INFORMATION FOR
As parents and family, the success of your future WP student is your top priority. Explore this page to learn about all the ways William Paterson provides support and opportunities for our students and helps jump-start their careers.
WP graduates go on to pursue an incredible variety of in-demand professions, earning $1 million more over the course of their careers than an individual without a bachelor’s degree, according to a recent study. Other traditional benefits of a college degree include greater access to healthcare, higher rates of home ownership, and improved family quality of life, among others.
See how William Paterson helps students achieve their goals and transition from classroom to career.
WP Alumns are employed or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation
average starting salary for a WP grad, outpacing national average for public institutions
Noteworthy Careers for WP Graduates Alumni Jobs (as identified on LinkedIn) and Median Mid-Career Salaries (according to PayScale, 10+ years of experience)
Our community is powerful.
Powerful Conversations with Parents, Students, and Staff.
Our graduates work at major marketing, public relations, and media companies, have been accepted into top graduate programs, and have won awards, including the Emmy Award.
In addition to traditional financial aid and work study programs, we offer a variety of merit and need-based scholarships and programs to make it easier for students to pay for college. See what we have to offer and find the right financial solutions for you.
2000+grants & scholarships are awarded to our students each year, totaling over$56 million
The well being of our students and the University community is always our main concern. William Paterson University offers a range of programs, services, and resources to promote physical and mental health campus wide.
Dedicated services committed to making physical, mental and behavioral health care accessible to students.
Need accommodations? The ARC is here to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to all programs, activities and benefits at the University.
See the steps we take every day to ensure students feel safe and protected on campus.
The Orientation program is designed to make your transition to college as smooth as possible. Students and parents participate in activities to foster an open community dedicated to success from the moment you set foot on campus.
Orientation for Parents/Families/Caregivers
With students’ grit and our support, there’s nothing they can’t accomplish. Explore opportunities and support designed to help students tackle new challenges head-on.
An innovative first-year experience program that guides new students in transitioning to college life.
Services that go above and beyond to help guide all students on the path to success.
The Honors College offers a space to explore new ideas and pursue a rigorous curriculum with a challenging array of courses, seminars, and co-curricular activities.
Our vibrant campus offers students plenty of opportunities to stand out, jump in, and get involved!
Our impact doesn’t stay on campus. See how students have an opportunity to go beyond the classroom and make a difference in the community.
See how students get involved
You don’t have to play varsity to get involved in Pioneer sports. See the on-campus athletic and recreational opportunities all students can engage in.
Check out our Athletics Program
Learn about our Recreation Services
No matter how you express yourself, you’ll find an outlet here. From visual arts to live performance and orchestra, explore the arts on campus.
Check out WP Presents!
With new, state-of-the-art facilities and a welcoming community, you live at the heart of the entire on-campus experience.
More Info
One of the most diverse colleges and universities in New Jersey, we’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive community that fosters strong relationships and drives change.
The epicenter of campus culture, supporting an intersectional environment where individuals of all cultures are understood, included, and valued.
More info
We’re creating a climate of justice, equity and inclusion on campus. And it starts with knowledge, understanding, and empathy.
An affirming space that promotes awareness of the cultural wealth and resiliency of Latina/o/x identity, experiences and voices.
A cheering, pom pom-waving crowd of more than 500 faculty and staff welcomed the nearly 1,000 members of the William Paterson University Class of 2030 on Tuesday, August 25 during the institution’s annual Welcome Day for new students.
The newest class of Pioneers processed through Pioneer Soccer Park, where they were greeted by the hundreds of faculty and staff assembled there to greet them on their way to the New Student Convocation in the Sports and Recreation Center.
As part of this year’s celebration of the University’s 75th anniversary of its move to Wayne in 1951, which kicked off on Welcome Day, four alumni—Dolores Clarke '57, MA ’83; Marie De Blasi '60; Robert De Blasi '63, MA '68; and Alice-Jane Loewrigkeit '61—were also present to welcome the new students.
Watch highlights from William Paterson University’s Welcome Day celebration.
University President Richard J. Helldobler officially welcomed the Class of 2030. “It is so great to have you all with us on campus! I hope this is the beginning of an exciting, curiosity-driven, intellectually stimulating, and fun-filled journey for you as a member of our Pioneer community,” he said. “I assure you that every person here and around campus wants to see each and every one of you succeed. We want you to use your time with us here on campus to get a high-quality education that will prepare you for a successful career and a rewarding life. Equally important, we want you all to have the kind of experiences that demonstrate the value in balancing your work lives—including your coursework and any outside jobs you may have—with having some fun.”
President Helldobler told the new students how much he looked forward to greeting them again as they receive their degrees at Commencement four years from now. “But my more immediate hope is that you finish today feeling welcomed, honored, celebrated, included, and—yes—ready for the work ahead that will lead to your own special day a few years from now.”
Fred Gruel, a long-time member of the University’s Board of Trustees, also spoke to the students. “On behalf of all my colleagues on the Board, many of whom, like me, are first-generation college graduates, I want to congratulate you on becoming part of this special community!” he said. “Your success really starts with you. The same desire to learn and achieve that brought you here today will serve you well throughout your time at William Paterson. I urge you to combine with that desire an openness to meeting new people and exploring new interests.”
Other speakers welcoming the students to campus were Amy Ginsberg, interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Balmurli Natrajan, professor of anthropology and chair of the Faculty Senate; Preston Nieuwenhuis, a student representative to the Board of Trustees, and Fatimah Abbassi, president of the Student Government Association.
The ceremony concluded with the University’s spirit song and a Will.Power. chant, followed by a burst of black and orange streamers that filled the venue. The newest Pioneers then gathered at the WP Spirit Rock on Speert Green for their first campus photo as the Class of 2030.
The students also attended their first Will. Power.101 classes, which introduce them to campus life, and enjoyed a barbecue lunch and activities on the Caldwell Plaza.
