• What is New Student Orientation?
• What is an OL?
• How many freshmen enroll each year? What is the total enrollment?
• What is an orientation session?
• How many orientation sessions are scheduled?
• When do I register for an orientation session?
• What is the cost for New Student Orientation?
• How many students attend each session?
• May families attend?
• Is orientation required of all students?
• What else can I do at the orientation 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 Freshmen Orientation course?
• When can I move into my residence hall?
• How do I find the class schedule?
• How can I change my schedule?
• How do I know what classes I need to take?
• When do classes begin?
• SWOSU account access instructions (pdf)
• What do i need to bring to Orientation?
• How do i get to SWOSU?
• Where do I park?

What is New Student Orientation (NSO)?

New Student Orientation includes an Orientation Session prior to the beginning of the fall semester, Mass Orientation, a one-hour freshman orientation course, and Dawg Days (planned activities during the first few weeks of the fall semester).

What is an OL?

More than forty (40) 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 freshman orientation course with a SWOSU faculty or staff member that all new freshmen take.

How many freshmen enroll each year? What is the total enrollment?

Over 900 freshmen enroll each year. SWOSU’s total enrollment is close to 5,300.

What is an orientation session?

Students meet in the Fine Arts Auditorium as a group and get information about enrollment procedures and campus. 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 orientation sessions are scheduled?

Each year we have a total of 6 sessions: April 6, April 12, April 18, June 11, July 16, and August 17. All sessions begin at 9:00 am.

When do I register for an Orientation Session?

You may register for an Orientation Session after you have completed the online application for University Admission and received written notification of acceptance to SWOSU. Within the acceptance packet, you will find New Student Orientation information. Select an Orientation Session and register online , by phone or return the postcard. You will receive confirmation via email after we receive your reservation. Sessions do fill quickly so register early.

What is the cost for New Student Orientation?

The New Student Orientation fee is $5 and will be added to the student's first semester’s bill.

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How many students attend each session?

Up to 200 students may attend Orientation Sessions. However, students divide into smaller groups to enroll.

May families attend?

We encourage families to attend Family Orientation Sessions while students attend their orientation session. Family sessions run concurrently with student orientation sessions and are designed to answer parental questions and concerns. We also offer an additional Family Session on Move-In Day, Saturday, August 18 for families who were unable to attend an earlier session. Families do not attend the Student Orientation Session or go with their student to enroll in classes.

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 freshman orientation course in the fall.

What else can I do at the orientation session?

While you wait for your printed class schedule, you can get your SWOSU student ID and parking decal. You can also tour the campus and residence halls, reserve textbooks, and talk with new and current students, and attend the open house. Computerized Placement Tests (CPT) can be taken on orientation session days. You must have photo ID to take CPT tests.

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What happens at the Open House during orientation sessions?

The Open House is another opportunity to find answers and learn more about student services. Participating offices include: Financial Services, Residence Life, Human Resources, Business Offices, Campus Police, Auxiliary Services (meal plans), Counseling and Health Services, Dean of Students, Follett Bookstore, Violence Intervention, Prevention and Early Response (VIPER), Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD), and Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal College. 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. * Results are immediate.

When should I take the CPT exam?

It is best to take the CPT exam before attending an orientation session. However, you may also schedule exams the morning or afternoon of your orientation session. Students must enroll in remedial courses until clearing (passing) deficient subject area(s). Upon successful completion of CPTs, students may change their schedules. Contact New Student Orientation in Stafford 209 or call 580.774.3233 for the schedule change process.

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. Activities include volleyball tournaments, dances, block party, tours, organizational fair, national speakers, Project Blue 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 21, the day before classes begin. During Mass O, SWOSU welcomes new students and a professional motivational speaker presents a college success program. Mass O is another great opportunity to meet others.

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What happens in the 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 18 at 9 am. Orientation Leaders welcome and help students move in.

How do I find the class schedule?

From the SWOSU homepage, click the drop down box next to Quick Links, then select Class Schedule. Select the term code (Fall, Spring, or Summer) and the department to look up available days and times.

How can I change my schedule?

To process schedule changes without visiting SWOSU, follow the steps below.

1. You can send a request from a SWOSU Student Email Account to enrollment@swosu.edu with your name, ID, semester request, and add/drop request (must have section numbers for add requests).This information can be typed out in the body of the email, so no additional paperwork is required. No signature is required because identity will be authenticated by having the student log-in to their email account.
2. You can complete the Add-Drop Form and fax it to (580) 774-3795 (must be signed by the student; the signature part cannot be typed). Here is a link to the Add-Drop Form: Add-Drop Form/Schedule Change Permit*
3. If you want to use a non-university email account, you can complete the Add-Drop Form (must be signed by the student; the signature part cannot be typed) and send it as an attachment to enrollment@swosu.edu. Here is a link to the Add-Drop Form: Add-Drop Form/Schedule Change Permit*

How do I know what classes I need to take?

All students must complete general education requirements and it is recommended to start with general education courses. All students will meet with advisors during orientation session who review specific requirements for different areas of study. To find a complete list of degree information by major click here.

When do classes begin?

Classes begin Wednesday, August 22.

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What do I need to bring to NSO?

1. Photo ID or Driver's License - Students should bring a photo ID with them to pick up their SWOSU student ID and parking decal, or to take the CPT (Computerized Placement Test) to clear deficiencies.
2. Copies of any advance placement (AP) credit reports
3. Copies of any updated ACT reports
4. Final high school transcript or mail after graduation
5. Health form/shot record
6. Residence Hall contract and deposit
7. Any needed paper work for Financial Aid
8. List of possible classes you would enjoy taking. Go to www.swosu.edu – Quick Links –> Class Schedules to view course selection and closed classes.
9. Money for lunch – Lunch will be on your own from 11 am – 1 pm. Feel free to grab lunch on or off campus. On-campus choices include Duke’s Diner, all-you-can-eat cafeteria for $5.95 or the Food Court, four fast food outlets and a bakery for $5 to $7. Food Court choices include Arrezzio's Italian Café, Brandy's Grill (hamburgers and sandwiches), Casa Solana Mexican Cantina, The Strip Joint (chicken strips and fries), The Corner Bakery(homemade baked goods), and Grains & Berries Yogurt Shop.

How do I get to SWOSU?

Driving Directions to SWOSU Fine Arts Center:

To SWOSU from the East

• Take Weatherford Exit 82 from I-40
• At the stoplight turn north (right) on Washington St.
• Continue several blocks to Davis Rd. (at the stoplight)
• Turn west (left) and continue 10 blocks
• The SWOSU Fine Arts Center is on the north (right) side of Davis Rd.

To SWOSU from the West

• Take Weatherford Exit 80A from I-40 (Exit leads to Main Street)
• Go several blocks to Bradley St.
• Turn north (left) on Bradley St.
• Go 10 blocks to Davis Rd.
• Turn west (left) on Davis Rd.
• The SWOSU Fine Arts Center is on the north (right) side of Davis Rd.

To SWOSU from HWY 54

• Take W. Davis Rd.
• Continue east 6 blocks to campus.
• The Fine Arts Center is on the north (left) side of the street.

Where do I park?

Parking is available in front of the Fine Arts Center or in the parking lot southeast of the Student Union. The Parking lot is located on the corner of College and State Rd.

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