• Opening Days
  • About
  • June mailing
  • Schedule of Events
  • 2008 Leaders
  • New Student Profile
  • Orientation Questions
  • Summer Mailing Schedule [pdf]
  • Accommodations & Travel
  • Summer Kickoff Dates
    
  • For Parents & Family
  • For Transfers & Non-Traditionals
• Jump Start
  • NSOCO
    • Schedule
    • 2008 Leaders
    • FAQ
  • Ohana
    • Schedule
    • 2008 Leaders
  • Steppin' Out
    • Schedule
    • FAQ
    • Hike Options
    • Rafting [pdf]
• Leadership Opportunities
• Sponsoring Departments
  • Student Activities
  • Community Service Learning
  • Multicultural Affairs
  • Campus Recreation

Orientation Questions

What is Opening Days?

Opening Days is Willamette University's five-day orientation program for new students. During Opening Days, you and your family will be introduced to all aspects of life at Willamette, such as exploring the campus, registering for classes and meeting your new classmates at social events. Our goal is to make your transition into the Willamette community easy and enjoyable.

During Opening Days, you will be part of a group of about 14 new students. Opening Days leaders will guide each group. You will meet with your leaders on a daily basis, receiving important information on Opening Days events and participating in campus activities.

Who are the OD leaders?

Opening Days leaders are returning students who have demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of involvement in the Willamette community. Opening Days leaders are selected during spring semester. They complete training both in the spring and prior to the start of Opening Days in August. The leaders plan all the Opening Days events with new students in mind. Your leaders will be contacting you in July. Prior to hearing from them, you will receive a picture and profile of them in the mail.

What is College Colloquium?

Willamette's College Colloquium provides you with a unique opportunity to pursue your intellectual passions from the first moment you arrive on campus. The course will be the academic centerpiece of your first semester at Willamette University. For more information, visit the College Colloquium website.

What is a typical day like during Opening Days?

BUSY! Take time to review the Opening Days schedule. During Opening Days, it is important to realize that first-year students will spend a considerable portion of time in their College Colloquium. This commitment, plus the numerous programs in which all new students will participate, leaves little time for errands and other outside activities during the first three days of the program. If you are a fall sport student-athlete or are participating in tryouts for the visual and performing arts, your free time will be even more limited. We urge you to complete your errands and buy your move-in necessities prior to coming to campus.

What is the family's role in Opening Days?

Parents and family members are encouraged to participate in the first two days of Opening Days. Several informational sessions on topics such as residence life, technology, the academic environment and general parent concerns will be offered. Parents also have an opportunity to meet other parents from their city or region, allowing them to network and develop connections.

How does Opening Days address the needs of transfer and non-traditional students?

As a transfer or non-traditional student, you might have attended a new student orientation program at another college or university and have different expectations than a first-year student. Some Opening Days activities have been planned with your experience in mind. You may elect to be an active member of your Opening Days group, or you may decide to emphasize only events targeted toward your needs. Talk to your Opening Days leaders about the type of orientation experience you want to have at Willamette University, and they will assist you however possible. Every transfer student will choose to participate in a one-day program or the five day Opening Days program. Information about the one-day program will be mailed to you in mid-June.

What if I still have questions?

Enclosed in a future parent mailing will be a magnet listing important University phone numbers. We encourage you to place the magnet on your refrigerator or near the phone for easy access. In addition, all Willamette departments can be accessed through the University's website.

Literature

We have provided a list of books that have served as invaluable resources to parents and first-year college students across the nation. All of these books may be ordered from The Willamette Store at 503-370-6315 or bookstore@willamette.edu with free shipping.

• Letting Go: A Parent's Guide to Understanding the College Years
  by Karen Levin Coburn & Madge Lawrence Treeger ($14.95)
• Almost Grown: Launching Your Child from High School to College
  by Patricia Pasick ($14.95)
• Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide for the College Years
  by Helen E. Johnson & Christine Schelhaus-Miller ($17.95)
• You're On Your Won (But I'm Here if You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years by Marjorie Savage ($14.95)