Weeks of Welcome 2025
August 18–September 27
Where Community Takes Flight!
We know attending college can feel overwhelming, right? Join other Raiders during Weeks of Welcome to help you get connected, feel a sense of belonging, and kick off your college experience at Wright State with fun and confidence. We extended last year’s First Weekend to this year’s Weeks of Welcome (WOW), now offering you several weeks of support and guidance to make your adjustment even smoother.
WOW is the time for first-year students—commuter and residential—to create community and have the support and resources they need to thrive. During WOW, you can:
- Start your college life by getting “clapped in” by faculty, staff, and your new peers. (This might sound strange, but trust us—it hypes you up!).
- Attend events that help you find your people and make Wright State feel like home.
- Navigate the campus and get acclimated, so you can focus on studying and not worrying about knowing where to go.
- Learn about clubs and organizations you can join on campus to get involved.
- Be connected to resources like mentors, tutors, library resources, academic/success coaches, etc. to make asking for help something that comes easily to you.
- Have fun, relax, and make friends that will last a lifetime!
Arrival Guide
We’re so excited to welcome you to Wright State! Whether you’re a commuter or residential student, we want your campus to feel like home. Prior to Weeks of Welcome, please review this helpful info to help you settle in and find your way around in no time at all.
Operation Move-In Schedule
Refer to the Move-In page to help you plan and get organized for your move-in day, decide what to bring, and where to park.
Dining Hall Information
We’ve got you covered, no matter your taste! Dining plans are available for both residential and commuter students.
Parking Pass
If you’re a commuter, purchase your parking pass before the first day, so you’re ready to go with one less thing to do.
"Weeks of Welcome helped me find my fit on campus and make friends!" - Ella
Events
WOW consists of six weeks of events, resources, and connections to make sure Wright State feels like your new home, surrounded by people who have your back. To start WOW, you’ll pick up your t-shirt by the Quad and officially begin the festivities by meeting in small groups to break the ice. Throughout the first day, you will take part in a kick off celebration, meet with faculty and staff from your college, a class photo, and our traditional “clap in” experience.
On the second day of WOW, you will join together as a Raider community to participate in the Habitat for Humanity panel build. Later in the day, you can complete the Amazing Race of Success Connections! A fun group activity where you will follow clues around campus to learn about resources and offices that will support your success as a student.
Visit Engage for a full list of events for you to enjoy throughout WOW.
Featured Events
- Kick-Off Celebration (August 19)
Weeks of Welcome starts at the Kick-Off Ceremony on August 19. First-year students will gather together to hear from various university and student leaders and join in the Raider spirit!
- Party at BARTy (August 19)
Join the Fraternity and Sorority Council in kicking off WOW and the academic year with Party at BARTy on August 19! Hang out with upper-class students and meet the members of our fraternity and sorority councils under BART and dance the night away.
- Service Project (August 20)
Join the Wright State University community in a panel build in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity on August 20 to help a family in the Greater Dayton community. Participants will also hear from a Habitat family and learn more about how your volunteerism directly affects the lives of our community members.
- Rec the Night (August 23)
Come out to the Student Union on August 23rd to play games, listen to a live band, eat pizza, win prizes, and more! The Student Union will be full of fun activities for you during this fun, free event.
I loved meeting upperclassmen and learning about the student organizations on campus" - Austin
Student Resources
During WOW, you’ll join fellow Raiders at various events to jump-start your Wright State experience. To keep that going throughout your college career, here are some resources to tap into your entire time here.
- Student Success Navigator
Starting college is exciting, but it’s okay to admit it’s sort of overwhelming. Use this page to support your journey, whether you’re looking to join a student organization or mental health resources, it’s all here in one spot, ready to access when you need it. You’ve got this!
- Student Associations
Consider being a part of the Residential Community Association or the Commuter Student Association. Both groups foster leadership and connection to peers and events. Sign up on Engage.
- Involvement Mentors
Do you think you’ll be too busy to get involved? Wright State has involvement mentors who are here to support you and make recommendations for involvement based on your schedule and desires. No one can bring what you bring to the table!
- Download the CORQ App
All WOW events can also be accessed at your fingertips.Discover events and other engagement opportunities in real-time. Lucky for you, the fun doesn't stop after WOW. There are hundreds of events occurring every month—all available on CORQ! Be sure to find your WOW event pass in the CORQ app.
