Frequently Asked Questions
Fall Orientation
When is Orientation?
Fall Orientation begins Thursday, August 23, which is also the day new students move directly into their residence hall. There will be Fall Orientation events through Sunday, August 26. Classes begin on Monday, August 27.
Are there events scheduled for my family?
Family Orientation is Thursday, August 23 and Friday, August 24. The last scheduled event for parents on Friday will end around 5:00pm. Families can find more information on the Parent Relations webpage.
Academic Advising
Why do I need an academic advisor?
Academic advisors can be helpful to you in many ways. They can help you explore your options regarding a major and career choices as they listen and learn about you and your strengths and weaknesses. They are great resources when it comes to knowing college academic policies, general graduation requirements, and scheduling classes. They are great people to talk with – and they must sign your forms before you can register!
Who are the academic advisors?
All full-time faculty members and some student life professionals act as academic advisors.
Class Registration
When do I register?
Students will register for classes online between Monday, August 6 and Thursday, August 9. If you have any questions, check out this page. A toll-free number will be provided for call in academic advising between July 30 - August 3 and August 6 - 10.
When will I receive my registration materials?
Registration instructions and materials for the fall semester will be e-mailed to all confirmed first-year and transfer students on Friday, July 20. If you have any questions you contact the Registrar’s Office at (805) 565-6060 or email the Registrar’s Office .
Moving on Campus
Can I move onto campus before August 23?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests to move into the residence halls prior to August 23. For a local hotel guide, click here.
What are the move in times?
Last Names Beginning:
A-J, 8:00 am-9:30 am
K-R, 9:30 am-11:00 am
S-Z, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Transfer/Consortium, 8:00 am- 9:30am
Students and families must arrive on campus according to this schedule.
When do I move-in if I am going on Inoculum?
If you are going on Inoculum, plan to arrive at Westmont no later than 3:30pm on Thursday, August 9. You will arrive back at Westmont on Tuesday, August 21 around 6:00pm. Go to the Inoculum website where you can find the Inoculum Form as well as more information.
If I come early for sports, when do I move all my things into my room?
You will transition from your temporary housing to your permanent room assignment about two weeks before Orientation. If you choose to bring all your things when you arrive to start practice, you will need to keep them in your temporary room. If you have any other questions, please contact your coach.
Can I bring a U-Haul?
We strongly suggest that you not bring enough “stuff” for your room that fills a U-Haul. Also, Westmont has limited parking so we ask you to park in only marked spaces.
Where do I go first when I arrive for Fall Orientation?
When you arrive at Westmont, go to the upper entrance of campus and follow the signs to the residence hall that you will be living in; you will unload your belongings, check into your room, move your car to lower campus and then visit the Orientation Welcome Center to pick up your Orientation folder and schedule.
Families
Are there events for my family at Orientation?
Yes, there are scheduled events for your family. They can learn more by contacting the Parent Relations Office. All events for families begin on August 23 and end around 5:00 on August 24.
Can my parents register me for classes?
No, your parents cannot register you for your classes.
Housing
When do I find out who my roommate(s) is/are?
For Freshmen, after creating your e-mail password, check the student profile page after August 10th. From there, go to “Personal Information,” and then select “Private” for roommate information. Your roommates’ home phone numbers will be listed, so take the time to call and get to know each other. On occasion, new students are assigned to a different room after the original housing assignment has been made and posted on the profile. When that occurs, the Housing Office will try to communicate the housing changes by email or phone call.
For Transfers, Consortium and Re-applicants please call the Housing Office at (805) 565-6037.
What size mattresses are in the residence hall rooms?
All on-campus mattresses are extra – long twins (80” by 36”)
May I keep a microwave or a micro-fridge in my room?
No, microwaves are not permitted in students’ rooms. You may keep a small refrigerator (under 5 cubic feet) in your room. There is an additional charge to defray energy expenses.
May I use nails, double stick tape or duct tape to hang posters and artwork on my room walls?
No, please only bring small tacks and white (not blue, as it leaves spots) poster putty to hang artwork in your room.
Food
Do I have to be on the campus meal plan?
