Is orientation required for all transfer students?

Orientation programs are required for any new student at Illinois Wesleyan University.  Please plan accordingly.  If you are an athlete and have conflicts due to practices, please contact Danielle Kuglin at dkuglin@iwu.edu.

When will I register for classes?

You will meet with your advisor and register for fall classes after arriving on campus.  If you have questions regarding this process, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (309) 556-3161.

How do I declare a major?

Students typically declare a major before the end of their 4th semester at IWU, however, this decision can be made earlier in a student’s career.  To officially declare a major or minor the necessary forms must be completed in the Registrar’s Office (located in Holmes Hall).  Contact the Registrar’s Office at (309) 556-3161.  Students entering professional schools (ex: School of Nursing) do not need to make an additional declaration of a major. 

How do I know what credits transfer?

All questions concerning transfer credit should be addressed to the Registrar's Office at (309) 556-3161.  Information is also available in the IWU catalog under "Transfer of Credits".  If you have a copy of your grades it would be helpful to bring those to your advising session in January, but no work can be entered on the IWU transcript until we receive an official transcript from the school.  Your transcript will be evaluated by the Registrar's Office in conjunction with the Director of General Education prior to your advising session.  At your advising appointment your advisor will go over any general education requirements or categories that have not been fulfilled and will also go over your major requirements.  If, after meeting with your advisor, you still have questions about your courses that did or did not transfer, you should come to the Registrar's Office.

Where do I buy books for classes?

Most students purchase their books upon arriving to campus and after registering for classes.  The University Bookstore is located in the Hansen Student Center and can be found online at http://bookstore.iwu.edu.  The Bookstore will be open on January 7th from 10am to 5pm.

Campus Phone Numbers

(all area code 309)

Office of Orientation Services   556-3749

Registrar’s Office   556-3161

Office of Residential Life  556-3113

Counseling Services   556-3052

Security   556-1111

Financial Aid Office   556-3096

University Information   556-1000

For more campus phone numbers visit the Campus Directory.

When do I have access to my IWU email?

If you are entering IWU in the Fall semester you will gain access to your IWU email this summer before you arrive on campus.  If you are entering IWU in the Spring semester then you will gain access to your IWU email in December or January before you arrive on campus.  The exact date is not set so check MyIWU often.

Where can I buy things in town?

Bloomington/Normal offers a variety of close shopping locations ranging from grocery stores and malls to unique boutiques in the local downtown area.

Where do I buy books for classes?

At the beginning of each semester the University Bookstore designates a special area for possible books that students might need to purchase.  The books that are available at the University Bookstore come from the Professors’ booklists, so you can always make sure that you have the right materials for class.  Most students purchase their books upon arriving to campus and after registering for classes.  The University Bookstore is located in the Hansen Student Center and can be found online at http://bookstore.iwu.edu.

When are school breaks such as Winter Break, Spring Break, etc.?

View the 2008-2009 Academic Calendar.

Do I have to attend New Student Orientation?

Yes. All students who are new to the University are expected to attend Orientation.  This is an important time where you will register for classes and become acquainted with the Illinois Wesleyan campus community.  If you have specific concerns please contact the Office of Orientation Services hotline at (309) 556-3749 or email dkuglin@iwu.edu.

Is orientation required for my parent/guardian?

Technically, no.  Orientation is not required for parents and families.  However, we encourage parents to attend Experience IWU Parent Orientation on June 21st and to help with move-in day in the fall. During move-in day, parents will have a chance to meet with their student's first year advisor and also participate in other activities.

Where can I buy things in town?

Bloomington/Normal offers a variety of close shopping locations ranging from grocery stores and malls to unique boutiques in the local downtown area. 

Who is my Titan Orientation Leader?  Can I contact him or her?

We will match you with a TOL as soon as possible.  You might be contacted by your TOL by IWU email or snail-mail.  Although, if you do not hear from your TOL before arriving to campus don’t worry, you will meet during Orientation.  If you have questions to ask your TOL about campus, college, etc. but you don’t know who he/she is please feel free to call the Office of Orientation Services at (309) 556-3749 and talk to a TOL on staff. 

Should I bring my car to campus?

Students can bring their cars to campus. There is no charge to park a car on campus - students must obtain a (free) parking permit from the security office during Turning Titan. Bloomington-Normal also has a public transportation system that covers the town. Some students also bring bicycles to get around town and to ride on the Constitution Trail.

What kind of computer should I bring to campus - do I need to bring a computer?

Students should bring a computer model and operating system that they are most comfortable and efficient in using. The campus is set up to handle both types. Typically the most common programs needed at IWU are a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, and an internet browser. Each dorm room has two ethernet ports. Students are responsible for supplying their own ethernet cords. For more information or if you have any specific technology questions, contact Information Technology at 309-556-3900.

Where can I do banking in Bloomington-Normal?

View the Banking in Bloomington-Normal page.

Where can my parents stay the night in Bloomington-Normal?

View the Hotels & Motels in Bloomington-Normal page.

What about a question I have that isn't on here?

First off try visiting http://www2.iwu.edu/newstudents/ for a wide variety of information. You can always call us here at the Office of Orientation Services at 309-556-3749.