2026 PACK Welcome Week: Full Schedule

Before you dive into your first term of classes, we have a jam-packed week of exciting activities to help you become acclimated to campus life. From speakers, to socials, to signing your name on the sidewalk, join your fellow new wolves to begin making your mark at WOU!

By participating in PACK Welcome Week, you agree to be photographed and/or recorded and grant Western Oregon University the permission to use your image, voice, and likeness in any university materials or communications.

If you would like to request disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in a WOU activity or event, complete the online request form at least three (3) business days in advance. If you have questions, please contact Disability Access Services (DAS) at 503-838-8250 or [email protected].

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9:30am PDT

Ed Session Block 4: ASWOU Who? Let's talk Student Government

Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am PDT

Werner University Center, Santiam Room

Did you know that ASWOU serves and supports all students on campus? Come learn about all things student government at Western: who they are, what they do, how to share your needs and opinions as a student, and how to get involved!

Speakers

ASWOU President

Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am PDT
Werner University Center, Santiam Room

Educational Session, Student Life

Audience/Session Tags All Students, Interactive, LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Multicultural/Cultural Community

10:30am PDT

Ed Session Block 5: Legend of the Budget: A DnD Side Quest

Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am PDT

Werner University Center, Willamette Room

Dew glistens on the summer grass as the sun breaks over the horizon. A new generation of heroes has arrived in the fabled town of Mönmyth! They have a long adventure ahead of them, but they must first devise their plan. Can these heroes craft a budget in time to face off against a sinister Golden Dragon?

Join us for a personal finance session taught in the stylings of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Improve your understanding of basic budgeting while partaking in a collaborative storytelling game. No prior experience in either is required.

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

Speakers

Michael Logan

Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am PDT
Werner University Center, Willamette Room

Educational Session, Financial Information

Audience/Session Tags All Students, First-Generation Friendly, Interactive, LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Returning/Non-Traditional Student Friendly, Social Event, Transfer Friendly

10:30am PDT

Ed Session Block 5: Life Happens - We Help!

Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am PDT

Werner University Center, Columbia Room

Join us for an informative panel discussion led by the counselors from the Student Health and Counseling Center. Our counselors will cover a range of topics, including the counseling process, confidentiality, types of services offered, and how to prepare for your appointment.

Speakers

SHCC Counseling Staff

Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am PDT
Werner University Center, Columbia Room

Educational Session, Student Resources

Audience/Session Tags All Students, First-Generation Friendly, LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Q&A Focused, Returning/Non-Traditional Student Friendly, Recommended for On-Campus Residents, Transfer Friendly, Veteran & Military Connected

11:00am PDT

Trot into Title IX - Title IX Trail Challenge (Mini Horse Edition)

Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

The Grove

Gaining Title IX knowledge might not be on your list of to-do's this welcome week, but it will be when you realize you can do it with the help of a miniature pony!! Join the Title IX Coordinator (with the help of WOU's Equestrian team members) in a friendly competition involving obstacles, Title IX trivia, and Cookie Monster (the wonder pony)!!

Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
The Grove

Mini Event

Audience/Session Tags All Students, Drop-In Event, First-Generation Friendly, Giveaway/Prizes, Interactive, LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Multicultural/Cultural Community, Outdoor Event, Returning/Non-Traditional Student Friendly, Recommended for On-Campus Residents, Social Event

11:30am PDT

Ed Session Block 6: Peace not War, Food not Bombs!

Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Ackerman Hall, Room 139

This course examines people who have made a contribution to peace in the world and explores the ways in which we can create a more peaceful society. We will discuss the lives and works of peacemakers such as Martin Luther King, Mohandas Gandhi, and Dorothy Day.

Speakers

Eliot Dickinson

Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Ackerman Hall, Room 139

Educational Session, Academic Resources

Audience/Session Tags All Students, Academic Focused, First-Generation Friendly, LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Multicultural/Cultural Community, Q&A Focused, Returning/Non-Traditional Student Friendly, Recommended for On-Campus Residents, Transfer Friendly, Veteran & Military Connected

11:30am PDT

Ed Session Block 6: Rest, Rage, Repeat: Real Talk on Chronic Illness & Disability in College

Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Richard Woodcock Education Center, Room 101

Starting college with a disability or chronic illness can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone! This session is about finding community, sharing real experiences, and learning how to navigate this new challenge… college life!

Come check out and join WOU’s Disability and Chronic Illness Club to learn about support, resources, and community here on campus.

Whether you're newly navigating a diagnosis, have years of experience, or you're a disability ally, you belong here.

Speakers

WOU’s Disability and Chronic Illness Support Club (DCISC)

Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center, Room 101

Educational Session, Student Life

Audience/Session Tags All Students, Academic Focused, Commuter Recommended, First-Generation Friendly, Interactive, LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Multicultural/Cultural Community, Q&A Focused, Returning/Non-Traditional Student Friendly, Recommended for On-Campus Residents, Social Event

11:30am PDT

Food Pantry & Stitch Closet Open House

Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Welcome Center, Room 165 (Food Pantry)

Stop by our Basic Needs Space to learn more about what the Food Pantry and Stitch Closet on campus has to offer. We have FREE professional interview attire, casual clothing items, WOU Gear and FREE grocery items! Whether you're curious, need support, or just want to snag some goodies, this event is for you.

Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Welcome Center, Room 165 (Food Pantry)

Mini Event

Audience/Session Tags All Students, Free Food!, First-Generation Friendly, Giveaway/Prizes, Interactive, LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Returning/Non-Traditional Student Friendly, Recommended for On-Campus Residents, Social Event, Transfer Friendly, Drop-In Event

5:00pm PDT

Guess Who's Straight

Wednesday September 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Werner University Center, Columbia Room

Come and ask a panel of WOU students questions about anything EXCEPT their sexuality and see if you can pick out who is straight! The Stonewall Center Coordinator will facilitate a discussion on stereotypes and sexuality.

Wednesday September 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Werner University Center, Columbia Room

Mini Event

Audience/Session Tags All Students, Interactive, LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Returning/Non-Traditional Student Friendly, Transfer Friendly

2026 PACK Welcome Week

9:30am PDT

ASWOU President

10:30am PDT

Michael Logan

10:30am PDT

SHCC Counseling Staff

11:00am PDT

11:30am PDT

Eliot Dickinson

11:30am PDT

WOU’s Disability and Chronic Illness Support Club (DCISC)

11:30am PDT

5:00pm PDT

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