- More Apps to Download
"I owe my onboarding to campus to Weeks of Welcome. I would not have been as successful in the first few weeks of the academic year if I didn't attend" - Mason
Frequently Asked Questions
For First-Year Students
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What is WOW?
WOW stands for Weeks of Welcome. This event was formerly known as “First Weekend”. Weeks of Welcome (WOW) is centered around providing first year students with the opportunity to get acclimated to campus, make friends, find resources, and have fun!
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When is WOW 2025?
The full schedule of WOW is August 18–September 27—the first six weeks of the academic semester. August 19 and 20 will contain of more events for first year students to enjoy as you meet new people, navigate the campus, and experience welcoming events!
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Where can I find the WOW 2025 Schedule of Events?
The full list of WOW events can be found on CORQ or Engage. View the event list, and either search for Weeks of Welcome or adjust the category filter to “Weeks of Welcome”
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Is WOW a required event for me to attend?
While WOW is not a required event, it is highly encouraged for all first year students to attend. By attending events, meeting new friends, and finding your community you are more likely to be retained semester to semester.
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What can I do to get ready for WOW?
- Be sure to register for WOW! Registration closes on Friday, August 1
- Check out the resource provided on the WOW website
- Keep an eye out for upcoming emails! Student Involvement and Leadership Center will reach out via email leading up to WOW with more information!
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What time is check In for WOW?
- Check In will be held from 9:30–10 a.m. between Rike Hall and Millett Hall.
- Late check in is available from 10–11 a.m. between Rike Hall and Millett Hall
- Students who arrive for WOW after 11 a.m. will check in at 190 Student Union, Student Involvement and Leadership Center.
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What do I receive at check In?
- You will receive a free WOW t-shirt. The WOW t-shirts are color coordinated to your college.
- A name tag and lanyard. Your WOW Group Leader will have sharpies available for you to write your name on.
- A “Get Involved” Drawstring bag
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What are the traditional events of WOW?
WOW is compiled of traditional spirited events that focus on the start of your experience at Wright State University.
- Kick Off Celebration: As a full group, students will gather to hear speeches of various University administration, participate in the singing of our alma mater, and celebrate you joining the Raider community!
- Class Photo: All participants will wear their WOW t-shirt to take a class photo. Students will be guided into a W form and grouped within their colleges for the photo. The photo is shared on social media for you to share with your friends and family
- Clap In: Faculty and Staff member will line the sidewalk of the mall to clap you in as you head to the Cookout with President Edwards. The students will walk in a parade formation within their college from the North Lawn, down The Mall, towards the Quad. This will signify your entrance into college and the Wright State University community. The next time that students participate in an event like this will be at graduation.
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When is Move-In?
- All first-year students will move in to the residence halls on August 18, 2025.
- Returning students who are living in the residence halls or apartments will move in on August 15, 2025.
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I’m living on campus; how do I find when I move in?
All first year students will move in to the residence halls on August 18. In an effort to reduce traffic congestion and wait times, students are scheduled a window time to arrive on campus for move in. Your housing assignment will be provided to your through your Wright State email account. You can view your housing assignments by logging into the Housing Portal through WINGS.
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I’m a commuter; where do I park on campus for WOW?
- Parking on August 19 will be available in Lot 7 and 8. You can follow the signs on campus to the parking lots.
- On August 20, students can park in Lot 1, 4, or 7. The Panel Build will be held in Lot 4. Directional signs will be provided on campus
- Starting August 21, students can park anywhere on campus based on their parking pass.
Please refer to the campus map.
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What are the dining options on campus?
Both residential and commuter students can purchase a dining plan:
- Location information and schedules
- Residence Life meal plan information
- Commuter meal plan information
Meals during WOW (August 19 & 20): Cookout with President Edwards is provided to first year students on Tuesday, August. 19. All other meals listed on the event calendar will be covered by the student either by your Wright one card swipe (meal plan) or paid by cash or card at the register.
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What is the difference between Engage and CORQ?
- Engage is our online student engagement platform that houses profiles for student organizations and campus departments.
- CORQ is a free app that is connected to the events shared on Engage. CORQ is a quick resource for looking up events happening on campus and finding active student organizations
- Students should download the CORQ app before arriving to campus.
