Overview

We Are excited to help you begin your Penn State Story this summer with our in-person New Student Orientation (NSO). This daylong event will combine engagement with our Student Orientation Leaders, PSUGA staff and our Academic Advising Team.  

NSO Reservations will open early April. When you make a reservation for orientation, you should select a date where you and a member of your personal support circle can travel and spend the day with us in person on our lovely campus.  In addition, you will get a chance to experience breakout sessions with our Orientation Leaders, tour campus, make an academic schedule and more.  

You’ll be able to make a reservation for support circle members to participate in NSO as well through the reservation system. Separate, but concurrent, programming options will be available for family members who wish to support you through the orientation process. Please add them as your guest(s) to ensure they receive important information about orientation.

Specifically, you will experience the following during NSO:

  • A University welcome from our campus Chancellor and NSO Director
  • Small group sessions facilitated by our Greater Allegheny Orientation Leaders
  • A chance to complete the ALEKS placement test for successful Math placement
  • An introduction to our campus-wide Digital Fluency Project
  • A session for support persons to discuss financial aid
  • A one-on-one academic advising appointment 

What’s your time commitment?  
We estimate that you will spend about 5.5 hours in person with us on your selected orientation date.  

To learn more about the technology and connectivity recommendations, check out the Connect to Tech Student Technology Guide. 

Orientation Part Two: Welcome Week

Welcome Week is a day-long session dedicated to bringing you together with other new students to kick off your journey as Penn Staters. This program, which is required, will allow you to meet faculty, staff, and other students; learn more about campus life and prepare for the academic challenges and resources that lie ahead. It also includes our Welcome Convocation, which formally welcomes you to Penn State and Penn State Greater Allegheny.  You will be able to register for this student only event in VZO once you have selected your NSO date.

Please choose the appropriate category below to learn the steps in making the transition to Penn State.