Welcome to Westminster
A Guide for Students & Families
Key Steps to Enrolling for Fall
Beginning with activating your account and ending with Orientation, these are the essential steps you need to accomplish this summer to be ready for the fall. Some of the steps require you to fill out forms or submit payment, while others are dates on which we will share important information with you.
Activate your Online Account
Complete your New Student Checklist
Pay your Bill Bills are posted on July 1; Due on July 20
Submit your Summer Reading Assignment
Your first college assignment is a book essay based on the First-Year Program Common Read due August 17.
Move-In
Residential students are provided time the morning of August 20 to get settled in their rooms before Orientation begins.
Attend Orientation
All first-year and transfer students, both residents and commuters, participate each day August 20-23.
To learn more about important new student information, scan QR code or visit: westminster.edu/newtitan-fall
Looking Ahead | Orientation
Orientation—Find your people. Start strong.
Orientation is your launch into college—build the skills, confidence, and connections you need to succeed in college-level learning. You’ll be guided by Orientation Leaders and Peer Success Coaches who understand exactly what it’s like to be new—and who will stay connected with you all year. All new students (including commuters and transfers) participate fully for all four days.
» Thursday, August 20 — Sunday, August 23
Questions?
For more information about orientation, contact:
Office of Student Affairs
P: 724-946-7110
E: studentaff@westminster.edu
What your days will include:
» A full, four-day experience designed to help you transition with confidence
» Small groups (WST 101) led by Orientation Leaders to help you get to know others
» Time with your academic advisor and WST 101 instructor to prepare for classes
» Conversations about expectations, challenges, and how to navigate your first year
» Guided introductions to key campus resources and how to access support
» Evening events and opportunities to experience campus life
» Dedicated time to reflect, ask questions, and build connections that last
Families are welcome to participate through opening convocation on Thursday at 1 p.m. The Orientation schedule will be available this summer.
Check back often by scanning the QR code or visit: westminster.edu/orientation
Looking Ahead | Moving In & Packing List
Move-In Day
For New Residential Students Only
If you are living on campus, getting settled in your new room is the opening piece of your Orientation experience. Over 100 of our RAs and Orientation Leaders will be on-hand to help you unload your vehicles.
» Thursday, August 20*
Residence Life staff will provide move-in details over the summer directly to your Westminster email address.
*Fall athletes and marching band arrive earlier for pre-season
Questions?
For specific questions or additional information about our residence halls, contact:
Jessica Fantini
Assistant Director of Residential Operations
P: 724-946-7071
E: residencelife@westminster.edu
Living On Campus
Your room comes equipped with a bed, a desk and chair, storage space, and curtains. You may already be thinking about how to make your new room yours (bedding, pictures, posters, etc.), but there a few things you can’t do without:
» Sheets (twin extra-long)
» Pillows & pillow cases
» Study lamp
» Towels
» Trash can & trash bags
» Fans
» Umbrella
» Bath bucket or shower caddy for soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
» Laundry products (high efficiency detergent recommended over pods)
» Laptop
For a full College Shopping and Pack List, scan the QR code or visit: westminster.edu/what-to-bring
Westminster Family Events & Opportunities
Families are invited to stay connected!
» Join us for Opening Convocation held after lunch on the first day of Orientation to welcome the Class of 2030 and their families and mark the beginning of the academic year. At the end of the ceremony, families can say a quick goodbye before students leave to begin their Orientation activities.
» Stay abreast of the Westminster Weekly E-Newsletter. President Richardson’s office sends out a weekly email to keep Titan families connected to campus news and events. The first Westminster Weekly will hit inboxes in early August.
» Attend Family Day on September 12 and enjoy a day with your student exploring campus and getting to know their home away from home. Attend a Titan Football game, and many other great events.
» Bookmark the parent page www.westminster.edu/ parents where you will find many helpful links, FAQs, as well as the latest campus news and events. Update your parent info here so you don’t miss anything!
