Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about Summer Orientation and Registration:

Program
Placement Testing
Program Reservation/Attendee Accommodation
Fees
Accommodations

If you have a question that is not addressed on this page, contact Student Development and Orientation at (309) 298-1884 or sdo@wiu.edu, or visit the Contact page for a list of other University areas which may be able to assist you.

Program Questions

Why is Summer Orientation and Registration so important?
Participating in the Summer Orientation and Registration program is one of the first steps that students take in their transition to the University. During Summer Orientation and Registration, you will meet with an academic advisor from your intended major, register for classes, meet with faculty members, and interact with other students. You will also learn academic requirements and services that will be invaluable your first semester.
What type of identification will I need to present in order to get my student ID?
All students will be REQUIRED to provide a legal form of identification in order to get their WIU student identification card. The following are the ONLY acceptable forms of picture identification: driver's license or state identification card, U.S. or foreign passport, military ID, or INS I-1551 resident alien card. For the Canada Provinces a driver's license, learner permit, or official province ID are acceptable. The Mexican Counselate ID, Matricula Counsular, is also acceptable under Illinois law. The Illinois Firearm ID (FOID card) will not be accepted as a legal form of identification.
What is there to do in the evening?
Activities are scheduled for both the students and family members/guests.

Placement Testing Questions

I have never taken any college classes; do I have to take English and math placement tests?
All new freshmen will take the English placement test which is a 40-minute writing sample. Students are asked to read a quote and then write an essay explaining whether they agree or disagree with the quote and why. The mathematics department will do an initial placement into math courses using a student's math ACT score and the math courses completed in high school as guidelines. The mathematics department may recommend that a student take the math placement test (called COMPASS) to improve the placement level.
I have taken classes at another college; do I have to take English or math placement tests?
Freshman students who are transferring in the equivalent of WIU's English 180 (freshman composition) will be asked to provide a writing sample by taking the English placement exercise regardless of the transfer of credit. Students with completion of an approved equivalent to WIU's Intermediate Algebra or above will not be required to take the math placement test.
Can I use a calculator in the math placement test?
Yes, you can bring your own calculator or use the drop down calculator in the COMPASS program.
What if I am placed into a non-credit Math course?
Depending on your math background, you may be advised to take the COMPASS exam to try to place into a higher course.
If my placement remains Math 099N, the non-credit course, can I take it at a community college before I come to WIU?
Yes, we encourage you to take the equivalent of Math 099N at your area community college before attending WIU. Once you select a registration date, you will receive a letter explaining how to determine what your math placement will be so that you can decide whether or not to take a math course over the summer.
What if I need special testing accommodations?
Students needing any accommodations in order to fully participate in these events, should contact Disability Support Services at (309) 298-2512.

Program Reservation/Attendee Accommodation Questions

Do I have to attend Summer Orientation and Registration?
All incoming freshman must attend the entire day-and-a-half Summer Orientation and Registration program.

