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First Year Experience

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Welcome to Your First Year Experience!

We are thrilled to welcome our incoming class of freshmen to campus! From the moment you arrive, we’ll be here to help you transition to college and establish an early foundation for success. From moving into your dorm to exploring campus to getting to know the Westminster community, there are so many exciting firsts during your freshman year!

The First Year Experience program is designed to support student development of the skills, self-awareness, and personal wellness strategies needed to pursue academic, personal, and professional goals throughout your college journey.

Through personalized advising, first-year programming, and peer mentorships, the First Year Experience will provide students with important information about Westminster opportunities and resources, life skills, and professional tips, all while showing students what it means to be a Blue Jay!

“This is the place where I grew up. From basic functions like doing my own laundry, to my personal social growth, to the immense knowledge I have gained inside the classroom and at my internship, this college has provided me with everything I need to become a successful adult. ”
Patrick Flesch, Class of 2020

First Year Experience at Westminster

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FIRST YEAR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

The First Year Experience goes beyond student life it’s also about equipping freshman students with a strong academic foundation that will support them throughout their undergraduate studies.

To do this, students enroll in two signature first-year courses – Westminster Seminar and The Leader Within for a total of 4 credits. These courses build vital soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, research, and self-reflection that will aid students no matter where their academic careers lead.

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First Year Information

Ready to begin planning? Find everything you need to know about your new student forms, New Student Checklist, Move-In Dates, and the New Student Week schedule!

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First Year Academics

The First Year Experience Program includes specialized academic support for freshmen, as well as two signature courses.

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First Year Resources

Start charting a path to achieving your academic and professional goals in your first year. We offer an array of valuable resources to help make your dreams a reality.

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“Westminster means so much to me; it embodies active learning and pushes me daily to be a better student, athlete, and person.”
Joshua Udinyiwe (fifth from right), Class of 2021 Delta Tau Delta members shave heads in solidarity with kids fighting cancer

FIRST YEAR BLUE JAY EXPERIENCE

One of the best parts about attending Westminster is getting to join the Blue Jay community. It’s the students and faculty who really make the Westminster experience as incredible as it is. From 50+ clubs and organizations to athletics to Fraternity and Sorority Life, there are plenty ways to get involved on campus, broaden your horizons, connect with fellow students, and have fun!

We also offer plenty of volunteer and service opportunities through our Center for Faith & Service, as well as spiritual life programming. Students may also find additional support through our dedicated Wellness Center, which is committed to fostering good physical, mental, emotional, and social health for the student community.

Learn More about Student Life