New Student Experience

1. What is New Student Orientation (NSO)?

• New Student Orientation (NSO) welcomes all new students to William Peace University: first-year and transfer students. Our incoming Pacers will learn about vital resources to prepare them for their time at WPU.

2. What is the format of New Student Orientation?

• The format of NSO is an in-person, overnight experience for students that allow them to learn about the WPU community, get prepared for classes to start in the Fall, make new friends, attend important sessions, and meet WPU students, staff, and faculty.  Parents, families, and guests are invited to attend but will not be housed for the overnight experience. We will have specific sessions for parents, families, and guests on both days of NSO.  Students will be required to stay for both days of NSO.  Before arriving for NSO, all students must complete the Moodle lessons and modules that they will receive access to in May.

3. How do I access Moodle and when should I complete the modules?

• Students will be emailed a link to access the Moodle site in May.  They will then be prompted to enter their WPU login credentials.  If there are any issues, please email helpdesk@peace.edu.  New Pacers must complete the modules and lessons prior to attending Orientation.

4. Is Orientation mandatory? Do I have to attend the entire event?

• Yes, you are required to attend this event as a new student at William Peace University. It is very important that you participate to ensure you receive and understand all necessary information regarding your classes, housing, campus resources, and services available. If there are any financial or scheduling barriers that prevent you from attending the overnight NSO experience this summer, please contact orientation@peace.edu.

5. I am an athlete. Is there a different orientation for me?All new Pacers who plan to play in Pacer Athletics MUST attend Orientation. There may be some specific sessions during the event geared toward athletes, however you are required to attend the entire orientation alongside all new Pacers.

6. I have registered for Orientation, now what?

• You are all set and we can’t wait to get to know you better! Leading up to Orientation, you will receive specific information about your sessions, how to check in, and any materials you will need to participate. This information will be sent to both your personal and WPU email.

1. How do I register?

• You will receive an email from the Office of Admissions with registration information. Please follow that link to register for the event. You will use the login you created to apply to the University to register for orientation.

2. My login to register will not work. What do I do?

• You should use the login you created to apply to the University for this registration. Do not use your WPU login you received from the Office of Information Technology. If you run into further issues, please email the Office of Admissions at admissions@peace.edu.

1. Can I invite a family member or guest to join me during this event? Do they have to pre-register?

• Yes! We welcome family members or guests to join you for New Student Orientation, up to 2 guests per person. Parents and Guests do not need to register separately, however, you will need to register them when you register yourself (you will be asked to add guest information).

2. How do family members and guests access the Moodle site?

• Families and guests cannot access the Moodle site unless their student shares their login credentials with them.  The videos included in the site will be housed on our university YouTube Channel for your viewing. We will share resources in the WPU Family Portal, so please sign up for the portal if you have not already.

1. What are Orientation Leaders?

• Orientation Leaders are your guide, resource and mentor as you begin your William Peace University experience. They will lead the small group you are assigned. Orientation Leaders are current William Peace University students who are involved academically, through registered student organizations, Pacer Athletics and much more. They were specifically selected during a rigorous application and interview process to serve you, the new student and family member. They will be able to answer many of the questions you have about what it is like to be a student or how families can best support their new Pacer.

2. How are small groups assigned?

• Small groups are assigned either randomly or based on your First Year Seminar class, however we work to ensure there are a variety of students in each small group from various majors and hometowns too! Your small group is a lot of fun and your first chance to really bond with your incoming class. Siblings or family members will not be small groups; these are for incoming students only.

4. Do families and guests have small groups?

• No, but you do not miss out on the access to an Orientation Leader. There will be orientation leaders with you during your program to help you along the way.

I still have more questions. What do I do?

• No worries! Email orientation@peace.edu and a member of our staff will work to respond as soon as possible.