The College Orientation

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

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 starting in late June and then throughout the summer. Prior to hearing from them, you will receive a picture and profile of them in the mail.

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.

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.

Parents and family members are encouraged to participate in a series of online programs offered throughout the summer to prepare for their student's on-campus arrival in late August. We will also offer orientation sessions on the day you drop off your student on move-in day, which for most students will be Wednesday, August 21st. Families are also encouraged to attend Opening Convocation and the picnic lunch immediately following on Thursday, August 22nd.

There are no additional costs for students to participate in the Opening Days program, with the exception of the Opening Days “Passport to Salem” program on Friday, August 23, where students will be expected to bring spending money for activities such as admission to an event or eating out. The student dining plan starts at dinner on Wednesday, August 21st.

Willamette University has a website for parents and family members that addresses frequently asked questions and is a hub for campus resources. You are also welcome to call the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership at 503-370-6463 or email us at student-engagement-group@willamette.edu. We would love to help you!

The needs of transfer and non-traditional first-year students are often different from those of traditional first-year students. To meet those needs we have designed a special orientation experience for transfer and non-traditional students. If you are a transfer student living off-campus and/or playing volleyball, soccer, or football you will participate in a shortened program on Friday, August 23rd. In addition to this program, transfer students living on campus and non-traditionally aged first year students should participate fully in their Opening Days groups. The leaders of these groups are specially trained to facilitate your unique transition to Willamette University. No matter your age or the number of credits you are transferring, your Opening Days leaders will be a valuable resource to guide you in your transition.

There are no additional costs for students to participate in the Opening Days program, with the exception of the Opening Days “Passport to Salem” program on Friday, August 23rd, where students will be expected to bring spending money for activities such as admission to an event or eating out. The student meal plan starts at dinner on Wednesday, August 21st.

Goudy Commons will be open for other meals, accepting cash or credit cards.

All administrative and academic departments can be visited on the Willamette website. Anytime you have questions, please call the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership at 503-370-6463. We would love to help you!