Week of Welcome
Week of Welcome (WOW) is a week-long event on the WSU Pullman campus that helps new and returning students kick off the new academic year. WOW events are fun and intended to connect you with campus resources and your new Cougar family.
Each academic college will host a Kickoff event, featuring workshops and activities designed to welcome new students to their colleges and majors. The University Convocation is the official university welcome to the academic learning community.
Week Of Welcome (WOW) Events
These are programs that are key New Coug experiences. Students are HIGHLY encouraged to attend the signature events listed below. Pick and choose your events and build your WOW experience.
WOW 2025 dates and programming are underdevelopment. Use CougPresence to learn about events and organizations you want to engage with.
Signature Events for All Cougs to Attend
Be #PullmanProud Ice Cream Social
Description: Make your way to the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center for a “Welcome Home!” ice cream social where you can learn more about your Pullman community while enjoying free ice cream, playing games, and making connections. Whether you’re a new or returning student, we’re here to help you take full advantage of what it means to be a Coug, all that Pullman has to offer, and learn how to make WSU Pullman your home!
Casino Carnivale
Description: Join us at the Student Recreation Center for an exhilarating kickoff to start the academic year! While meeting new Cougs, partake in games such as blackjack, roulette, poker, etc. to win chips that can be exchanged for prizes. You can also visit the UREC Carnival on the courts, where you can play carnival-style games and earn tickets. These tickets can be exchanged for more chips or prizes. There will be music, snacks, and other games throughout the facility to enhance the experience for all students.
Student Employment Fair
Description: Join us at WSU’s Week of Welcome – Student Employment Fair on August 13th – Meet your future employer and find part-time, local, and on-campus employment opportunities!
Pep Rally and New Coug Photo
Description: The Pep rally is an introduction to WSU athletics, teams, Cougar Marching Band, Spirit Squad, and Butch aimed at inspiring enthusiasm for our WSU Cougar Sports. Please show your Cougar pride by wearing crimson and/or grey for the New Coug Photo!
Academic College Kickoffs
Description: Aimed to continue to develop the relationship between new first-year students and WSU’s academic colleges.
University Convocation
Description: Faculty and staff welcome first year students to academic and community leaders. Speakers include faculty, a sophomore student speaker, and WSU Pullman’s Chancellor.
All-Campus Picnic & Resource Fair
Description: An outdoor event providing a BBQ style meal, music, and information/resource fair bringing all our WSU campus and Pullman community together. Sponsored by BECU, Coca-Cola, New Student Enrollment, and the Office of the Chancellor.
CougGlow Dance Party
Description: A live DJ dance to celebrate the beginning of fall semester aimed at providing a popular activity to allow new first year students to continue to connect with each other in an environment familiar to them.