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Transfer and Non-Traditional Students

Opening Days 2025 information will be posted in January.

Please note: The information below was for the 2024 Opening Days event.

Opening Days is important and fun for all new Willamette students. Most of the scheduled activities are relevant to everyone, including traditional, transfer and nontraditional students. Additionally, we provide programming which is tailored specifically for transfer and nontraditional students.

We recognize that the needs of transfer and non-traditional first-year students are often different from those of traditional first-year students.

We've customized the group activities and leader training to suit the needs of students who've already been to college! All transfer students have the opportunity to join a traditional Opening Days group and participate in all activities presented during the Opening Days program. Transfer students living on campus and non-traditionally aged first-year students are encouraged to be an active member of their transfer-specific Opening Days group. Transfer students who are living off-campus as well as volleyball, soccer and football student athletes are encouraged to participate in the Speed Orientation ( Friday, August 23 program instead.

Speed Orientation Program

The program includes a face-to-face campus resource tour, academic advising, technology and general education overviews, and opportunities to meet with current Willamette students. These services are also included in the longer orientation program but, this abbreviated option is tailored for those transfer students living off-campus and/or playing volleyball, soccer, or football. 

Friday, August 23, 2024

Location: Montag Den, 1st Floor, Montag Center

  • 9:00 am - Check-in / breakfast
  • 9:15 am - Welcome / Icebreaker
  • 9:30 am - Classes and Advising
  • 10:00 am - Small Group Discussion
  • 10:30 am - Academic Support
  • 11:00 am - Library Resources
  • 11:45 am - Lunch

Afternoon and weekend optional events are available — see your Opening Days program.

More information

Here are some useful links:

Willamette University

Opening Days

  • Salem Campus

    Address

    Office of Student Engagement and Leadership
    Putnam University Center, Second Floor
    900 State Street
    Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.