Yes, all on - campus students must be on a meal plan. First year students must be on the unlimited meal plan for the first semester and then may switch to the 15 meal plan for the second semester if they wish.
Where do I send things before school starts?
You will be assigned your MS# (mail stop number) over the summer. You may find out your MS# after August 1 by consulting the student profile page. All of your mail must have this number on it, or it will be delayed. Please make sure you give this MS# to banks, doctors, parents, friends, magazines etc., as soon as possible. If you need to mail something before Orientation, please send it addressed as follows:
Student Name (Your Name)
MS# xxxx (Your MS #)
955 La Paz Rd
Santa Barbara, CA. 93108
If you need to send boxes, please wait to mail them until two weeks before coming to campus, as we have limited storage space. The post office will be open during Fall Orientation for you to pick up your boxes.Please refer to:www.westmont.edu/_offices/post_office/StudentInformation.
Cars
Where do I park when I arrive?
Follow the signs to the residence hall that you will be living in; after your belongings are unloaded, please move your car down to the lower campus parking lots so we can have room for more people to unload their belongings. There will be a shuttle to transport you back up the hill to the Welcome Center on Kerrwood Lawn.
How can I get around Santa Barbara if I can’t have a car?
Westmont offers a shuttle that makes stops throughout Santa Barbara. Also, Westmont has a dial-a-ride service that goes from the Santa Barbara airport to as far as Carpinteria.
Student Life
What is an RA?
An RA is a Resident Assistant; this student lives with you in your section and is there to help you. Your RA will plan events, facilitate community, and help you with any questions you have.
What is an RD?
An RD is a Resident Director; this staff member lives in the dorm and is responsible for student development in the residential setting. They also provide leadership for residence hall programming as well as acting as a resource for personal issues that students may encounter during the year.
Computer and Internet
How do I get a Westmont e-mail account?
Your e-mail account should already be created and password set. If you have not done so, you can go here to find out your e-mail address and create a password.
What network access is available from the residence halls?
Westmont provides a high-speed network connection that allows users in-room network and Internet access 24 hours a day. Wireless internet can be accessed anywhere on the Westmont campus.
Desktop or Laptop?
If you want to work on your computer outside your room, then a laptop is your best option. However, desktop computers are usually less expensive and less likely to disappear if they are left alone.
PC or Mac?
Westmont is compatible to both PC and Mac computers. It comes down to your own personal preference.
Spiritual Life
How often do I get to go to Chapel?
Chapel is held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30am to 11:20am in Murchison Gym.
What happens if I can’t make it to all chapels?
Each student is allowed to miss 12 chapels per semester; to read more information on chapel go to the Campus Pastor’s webpage.
Where can I go to church?
There is a list of local churches provided in the Student Handbook and also on the Campus Pastor’s webpage.
How can I get to church?
Some churches have shuttles that pick students up; on the back of the chapel cards you can request a ride and the Campus Pastor’s office will help you.
Transfers
Are there separate events for transfer students?
Yes, both at Orientation and throughout the year. Stay tuned for the Orientation schedule.
Bookstore
How can I order my books?
Students are encouraged to place orders online from August 1-20. Students ordering textbooks online get first choice of books and avoid long lines. Textbooks ordered online will be available for pick up when you come to campus. Textbooks will also be sold during Orientation at the College Bookstore beginning Saturday, August 25.
Where do I pick up my books?
Once you are on campus your reserved textbooks will be available at the bookstore during the posted textbook sales hours.
When do I pick up my books?
Textbook reservations must be picked up Friday to Monday, August 24-27.
Checklists
- What to bring to Westmont
Recommended: computer, towels & washcloths, alarm clock, flashlight, mug or glass, single line analog telephone, multiple outlet surge protector, study/reading light, iron, headphones, money for laundry card, pillow & blankets, sheets (Extra-long twin, 36×80), laundry bag or basket, laundry supplies, toiletries, and a small basket for carrying personal bathroom supplies - Optional: floor rug, stereo, TV, VCR/DVD, small refrigerator, bicycle/lock, beach chair, electric fan, and sports equipment
- What not to bring: hot plate, toaster, air conditioner, drums, incense, chairs, desks, beds, microwave, candles, duct tape, alcohol, answering machine