• Academics |
• Admissions |
• Student Life |
• Calendars & Events |
• News |
• Contact

Orientation

Your Compass

Home  »  Offices  »  Student Life  »  Orientation

• Orientation
• Frequently Asked Questions
• General Information
• Orientation Staff
• Schedule
• Links
• Advising Tutorial
• Campus Map
• Directions to Campus
• E-Mail Accounts
• History of Westmont
• Parents
• Registrar’s Office
• Student Handbook

WELCOME TO WESTMONT!

We are so thrilled to greet you as a new member of our Westmont community! Just as you are preparing to come to Westmont, we also are planning for your arrival. You may be a little nervous about this new experience and curious about what your life will be like at Westmont. The Orientation Staff wants to let you know that we are here to serve and assist you in any way we can. We will do all we can to make your transition to Westmont as smooth as possible. To that end, we encourage you to read the following:

Transitions booklet: This booklet is loaded with information you will need for your initial adjustment to Westmont. Please take the time to read the information carefully as it will tell you things like what to bring, how to get your email address and mailing address, how to buy your textbooks, how to find out about your roommates and much more.

Health Forms: Please look closely at the letter and forms from the Health Center. You must turn in the “health history” form and those under 18 must also turn in the “consent to treatment” form. The immunizations are required and the Physical Examination is strongly recommended. If you have problems getting these before you arrive on campus, you may get them in the health center on campus. Please return the forms before you arrive on campus this fall.

Small Group Information Sheet: We are pleased to offer small group opportunities for those of you interested in getting to know other first years and sharing what you are experiencing on your Westmont journey. These groups will be led by upper-class students and will provide an opportunity for you to regularly gather (from September to Thanksgiving) to discuss issues of faith and learning. If you are interested in joining a small group, please let us know.

First Year Retreat Flyer: The theme for this year’s First Year Retreat is “Coming Up For Air.” Space is limited, and we encourage you to begin planning now for what many students say is the highlight of their first year. The retreat is a great chance to get away from campus and get to know other students in a casual, fun setting. Sign ups begin at Orientation, but you can start getting excited already for the good time ahead! The dates for the First Year Retreat are October 3-4. Cost will be $25 per student.

We also wanted to make you aware of SOME IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMES:

Arrival on Campus For Fall Orientation: If you are participating in Inoculum, you will move into your permanent room when you return to campus Tuesday, August 26. All other students will arrive on Thursday, August 28 according to the following schedule. We cannot accommodate requests to move either yourself or your belongings into the residence halls prior to the 28th. Your parents will receive a listing of local hotels (or you may check the Parent section of the website) if you wish to arrive early.

Last name begins with:	Arrival time on the 28th:
A-J	8-9:30am
K-R	9:30-11am
S-Z	11am-12:30pm

We are more than happy to help you move in to your rooms, especially if you have large items or many boxes. However, because we depend largely on volunteer help to assist you with moving in and those volunteers are needed elsewhere in the afternoon, we cannot help you move in if you arrive after 2 pm on August 28th.

First Lecture: You will notice that the Orientation Schedule has an event called “First Lecture.” This program is designed to engage each new class in a shared academic experience. One of our esteemed faculty members, Dr. Jeff Schloss, will deliver a lecture on the book: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, by Phillip Yancey & Dr. Paul Brand (Zondervan 1997), which you are asked to read before you arrive on campus. Please borrow the book from your local library or purchase at a bookstore or online. (It can also be obtained in an edition that includes the sequel, In His Image, entitled: In the Likeness of God.), We hope your “First Lecture” at Westmont helps you begin to appreciate the importance of preparation and expectation that all good students bring to lifelong learning.

We are thrilled to welcome you to Westmont and can’t wait to see you soon! Feel free to contact our office at 805-565-6125 if you have any questions. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Michele Mollkoy

Director of First Year Experience and Special Programs

Meg Lovingier

Orientation Assistant

 

2008 Orientation Team

Fabrice Alce

Allyson Arendsee

Evelyn Martin

Kelsey Quinlan

Eric Rindal

Christy Sexton