We know attending college can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help you get off to the right start! Join your fellow Raiders during Weeks of Welcome (WOW) to make connections, develop a sense of belonging, and kick off your Wright State experience with fun and confidence. WOW is designed to help first-year students—like you—adjust to campus. We'll give you all of the support and guidance you need for a successful launch to college life!
WOW is for everyone! We encourage all first-year students—both commuter and residential—to join us. 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.
Get connected to mentors, tutors, and academic/success coaches. Learn about library resources. We're always here to help you, so don't hesitate to ask!
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 our campus to feel like your new home. Prior to WOW, please review this helpful information to get you settled in. You'll soon be finding your way around campus in no time at all!
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.
Events
Get ready for six weeks of having fun and learning everything you need to know about Wright State! To start WOW, pick up your t-shirt by the Quad and join a small-group activity to break the ice. Throughout your first day, you will take part in a kickoff celebration, meet with faculty and staff from your college, join a class photo, and enjoy our traditional "clap in" experience.
On your second day of WOW, join your fellow Raiders in a Habitat for Humanity panel build. Then complete the Amazing Race of Success Connections—a fun group activity where you will follow clues around campus to learn about the resources and offices that will support your success as a student!
Kick-Off Celebration (August 21)
Get into the Raider spirit with other first-year students as you meet university and student leaders!
Party at BARTy (August 20)
Join the Fraternity and Sorority Council in kicking off WOW and the academic year with Party at BARTy on August 20! 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 22)
Help a family in the greater Dayton community when you join your fellow Raiders in a panel build for Habitat for Humanity. Hear from a Habitat family and learn more about how your volunteerism makes a difference in the lives of local families.
Rec the Night (August 22)
Come out to the Student Union to play games, listen to a live band, eat pizza, win prizes, and more!
I loved meeting upperclassmen at WOW 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 momentum going throughout your college career, here are some resources to tap into during your entire time here.
Student Success Navigator
Starting college is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. We're here to support you through every step of your journey. Whether you're looking for mental health resources or student organizations to join, everything you need is right here.
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 interests. No one can bring what you bring to the table!
Download the CORQ App
Lucky for you, the fun doesn't stop after WOW! There are hundreds pf events occurring every month—and you can find them at your fingertips on CORQ!
Wright State Raiders – Game schedules, tickets, and team news. Download: iOS | Android
Wright State Rec – Gym memberships and fitness classes. Download: iOS | Android
Fusion Play – Register for intramural sports and connect with teammates. Download: iOS | Android
"I would not have been as successful in the first few weeks of the academic year if I didn't attend WOW." - Mason
Frequently Asked Questions
For First-Year Students
What is WOW?
WOW stands for 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!
When is WOW 2026
The full schedule of WOW is August 19 to October 3—the first six weeks of the academic semester. August 21 and 22 will offer more events for first-year students to enjoy as you meet new people, navigate the campus, and experience all Wright State has to offer!
Where can I find the WOW 2026 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.”
Is WOW a required event for me to attend?
By attending events, making new friends, and finding your community, you are more likely to successfully transition from semester to semester. However, WOW is not a required event.
What can I do to get ready for WOW?
Register for WOW by Friday, August 1
Check out the resources 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!
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.
Our Student Involvement and Leadership Center will reach out via email in the weeks leading up to WOW with more information!
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.
A “Get Involved” drawstring bag.
What are the traditional events of WOW?
WOW offers a variety of traditional spirited events to welcome you to campus as you begin your journey as a Wright State student.
Join your fellow Raiders as you're welcomed to the Wright State family by university leaders and sing the "Alma Mater" for the very first time!
Wear your WOW t-shirt and join your newest friends for a class photo. You will be guided into a W and grouped together by your academic college. Your class photo will be posted on social media for you to share with your family and friends!
Clap In: Faculty and staff members will line the sidewalk to clap you in as you head to the cookout with President Edwards. Walk in a parade formation with classmates from your academic college from the North Lawn, down the Mall, and towards the Quad. The next time you participate in an event like this will be at graduation.
When is Move-In with the Pack?
All first-year students will move in to the residence halls on August 19 and 20.
Returning students who are living in the residence halls or apartments will move in on August 22.
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 19 and 20. To reduce traffic congestion and wait times, you will be given a window of time during which you should arrive on campus. 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.
I’m a commuter; where do I park on campus for WOW?
Parking on August 21 will be available in Lots 7 and 8. You can follow the signs on campus to the parking lots.
On August 22, students can park in Lots 1, 4, or 7. The panel build will be held in Lot 4. The directional signs on campus will help guide you.
Starting August 24, students can park anywhere on campus based on their parking pass.
Meals during WOW (August 21): All first-year students are invited to attend a cookout with President Edwards on Friday, August 21.
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.
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.
What are the WOW Groups?
All first-year students will be divided into groups based on their college. Your group will be lead by a student leader who will facilitate activities, answer questions, and assist with your transition throughout WOW.
If you do not know or forget your WOW group number, just ask for it at Check In.
Who is my WOW Leader?
WOW leaders will be assigned the week prior to the kickoff. You will learn who your WOW leader is via email on August 15.
I might need help finding my classes; are campus tours available?
Classroom wayfinding will be available throughout the weekend (August 21–23).
We will be adding more information here later once details are confirmed.
I need personal accommodations for WOW. How can I share that information?
Information for accommodations can be shared when you register for WOW. Accommodation information is only viewed by WOW staff members.
WOW is designed to help with your student's acclimation to the college experience. WOW will be your student's first opportunity to meet their peers, faculty within their college, and staff members will 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 opportunities, success connections, and community and belonging.
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 successfully transition from semester to semester.
Do parents or families attend WOW with their student?
WOW is designated for only enrolled students. Parents, family members, spouses, and partners of first-year students are not encouraged to attend WOW events.
What events are available to parents and families throughout the academic year?
Family Weekend will be held October 9 - 11. Visit the Family Weekend website for more information and a list of events.
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
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.
Will Fall Fest be a part of Weeks of Welcome?
Yes! Fall Fest will be held on August 28 from 11 a.m. - 2 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.
Are there volunteer opportunities for university partners?
Yes! We are looking for volunteers to help primarily with the Check In process on August 21. View the positions and shifts.
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 show first-year students how easy it is to make Wright State feel like home. You can also help answer their questions—the same questions you had when you first got here!
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 for this position.
How can my student organization be included in WOW?
Student organizations will have the opportunity to participate in WOW through the Fall Fest. Be on the lookout for information from Student Involvement and Leadership on sign ups and event opportunities.
