Still Time to Register for Final Summer ‘Alive!’ Student Orientation Sessions

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State University campus was buzzing with excitement as new freshmen students attended the first “Alive!” session on June 14. More than 2,300 freshmen and transfer students are already registered for “Alive!” new student orientation sessions this summer at WSU.

Currently only five of the 10 summer orientation sessions scheduled originally are still available to those who choose to attend. Entering freshmen students may still reserve a slot in one of the four remaining three-day sessions scheduled to begin on July 18, 22, 26, or 31. To register for any of the remaining sessions, students can log on to the WSU home page at www.wsu.edu and follow the “Alive!” link. Registration is conducted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. 

The sessions are $200 for students and $140 for parents, with financial aid available to those who qualify. The fee covers a two-night stay in a residence hall, six meals, workshop presentations and handouts, and an orientation resource manual. Students also receive academic advice from a WSU faculty member and are given priority registration for fall classes. 

Terese King, director of New Student Programs, said the focus of the “Alive!” program is to help students with their transition from high school to WSU and college life. Parents and students who participate can get information about resources on campus that can help them succeed, she said. 

A new “Alive!” workshop called “Succeeding Academically at WSU,” is geared toward both new students and their parents. It includes a faculty member and two current students speaking to the incoming students and their parents about how high school classes are different than WSU classes. The speakers also discuss academic integrity, the importance of talking with your professors and how to make the most of your classes.  

While attending “Alive!,” students and parents will learn about college costs, admissions, academic expectations, faculty advising and time scheduling. They will also have the opportunity to experience the WSU classroom environment and participate in various workshops dealing with living options, financial aid and college costs. 

Participants receive a campus tour of academic buildings, as well as the Student Recreation Center, French Administration Building, Lighty Student Services Building, the Multicultural Student Center and the “Bookie.” 

Most students will also take their writing placement exam, and about half of them will take their math placement exam, King said. Photos for Cougar Cards (student identification cards) can also be taken.