2026 PACK Welcome Week

This presentation explores disability access at WOU, emphasizing that access is not limited to individuals with disabilities but that it benefits anyone whose learning is enhanced through flexible or alternative approaches. The session will define key concepts such as access and disability, outline the process for obtaining support, and offer tips for advocating for your needs in the classroom. We will also teach you basic sign languages!

NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.

A 4.0 GPA isn't achieved overnight. Academic success takes time and a series of intentional decisions made over the course of a term in the face of all the challenges life may throw at us. But you are never alone! Join Student Success and Advising as we play a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style game in which we simulate a collegiate term, each week being asked to manage your time in unique ways with various obstacles along your path. We will teach you time management strategies as you go, clue you in on all the great academic resources WOU has to offer, and see if you have what it takes to make your first term one to remember!

NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.

Are you interested in outdoor adventure, exploring the scenic wonders of Oregon, and making a positive contribution to the world around you? Are you looking for an exciting field of study leading to graduate school or employment opportunities in science education, environment, natural resource management, water resources, and geospatial technology? If the answer is yes, then consider a major and career in the Earth and Environmental Sciences. This session will provide an overview of the resources available to lead you down the pathway to success at WOU.

It's a big world... but how can you afford to live and travel abroad? Answer: by teaching English. There are more English as a second language users in the world than native speakers of English, and there is still demand for English teachers in countries where English is not a language used by most people at home. However, unlike in the past when any native speaker of English was assumed to be capable of teaching the language to students, today the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has become professionalized and schools want to hire trained English teachers. WOU's English Department offers a 22-credit TEFL Certificate that can be completed as a Minor in Linguistics and will complement any number of Majors from Business to Education to International or Interdisciplinary Studies or English Studies. Join us to learn about teaching abroad and answer any questions you have. Whether you make teaching your career or use your skills to live abroad for a year or two after graduating but before starting a career in the US, employers value experience abroad, and your life will never be the same.

NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.

What requirements must be met in order to complete a degree at WOU? Where do you find those requirements? How do you know if you've completed them? We'll answer those questions, including how to navigate Degree Tracks, the system WOU uses to track progress toward your completion!

NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.

Math and science classes can be challenging. Faculty members from these departments invite you to learn about techniques that help students succeed. Current WOU students will share their experiences and thoughts on student success, as well as tips on how to connect with other students through clubs and organizations such as FEM in STEM, the Natural Science Club, the Pre-Med Club, the Math Club, and Byte Club. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the strategies and skills that will help them succeed at WOU. We welcome students who plan to major in math and sciences, as well as students who plan to major in other disciplines but want to do well in their General Education required courses.

NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.

Are you a Psychology major or thinking about becoming one? In this session, faculty from the Psychology Department will review the course requirements for the major, the approximate order in which students should complete the required courses, and special opportunities to get involved in the Psychology Department.

You have skills and charisma, but what has it done for you lately? Attend this session to learn about scholarship resources - where to start, and where to apply, to help you uncover options to help you pay for college.

NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.

TRIO is a federally funded program that support First Generation College Students, Low Income Background, or receive any accommodations from the Disability Access Services office. With advisors, events, and more resources, come learn about how TRIO can support you!

NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.

So what's your major? - We've all been asked this question at least once by a well meaning adult (and maybe felt some fear in not having the "right" answer). However, roughly 80% of students change their majors at least once during their college careers. So why do we insist that students decide their major as soon as they step foot on campus? Here's a little secret...you don't have to know! Exploring different subjects before making any decisions about your major, especially if you're not sure what you want to do, is why we have the Exploratory Studies major option. In this session, we will play a round of "What's My Major?" Jeopardy to investigate the different job opportunities that come from a variety of different majors. The major and career pairings might surprise you and show you why being asked "what's your major?" isn't anything to fear!

NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.