» Join our parent Facebook Group to connect, share experiences with other parents/guardians and ask questions about the College.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ WestminsterCollegePAParentAssociation
To bookmark the parent page to find help links, scan the QR code or visit: westminster.edu/parents
What classes will I take in my first semester?
» INQ 111: an introduction to the study of the liberal arts, which includes exploring both common readings, and topics related to the specific theme of your section.
» WST 101: with the help of a peer success coach, learn about the critical elements necessary for a successful personal and academic transition to higher education.
» WRI 111 or SPE 111: build written and oral communication skills essential for success in college, a career, and throughout life. Students take the other course in Spring.
» One or more Major Courses: start to acquire understanding of key concepts and theories in your discipline.
» Intellectual Perspectives (IPs): explore one of the seven significant areas of knowledge that make up our core general education curriculum.
What if I am in the All-College Honors Program?
Students accepted to the All-College Honors Program will complete alternative courses that fulfill First-Year Program requirements of INQ 111, WRI 111 and SPE 111.
How is a major different than a pre-professional program?
Pre-professional programs often represent tracks to a particular career, many of which can be followed through several different possible majors. Identifying a pre-professional interest is not required, but can help students identify potential majors at Westminster.
What if I am unsure about a major?
Students have the option to select “Exploratory” as their major. In doing so, you will receive individual support from an academic advisor to build your first semester schedule to best explore possible majors of interest.
Questions? For specific questions or additional information about first-year academics, contact:
Karen Resendes
Associate Dean of Assessment & First-Year Experience
P: 724-946-7211
E: resendkk@westminster.edu
Registrar’s Office
P: 724-946-7138
E: registrar@westminster.edu
How do I build my schedule?
Students provide input to make sure their first semester schedule is right for them:
» AP and Transfer Credit Form provides information on courses already completed.
• Official AP scores must be received from the College Board. Final official transcripts must be received from the College or University where the course(s) were completed.
» Final High School Transcript Submission reflecting the graduation date is required for admission to Westminster College and may be used to assist in creating a student’s Fall course schedule.
» Academic Interest Form (completed at New Titan Day) provides information on INQ 111 theme preference, pre-professional track interest, major choice, and IP preferences.
» The Registrar and Associate Dean for the First-Year Experience build your schedule, which will become available mid-July.
In future semesters, students work with an Academic Advisor in their Major to continue their academic path.
What if I am a transfer student?
• The Registrar’s Office will evaluate and apply up to 96 transfer credits of coursework to your Westminster transcript.
• You may not be required to take INQ 111/WST 101 depending on the number transfer credits accepted.
To learn more about academic planning, scan the QR code or visit: westminster.edu/wc-plan
Student Success Center | 2nd Floor McKelvey Campus Center
The Office of Academic Success is committed to helping all Westminster students realize their academic potential through the following programs:
» Peer Tutoring across all subjects, including writing
» Individual Academic Coaching to support students in their academic goals
» Academic Seminars that teach students to be strong learners
» Academic Advising for Exploratory Majors
The Office of Academic Success also directs the Peer Success Coach program, which places upper-class students in WST 101 classes. Through one-on-one meetings and classroom interactions, PSC’s collaborate with first-year students to help them develop strategies essential to college life, such as goal-setting, time management, and accessing campus resources.
The Office of Accessibility is committed to ensuring equal access for students to courses, programs, service jobs, activities, and facilities with the equal opportunity to work and learn. This support includes:
» Accommodations
» Advocacy for disability issues
» Coordination with other programs
» Other services or programs as the College’s resources allow and are deemed necessary or helpful
The TRIO Scholars Program is an application-based student success program and scholar community that provides support, guidance, resources, and opportunities that help our students thrive in college and prepare for their futures.
Funded by a U.S. Department of Education Student Support Services grant, TRIO provides its students with:
» Personalized support from our team of expert advisors
» Career or graduate school coaching & planning
» Unique educational programming & travel opportunities
» Workshops & hands-on learning for academic & personal success
To learn more about Academic Resources, scan the QR code or visit: westminster.edu/academic-resource
The Registrar | Old Main
The Registrar’s Office maintains academic records for students, faculty, alumni, and prospective students. Our office works in collaboration with every office on campus! From working with Admissions to ensure a smooth transition for students, to Student Affairs to ensure an efficient onboarding experience, to Faculty and Department Chairs for advising—the Registrar’s Office serves an important role on campus.
