- Residential Student Move-In: January 17th 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- New Student Welcome Session: January 17th 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- New Student Social Event: January 17th 7:30 p.m.
- University Resource Fair: January 20th 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
First Year Student Program
Time to become an OWL!
Welcome to Westfield!
The New Student Orientation program is designed to be your official welcome to life at Westfield State University.
Whether you decide to commute or live on campus, have chosen your major or are still exploring your options, our Orientation program is designed to help you feel at home at Westfield State. You'll have the opportunity to meet fellow incoming students, connect with faculty and staff, and begin building meaningful connections within the University community.
An enthusiastic Orientation Leader will guide you through the program, supporting you every step of the way as you attend sessions, explore important campus resources, and get a feel for life at Westfield State University.
Students are also encouraged to let parents, family members, and champions know that we offer an Owl Family Hub. Information about the hub can be found on our Families Page.
Entering Westfield State in January 2027
Starting college in January is an exciting new chapter, and we're here to help you get off to a great start! Our January Orientation program will introduce you to campus life, provide helpful information for the semester ahead, and prepare you for your experience at Westfield State.
Professional staff from the Department of Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership will host your welcome session, answer your questions, and help you become familiar with the Nest, your new campus community.
We can't wait to welcome you to Westfield State!
Important Dates
Entering Westfield State in Fall 2027
As an incoming first-year student, you'll receive a lot of information and have several important tasks to complete as you prepare for your Westfield State journey. Our team is here to help guide you through the process and ensure you have the support you need. Explore the sections below to learn more about the three onboarding experiences designed to help you feel prepared, connected, and ready to succeed as an Owl.
Experience 1: Summer Orientation
Your Westfield State journey begins with an official welcome to the Class of 2031! Orientation is your opportunity to discover what it means to be an Owl, connect with our campus community, and explore the many ways Westfield State can support you in achieving your goals. Through engaging and interactive experiences, you'll begin building connections, discover opportunities and resources, and prepare for your college journey. By the end of Orientation, you'll feel welcomed, supported, and excited to begin your first semester at Westfield State.
There will be 3 Student Sessions to choose from:
- Dates to be announced by November 1st.
All Sessions will be held at Westfield State University from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sessions are designed for students only, however, we do offer a Parent and Family program that takes place during the same time period. You can register for the Parent and Family Program on the same registration form that you use for your session date.
Registration Opens on March 1, 2027
Ready to Register? Follow the steps below:
- Log into your Westfield State (not your myWestfield account)
- Locate the New Student Orientation Registration form under your Checklist
- Fill it out and submit – it’s that easy!
Experience 2: Communications and Outreach
Summer Communication is a priority of the New Student Orientation Team. On a regular a basis, all incoming students should expect to receive an email from our office with updates, tasks to complete, introductions of University Departments, and items to be watching for in the mail. Orientation Leaders will also send information out their students groups throughout the summer and are available for questions from students at any time. Checking your University email account is imperative to your successful transition into Westfield State University.
Experience 3: Fall Welcome Events
First-Year Student Welcome Day
- Residential students move into Residence Halls
- All students are invited to fun activities on the Campus Green, Resource Fair, and Welcome Session
- Commuter Student Welcome Session at 2:00 p.m.
Two-Day Fall Orientation Program for First-Year Students
- Focus on engagement, readiness, and success
- Mandatory sessions on Belonging, Sexual Assault Prevention, and Alcohol Safety
All students are required to participate in Fall Orientation. Session attendance is tracked for all students.
Contact Us
Matt Dellea
Coordinator of New Student Orientation
Ely Campus Center, Lower Level, SAIL Center