Orientation Home

Welcome to the William Paterson Community!

The Mid-Year Orientation program is a transitional journey we would like to invite all new students to partake in prior to joining our community. The three-part journey focuses on:
  • General topics describing transitional experiences, services and how to address immediate needs;
  • Focused presentations about the academic units, policies and college specific expectations;
  • Meeting other peers and learning what to expect from Campus Life particularly in this pandemic world we live in.
Parents & Families Session

Thursday, January 14 at 6pm

This live Zoom session is dedicated to clarifying questions, engaging parents/families with key administrators, and enlisting you in supporting your student's successful transition.
Click here to register »

The journey begins: click here to register »

Wednesday, January 13        6:00 p.m.

WP Transitions – new students are invited to attend this evening program on Zoom where we will discuss requirements, services, opportunities, etc.  After an initial welcome and general comments, we will move into breakout rooms for first year, transfer as well as parent/families.

Thursday, January 14            3:00 p.m.

Your Academic Transition @ WP – new students are invited to meet with the academic deans and advisors to learn more about what each division offers and expects.  After a general welcome and comments, we will breakout to respective college presentations led by deans and advisors as well as an undeclared session for those entering without a defined major.

Wednesday, January 20        7:00 p.m.

Campus Life Welcomes YOU! – new students are invited to meet fellow peers on the evening before classes begin.  The session will include various introductions, icebreakers, games and peer to peer sessions.  Breakouts will provide students an opportunity to engage in trivia games, online fitness options, open forums, and more.

Mission Statement

New Student Programs: The mission of Orientation is to provide programming and resources that assist in the transition of our newest students as they learn to navigate the intellectual, cultural and social climate of William Paterson University. Students will be exposed to the key services and opportunities available to them, and we hope to enable students to make well-informed choices and decisions.

Parent and Family programs: In collaboration with members of the campus community, the parent and family orientation program aims to provide a structured and holistic introduction to the collegiate environment. Through programs offered, families will be informed about educational opportunities, responsibilities in and outside the classroom to support their students. To this end, families will also be reminded of their own student's role and responsibility in their academic success and personal development.