The Registrar’s Office is responsible for:
» Maintaining the College’s schedule of classes
» Assisting students with class registration
» Processing add/drop and withdrawal from class requests
» Reviewing midterm and final grades
» Providing official transcripts for current and former students upon request
» Evaluating transfer credits from other institutions for transfer students and Westminster College students who complete transient work off campus
» Verifying the completion of degree requirements for undergraduate and graduate students
» Ordering diplomas for both undergraduate and graduate students
» Scheduling classrooms for daily instructional use and for approved campus events
» Working with the Associate Dean for the First-Year Experience to ensure all new students have a schedule that works best for them
Questions?
For specific questions or additional information about the Registrar, please contact:
Registrar’s Office
P: 724-946-7138
E: registrar@westminster.edu
To learn more about the Registrar, scan QR code or visit: www.westminster.edu/registrar
The Business Office | 2nd Floor Old Main
Student Billing
Bills are available and due as follows:
» Fall – Available July 1 and due July 20
» Spring – Available January 1 and due January 15
» Summer – Available May 25 and due June 14
» Fall bills must be paid-in-full by July 20th or a valid financial plan must be submitted via the New Student Checklist in July
Transact Integrated Payments
» View your electronic bill (no paper bills mailed)
» Setup additional payers to view your account
» Enroll in electronic refund
• For any credit you may have – you still need to request your refund in person at the Business Office
» Make payments electronically
• E-check (no fee)
• Credit or debit card (2.95% convenience fee)
» Enroll in the only payment plan offered by the college
• $35 per semester
» Visit: https://my.westminster.edu/ICS/Finances/
Method of Payment
» Transact Integrated Payments
• Online pay or payment plan
» Cashiers windows in Old Main Monday through Friday 10am-2pm with cash, check or money order
» Check, outside scholarship or 529 payment mailed to the Business Office with the Student ID in the memo line
» Various student loans and scholarships
Meal Plans
» Residential students are assigned a Titan 10
• Can change meal plans through the first week of class. See the New Student Checklist
» Commuter meal plans are available – information is sent later in the summer
Student Employment
Student Employment empowers students to build career-ready skills through meaningful experiential learning opportunities that foster individual development. The College offers over 60 plus positions and employs over 200 students annually.
Student Financial Services Guide – For more information and a thorough walkthrough of many Business Office and Financial Aid matters, please refer to the guide at: westminster.edu/financialguide
Academic Affairs
P: 724-946-7120
E: acadaff@westminster.edu
Admissions
P: 724-946-7100
E: admissions@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/admissions
Business Office
P: 724-946-7140
E: businessoff@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/business
Emergency Dispatch
Available 24/7 or simply call 911
P: 724-946-7777
Financial Aid
P: 724-946-7102
E: finaid@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/admissions/ financial-aid
Important Contact Information
Help Desk
P: 724-946-6000
E: helpdesk@westminster.edu
Office of Academic Success
P: 724-946-6700
E: academicsuccess@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/academics/ academic-success/
Office of Accessibility & Coordinated Care
P: 724-946-7192
E: accessibilityresources@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/campus/services/ disability-resources.cfm
Public Safety
P: 724-946-7777
E: publicsafety@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/campus/services/ safety.cfm
Registrar
P: 724-946-7138
E: registrar@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/academics/registrar
Residence Life
P: 724-946-7071
E: residencelife@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/campus/ around/housing
Student Affairs
P: 724-946-7110
E: studentaff@westminster.edu
Wellness Center
P: 724-946-7927
E: wellnesscenter@westminster.edu
W: westminster.edu/campus/health/ health-center.cfm
For a full list of offices on campus and their contact information, scan the QR code or visit: westminster.edu/directory
