Connections
Bush Campus Center, Rm. 107 · (570) 327-4763
Day 1 - Sessions & Activities
[Day 2 - Sessions & Activities]
A program schedule with event locations will be provided at check-in.
Starting Your Day
After checking in, students can take their overnight bags to Rose Street Apartments. Directions to the apartment complex and long-term parking area are included in your check-in materials.
You can spend your remaining free time taking care of any unsettled business:
- If you did not receive your student ID card at check-in, visit the Bush Campus Center, Room 110, to obtain your ID.
- If you received a notice from Financial Aid regarding incomplete paperwork, visit the Financial Aid Office in the Student and Administrative Service Center, Room 1013.
- Stop by the College Store to check out the latest Penn College apparel and gift items.
Lunch
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Welcome
12:30 - 1 p.m.
Meet Penn College President, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, and the Connections staff who will guide you through the next two days. Hear general information and instructions that will help you make the most of your time at Connections.
Making Contact (Students Only)
1 - 2 p.m.
Making contacts and forming friendships while at college will enhance your experiences both in and out of the classroom. This session will help you meet fellow students and create connections that will last for many years.
Parents as Partners (Parents Only)
1 - 2 p.m.
Parents can play an important role in helping their students have a successful Connections and college experience. Resources and programs directly related to parents will be introduced. Learn about your rights to your student’s educational records as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Find out how to stay up to date on the latest Penn College news while your son/daughter is in school. And mark your calendar now to return for our fall Parent and Family Weekend.
Succeeding in the Classroom: An Academic Timeline to Success
2 - 3 p.m.
Academic success for all students is a top priority so we begin Connections with an open discussion about the academic challenges many first-year students often encounter. Learn about academic expectations, policies, procedures, deadlines, and available resources for students to get help…you will be ready to achieve success in the classroom!
Parent/Guest Access on SIS
3 - 3:15 p.m.
Students will have an option to grant parents/guests access to their educational information on the Student Information System. The College’s Registrar will provide a brief overview of this process and answer student and parent questions about the consequences of sharing – or not sharing this information.
Break
3:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Career and Counseling Resources
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Getting a job is every student’s goal! Learn how Penn College’s Career Services Office helps students find part-time jobs during college and prepare for full-time positions after college. Counseling Services staff are also available to provide counseling to students on all personal, academic, and career concerns.
Career and Counseling Resources for Students with Disabilities
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For students with disabilities, leaving secondary school to enter a career in higher education brings fundamental changes with respect to educational rights and responsibilities. Gain an understanding of these rights and available accommodations and services. Information on finding part-time jobs in college, full-time jobs after college, and general counseling and career services will also be presented.
Dinner
4:45 - 5:45 p.m.
College Living (Students Only)
5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Living in an on-campus residential complex or in an off-campus apartment can be challenging. Tips for getting along with roommates, the rights and responsibilities of living within tight-knit communities, facts about drinking and parties, and ways to become more involved in campus life will be discussed.
Home Away from Home (Parents Only)
5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Approximately half of the student body lives in off-campus apartments while another one-forth live on campus. You will be provided with tools to help your son or daughter transition into these campus connected communities. Tips for getting along with roommates, the rights and responsibilities of living within tight-knit communities, facts about drinking and parties, and ways to become more involved in campus life will be discussed.
Connecting with Diversity (Students Only)
7 - 8 p.m.
Meeting people of different gender, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or political association can be an intimidating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Having the ability to connect with ALL fellow classmates, faculty, and staff will make the transition to college easier. Come with an open mind and learn how rewarding these interactions can be!
Family Ties (Parents Only)
7 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy an opportunity to connect with family members of other incoming students. Representatives of Penn College’s President’s Council, Alumni Relations, Madigan Library, and Food Services will be on hand to greet you and answer any questions you have. Refreshments will be provided.
Online Resources (Students Only)
8:15 - 9:15 p.m.
As a Penn College student, you will have numerous resources to help you both in and out of the classroom, right at your fingertips. Learn how to check your academic profile, access academic and library resources, find out what social events are happening around campus, get tutoring assistance all hours of the day, and more – with the click of your mouse.
Comedian: Michael Dean Ester
9:15 p.m.
Michael Dean Ester, one of the most entertaining college comedians, is a Penn College orientation tradition. New students love him and returning students can’t wait to see him again.
Open CC, Field House and Oasis Room
9:15 p.m.
Top off an exciting day with a trip to the Campus Center or the Field House to check out the late-night activities, including billiards, video games, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, and more. Or, hang out with new friends in the Rose Street Apartments’ Oasis Room while socializing, watching TV, and enjoying late night snacks.