Orientation Home

Welcome to the William Paterson Community!

Additional In-person Orientations are now available!

With the positive changes being made throughout the State of NJ and our increased ability to host events, we have scheduled a second round of Orientation sessions for August. We will be hosting a week-long series of sessions from 8/9-8/16 in-person. Each session will be dedicated to an Academic College or for undeclared students. The program will include a Welcome from our University President, Dr. Richard J. Helldobler as well as a presentation from your respective Academic Dean, and Jean Clervil ’12, WP alumnus, author and motivational speaker. After the presentations in Shea Center, you will be invited to join us outdoors for a University Services Fair which includes various departments from around campus.

Parents/families are also invited to partake in this Orientation experience. Their program will include multiple presentations from Academic Development, Counseling, Health & Wellness, and Hospitality Services designed to answer a variety of questions and provide them the information needed to help with your transition. 

Please RSVP to your respective College session date. Undeclared students are encouraged to attend the 8/16 only. All students and parents are asked to arrive at 10:00 am on the date of their session to check-in at Shea Center for the Performing Arts. Parking is available in Lots 4 and 5, click here for campus map. These will be half-day sessions ending no later than 2:00 pm.

  • Monday, August 9, 10:00 am – College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - REGISTER HERE
  • Tuesday, August 10, 10:00 am – College of Science and Health - REGISTER HERE
  • Wednesday, August 11, 10:00 am – College of Business - REGISTER HERE
  • Thursday, August 12, 10:00 am – College of Education - REGISTER HERE
  • Monday, August 16, 10:00 am – Undeclared Students - REGISTER HERE
IMPORTANT:  For the health and safety of all our guests, we are expecting all attendees to wear masks while indoors despite your vaccination status.  Therefore, upon entering Shea Center or any of our University buildings on Orientation day, students and families will be expected to wear a mask.  For the program segments outdoors, you will not have to wear masks. 

 

 

Orientation is a great way to learn about campus life and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. During Orientation, students and parents acquaint themselves with many aspects of the university: academic expectations, services, recreation, residence life, faculty and staff, campus activities, important policies, and more. 
This year’s summer orientation programs will provide multiple topics and experiences for our incoming students. We have pre-recorded sessions available on this website where students and families can access needed information and presentations as well as a link to Blackboard to complete four mandatory modules. Those students who complete their modules by July 30 will be eligible to receive a gift box shipped to their home prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Students can follow the links to register to attend their live zoom Academic session based on your major. During this session they will meet with their Academic Dean among others and receive important information regarding your transition. Zoom links will be sent by email 48 hours prior to the event start.
Parents/Families/Caregivers Session

Thursday, July 22 at 6pm

Parents, families and caregivers are invited to attend a zoom session where they will meet to discuss academic expectations, campus life, and other services.
Click here to register »

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.