EWU | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Students attending the firstSTEP Orientation will:

Learn about academic requirements;

Meet with an academic advisor to develop a course schedule and register for fall quarter classes;

Have the opportunity to meet with and build relationships with faculty, staff, and peers and learn about the campus and surrounding community;

Receive detailed information regarding academic expectations of students and relevant academic policies; and

Connect with campus support services to ensure a smooth transition to campus.

Parents attending the firstSTEP Orientation will:

Have the opportunity to sign up for the EWU Parent E-Blast (Listserv) to receive campus information and other related news;

Learn about your student's academic requirements;

Have the opportunity to meet with and build relationships with faculty, staff, and other EWU parents and learn about the campus and surrounding community;

Connect with campus support services to ensure that your student experiences a smooth transition to campus.

Parents attending the firstSTEP Orientation will:

Have the opportunity to sign up for the EWU Parent E-Blast (Listserv) to receive campus information and other related news;

Learn about your student's academic requirements;

Have the opportunity to meet with and build relationships with faculty, staff, and other EWU parents and learn about the campus and surrounding community;

Connect with campus support services to ensure that your student experiences a smooth transition to campus.

When are the firstSTEP Orientation Sessions?

There are eight firstSTEP Orientation sessions one for transfer students and non- EWU running start students and seven for incoming freshmen students:

June 21^st

For students (freshman, transfer, Non-EWU Running Start, etc.) with MORE than 16 university credits.

June 28^th, July 12^th, July 19^th, July 26^th, August 9^th, August 16^th, and August 23^rd

For students (freshman, transfer, Non-EWU Running Start, etc.) with FEWER than 16 university credits

How long is a firstSTEP Orientation Session?

The firstSTEP Orientation Session is an all day 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. program. Please visit our firstSTEP Orientation webpage to see a sample schedule.

Is housing provided during the firstSTEP Orientation?

Housing is not provided at firstSTEP Orientation. Please see the "What hotels are near the EWU campus?" for lodging information.

What accommodations are near the EWU campus for lodging?

Holiday Inn Express, Cheney University Area (1.7 mi. from campus) (509)-235-1100

Super 8 Motel (8.7 mi. from campus) (509)-838-8800

Holiday Inn Spokane-Airport (13.7 mi. from campus) 1-800-HOLIDAY 509-838-1170

Ramada Inn, Spokane Airport (17.1 mi. from campus) (509)-838-5211

What do I need to bring?

You should plan to bring a state issued picture ID and any other EWU documents that may be used for your reference. Everything else will be provided at check in.

Where can we park?

The designated parking lots for firstSTEP Session participants are P-5, P-11 and P-17. Please see our campus map for locations.

What if I need special accommodations?

For special accommodations please call The Office of New Student Transitions and Parent Programs at 509.359.6843 at least five (5) days prior to your scheduled session.

How do I register for classes if I don't attend firstSTEP Orientation?

To get connected with an Academic Advisor please call The Office of New Student Transitions and Parent Programs at 509.359.6843.

Do I have to attend the firstSTEP Orientation?

Students: Yes, in order to lift your new student hold and be able to register online you must meet with an advisor during the firstSTEP Orientation.

Parents/Family/Guardian member: You are highly encouraged to attend the firstSTEP Session with your student.

I am an out of state student. Do I have to attend the firstSTEP Orientation?

If you are an out of state incoming student and is unable to attend any of the firstSTEP Orientation Sessions please call The Office of New Student Transitions and Parent Programs at 509.359.6843 to learn of your other options.

How can I change my firstSTEP Orientation Session date?

To change your firstSTEP Orientation session date please call The Office of New Student Transitions and Parent Programs at 509.359.6843 at least five (5) days prior to your scheduled session.

How do I change my intended major after I registered for the firstSTEP Orientation?

Please call The Office of New Student Transition and Parent Programs at 509.359.6843 to do so.

I didn't register a guest but I plan to bring one or I need to add more guests. How do I register them?

Please call The Office of New Student Transition and Parent Programs at 509.359.6843 to do so.

What placement tests are required?

All Students admitted to Eastern Washington University without an approved direct transfer degree must take the APTP Math Placement Test prior to registering for a math class. For more information please visit www.ewu.edu/aptp.

Can I still attend firstSTEP Orientation if I haven't taken the APTP math placement test?

No, all students must take the APTP Math Placement Test prior to attending their firstSTEP Orientation Session. For more information please visit www.ewu.edu/aptp

What is the Online Orientation?

The Online Orientation is a guidance and reference tool for new incoming students. Please visit www.ewu.edu/onlineorientation for more information.

Do I have to do the firstSTEP Orientation and Online Orientation?

The online orientation is a guidance and reference tool for new incoming students and for students that will not be able to attend a firstSTEP Orientation Session.

What Transportation services are there in the area?

Spokane Transit Authority

Cheney Cab Co. LLC (509) 993-7989 for Airport Reservations