WSU Cougar Head Logo Washington State University

Meet Your OC

Orientation Resources

Overview 

  • Greet People
  • Take Attendance using Slate goto.wsu.edu/oc
    • NSE Assistants will connect with OC if not done
  • Quick Program Expectations
    • Communication
    • Presentations
    • Community Expectations
  • Quick Overview of Program (Guidebook)
    • Ensure that they have downloaded and can access Guidebook
    • Briefly go over the schedule, along with dinner
  • Foundations of Academic Success
    • FY - less than 27 semester or 40 quarter credits
    • Transfer - more than 27 semester or 40 quarter credits
    • Honors - Invited or Accepted
  • Group Chant for New Cougs on the Block
  • Magical trashcan locations
  • Energizer if time allows
  • Final Announcements
Greet people as they arrive to your group 
  • Think of good conversation starters (movies, music, summer plans, etc.) and begin connecting with the group as soon as they arrive with your group and ask for their names. 
Take attendance using Slate- NSE assistants will verify attendance 

(have Slate open as you arrive to MYOC - goto.wsu.edu/oc) 

  • Have students introduce themselves (name, pronouns, hometown, major, year in school, fun fact, etc.)
    • Use their names during this time to check them in
  • Select the program (e.g. Session 1: La Bienvenida May 17th-18th)
  • OC Check-In
  • Pick your name
  • Toggle the Check-In marker for each student who is present
    • If a student gives you information about needing to leave or have questions that you can't answer or want an accommodation put this in the notes section for the student and notify your supervisor
  • Keep in mind
    • Attendance must be completed by the deadlines
    • At the end of Meet Your OC, please check your roster to make sure everyone is accounted for. You may need to REFRESH, REFRESH, REFRESH!!!
Program Expectations
  • Full participation is required for you to register for classes. We are taking attendance!
  • Promptness - There is a schedule that you need to follow. Please be on time!
  • Ask questions if you have them
  • OCs are Mandatory Reporters
  • Share your expectations as their OC
  • Use respectful and inclusive language
  • Stay with the group throughout the day
  • Wear your name tag at all times. This is your ticket to all meals during the program
  • Wear orientation shirts on the second day, we will be taking a group photo
  • IF A STUDENT NEEDS TO DEPART EARLY, THEY NEED TO TELL YOU NOW, SO NCO CAN PLAN ACCORDINGLY. WE WILL NEED FLIGHT OR BUS ITINERARY IF NOT ALREADY APPROVED. 
Communication 

  • Communicate with OCs if you need help 

  • Phone number for Orientation and Transition Programs: 509-335-4242 

  • Zeemee group channel 

Presentations 

  • Pay attention to information/presentations and be respectful of presenters  

  • Take notes whenever you can  

  • No texting during presentations/activities  

  • Have fun! Enjoy the opportunities to learn and meet people 

Community Expectations 

  • Cougs help Cougs and look out for each other  

  • Regardless of background, individual perspectives/POVs, identities, we are all deserving of respect  

Quick Overview of Program (Guidebook) 

  • Provide a QUICK review the schedule, which can be found in Guidebook 

  • Great opportunity to ensure that all students downloaded Guidebook 

  • For students, they should download Guidebook and look for the 2025 New Coug Orientation Guide 

  • Go over each session briefly, when students will meet at magical trash can locations, interest sessions, and dinner schedule 

Foundations of Academic Success 

  • Confirm their Foundations of Academic Sucess presentation and that students know where they are going to: 

  • First-Year students (less than 27 semester or 40 quarter credits) 

  • Student with Transfer Credits: Transfer student (who has gone to college after high school - should not be only the summer) and students with 27 semester or 40 quarter credits or more 

  • Honors: Students who have been accepted to the Honors College (if a student is very interested in being part of Honors, they should attend this session) 

Quick chant for New Cougs on the Block 

  • Create a fun, quick, catchy chant with your group  

  • You will use this chant for roll call during New Cougs on the Block 

  • Have fun and be creative!!  

  • Be loud and proud! 

Magical Trashcan Locations 

  • Please create a determined location for your group to meet with you during transition times 

  • ENSURE THEY KNOW WHERE YOUR MAGICAL TRASH CAN LOCATION IS AND WHEN THEY WILL MEET THERE!!!!! 

Energizers (If time allows) 

Goal: Have the students learn who you are, learn each other’s names, and start building a foundation of trust. Have fun and get to know one another! 

  • Icebreakers (select an appropriate activity from the ice breakers section of OC Resources) 

Final Announcements 

 

Tips for Success: 

  • Introduce yourself as OC Name 

  • Do not share your personal or WSU Email, social media, or other connections until AFTER the program 

  • For Attendance: REFRESH, REFRESH, REFRESH!!!  

  • Learn your students' names  

  • Think of good conversation starters (movies, music, summer plans, etc.) and begin connecting with the group  

Meet Your OC
Orientation Resources