Frequently Asked Questions

All orientation sessions are being hosted in-person in June and August. We do have a virtual option upon request by emailing orientation@washburn.edu. The virtual orientation will be live streamed on Thursday, June 17th.

*As of May 15th, masks and physical distancing will not be required on the Washburn campus. The Washburn Orientation Team will continue to follow Washburn University's health and safety protocols regarding COVID-19 with any changes this summer.

The Washburn Orientation Team will support your choice as faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors to wear a mask or no mask during New Student Orientation.

The transition to the college experience at Washburn University starts with orientation. The program is designed to prepare you with crucial information for a successful transition to Washburn, as a first-year or transfer student.

All students admitted to Washburn for the upcoming fall, spring or summer terms are invited to attend New Student Orientation.

All students attending Washburn directly after graduating from high school are required to attend a New Student Orientation session. Up to two guests per student are welcome to attend.

Yes, we strongly encourage you to attend our Transfer Student Orientation. For spring transfers, we host orientation in the fall, and for summer or fall transfers, we host orientation in late spring and summer. If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, please join us at a New Student Orientation session.

Orientation will provide you with opportunities for one-on-one interaction with current students, enroll in classes, and learn about campus resources.
Yes, all students are expected to participate in the entire program in order to register for classes.

No, there is no fee to attend orientation. We ask students to register at least one week in advance, to order enough catering and prepare materials for each student.

You can register online, email orientation@washburn.edu or call 785.670.2034.

Check-in for orientation begins at 8:15 am, with our official welcome starting at 8:45 am in Memorial Union.

Sample Schedule for Students

Sample Schedule for Guests

Yes - orientation is just as important for parents and guests as it is for students. Everyone in your family is about to experience a transition. The orientation day includes a variety of parent and guest sessions.

Yes. If you or someone participating has a meal restriction, disability, mobility issues, or requires a non-English translator, please submit the New Student Orientation questionnaire to provide more information.

Washburn offers free parking to visitors, students, faculty and staff. Use our campus map as a guide. Orientation students and guests should park in Lot 9, 10 or 11 (Lot 10 is closest). Upon arrival, look for the tall blue "WELCOME" flags.

Directions

  • From the north: Take U.S. Highway 75 south to the Gage Boulevard Exit/I-70 East turnoff (Exit 358), taking the Gage Boulevard exit. Turn right on Gage and proceed south to SW 17th Street. Turn left (east) and follow 17th Street to Plass Avenue.
  • From the south: Take U.S. Highway 75 north the 42nd Street/Burlingame Road exit. Turn left and drive to yield sign. Turn right on Burlingame Road (north) and follow Burlingame (which changes into Washburn Avenue) to SW 17th Street (approximately 20 blocks). Turn left (west) and follow 17th Street to Plass Avenue, turn left (south).
  • From the southwest (I-335): Take I-335 north (Kansas Turnpike) to the South Topeka Exit (Exit 177). After leaving the toll area, continue straight. The highway will veer to the left and become I-470 west. Take the Burlingame Road exit (Exit 5). Turn right (north) and follow Burlingame (which changes into Washburn Avenue) to SW 17th Street (approximately 20 blocks). Turn left (west) and follow 17th Street to Plass Avenue, turn left (south).
  • From the east: Take I-70/I-470 (Kansas Turnpike) to the South Topeka exit (Exit 177). After exiting the toll area, continue straight. The highway will veer to the left and become I-470 west. Take the Burlingame Road exit (Exit 5). Turn right (north) and follow Burlingame Road (which changes into Washburn Avenue) to SW 17th Street (approximately 20 blocks). Turn left (west) and follow 17th Street to Plass Avenue, turn left (south).
  • From the west: Take I-70 to the NW MacVicar Ave. exit (Exit 359) and turn right (south). Follow NW MacVicar to SW 17th Street (approximately 2.4 miles). Turn left (east) and follow 17th Street to Plass Avenue, turn right (south).
All orientation sessions are one-day programs and do not require an overnight stay. However, if you are traveling from farther away and need to stay overnight, the city of Topeka has a number of lodging options.
Let us know by phone 785.670.2034 or email orientation@washburn.edu.

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GET IN TOUCH WITH Student Transition & Family Engagement

Student Transition & Family Engagement
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Phone & Email
785.670.2034
orientation@washburn.edu

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