Who Should Attend?

All new students should attend Orientation. There are specialized sessions that meet in small groups, designed to address your particular needs and answer your questions.

First Time Freshmen Undergraduate students enrolling for the first time should attend orientation. These sessions are designed to acclimate students to the university and help prepare students for college life. You should choose session 3, 4, 5, 7 or 8 (session 8 is for international first-year students and first-year students who live 350+ miles from campus). A $300 orientation fee will be charged to student accounts. This fee covers the costs associated with Orientation preparation and materials, mailings and publications, meals and other programs offered throughout the school year. The fee is assessed regardless of Orientation attendance. The mandatory, nonrefundable, one-time fee will appear on your account upon registration for classes. It does not have to be paid when registering for Orientation.

Garnish Your Degree (GYD) Students GYD students have completed their bachelor’s degree and are beginning a second degree (either culinary arts or baking & pastry) at JWU. Because GYD students have already completed a degree and have often spent their most recent years in the work force, their questions may be different than those of other students. Session 6 is your session. This is the only session that will be offered for GYD students, so please make every effort to attend this session.

Returning Learners Returning Learner students are beginning their JWU experience after spending time away from school (e.g., pursuing your education after spending time in another career, getting married, having children or serving in the military). Special sessions have been designed to connect you with JWU and prepare you for a successful academic transition. We encourage you to attend your custom session if possible (session 1, June 24 or session 2, July 1).

Transfer Students Students who will be attending JWU Charlotte for the first time, and have attended another college or JWU campus before, should attend orientation. The information provided will help as you adjust to a different campus and culture. If you have successfully completed at least one full term (approximately 12 credits) at another college, consider attending one of our condensed sessions designed especially for you (session 1, June 24 or session 2, July 1). If you cannot attend session 1 or 2, you are welcome to attend another session. If you have 11 or fewer transfer credits, you should register for Session 3, 4, 5, 7 or 8.

Parents & Guardians We encourage parents and guardians to attend Orientation as well. The parent session will provide important information and resources, along with an opportunity to meet the people who will be a part of your college experience. We do not encourage siblings and young children to attend Orientation.