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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Do you like Dungeons and Dragons? How about rolling dice? What about learning how to budget and save money? This session combines financial literacy with dice rolling by putting you into scenarios where you spend money before facing the final boss: paying your rent!
NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.
Looking to make new connections, share some laughs, and find your campus crew? Join us for Speed Friending — a fast-paced, low-pressure way to meet awesome new people!
Rotate through quick, fun conversations and leave with new friends (and maybe a few fun stories). Whether you're a social butterfly or just dipping your toes into campus life, everyone’s welcome. Plus, you'll get to meet the friendly faces behind the Office of Student Conduct, Dean of Student's and Abby's House — we’re more about community than you might think! Snacks, good vibes, and great connections are happening here!
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.
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.
Join us for an informative panel discussion led by the medical and administrative staff from the Student Health and Counseling Center. We will cover a range of topics, including types of services offered, confidentiality, and how to schedule an appointment.
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.
The journey starts now, and your Wolf Pack is here to help you lead the way! Not sure if your tuition is paid? Has your financial aid come through? Not sure where to get your textbooks? Curious about refunds? Need help with adding or dropping classes?
Join us for an info-packed session to get all your questions answered. You'll walk away feeling confident, prepared, and ready to howl into your first term like a true Wolf!
Intramural and Club Sports are a great way to meet meet new people, be active and scratch that competitive itch! Come to this session to learn the difference between Intramural and Club Sports and for information on how to join each.
NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.
This learning experience will introduce the audience to the Blue Zones, which are areas of the world where higher than usual numbers of people live much longer than average. Within these Blue Zones are common elements of lifestyle, diet, and outlook that have allowed residents to achieve longer, better lives. During this learning experience, participants will learn about and engage with the nine powerful but simple lessons that can put us on a path to better health, well-being, and longevity.
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.
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.
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.
If life is like a box of chocolates, WOU is like a box of interlocking bricks. Come to our session to learn how to write your instruction manual, to build the YOU that you want to be.
NOTE: This session is also offered in a later Ed Session Block.
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
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.
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.
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.
Dive into the world of leadership with this brief introduction into the topic! We'll talk about the various ways to lead on campus, and opportunities to develop ourselves and our own skills. After all, we will each find ourselves in a leadership position at one time or another. This fun and interactive session will focus on the understanding that leadership is a skill and that it can be developed - what we do with that information is up to us.
Ride Into Welcome Week with WOU Equestrian at the Mini Pony Photo Stop & Golden Ticket Prize event. Meet a miniature pony up close for fun photo opportunities, snap the perfect campus memory, and learn more about the Western Oregon University Equestrian Team while you're there. Don't forget to grab your Golden Ticket for a chance to win an exclusive “Meet the Horses” barn visit and grooming session with the team horses. . . an experience that gets you behind the scenes with the team. Whether you're curious about riding, love animals, or just looking for something fun to do on campus, this is your chance to connect, win, and discover what the equestrian team is all about.
Thursday September 24, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT The Grove
Do you like Dungeons and Dragons? How about rolling dice? What about learning how to budget and save money? This session combines financial literacy with dice rolling by putting you into scenarios where you spend money before facing the final boss: paying your rent!
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!
Do you like to learn about culture and celebrate diversity? Come meet the Multicultural Student Union, one of the most active and influential student organizations at WOU that promotes cultural awareness on campus and in the surrounding community. Don't miss out on this event to hangout with friends and come have some fun!
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." -Coretta Scott King
Come enjoy an ITALIAN SODA and meet some important folks that can fill you in on different aspects of life at Western Oregon University - from ways to report things to other campus resources. We will have you covered.
Between studying, extracurriculars, group projects, and trying to maintain a social life, who has time for more? We sure don’t. Welcome to the Purpose Pop-Up, a volunteer fair focused on one-time volunteer opportunities.
Local organizations will be here sharing information on episodic volunteer events—think painting a community mural on a Saturday morning, helping run a 5K fundraiser, or packing meals for an afternoon. Show up, make a massive impact, and walk away with zero ongoing obligations...or not - it's up to you!
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.
Intramural and Club Sports are a great way to meet meet new people, be active and scratch that competitive itch! Come to this session to learn the difference between Intramural and Club Sports and for information on how to join each.
If life is like a box of chocolates, WOU is like a box of interlocking bricks. Come to our session to learn how to write your instruction manual, to build the YOU that you want to be.
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.
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!
