New Student Orientation

The First-Year Student Experience is a hybrid (virtual and in-person) orientation program designed to help first-year students with their academic, personal, social, and cultural transition into the Westminster and Salt Lake City communities. This program is geared toward first-year students and happens before the start of fall classes. The program includes a mix of engaging and educational activities, on campus and online.

Program Registration

Students who register for classes through a Griffin GearUp program are automatically registered for the First-Year Student Experience. However, first-year students will receive an email in late July verifying student information needed for the program like your dietary restrictions and t-shirt size.

What to Expect

The First-Year Student Experience is a hybrid program with two components: virtual and in-person. Some virtual components will begin the week of Aug. 2 and will continue through the end of the in-person program. The in-person components for the program will begin on  Saturday, Aug. 14 (the day after move-in day) and will continue each day through Tuesday, Aug. 17, with classes beginning on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Students who are admitted into the Honors College and international students will begin their in-person First-Year Student Experience on Friday, Aug. 13 with a pre-orientation program led by the Honors College (for Honors students) and the Office of Global Engagement (for international students).

The  Associated Students of Westminster College (ASW) events team will also be hosting optional activities every night of your orientation experience and throughout the first week of the semester to help you meet other students and find ways to get involved.

Cost and Billing

The cost of orientation is billed to your student account as a mandatory $300 fee that covers all program and administrative costs to run New Student Orientation and your Griffin GearUp experience.

2021 Schedule

The 2021 schedule is currently being adjusted to ensure that appropriate safety measures are followed while still delivering a high-impact hybrid experience. Students and parents can expect to see an outline of the 2021 schedule by Monday, July 5.

The Transfer Student Experience is a hybrid (virtual and in-person) orientation program designed for students who have previously attended another college or university. Westminster College will be very different from your previous institution and we want you to feel comfortable as you transition into your new community. All transfer students (including Nursing transfer students) are required to participate in the Transfer Student Experience.

Program Registration

Transfer students will receive an email from the Office of Student Involvement and Orientation, verifying student information needed for the program like dietary restrictions and t-shirt size.

What to Expect

The Transfer Student Experience is a hybrid program with two components: virtual and in-person. The virtual components of the program will be completed prior to your academic advising appointment, or shortly after, using Canvas. The in-person component, a half-day orientation program, will give you a chance to explore campus and connect with other incoming transfer students, staff, and faculty.

International transfer and exchange students will begin their in-person Transfer Student Experience on Friday, Aug. 13 with a pre-orientation program led by the Office of Global Engagement.

Cost and Billing

The cost of orientation is billed to your student account as a mandatory $25 fee that covers all program and administrative costs to run New Student Orientation.

2021 Schedule

The 2021 schedule is currently being adjusted to ensure that appropriate safety measures are being followed while still delivering a high-impact hybrid experience. Students and parents can expect to see an outline of the 2021 schedule by Monday, July 5.

The Parent and Family Experience is tentatively scheduled to be a multi-day, virtual orientation program that gives parents and family members the tools and information needed to best support your student. The college will continue to assess the spread of the COVID-19 virus and a final decision on whether the program remains virtual or moves into a hybrid format will be announced on July 5.

Program Registration

You can register for specific virtual sessions beginning the week of July 5.

What to Expect

With live virtual sessions, you'll have a chance to find answers to any lingering questions about housing, financial aid, and academics. You'll also have an opportunity to meet other parents and families who have a student attending Westminster, as well as some of the staff and faculty who are here for your student’s success.

The Parent and Family Experience is virtual and will begin on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 14, continuing each evening until Tuesday, Aug. 17.

If you have any questions during or after the transition to Westminster College, don't hesitate to contact the Office of Student Involvement and Orientation at studentinvolvement@westminstercollege.edu or 801.832.2242.

2021 Schedule

The 2021 virtual schedule will be released on July 5.