First Year Student Programs
Time to become an OWL!

Students on the campus green with Nestor in front of campus globe using their fingers to make owl eyes.

Welcome to Westfield!

The New Student Orientation program is designed to be your official welcome to life at Westfield State University.

Whether you decide to commute or live on campus, are coming to Westfield State with a few college credits in place, have decided on your major or are taking time to explore your options, our program is designed to help you learn about your new home away from home. Orientation will give you the opportunity to meet other incoming students, administrators, faculty and staff, and make sure you make a connection here at the University.

You will be led through the program by an energetic Orientation Leader, who will be with you every step of the way as you attend sessions to learn about important campus resources and get a feel for the Westfield State University community.

What should I expect?

As an incoming First Year student, there is a lot of information that is sent your way and many tasks that you are expected to complete. Our team is here to help you navigate through all of it. Please use the sections below to learn more about the four different onboarding experiences that you will participate in to help you succeed as an Owl. 

Experience 1: Summer Orientation

Our first step in welcoming you to our community is to officially welcome you as a member of the Class of 2029 and provide a deeper understanding of what it means to be an Owl.  Becoming a member of our community means understanding the many ways your goals can be achieved and supported.  Our Orientation Program will be highly engaging and interactive, and will leave you excited to return to campus in the fall.

There will be 3 Student Sessions to choose from:

  • Session A: June 16th
  • Session B: June 25th
  • Session C: July 17th

Register for a session

Experience 2: Communications and Outreach

Summer Communication is a priority of the New Student Orientation Team. On a regular a basis, all incoming students should expect to receive an email from our office with updates, tasks to complete, introductions of University Departments, and items to be watching for in the mail. Orientation Leaders will also send information out their students groups throughout the summer and are available for questions from students at any time. Checking your University email account is imperative to your successful transition into Westfield State University. 

Experience 3: Fall Welcome Events

August 31, 2025: First-Year Student Welcome Day

  • Residential students move into Residence Halls
  • All students are invited to fun activities on the Campus Green, Resource Fair, University Cook-Out, and Welcome Session

September 1–2, 2025: Two-Day Orientation Program for First-Year Students

  • Focus on engagement, readiness, and success
  • Mandatory sessions on Belonging, Sexual Assault Prevention, and Alcohol Safety
  • Take a look at the 2024 schedule of events to see what to expect for Fall Orientation. Final schedules will be delivered by Orientation Leaders.

All students are required to participate in New Student Orientation. Session attendance is tracked for all students. 

Campus light pole with WSU flag on it and University Hall and Ely Campus Center behind it.

Contact Us

Matt Dellea
Coordinator of New Student Orientation
Ely Campus Center, Lower Level, SAIL Center