The W Experience
Welcome to the W Experience
We believe your college journey should be built on momentum, belonging, and your unique strengths. As a core part of the Student Success Center, we support the academic, social, and co-curricular transition of every new student. From our targeted First-Generation programs that cultivate early leadership, to our Flight Path initiative that translates your campus involvement into career-ready skills, we provide a holistic blueprint for your success. Here, you matter. With the support of your Student Success Navigators and peer mentors, you will build the connections and toolkit necessary to make your first year extraordinary.
Blues Week 2026
Monday 8/17 : Schedule Stroll 10:00am -12:00pm Library 24/7 Computer Lab
Say goodbye to first-day jitters! Bring your class schedule, and our friendly guides will walk the campus with you, showing you exactly where your classes are located. You’ll learn the quickest routes across The W, find your specific classrooms, and go to bed knowing exactly where you are heading the next morning.
Tuesday 8/18: Root Beer & Readiness: Launch Your Student Success 2:00 -4:00pm Turner Hall Lawn
Kick off your journey at The W with our signature Blues Week field party! Stop by Turner Lawn to grab moonpie and a refreshing cosmic ice cream float, connect with your people—and build your momentum for the upcoming semester.
Grab a “Flight Log” when you arrive and earn stamps by exploring our strengths-based stations, playing lawn games, and connecting with your new community. The Student Success Center team is here to make sure you have the tools, the support, and the posse you need to succeed. Come hang out, relax, and let's get ready for an incredible year!
Wednesday 8/19: Syllabus Savvy 3:00- 4:30 Library GPG Room
Every great class starts with a syllabus, but reading one can feel like learning a new language. Our experienced Peer Mentors are breaking it down! They will walk you through how to pull out the most vital information, manage deadlines, and map out your semester. Afterward, jump into our hands-on organization lab where you will learn the best techniques for managing digital files, plus get the chance to decorate and set up a physical master binder to use as your success template for the year.
Thursday 8/20: Meet Your Mentors: Real Talk for a Great Semester 1:00-2:00pm Library GPG Room
Got questions about what college classes are really like? Come get the tea directly from the students who have been in your shoes! Join our Peer Mentors for a relaxed, conversational session featuring rotating table topics.
Pull up a chair and join the discussion on everything from building unstoppable study habits and organizing your week, to the ethical ways to use AI as a learning supplement. No lectures, no pressure—just real talk and proven strategies to help you launch your success at The W
New Student Orientation
Orientation is a program that will assist you to have a smooth transition as you start your new journey here at The W. Orientation will give you the opportunity to learn more about the University, services offered to students, and academic programs, along with enrolling in classes for the upcoming semester.
UN 101
UN 101: Introduction to College Life is a series of freshman seminars focusing on a variety of topics: professor-student relationships, the development of critical thinking and study skills, strategies to improve academic survival, time management, stress management, and assertiveness. All first time Freshman students are required to take UN 101: Introduction to College Life.
Community Read
The Community Read at The W draws on our rich literary heritage and builds on The W's tradition of excellence in teaching to: Develop intellectual community among students, staff, faculty, and members of the community outside the traditional classroom; Foster intellectual curiosity, inquiry, and responsibility among all groups; Deepen understanding of issues raised in significant books, and Provide opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and the community at large to engage socially in meaningful ways.
Registering for Classes
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