JWU Charlotte Orientation
Welcome to JWU, Wildcat! Congratulations on your decision to attend Johnson & Wales University. Your first step to becoming a Wildcat is attending orientation, which is designed to support your smooth transition to our campus community.
Pointing You in the Right Direction
Whether in person or virtually, all students — from first-time Wildcats to transfer students to commuters — will get to know what to expect and how to navigate college life.
All students enrolling in Fall 2027, including transfer and commuter students, are required to attend Orientation so you can get prepared to start your studies.
You can do this in person or virtually.
What Happens at Orientation?
- What it’s like to live on campus or commute
- How to get involved with student organizations and clubs
- Academic expectations and keys to success
- How to find people, places, and resources here to help you
98%
of students appreciated the opportunity to connect with other students
100% of families who attend orientation report feeling comfortable having their student attend and have a greater understanding of the JWU Charlotte experience
98%
of students feel prepared to attend JWU Charlotte after attending Orientation
Plan Your Orientation
How to Register for Orientation
When registration opens on March 19, 2027, you’ll be able to choose which date works best for you from these options and register in JWU’s Admissions Portal.
Students are required to participate in all Orientation activities. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending Orientation, contact us at 980-598-1880 to discuss your situation.
Orientation for Families & Guests
Leaving home for college is a big step — for your family, too.
Up to two guests, including younger siblings, can join you at Orientation so they can learn how to support you on your college journey.
Students can sign up guests when registering for themselves, and families will have their own special session to ask questions and get answers about available services and more.
There’s a $25 fee for each guest attending Orientation to help cover meals and snacks. Please reach out to our Orientation team if there’s an extenuating circumstance and you need more than two guests.
In-Person Orientation Agenda
We’ll update with a 2027 agenda in the spring, but generally, the in-person program runs from 8am – 5pm.
Families and students will be separated for some sessions and combined for others. Students and any guests arrive together in the morning to attend a resource fair and welcoming remarks, and they’ll split up during parts of the day so that students can focus on succeeding at college life while families learn how to support their Wildcat. In the afternoon, everyone will have the opportunity to choose from a list of sessions that best fit their needs.
A continental breakfast, lunch and a mid-day snack are provided for all students and any guests.
Virtual Orientation Agenda
If you can’t attend Orientation in person, we provide a similar experience online. You’ll take part in interactive modules that will guide you through what to expect, how to navigate jwuLink and uLearn, health policies, expectations from academic deans, reviewing financial information, housing details and more. There will also be an interactive open forum hosted by current JWU Charlotte student leaders so you can ask questions about clubs, campus culture, life in Charlotte and more.
Summer Orientation sessions are held at The Wildcat Center, 235 S. Cedar St. Charlotte, NC 28202.
Parking is available in Cedar St. Parking Deck (116 S. Cedar St. Charlotte, NC 28202) at no cost — just bring your parking ticket to the Student Center to get it validated.
If you’re moving into your residence hall during winter break for a spring semester start, you’ll receive instructions about Orientation parking via email prior to your arrival. Contact Residential Life at 980-598-1800 with any questions before then about housing move-in.
Air: If you need to book a flight, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a 15-minute drive from campus.
Taxi: Taxi service from the airport costs approximately $25 each way. We recommend local companies Crown Cab (704-334-6666) and Diamond Cab (704-333-3030).
Public transportation: The Sprinter (Route 5 of the CATS bus) connects Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Uptown Charlotte, running every 30 minutes. From the airport, ride to the College Street & 3rd Street stop, which is a 15-minute walk from JWU’s Wildcat Center. The fare is $2.20 per person for each one-way ride, payable in exact change.
If you’re attending Orientation in person, this one-day session does not include an overnight component or housing — but students and guests may wish to arrive the day before to explore the city and be sure they’re ready for the morning start.
Fairfield Charlotte Uptown is close to campus and has a special rate for incoming JWU students and families.
View our Charlotte City Guide for additional hotel recommendations.
Just be sure you’re comfortable! Wear casual clothing, sneakers or walking shoes, bring a water bottle and grab rain gear/umbrellas if the forecast is looking wet (because it’s happening rain or shine!). Have your ID, such as a driver’s license, on you as well.
Please note that JWU is a tobacco-free, drug-free and alcohol-free university, so leave any tobacco products (even electronic and smoke-free ones) at home.
If you registered for a date and a conflict arises, email orientation.clt@jwu.edu with your preferred new date.
Want more opportunities to get your questions answered? “Tuesday Talks” are additional sessions for students to prepare for the start of the academic year. Topics range from life on campus to financial services to health & counseling services to academic services and campus safety — even what to pack and fun virtual games with other students. Feel free to sign up for any virtual sessions that interest you!
Summer 2027 virtual session dates and registration dates will be posted in Spring 2027.
Accommodation Requests
Students with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations when registering for Orientation. Please submit your request at least two weeks prior to your Orientation session so that we can ensure you are fully supported!
If you require additional information or support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Accessibility Services at 980-598-1500 or at CharlotteCasStaff@jwu.edu.
Questions?
Contact us at 980-598-1880 or orientation.clt@jwu.edu with any questions or concerns.