The past few weeks have been filled with the hustle and bustle of the Penn State Greater Allegheny community getting ready to welcome back students for fall classes.
The time has come. Students began arriving on campus this week in anticipation of the first day of classes – Monday, August 21.
Current students helped new residents move in to McKeesport Hall at Penn State Greater Allegheny.
Credit: Penn State
On Wednesday, families of new students converged on the residence hall for move-in day. The hall has been recently renovated and students had their first glimpse at the new paint, carpeting, and furniture. Lion Ambassadors were on hand to welcome them and help them move in to their homes for the next 10 months. The evening was spent getting to know each other, playing volleyball, and hanging around a bonfire.
Students spent Thursday learning about the campus and college life in general. They attended workshops on academic Integrity, support systems on campus, diversity, and technology. In the evening, the students visited International Village, an ethnic food and entertainment festival held annually at Renziehausen Park, adjacent to the campus.
Friday was focused on academics. Students began the day meeting with their advisers. Parents were able to meet with student support services and student affairs staff. The entire campus came together to celebrate Academic Convocation.
Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Jacqueline Edmondson greeted the Class of 2021 during this formal ceremony which officially welcomes students to Penn State. Edmondson gave the students great news. She talked about the campus' generous donors, many of whom donate specifically to help students purchase books and other necessary school supplies. "Because of the generosity of donors and friends of this campus, we are able to provide every newly admitted student with a $50 coupon to the bookstore to help offset the costs of your books."
Michael Cherepko, Mayor of the City of McKeesport and Penn State alumnus, spoke at Penn State Greater Allegheny's Fall 2016 Academic Convocation.
Credit: Penn State
Michael Cherepko, Mayor of the City of McKeesport and Penn State Greater Allegheny alumnus, addressed the students. He encouraged them to utilize all of their Penn State resources and to enjoy being part of the Penn State family.
Students said goodbye to their families in the afternoon with an ice cream social, and Friday night is filled with fun at a pool party at nearby Heritage Park pool in White Oak, Pa.
“These first few days on campus are so important for new students as they become acclimated to campus, make new friends, and participate in their academic orientation. Our goal is for them to feel welcomed and part of our campus community from the very start of their college experience so they are poised to be academically successful during their first days of class and onward,” said Edmondson.
