2013 Spring Semester Orientation Express

The Orientation Express

Your Guide to Welcome Week Activities

The colleges, student services, and various student clubs at the University Park campus have designed a variety of interesting, informative, and entertaining programs to introduce you to the academic community. Not all programs will be of interest to you.

2013 Spring Semester Programs for New Students

New International Student Information

Testing and Consulting/Advising Sessions

Placement Testing
To prepare for your participation in the First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising Program (FTCAP), you must complete required placement testing in mathematics and chemistry. If you have not yet taken these tests go to: http://dus.psu.edu/ftcap/survey to complete the Educational Planning survey, take the tests, and learn more about FTCAP. These activities must be completed before 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, so that your results are available to you at your assigned FTCAP session on Saturday, January 5. Allow about 2 hours to complete the tests.

Saturday, January 5, 2013 — Arrival Day for New Students

8:00 a.m. Residence Halls Open
Visit www.welcomeweek.psu.edu for campus move-in and housing information.

12:30-1:00 p.m. First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising Program (FTCAP) Check-in for Academic Planning Session, 101 Thomas Building Lobby

1:00-3:00 p.m. FTCAP Academic Planning Session for Students, Assigned location will be provided at FTCAP check-in
This session will help you plan how to get the most from your Penn State experience, especially from your studies. It provides an overview of the principles that bind the Penn State community, the resources available to help you get connected, and the academic structure and opportunities at Penn State. Preparatory assignments should be completed at http://dus.psu.edu/ftcap/advising/up/homework.html PRIOR to this meeting, as this content is built upon in this session and in your college advising meeting. Online placement tests must be completed before 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, as placement test results are necessary for course scheduling and academic advising. You will receive a copy of your placements at this session. For additional information about this meeting, contact the FTCAP office at 814-865-2578. THIS MEETING TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER ALL OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS.

1:00-3:00 p.m. FTCAP for Parents and Families, Families should check-in at 101 Thomas Building Lobby
This session is for parents and family members of new first-year students. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.

3:00-5:30 p.m. Winter Welcome, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
Join us for a free orientation event for new University Park undergraduate students. You won't want to miss the opportunity to meet other new students, learn about campus resources and find ways to get involved. Your participation is strongly encouraged. Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 2 by emailing newstudents@sa.psu.edu or calling 814-865-4178.

3:30-5:30 p.m. Parents and Families Send-off, Hetzel Lounge, HUB-Robeson Center
Join us for an informal reception where you will meet current Penn State parent volunteers and Parents Program staff who will answer any lingering questions before you depart for home. Light refreshments will be provided.

5:00-6:30 p.m. Resident Assistant (RA) Building Meeting and Dinner, See your RA for specific time and location
Come together with the other residents on your floor for a building meeting with your RA and dinner.

6:00-7:30 p.m. Penn State Amazing Race, Meet in 124 Findlay Commons
Come explore the Penn State campus and downtown in this interactive campus and downtown tour. Win cool prizes!

7:00-9:00 p.m. Game Night!, Warnock Social Lounge
Come meet new friends and have some fun getting to know each other playing board and video games!

7:00-9:00 p.m. Game Night!, Waring Cultural Lounge
Come meet new friends and have some fun getting to know each other playing board and video games!

7:00-9:00 p.m. Movie Night, Weston Community Center, White Course Apartments
Come and enjoy a great night of fun watching the new release of _________???!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

College Dean's Meetings for All New Students: First-Year, Change-of-Campus, and Advanced-Standing Transfer Students

Noon-3:00 p.m. Campus Tour and Lunch for South Halls Residents, Meet at Redifer Commons, near Off the Ground
If you're interested in getting to know your way around before the semester starts and want to get the "ins" and "outs" of the campus, come to the campus tour for South Halls residents. Don't forget to bring your class schedule so you can find out where you need to go! And don't forget your ID, as the tour will stop at one of our campus eateries so you may purchase lunch.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of Agricultural Sciences Meeting, 101 Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education Tracy Hoover and her staff will greet all new first-year, advanced-standing transfer, and change-of-campus students. Educational and social activities, advising, student responsibilities, opportunities upon graduation, and college-sponsored extracurricular activities will be discussed. Assistance with course scheduling and registration adjustment will be discussed at this meeting.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of Arts and Architecture Meeting, 121 Borland Building
All new students will be welcomed by Associate Dean Gary Kesler and members of his staff. Students will be introduced to college programs and opportunities, the services of the Undergraduate Studies Office, and other University resources. Assistance with course scheduling and registration adjustment will be discussed at this meeting.

