New Student Orientation (NSO) 

To help you adjust to life at Westminster, there are orientation experiences for first-year and transfer students, as well as events that will help you get to know and be involved in your new community. New Student Orientation is a mandatory program for all new students, with programs offered both fall and spring semester. Students who are entering the fall semester will attend either the New Student Orientation (first-year students) or Transfer Orientation. Students entering in the spring semester will attend Spring Orientation.

First-Year Students  

Before attending New Student Orientation, all first-year students will attend a New Griffin Registration. At New Griffin Registration, first-year students will register for classes, meet with the Financial Aid office, and set up a payment plan. After completing New Griffin Registration, first-year students will then prepare for New Student Orientation in August, which is a two-day program. New Student Orientation is required for all students and first-year students are expected to attend each program day. First-year students will also be assessed a $300 orientation fee.

Transfer Students 

Transfer students are required to attend the Transfer Orientation, a one-day program in August. This program is designed specifically for students who have previously attended another institution. Transfer students will be assessed a $25 orientation fee, which covers the cost of their program. All other transfer students will attend the main university’s program, the Transfer Orientation (fall semester) or Spring Orientation (spring semester).

Returning Students 

If a student is returning after two or more years, they will need to attend another orientation program upon the semester they return. Since many services and resources change/update within a two-year period, completing an orientation program is valid for two years. If students have question about this, please contact the Director of Student Involvement and Orientation.