New Student Orientation
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
Phone: (580) 774-3233
Fax: (580) 774-7102
orientation@swosu.edu
FAQs
- What is New Student Orientation?
- What is an OL?
- How many freshmen enroll each year? What is the total enrollment?
- What is an enrollment session?
- What is a group session?
- How many enrollment sessions are scheduled?
- When do I register for an enrollment session?
- What is the cost for New Student Orientation?
- How many students attend each session?
- Can families attend?
- Is orientation required of all students?
- What else can I do at the enrollment session?
- What is a CPT exam?
- When should I take the CPT exam?
- What are Dawg Days?
- What is Mass Orientation?
- What happens in the 8-week Freshmen Orientation course?
- When can I move into my residence hall?
- How can I change my schedule?
- How do I know what classes I need to take?
- When do classes begin?
What is New Student Orientation?
New Student Orientation includes an Enrollment Session prior to the beginning of the fall semester, Mass Orientation, an eight-week freshmen orientation course, and Dawg Days (planned activities during the first few weeks of the fall semester).
What is an OL?
More then thirty (30) student Orientation Leaders (OLs) help freshmen and families smooth the transition from high school to college. OLs are selected through an application and interview process and participate in a two-hour student leadership course each spring semester before working with new students. OLs also team teach the eight-week freshman orientation course that all new freshmen take with a SWOSU faculty member.
How many freshmen enroll each year? What is the total enrollment?
Over 900 freshmen enroll each year. SWOSU’s total enrollment is close to 5,500.
What is an enrollment session?
Students meet in the Fine Arts Auditorium as a group and get information about enrollment procedures and campus information. Students will divide into smaller groups according to the major they plan to pursue. These smaller groups will meet with an academic advisor in their academic field. The advisor will help the student choose classes, build a schedule and enroll. Orientation Leaders are also on hand to provide assistance and answer questions about life at SWOSU.
How many enrollment sessions are scheduled?
Each year we have a total of 6 sessions: March 13, April 4, April 22, June 11, July 14, and August 15. All sessions begin at 9:00 am.
When do I register for an Enrollment Session?
You may register for an enrollment session after you have completed the freshman application form and received written notification of acceptance to SWOSU. Within the acceptance packet, you will find New Student Orientation information. Select an Enrollment Session and return the postage paid postcard. You will receive confirmation material after we receive your reservation.
What is the cost for New Student Orientation?
The New Student Orientation fee is $5 and will be added to your first semester’s bill.
How many students attend each session?
Up to 250 students attend group enrollment sessions. However, students divide into smaller groups to enroll.
Can families attend?
We encourage families to attend Family Information Sessions while the students attend their enrollment session. Family sessions run concurrently with student enrollment sessions and are designed to answer parental questions and concerns. We also offer an additional family session on Move-In Day, Saturday, August 16 for families who were unable to attend an earlier session.
Is orientation required of all students?
Orientation is required of all first-time entering freshmen. The student receives one (1) hour of credit for attending the enrollment session, mass orientation, and the eight-week (8) Freshman Orientation course in the fall.
What else can I do at the enrollment session?
While you wait for your printed class schedule, you can get your SWOSU ID and parking permit. You can also tour the campus and residence halls and reserve textbooks.
What happens at the Open House during enrollment sessions?
The Open House is another opportunity to find answers and learn more about student services. Participating offices include: Financial Services, Housing, Human Resources, Business Offices, Department of Public Safety, Auxiliary Services (meal plans), Health Services, Dean of Students and Admissions. Representatives can answer questions concerning meal plans, residence hall contracts, tuition and other payments, campus jobs, health forms and financial assistance.
What is a CPT exam?
CPT stands for Computerized Placement Test. Students with ACT sub-scores (math, reading and English) below 19 must enroll in remedial courses. You may take a CPT to clear the deficiency in any or all areas. There is no charge to take CPTs. You may take each test twice; however, there is a two-week waiting period between testing sessions. To schedule CPT testing, contact the Assessment Office at (580) 774-7084.
When should I take the CPT exam?
It is best to take the CPT exam before attending an enrollment session. However, you may also schedule exams the morning or afternoon of your enrollment session. Students must enroll in remedial courses until clearing (passing) deficient subject area(s). Upon successful completion of CPTs, students can change their schedules. Contact New Student Orientation in the Burton House or call (580) 774-3233 with schedule changes.
What are Dawg Days?
Dawg Days are fun-filled weeks of activities designed to help students meet other students and become a part of our campus community. It begins on Move-In Day and continues through the next several weeks. We schedule volleyball tournaments, dances, outdoor movies, organizational fair, national speakers and much more!
What is Mass Orientation?
This is the first and only time all incoming freshmen meet as a group. All freshmen are required to attend Mass O on August 19, the day before classes begin. During Mass O, SWOSU welcomes new students; Orientation Leaders present informational skits about all aspects of college life and the many choices students face; and a professional motivational speaker presents a college success program. Mass O is another great opportunity to meet others.
What happens in the 8-week Freshman Orientation course?
Volunteer instructors (SWOSU faculty, administrators and staff) paired with trained Orientation Leaders present information and college success skills each week. A large component of the class is designed to help students connect with the faculty, staff and other students.
When can I move into my residence hall?
The first day you can move into your hall is Saturday, August 16 at 8 a.m. Orientation Leaders welcome and help students move in.
How can I change my schedule?
Students occasionally need to add or drop courses from their schedule. Contact New Student Orientation in the Burton House or call (580) 774-3233 with schedule changes.
How do I know what classes I need to take?
All students must complete general education requirements. Follow this link to view general education courses. All students meet with advisors during enrollment sessions who review specific requirements for different areas of study.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin Wednesday, August 20.