1:00-2:00 p.m. Smeal College of Business Meeting, 208 Business Building
Associate Dean Gus Colangelo and representatives from the Smeal Undergraduate Advising Center will welcome new students to the college and describe the activities and opportunities available to them. Course scheduling information and registration will follow the dean's presentation.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of Communications Meeting, 113 Carnegie Building
The Academic Services staff will welcome new students. Discussion will include educational objectives and academic requirements. Students will preview majors, activities, and opportunities available in Communications. Assistance with course scheduling and registration adjustment will be discussed at this meeting.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Meeting, EMS Student Center, 14 Deike Building
Students new to University Park campus should attend this orientation meeting in the EMS Student Center in 14 Deike Building. The orientation is an opportunity to meet with staff from the Student Center and the Office of the Associate Dean for Education, who will provide important information on college programs and other items of interest. Assistance with course scheduling and registration adjustment will be discussed at this meeting.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of Education Meeting, 101 Chambers Building
Faculty and staff will welcome students and introduce them to important information on programs, activities, and opportunities available in the College of Education. Assignment of academic advisers, assistance with course scheduling, and registration adjustment will be discussed at this meeting.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of Engineering Meeting, 220 Hammond Building
Assistant Dean Jean Landa Pytel will meet with all new students, including first-year, change-of-campus, and transfer students, to discuss advising, programs, and opportunities in the College of Engineering. This meeting will be immediately followed by the college FTCAP presentation that is mandatory for all entering first-semester engineering students. Course scheduling and registration adjustment will be held on Monday, January 7, from 8:00-10:00 a.m., 202 Hammond Building.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of Health and Human Development Meeting, Living Center, 110 Henderson Building
The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Outreach Tony D'Augelli and his staff will greet all new students and introduce the programs, activities, and opportunities available in the College of Health and Human Development. The college's academic advising program will be discussed. Course scheduling, schedule adjustment, and registration procedures will also be discussed.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of Information Sciences and Technology Meeting, 104 IST Building
This meeting is for all students in the College of Information Sciences and Technology who are new to University Park campus. Students will be introduced to the programs, activities, and opportunities available in the college. Assistance with course scheduling and adjustment will be discussed at this meeting.

1:00-2:00 p.m. College of the Liberal Arts Meeting, 121 Sparks Building
Associate Dean Christopher Long and his staff will welcome all students in the College of the Liberal Arts who are new to University Park campus. Students will be introduced to the programs, activities, and opportunities available in the college. Course scheduling, schedule adjustment, and registration procedures will also be discussed.

1:00-2:00 p.m. Eberly College of Science Meeting, 102 Thomas Building
The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Dr. Mary Beth Williams, and advising center staff will greet all students in the Eberly College of Science who are new to University Park campus. Students will be introduced to the programs, activities, and opportunities available in the college. Immediately following this meeting, students will be directed to meetings with their intended departments.

1:00-2:00 p.m. Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) Meeting, 104 Thomas Building
This is a meeting for all new DUS and provisional students admitted for spring semester 2013. You will be introduced to the academic advisers in DUS and the advising resources you will need to make informed academic decisions at Penn State.

2:00-3:00 p.m. College of the Liberal Arts Welcome Party, Lobby, Sparks Building
All new students are invited for pizza and casual conversation with current students, advisers, and faculty.

2:00-3:00 p.m. Campus Tour for Pollock Halls Residents, Meet at Pollock Commons Desk
If you're interested in getting to know your way around before the semester starts and want to get the "ins" and "outs" of the campus, come to the campus tour for Pollock residents.

2:00-4:00 p.m. Course Scheduling, Academic Advising and Registration Sessions for those who have not finalized a schedule of courses for spring semester.
Agricultural Sciences, 101 Agricultural Administration Building
Smeal College of Business, 206 Business Building
Communications, 204 Carnegie Building
Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), 111 Wartik Lab
Earth and Mineral Sciences, 14 Deike Building
The Liberal Arts, 121 Sparks Building
Eberly College of Science—students should attend the session offered by the department or program office which administers the student's intended major. See the list, which follows:
Astronomy and Astrophysics, 525 Davey Lab
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 122 South Frear Building
Biology, 7 Life Sciences Building
Biotechnology, 122 South Frear Building
Chemistry, 218 Whitmore Lab
Forensic Science, 107 Whitmore Lab
Mathematics, 104 McAllister Building
Microbiology, 122 South Frear Building
Physics, 303J Osmond Lab
Premedicine, 6 Life Sciences Building
Premedical-Medical, 6 Life Sciences Building
Science, 6 Life Sciences Building
Science/MBA, 6 Life Sciences Building
Statistics, 327 Thomas Building

2:00-3:00 p.m. Campus Tour for North and West Halls Residents, Meet at Waring Commons Desk
If you're interested in getting to know your way around before the semester starts and want to get the "ins" and "outs" of the campus, come to the campus tour for North and West residents.

