Orientation
We are excited that you will be joining us at Penn State Behrend! Orientation is a three-step initiative that will support your transition to college and is hosted by the Division of Undergraduate Studies and Student Leadership and Involvement.
Step One: New Student Orientation
All new first-year students to Penn State must participate in New Student Orientation (NSO) before their first semester begins. As part of NSO, you will meet with students, faculty, and staff; begin to develop academic and co-curricular goals; become familiar with campus resources; and schedule courses for your first semester to start putting your academic plan into action. Family members are encouraged to attend NSO to participate in information sessions designed especially for them.
To prepare for a successful transition to Penn State, we’ve developed an NSO Tasklist to help you navigate your next steps. There are some things you must complete before NSO, others that you will complete during NSO, and even more that will be completed after NSO.
Step Two: Welcome Week
Penn State Behrend is committed to supporting new students in their transition to college, both inside and outside the classroom. What better time to do so than at Welcome Week? Staff and your fellow students are here to support the incoming class as they acclimate to the intellectual, social, and cultural climate of our welcoming campus community, starting with new resident move-in and new commuter check-in, both Friday, August 18.
Step Three: Behrend Positioning System (BPS)
Navigating your first year in college can be a bit overwhelming. Like using a GPS when traveling to a new place, we’ve created the BPS, or Behrend Positioning System, to help you stay on course throughout the year.
The BPS will guide you to important events, activities, and deadlines that we think you’ll find fun and helpful along with information on campus resources that you’ll want to use. You’ll want to check back often as we update the BPS frequently.
And the best part? Free stuff! Throughout the year your participation in BPS events and activities will qualify you for rewards and incentives just by participating!