New Student Orientation Kicks Off an Exciting Year at Westcliff
Last Friday, Westcliff University rolled out the red carpet for hundreds of new students during New Student Orientation (NSO), kicking off the academic year with energy, excitement, and plenty of Warrior pride. From the moment students checked in and picked up their new Warrior tote bags, the campus came alive. The day was packed with sessions led by admissions and student advisors, campus tours, opportunities to connect with fellow Warriors, and—everyone’s favorite—an ice cream truck that brought smiles to students and families alike.
A Community of Warriors
NSO highlighted what makes Westcliff so unique: its vibrant, global community. Undergraduate sessions were filled with both domestic and international students, as well as student-athletes eager to compete as Warriors. This included exciting new additions to our nationally ranked surf team—the first university program to ever offer surf scholarships, along with athletes from our growing wrestling program, soccer team, elite cheer squad, and more.
Graduate students also joined in, looking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers in Westcliff’s hands-on, practical learning environment. Together, these new and returning Warriors represented the diversity and ambition that drives our campus community.
As Noaman Patne, a COTE graduate student and Technology Club leader, shared:
“My favorite part about NSO is welcoming all the new students and speaking to people from all over the world, with different backgrounds. That’s one of the amazing things about Westcliff, the diversity.”
Stories of New Beginnings
Among the incoming students was Abdullah, or “Ash,” from Pakistan, beginning his Bachelor of Computer Science. A former NASA intern, Ash chose Westcliff for its blend of strong academics and unbeatable Southern California location.
“What stood out to me about Westcliff first was the excellent academics. You also can’t beat the location. Southern California is amazing,” Ash said. He also praised the admissions and advising teams: “The admissions team was really helpful and always there when I needed something. My student advisor, Zack, has also been so great at helping me throughout this whole process.”
Ash’s mother, a student counselor in Pakistan who has sent many of her students to Westcliff, expressed her confidence in his choice:
“They always come back and tell me how happy they were with their decision to come here. There are many reasons, from academics to opportunities, but one of the main reasons is the great support for international students. I could not be happier that my son is now going here.”
The day was also a homecoming for Cameron, a returning student who played basketball for Westcliff in 2021 and is now joining the brand-new cross country team.
“Coming back is really exciting. It feels both very familiar but also very new because Westcliff has grown so much since I was last here,” Cameron shared. “It’s cool to still see familiar faces and reconnect, as well as meet new people.”
Peer mentors like longtime Warrior Firas Marrash, an MBA graduate, current DBA student, and leader of the Acclimation Club, were also on hand to welcome and encourage students. His advice was simple but powerful:
“Take all the opportunities that Westcliff provides. Join clubs, start your own, reach out to peer mentors for help. There is so much support and opportunity here.”
Looking Ahead
The energy at NSO is only the beginning of what promises to be an incredible academic year. Warriors can already look forward to upcoming events like Westcliff University’s International Food and Culture Festival on October 16, where the community will gather at the Irvine campus to enjoy delicious food, celebrate culture, and connect with fellow students.
Students are also encouraged to get involved in Westcliff’s many student clubs, or even start a new one! From technology to cultural groups, fitness to creative pursuits, clubs are a great way to build community and form friendships that last a lifetime.
Catch a Warriors game! Both our men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams are ranked #1 and vying for more championships. Or catch an exciting women’s volleyball game with their refreshed squad.
New Student Orientation reminded us of what makes Westcliff so special: our shared commitment to learning, growth, and connection. Welcome to all our new and returning Warriors! This year is going to be one to remember.