3:30-4:30 p.m. State College Tour for North and West Halls Residents, Meet at Waring Commons Desk
If you're interested in getting to know your way around Downtown State College before the semester starts, come to the State College tour for North and West residents.

3:30-4:30 p.m. Downtown Tour for Pollock Halls Residents, Meet at Pollock Commons Desk
If you're interested in getting to know your way around Downtown State College before the semester starts, come to the State College tour for Pollock residents.

3:30-5:30 p.m. Downtown Tour for South Halls Residents, Meet at Redifer Commons, near Off the Ground
If you're interested in getting to know your way around before the semester starts and want to get the "ins" and "outs" of the local community, come to the downtown tour for South Halls residents.

5:00-7:30 p.m. Resident Assistant (RA) Building Meeting, See your RA for specific time and location
Come together with the other residents on your floor for a meeting with your RA.

7:00-9:00 p.m. Movie Night, Nittany Community Center, Nittany Apartments
Come and enjoy a great night of fun watching the new release of _________???!

8:00-9:00 p.m. Bingo, Warnock Social Lounge
Do you live for the thrill of shouting those five letters… B-I-N-G-O? It's the best game of chance out there. Come play some awesome bingo and win great prizes!

8:00-9:00 p.m. Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts, Waring Study Lounge
Swing by the Waring Commons to warm up with some hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. While there you'll get the chance to meet new people and take part in some crafts!

8:00-9:00 p.m. Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts, Pollock Cultural Lounge
Swing by the Pollock Commons to warm up with some hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. While there you'll get the chance to meet new people and take part in some crafts!

8:00-10:00 p.m. Black Light Bingo, 124 Findlay Commons
Do you live for the thrill of shouting those five letters… B-I-N-G-O? But this isn't your grandma's bingo! Bring out your neon colors and get ready to play black light bingo and win some awesome prizes.

10:00 p.m.-midnight Movie Night, Brill Hall, Eastview Terrace
Come and enjoy a great night of fun watching the new release of _________???!

Monday, January 7, 2013

8:00 a.m. CLASSES BEGIN

8:00-10:00 a.m. Course Scheduling, Academic Advising and Registration Sessions for those who have not finalized a schedule of courses for spring semester.
Arts and Architecture, 104 Borland Building
Engineering, 202 Hammond Building
Health and Human Development, 5 Henderson Building

8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Chemistry 110 and Chemistry 111 Credit by Examination, 210 Whitmore Lab
First-year students who earn sufficiently high scores on the chemistry placement test during FTCAP are encouraged to seek credit for Chemistry 110 and 111 using the credit by examination procedure described at http://www.chem.psu.edu/undergrad/academic-planning.

8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Speech, Language, and Hearing Screenings, 110 Ford Building
If you are interested in having your speech/language and/or hearing screened on Monday, January 7, contact the clinic at 814-865-5414 the week before to schedule. Evaluation and therapy services are available to full-time and part-time Penn State students. If interested in an assessment or therapy, contact Connie Kossan at cik4@psu.edu or 814-863-2290.

11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Involvement Days, Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
Get involved! Come to Involvement Days and connect with student organizations, campus resources, community service and volunteer opportunities. There is something for everyone!

4:00-4:45 p.m. Career Planning Sessions, 103 Bank of America Career Services Center (across from the outdoor pool on Bigler Road)
All students are encouraged to attend this meeting. This session will include information about the benefits of early career planning. Career-related programs and services will also be discussed.

7:00-9:30 p.m. Movie Night, Pollock Cultural Lounge
Come and enjoy a great night of fun watching the new release of _________???!

8:00-9:00 p.m. Cookies, Cocoa and Crafts, Warnock Social Lounge
Swing by the Warnock Commons to warm up with some hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. While there you'll get the chance to meet new people and take part in some crafts!

8:00-9:00 p.m. Bingo! Waring Study Lounge
Do you live for the thrill of shouting those five letters… B-I-N-G-O? It's the best game of chance out there. Come play some awesome bingo and win great prizes!

8:00-10:00 p.m. Texas Hold 'Em, 124 Findlay Commons
Texas Hold 'Em Tournament for the first 30 individuals to sign up. The top 5 players win fabulous Penn State prizes and/or gift cards. Sign up in 134 Johnston Commons by noon on Monday, January 7.

10:00 p.m.-midnight Movie Night, Simmons TV Lounge, South Halls
Come and enjoy a great night of fun watching the new release of _________???!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m. Eastview-Nittany Residence Association (ENRA) Meet and Greet, Brill Hall, Eastview Terrace
You are specifically invited to come and meet your local ENRA representatives and find out how you can get more involved in the community of Eastview Terrace and Nittany Apartments.

