Frequently Asked Questions

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Fall Orientation

When is Orientation?
Fall Orientation begins Thursday, August 28, which is also the day new students move directly into their residence hall. There will be Fall Orientation events through Sunday, August 31. Classes begin on Monday, September 1.

Are there events scheduled for my family?
Family Orientation is Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29. 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 by telephone between Monday, August 4 and Friday, August 8.

When will I receive my registration materials?
Registration instructions and materials for the fall semester will be mailed to all confirmed first-year and transfer students on Wednesday, July 23. Students should allow 5 days for delivery. 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 28?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests to move into the residence halls prior to August 28. For a local hotel guide, click here.

OR06_106.jpgWhat are the move in times?
Last names beginning with:
A-J, 8:00 am-9:30 am
K-R, 9:30 am-11:00 am
S-Z, 11:00 am-12:30 pm

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 14. You will arrive back at Westmont on Tuesday, August 26 around 8:00pm. Go to the Inoculum website where you can find the Inoculum Form as well as more information.

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.

OR_0051.jpgWhere 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 check in there and get your Fall 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 28 and end around 5:00 on August 29.

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.

For Transfers, Consortium and Re-applicants please call the Housing Office at (805) 565-6037.

Mail

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 July 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: Your name, Your MS#, 955 La Paz Road, 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.

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 lower campus on the track parking spaces so we can have room for more people to unload their belongings. There will be a shuttle to transport you back up the hill.

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 will be set up before you arrive on campus. After July 1 you can 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 in Page and in most main buildings and classrooms.

gallery-big-05.jpgDesktop 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.

Should I bring an ethernet cable?
You will need an ethernet cable to connect to the Internet. You can either bring one or you can buy one at the Westmont Bookstore when you arrive.

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.

index.jpgWhat 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 Orienation 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.
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 29-September 1.

Checklists

        

  • What to bring to Westmont
    Recommended: computer, towels & tash cloths, 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: floo rug, stereo, TV, VCR/DVD, small refrigerator, bicycle/lock, beach chair, electric fan, and sports equipment

  • What not to bring:hot plate, toaster, drums, incense, chairs, desks, beds, microwave, candles, duct tape, alcohol, answering Machine

Helpful Contact Information