The Importance of Attending Overnight Orientation

You’ve walked the stage, received your diploma, and thrown your cap. Now you’re in the midst of one of the most exciting and life-changing chapters in your life.

This transition to college is so much more than progressing from one education level to the next. It’s the beginning of true self-transformation and discovery.

The freshman year can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With every year you will grow in confidence. Orientation can mean the difference between being successful or struggling.

This is also a big transition time for transfer students. In both cases, being well-prepared is the first step. Orientation will provide answers and give you a sense of belonging.

Are you ready to set your college years up for success?

Why Orientation Matters

Equally as important for both parents and students – including transfer students – college orientation serves as a powerful guide for what’s to come, what to expect and how to make the most of these next four years.

Even if you’re not dying to go or have been on the fence about registering, the value of attending orientation this summer cannot be overstated.

It was found that 87% of first-year students who attended their college orientation:

• Engaged in more academically enriching activities
• Observed the campus environment as more supportive
• Reported greater developmental gains during the first year of college
• Expressed greater satisfaction with the overall college experience

Additionally, attending college orientation is linked to several positive outcomes for first-year and transfer students throughout their entire collegiate career, such as:

• Students who attend their college orientation are more likely to pass their classes and graduate than those who don’t.

• High graduation rates are linked to pre- and first-year college programs, such as summer orientation, that focus on helping incoming students adjust to college life and acculturate to the university.

• Programs that show students what to expect and what success can look and feel like help students bring meaning and find purpose in their educational experiences.

What to Expect at TWU’s Orientation

Your on-campus, overnight experience includes academic planning to campus culture, student organizations to staff and faculty introductions, financial aid to parent resources, TWU’s New Student Orientation helps the entire family learn what it’s like to be a Bulldog.

Through the fun and jam-packed overnight schedule, parents and students will:

• Become familiar with the physical campus
• Meet with an advisor to set up the first semester’s schedule
• Get a taste of the activities offered throughout the semester
• Learn from current students
• Have informed conversations about the coming years
• Establish lasting bonds of friendship with other new students (and parents) before the semester even starts
• Much more

Your journey begins here, and we can’t wait to officially welcome you to the TWU family.

*Meals and housing are provided for students.