6:30-7:30 p.m. Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) Spring Orientation, 215 Thomas Building
This is an excellent opportunity for first-year, transfer, and change-of-campus undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to meet their personal counselor in the Multicultural Resource Center as well as to interact with other students as they share valuable suggestions and strategies that will ensure social engagement and academic success at University Park. Light refreshments will be provided.

7:00 p.m. Free Cotton Candy and Snow Cones, Redifer Commons
What's better than coming back after your second day of classes and enjoying free cotton candy or a snow cone? We'll be waiting for you in Redifer Commons. Be there!

8:00-9:00 p.m. Bingo! Pollock Rec Room
Do you live for the thrill of shouting those five letters… B I N G O! We're not talking about the nursery rhyme. We're talking about the best game of chance out there. Come play some awesome bingo and win some great prizes!

8:00-10:00 p.m. Duct Tape Crafts, 124 Findlay Commons
Come out to make some really cool crafts out of duct tape. This event is not just for the men out there. We will be making duct tape wallets, jewelry, dry erase boards, and flip flops.

10:00 p.m.-midnight Movie Night, Waring Classroom
Come and enjoy a great night of fun watching the new release of _________???!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

12:00-1:00 p.m. Spring Welcome Study Abroad 101 hosted by Education Abroad Global Ambassadors, 410 Boucke Building
Get the basics on study abroad at a monthly Study Abroad 101 session hosted by the University Office of Global Programs. Education Abroad (EA) Global Ambassadors provide an overview on how to decide which EA program is best for you, resources, program types and lengths, housing options, costs and student aid, the application process and deadlines. Attend the Spring Welcome Study Abroad 101 on Wednesday, January 9 at 12:00 p.m. in 410 Boucke Building. Can't make it? Not to worry. Check the Education Abroad webpage for monthly Study Abroad 101 sessions hosted by the EA Global Ambassadors.

7:00-10:00 p.m. Movie, 124 Findlay Commons
Come watch a newer release movie with your friends. Free popcorn. Bring blankets and any inflatable furniture or bean bags you have.

10:00 p.m.-midnight Movie Night, Warnock Social Lounge
Come and enjoy a great night of fun watching the new release of _________???!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

3:00-5:00 p.m. Winter Warm Up: Hot Chocolate with the College of Science, Verne M. Willaman Gateway to the Sciences
Please join the faculty and staff of the Eberly College of Science for an informal welcome to campus/welcome back with hot chocolate and other treats.

6:00-8:00 p.m. South Halls Residence Association (SHRA) Meet and Greet, Heritage Room, Redifer Commons
You are specifically invited to come and meet your local SHRA representatives and find out how you can get more involved in the community of South Halls.

9:00-11:00 p.m. So You Think You Can Dance Dance Revolution?124 Findlay Commons
Do you like dancing? Come participate in our DDR tournament to see who is the champ. The tournament is open to the first 30 people to sign up by noon on Thursday, January 10.

Friday, January 11, 2013

9:00-11:00 p.m. Penn State's Say What? Karaoke, 124 Findlay Commons and Big Onion Stage
Do you consider yourself a master of singing? What about on the fly? Come out and see how well you can do in this Karaoke tournament with a twist! (You don't get to choose the song.) Competitors will be chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sign up for the competition will be open until noon on Friday, January 11, in 134 Johnston Commons.

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. LateNight Penn State, HUB-Robeson Center and White Building
You won't want to miss LateNight! Come and enjoy free movies, games, crafts, recreation, and so much more! For more information go to http://spa.psu.edu/latenight.html .

Saturday, January 12, 2013

10:00 p.m.-midnight Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Par-tay! 124 Findlay Commons
Come dance to some tunes while the DJ revolves it at this glow-in-the-dark dance par-tay.

Monday, January 21, 2013 — Martin Luther King Day, No Classes

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
The MLK, Jr. Day of Service engages Penn State students in a national day of volunteer service on the King Holiday. The MLK, Jr. Day of Service serves as the "kick off" to the MLK, Jr. Commemoration Week, and as a "day on, not a day off."

New International Students

Thursday, January 3 and Friday, January 4, 2013 — International Student Orientation
All newly-admitted international students at Penn State University Park are required to attend this two-day orientation program organized by the University Office of Global Programs. It will include educational sessions, social activities, and an immigration document check as mandated by the U.S. government. Students may email orientation@ip.psu.edu with questions. Orientation headquarters is the Days Inn on 240 S. Pugh St.

Testing and Consulting/Advising Sessions for New Students

Saturday, January 5, 2013 — Arrival Day for New Students

12:30-1:00 p.m. First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising Program (FTCAP) Check-in for Academic Planning Session, 101 Thomas Building Lobby

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Monday, January 7, 2013