- Engage and CORQ are available to all students for free. Students will log in with their w# and password to access their profile.
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What is an Event Pass?
- Students can access their Event Pass on the homepage of CORQ. To make this convenient to access throughout WOW, you can download the Event Pass to your phone’s wallet.
- Your Event Pass is connected to your profile through the Engage platform.
- Students will use their Event Pass throughout WOW to check in to events. The Student Involvement and Leadership Center tracks data through event attendance. The information is shared internally and for reporting purposes only.
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What are the WOW Groups?
All first-year students will be divided up into groups based on your college. The group will be lead by a student leader who will facilitate activities, answer questions, assist with your transition throughout WOW.
If you do not know or remember your WOW group number, you can ask for it at Check In.
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Who is my WOW Leader?
WOW Leaders will be assigned by the week before. You will learn who your WOW leader is via email on August 15.
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I might need help finding my classes; are campus tours available?
Yes – Classroom Wayfinding will be available throughout the first two days of WOW. RSVP to Classroom Wayfinding.
Students can stop by the Welcome Tents August 21, 22, 25 form 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. for assistance on finding buildings, get a map, and/or take a First Day of Class photo!
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I am in need of personal accommodations for WOW, but how I can share that information?
Information for accommodations can be shared when you register for WOW . Accommodation information is only viewed by WOW Staff members.
For all other campus accommodations, please visit the Office of Disability Services website.
For Parents
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Why should my student attend WOW?
WOW is the designed to help with your students’ acclimatation to the college experience. WOW will be your students’ first experience to meet their peers, faculty within their college, and staff members who support their involvement and success.
The WOW schedule is provided by a variety of departments across campus. With events taking place from August 18 through September 27, your student will have a number of opportunities to attend events that are focused on involvement and social, success connections, and community and belonging.
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Is my student required to attend WOW?
While WOW is not a required event, it is highly encouraged for all first year students to attend. By attending events, meeting new friends, and finding community your student is more likely to be retained semester to semester.
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Do parents or families attend WOW with our student?
WOW is designated for only enrolled students. Parents, family members, spouses, partners, etc. of first-year students are not encouraged to attend WOW events.
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How can I stay connected with other parents?
Later in 2025, there will be a Parent Portal launched on campus through the Dean of Students. Information will be shared via email. The Parent Portal will be a resource hub for all parents and take the place of the Wright State Parent Facebook group.
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What activities are available for parents and families during Move In?
The Dean of Students, Eric Corbitt, will host a Parents Reception on August 18. Light refreshments will be available.
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What events are available to parents and families throughout the academic year?
Family Weekend 2025 will be held September 26-28. Visit the Family Weekend website for more information and a list of events.
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Are there general information and resources available for parents and families?
Yes! Wright State University provides a variety of information and resources to parents and families. Visit the Student Advocacy and Wellness website for more information.
For Returning Students and University Partners
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Who hosts WOW and how can I be a part of it?
WOW is hosted by a university committee. The university committee has compiled a list of over 30 events for first year students and returning students to participate in throughout the first six weeks of the academic year.
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Will Fall Fest be a part of Weeks of Welcome?
Yes! Fall Fest will be held on August 29 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on the North Lawn, The Mall, and Quad. The office of Student Involvement and Leadership will be reaching out to campus departments and student organizations over the summer with information on how to secure a table for the event.
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Are there volunteer opportunities for university partners?
Yes! We are looking for volunteers to help primarily with the Check In process on August 19. View the positions and shifts.
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I would like to sign up for the Faculty and Staff Cookout. Where should I go for that?
The Faculty and Staff Cookout will be held from 11–11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19. Following the cookout, faculty and staff will participate in the Clap In for our first year students. Complete the sign up form
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I’m a returning student; can I participate in WOW events?
Yes—the more, the merrier! In fact, we’d love for you to come and help show first-year students how easy it is to make Wright State feel like home. Answer their questions—the same questions you had when you first got here!
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I would like to be a WOW Leader. How can I apply?
Applications are available on Handshake. Students are also asked to complete an application on Engage or this position.
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How can my student organization be included in WOW?
Student organizations will have the opportunity to participate in WOW through the Student Organization Expo and Fall Fest. Be on the look out for information on registering for those events.
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