Welcome and congratulations on starting your academic journey at Clover Park Technical College!
As a new student at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC), you are certain to have many questions. New Student Orientation is designed to help you uncover the answers to your questions, navigate campus and provide you timely information about campus resources and support services. By the time you leave orientation, you’ll be ready for the first day of the quarter and on your way towards becoming a successful CPTC student.
The next New Student Orientation will take place on Thursday, March 19 from 9am-12pm. Check-in for the event will start promptly at 8:30am in the McGavick Conference Center located in Building 23 on the Lakewood Campus.
Upcoming New Student Orientation dates include:
- Spring 2026 Start: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Summer 2026 Start: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- Fall 2026 Start: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Winter 2027 Start: Tuesday, December 15, 2026
- Spring 2027 Start: Thursday, March 18, 2027
All New Student Orientation events will be held from 9:00am - 12:00pm in the McGavick Conference Center, located in Building 23 at the Lakewood campus. Registration for the March 2026 New Student Orientation event is now available! Be sure to click the purple Register for New Student Orientation button at the top of your screen to register for the event. The deadline to register for New Student Orientation is Sunday, March 15 at 11:59pm.
You will learn a lot about CPTC at New Student Orientation. The program is an opportunity for you to learn about the three pillars of student success (academic, financial, and social) and how to navigate campus. During the program, you will begin to build a network of resources that are designed to support you throughout your CPTC journey. You will learn about:
- Virtual student services
- Student email & wifi
- Tutoring
- Parking & transportation
- Student aid and scholarships
- Safety & security
- Events, clubs, and organizations
- On campus employment
- Childcare
- Student Leadership & Service Center
- Fitness Center
- MOSAIC Center
- Bookstore
- And much more!
Additionally, during New Student Orientation you will learn tips from students and staff who will serve as guides during your time at CPTC. Your academic advisor and student leaders will be around throughout the day, ready to answer your questions.
We look forward to meeting you and joining you along your educational journey!
Remember, you are awesome! We are glad you are here!
Yes, New Student Orientation is a mandatory experience. You can RSVP to New Student Orientation by clicking here.
Please contact the New Student Orientation Coordinator, Jessica Wallack, at jessica.wallack@cptc.edu or 253-589-5780.
Great question! Visit www.cptc.edu/advising to see our advisors and links to schedule your in-person or phone appointments.
It is preferred that all students RSVP to this event as it will help event coordinators ensure there are enough program supplies and light refreshments for everyone who attends to ensure the best experience possible. The deadline to RSVP is Sunday, March 15. You can click here to RSVP to the event.
If you are unable to RSVP by the deadline, please be sure to arrive to the event between 8:30am-8:50am to go through the check-in process prior to the start of the event.
Nope! Engagement during every new student orientation, whether face-to-face or virtual is always challenge by choice. Your level of participation is up to you and your level of comfort. With that being said, as you prepare for classes at Clover Park Technical College, remember the age old saying "you get out of it, what you put in".
No, New Student Orientation is not the same thing as a Program Information Session! Program Info Sessions are a chance for potential and new students to meet faculty and learn more about a specific academic program. New Student Orientation is a program specifically designed to provide you timely information about campus resources and support services, how to navigate campus, and help you answer any questions you may have to ensure you have a successful first day of classes!
Not at this time.
The following dates have been established for New Student Orientation. At this time all orientation experiences are being planned for an in-person experience.
Upcoming New Student Orientation dates include:
- Spring 2026 Start: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Summer 2026 Start: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- Fall 2026 Start: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Winter 2027 Start: Tuesday, December 15, 2026
- Spring 2027 Start: Thursday, March 18, 2027
Spring Quarter Start - New Student Orientation
Date: March 19, 2026
Time: 9am to 12pm
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
McGavick Converence Center, Bldg. 23
Contact
Orientation Coordinator
Jessica Wallack
jessica.wallack@cptc.edu
253-589-5780