JWU Providence 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
Orientation is an on-campus experience where you form friendships and memories while preparing for your JWU experience. You’ll gather with fellow incoming Wildcats while getting 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 an in-person Orientation session so you can get prepared to start your studies.
What Happens at Orientation?
- Build connections with incoming and current students
- Locate classrooms, dining halls and student spaces
- Meet with advisors about your courses
- Get guidance on tech stuff such as jwuLink, Wildcat email and uLearn
- Hear about student clubs and other ways to get involved in your community
- Get advice from orientation leaders
- Learn how to access resources to keep you successful and healthy
- Review expectations and safety guidelines for life at JWU
- Have fun at events tailored for incoming students
98%
of students appreciated the opportunity to connect with other students
573 students have served as orientation leaders over the last 14 years
100%
of families who attend orientation report feeling comfortable having their student attend JWU
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.
- Thursday, June 17, 2027
- Monday, June 21, 2027
- Thursday, June 24, 2027
- Monday, June 28, 2027
Orientation for Families & Guests
Leaving home for college is a big step — for your family as well as for you! Families and guests can attend an optional program to help them support you on your college journey.
Students can sign up families and guests when registering for themselves, and families will have their own special session to ask questions and get answers about available services and more.
Orientation Agenda
We’ll update with a precise agenda closer to Orientation, but generally, students and any families/guests arrive at 9am for check-in and a department resource fair and hear presentations together. Then, you’ll split up so students can focus on life on campus, lunch together, interact with academic deans and peers, and enjoy engagement activities; meanwhile, families receive special sessions on supporting their Wildcat as well as attending a family & guest lunch. After students and families reconvene at 4:30pm, all are invited on an optional campus tour.
Orientation will be held on JWU’s Harborside Campus, with complimentary parking available for students, families and guests.
Morning dropoff location: The Wildcat Center, 305 Shipyard St, Providence, RI 02905
Afternoon pickup location: Friedman Center Green Space, 315 Harborside Blvd, Providence, RI 02905
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.
View our Providence City Guide for hotel recommendations and transportation information.
Just be sure you’re comfortable! Wear casual clothing, sneakers or walking shoes, bring a water bottle and grab rain gear/umbrellas if the weather is looking wet on your Orientation day (because it’s happening rain or shine!). Have your ID just in case, too.
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.pvd@jwu.edu with your preferred new date.
Want more opportunities to get your questions answered? “Tuesday Talks” are additional ways for students to prepare for the start of the academic year. The 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
Student with disabilities who need to request reasonable accommodations during Orientation can contact Accessibility Services at 401-598-1485 or accessibility.pvd@jwu.edu. Please reach out at least two weeks prior to your Orientation session so that we can ensure you are fully supported!
Questions?
Contact us at 401-598-2648 or orientation.pvd@jwu.edu with any questions or concerns.