We strongly encourage family members and guests to attend the program as well, but it is not required.
What if I reserved a date but want to change it?
Simply return to STARS and select a new program date. You may also contact Student Development and Orientation at (309) 298-1884. When you are blocked from registering for some dates, these sessions are closed and no longer available for reservation. Please note that if you change program dates, you will receive another Date Confirmation Mailer.
How will I know that I am able to attend the program date I reserved?
If you reserve your date online, you will immediately get a confirmation of the date you chose on the website. You will then be mailed a postcard. Beginning March/April, you will receive a Date Confirmation Mailer. Your date will appear inside the Date Confirmation Mailer. This mailer will outline all of the information you need to know to attend Summer Orientation and Registration.
When can I expect to receive my Date Confirmation Mailer?
If you made a reservation before April, you will receive a confirmation postcard. Beginning March/April, a detailed Date Confirmation Mailer will be mailed to you.
Is there a deadline to make a reservation for a program?
You may choose to reserve any program on STARS that is open up until four days or less before day one of the program. Dates that remain open will have a radio button. Dates that are closed will be in red and say "closed". We encourage you to select a date as early as possible for the best choice of classes.
How do I register guests for the program?
You can make a reservation online for guests that are planning on attending the program at the same time you select a program date, or you may return the form enclosed in the Date Confirmation Mailer. Once you have selected your program date on STARS, a Date Confirmation Mailer will be mailed to you.
What if I need to make attendee accommodation changes for my family/guests?
Contact Student Development and Orientation at (309) 298-1884 if you need to make any changes to your original reservation. Changes can include a guest who is no longer able to attend, someone who is attending in a guest's place, more guests have decided to come, or special accommodations are now needed to be made for you or your guest. We will do everything possible to accommodate required changes; however, please contact us at least four (4) business days prior to the scheduled Summer Orientation and Registration program date, if possible.
What guests are appropriate to bring to the Summer Orientation and Registration program?
All guests are welcome to attend; however, the program is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years old. When choosing guests, remember this is an intensive day-and-a-half program and there is a $30 fee for each guest attending/staying overnight on campus.

Fees Questions

What is the family/guest cost to attend the Summer Orientation and Registration program?
The student program cost is included in the student fee and will be billed to the student's account. If a family member/guest stays on campus overnight in the residence hall, the cost will be $30 per person for lodging and meals. If a family member/guest chooses not to stay on campus overnight, the cost will be $20 per person for meals and materials. Payment is due at residence hall check-in on day one of your program. A check, cash, or credit card may be used for payment. Meals include dinner on day one and breakfast on day two. Lunches on both day one and day two are not included in the cost of the program and will be on your own. You may purchase lunch in the Food Court at the University Union, ground level. For lodging accommodations, families will not be paired with another family. Each family will be assigned to its own room which has two single beds.

Accommodation Questions

Do students have to stay on-campus overnight for the Summer Orientation and Registration program?
Of course! Staying on campus for orientation is an important part of beginning your college experience. Even if you will not be living in the residence halls, it will give you a chance to meet other freshmen who are sharing the same experience. It is a requirement to stay on campus overnight even if you live in the Macomb area.
Can I choose my roommate?
Roommates will be assigned on a random basis; you will be paired with another student. This is a great way to meet other students and be introduced to residence hall living.
Since the room provided is in a residence hall, what are the restroom/shower accommodations?
There is a restroom and shower area on each floor. On the student floors, all restrooms will be for the gender assigned to that floor. On the family floors, there will be two restrooms for each gender. In each restroom, you will find a community shower arrangement having 3-4 separate shower stalls. For your own comfort, please bring a robe, flip-flops, and container for your shower toiletries.
Do my family members and guests have to stay on-campus?
Although staying on-campus will provide family members and guests a similar college experience as the students, family members have the option to stay off-campus. Visit the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website for information on local hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Are family members/guests being similarly accommodated?
Families/Guests will be housed in the same residence hall as students but on different floors. Accommodations are similar, except families/guests will stay in their own room and their floors will not be separated by gender. Though families/guests will be housed together, restroom and shower areas will remain gender specific. Family members/guests may have to visit another hallway on the floor to access the restroom and shower areas.
Will doors to the residence hall be locked at night?
Doors are locked promptly at 11:30 p.m.
Is there a refrigerator where I can store my medicine?
There will be a refrigerator for necessary medications available at the front desk when you check in at the residence hall.
Is smoking allowed in the buildings/residence halls?
All of the buildings/residence halls on the WIU campus are smoke free. Smoking is prohibited in all areas inside the buildings/residence halls.
What happens if I lose my key to my assigned room?
If you do not turn in your key upon check-out, you will be charged $50 immediately since we will have to re-core the room before the next group arrives. The fee will be billed to your student account. Although your key may be found and returned to us later, you will still be billed since our re-core expense has already been incurred.