SOWELA's New Student Orientation will help incoming students feel connected to SOWELA, faculty, staff, and other students while creating a welcoming atmosphere that builds a sense of community among the incoming class. Orientation will provide new students with academic program expectations. New students will be made aware of the resources and services available to assist with their academic, personal, and professional growth.
All new SOWELA students are expected to attend one of the orientation sessions. Students are welcome to register for and attend any of the on-site new student orientations hosted at our Lake Charles Campus, and at our Morgan Smith (Jennings), Oakdale, or Lamar Salter (Leesville) Instructional Sites.
Many of the topics discussed and the how to guides presented at Orientation apply to students that are registered for Summer and/or Fall 2026 classes. Guardians/Parents are welcome to attend the session with the student(s).
To schedule for one of the Main Campus sessions, use this link: Main Campus New Student Orientation registration.
SOWELA's Main Campus (Lake Charles) location: 3824 Senator J Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70615 (Sycamore Student Center - Multipurpose Room).
Monday, July 27, 2026, 9:00 - 11:00 am
To schedule for Morgan Smith's New Student Orientation, use this link: Morgan Smith New Student Orientation registration.
SOWELA's Morgan Smith (Jennings) Site location: 2110 North Sherman Street, Jennings, LA 70546.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
To schedule for Lamar Salter's New Student Orientation, use this link: Lamar Salter New Student Orientation registration.
SOWELA's Lamar Salter (Leesville) Site location: 15014 Lake Charles Highway, Leesville, LA 71446.
Monday, August 3, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
To schedule for Oakdale's New Student Orientation, use this link: Oakdale New Student Orientation registration.
SOWELA's Oakdale Site location: 117 Highway 1152, Oakdale, LA 71463.
