schedule my classes?
  Students who are unable to attend an on-campus registration day will receive a course preference form in the first Orientation mailing in early June. On this form, students will state course preferences in the general studies categories. Based on this form, an advisor will develop the student's fall schedule combining courses in the major (if declared) and general studies. Course Preference Forms should be submitted to the Academic & Career Center either by mail or fax to 304-473-8531.

• How do I determine what courses to take my first semester?
  If a student has a declared major, the first semester schedule typically includes: a one-credit Freshman Seminar course, a communications course (ENGL 101, ENGL 102, COMM 211, or INDS 120-HONORS), a course or courses in the major applicable to first year students, and several general studies courses. Academic department and course offering information is available on-line at www.wvwc.edu/aca/acadep.asp.

  If a student is undeclared, the primary focus for scheduling is placed on the general studies curriculum. Undeclared students are strongly encouraged to enroll in introductory courses in majors they are considering. On average, a first semester freshman typically registers for a total of 15 semester hours. However, several factors must be taken into consideration such as participation in athletics, Bonner Scholar program, student employment, outside work responsibilities and other significant time consuming obligations.

• I have lost my course preference form. How can I get another copy?
  The course preference form, along with the Health Center Physical Form, are available upon request by calling 1-800-722-9933 and asking to speak with the Orientation Office.

  
  

• If I took an Advanced Placement exam and scored at least a 3, what must I submit to Wesleyan to receive credit?
  Students who receive a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement examination must submit an official copy of the results from the College Board to the Office of Admission for verification. Upon receipt of the results, the Academic & Career Center will provide the student with a letter verifying the credit to be awarded.

• If I completed college coursework prior to entering Wesleyan, how do I transfer the credits?
  Any incoming student who completed credit through another institution must provide an official college transcript to the Office of Admission for verification before the credit can be applied to the Wesleyan transcript.

• When will I receive my student ID card?
  Students who attend an on-campus registration day will have their ID photographs taken at that time. Students who register by mail will have their photographs taken during Orientation check-in on Saturday, August 20. ALL students will pick up completed ID cards at Registration on Monday, August 22.

• When will I be assigned an academic advisor?
  All freshmen are randomly assigned to a Freshman Seminar group. The group is led by a Freshman Seminar leader who is also the instructor of the one-credit Freshman Seminar course or four-credit Freshman Seminar Pilot Program. For the duration of the first semester, the Freshman Seminar leader also fulfills the role of academic advisor for the students in the seminar group.

• What do I need to know about student employment?
  Students will have a dollar amount of work available to be earned. For most new students, that amount will be $1000. Students must seek and find a job. It will be the student's responsibility to secure an employment position. No assumptions should be made about automatically "having a job" when you arrive. Supervisors will hire the most qualified and best suited students based on job descriptions and position openings. If interested in student employment, a detailed explanation for beginning the process will be in your campus mailbox when you arrive on campus. If you hope to secure a campus job, please be sure to bring proper identification as described on the reverse side. In most cases, that will be a PHOTO DRIVERS LICENSE and an ACTUAL SOCIAL SECURITY CARD. You are not permitted to begin work until appropriate paperwork is completed.