Welcome to William Peace University!
Our New Student Experience programs are an opportunity for students and families to learn about William Peace University and what it means to be a Pacer. Current WPU students, faculty, and staff provide a welcoming environment to assist you throughout these engaging events.
WPU’s New Student Experience is for new students, transfer students, and their guests to ensure that our new Pacers have the tools and resources to succeed! January 2024 New Student Orientation is mandatory for new students and transfer students who are beginning their WPU journey for the Spring 2024 semester.
Have you deposited to attend WPU?
Register for January 2024 Orientation HERE
*Please note, Orientation is only open to deposited students. Please contact orientation@peace.edu with any questions.
Need Help or an Accommodation?
Orientation Information
919-508-2504
orientation@peace.edu
Interpreter – If your guest needs a Spanish or ASL interpreter, please indicate this on your registration and email orientation@peace.edu.
Summer 2024
We can’t wait to welcome our new Pacers next Fall! More information will populate here in early 2024, but for now, here is what you need to know:
- Your New Student Experience consists of 2 required and exciting programs: New Student Orientation and Pacer Welcome Week!
- New Student Orientation is an overnight opportunity for new Pacers and their guests to experience campus, meet new people, and begin the transition to WPU!
- SAVE THE DATE for Summer Orientation! Pick the session that works best for your schedule!
- Friday, June 21, 2024 – Saturday, June 22, 2024
- Friday, July 19, 2024 – Saturday, July 20, 2024
- This is a required experience for all new students (including Transfer students), so mark your calendars!
- What can you expect from Orientation?
- We are working on revamping our schedule for 2024, but in the meantime you can check out our Schedule at a Glance from last year!
- SAVE THE DATE for Summer Orientation! Pick the session that works best for your schedule!
- Pacer Welcome Week is a 4-day extended orientation experience that starts on Move-In Day and takes you up until the first day of classes!
- SAVE THE DATE for Pacer Welcome Week!
- Friday, August 16, 2024 – Tuesday, August 20, 2024
- This is a required experience for all new students (including Transfer students), so mark your calendars!
- What can you expect from Pacer Welcome Week?
- We are working on revamping our schedule for 2024, but in the meantime you can check out our Schedule at a Glance from last year!
- SAVE THE DATE for Pacer Welcome Week!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Overall Program & Logistics
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. New Student Orientation Schedule at a Glance
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
- What do I pack for New Student Orientation?
- Registration Questions
1. How do I register?
- You can register here for July Orientation on July 21-22, 2023. Can’t attend this session? Email orientation@peace.edu.
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.
- Family and Guest Information
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.
- Orientation Leaders
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.
- Additional Questions
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.
Explore Student Activities at William Peace University
There are no upcoming events at this time
First Year Success Series
First-Year Success Series
The First-Year Success Series is a programmatic effort designed to enrich the First-Year Experience at William Peace University. The series is a campus-wide, collaborative effort that provides first-year students the resources and support they need to successfully transfer to college life and becoming a Pacer.
Through this series, the first-year students will learn and develop the necessary skills to help them be successful in their academic and personal life. By teaching and promoting community and healthy habits, our hope is to provide all first-year students with a socially supportive environment that will enable them to meet new people, immerse themselves in the WPU culture and enjoy career and academic success.
Quick Facts on FYSS
- FYSS offered 25 programs in Fall 2021.
- The majority of Fall 2021 FYSS attendees attended between 4-6 events.
- 90% of first-year students agreed that FYSS was helpful to their college transition.
