Welcome Weekend
Start the semester off right. Move in and check in quickly and safely with the help of our student and staff crew. Relax to a new student and guest lunch. Then, dive into events, learn more about resources or take care of last-minute needs.
2026
Jan 9
Jan 10
Jan 11
About
Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend–the three days leading up to the first day of classes–is your chance to settle into life at Penn College, meet fresh faces, and take care of any unfinished business. There's no need to register in advance, just check in with us at the Campus Center when you arrive. To help you take care of last-minute details, several offices across campus are open extra hours leading up to the first day of class.
Get Involved
Visit Engage
As a new student, you have a series of required sessions and tasks that you must complete before the first day of class. You can learn about those requirements and schedule your Welcome Weekend experience by visiting the Engage platform. Look for the New Student Welcome Information to see what's in store. Engage will be your one-stop shop for getting involved in campus life and student organizations and finding out about campus events and information. Students can log into Engage with their Penn College credentials.
Check-In & Program Welcome
Jan 9
New Student Check-In
When you arrive to campus, check in at the Campus Center (CC) Lobby. Check-in is available Friday, January 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This is for all incoming students starting in spring 2026.
Lunch | Capitol Eatery
Lunch will be available for all students in Capitol Eatery.
Academic Program Welcome
Following check-in, all students will attend the Academic Program Overview which will provide important details about major requirements and getting started. The Academic Program Overview will be held Friday, January 9 from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Location for your Academic Program Overview session will be provided at check-in.
Building Math Communities
The Building Math Communities session is designed to help students build confidence and support systems as they begin their math coursework at Penn College. During this interactive session, students will meet faculty, learn about available academic resources, and participate in activities that strengthen problem-solving skills and collaborative learning. The session emphasizes strategies for success, community-building, and the development of effective study habits for college-level math.
Who Must Attend
Students who are enrolled in any of the following courses for the upcoming semester are required to attend the Building Math Communities session as part of Welcome Weekend:
MTH 004 – Basic Algebra
MTH 005 – Elementary Algebra
MTH 108 – Introduction to Algebra and Functions
The Building Math Communities session will be held Friday, January 9 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location for your session will be provided at check-in.
Required Welcome Week Sessions
Jan 10
Campus Wellness and Safety
Learn how to stay safe, healthy, and supported at Penn College. This session covers wellness resources, campus safety procedures, mental health support, and how to get help when you need it. Saturday, January 10 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. in College Avenue Labs (CAL) 157 A/B.
Online Resources
Learn how to navigate the digital tools that support your college journey! From accessing course materials to finding academic help and tech support, this session will show you where to click when you need help. Saturday, January 10 from 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. in College Avenue Labs (CAL) 157 A/B.
Lunch | Capitol Eatery
Lunch will be available for all students in Capitol Eatery. Saturday, January 10 from 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Wildcats R.O.A.R.
Make a difference on campus by learning how to safely step in and support others in difficult situations. This training will give you the tools to Recognize, Offer help, Act safely, and Respond to keep our Wildcat community safe and respectful. Saturday, January 10 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in College Avenue Labs (CAL) 157 A/B.
Find Your Class Tour (Optional)
Not sure where your classes are? Join a guided campus tour to walk your schedule, find your classrooms, and feel confident for the first day. Bring your class list and we’ll help you map it out! Saturday, January 10 from 2:15 p.m. - 3 p.m. in College Avenue Labs (CAL) 157 A/B.
***All New Students are required to attend Friday sessions and either Saturday OR Sunday sessions.***
Jan 11
Campus Wellness and Safety
Learn how to stay safe, healthy, and supported at Penn College. This session covers wellness resources, campus safety procedures, mental health support, and how to get help when you need it. Saturday, January 10 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. in College Avenue Labs (CAL) 157 A/B.
Online Resources
Learn how to navigate the digital tools that support your college journey! From accessing course materials to finding academic help and tech support, this session will show you where to click when you need help. Saturday, January 10 from 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. in College Avenue Labs (CAL) 157 A/B.
Lunch | Capitol Eatery
Lunch will be available for all students in Capitol Eatery. Saturday, January 10 from 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Wildcats R.O.A.R.
Make a difference on campus by learning how to safely step in and support others in difficult situations. This training will give you the tools to Recognize, Offer help, Act safely, and Respond to keep our Wildcat community safe and respectful. Saturday, January 10 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in College Avenue Labs (CAL) 157 A/B.
Find Your Class Tour (Optional)
Not sure where your classes are? Join a guided campus tour to walk your schedule, find your classrooms, and feel confident for the first day. Bring your class list and we’ll help you map it out! Saturday, January 10 from 2:15 p.m. - 3 p.m. in College Avenue Labs (CAL) 157 A/B.
On-Campus Move-In
Jan 9
New students
New students can move in on Friday, January 9 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Dauphin Hall Lounge.
Jan 10
Returning students
Returning students can move in on Saturday, January 10 starting at 10 a.m. Returning students can directly move into their Residence Hall complex.
Download Your Welcome Weekend Schedule
Important information about other required Welcome Weekend sessions and locations can be found on Engage. You can learn about those requirements and schedule your Welcome Weekend experience by visiting this link and creating a new account with your Penn College email. Look for the New Student Welcome Information to see what's in store.
With this resource, you will have access to the most up-to-date information as well as networking tools.
New students will receive an email when it is time to craft their Welcome Weekend schedule.
Take Care of Business – Weekend Hours
Jan 9
Friday: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drop off Immunization Paperwork | Bush Campus Center, Room 150
Drop off any required immunization paperwork to College Health Services and learn more about services offered.
Connecting with Disability & Access Resources | Bush Campus Center, Room 202
Learn more about services available through Disability & Access Resources and drop off disability/diagnosis documentation to begin the process to request accommodations
All College departments are open.
Jan 10
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Get Your ID Photo Taken | Lifelong Education Center, Room B1017 (including Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
Get your PCT ID photo taken and walk away with your official PCT ID card. This is for students who did not upload their photo through the online process.
Visit the College Store | Bush Campus Center (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Don't forget to stock up on your official Wildcat gear, books, tools, and uniforms.
Veteran & Military Educational Benefits | Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Room 1033 (Sunday only)
Ask your questions about Veterans affairs and military educational benefits. In addition, information will be provided on benefits to veterans by Penn College and the surrounding community.
Ask Financial Aid Related Questions | Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Room 1013
Have financial aid paperwork to drop off? Have questions about the process? There is time for that too!
Bill Questions | Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Room 2098
Have questions about your bill or how to make a payment? Visit us in the Bursar/Student Accounts Office!
Dining Units
Below are special hours for dining options during Welcome Weekend. Lunch and dinner for incoming students be covered on Friday as well as Saturday brunch.
| Friday January 10 | Saturday January 11 | Sunday January 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Eatery | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.* 4 - 7 p.m. | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. |
| Fuel | 4 – 7 p.m. | 4 – 7:30 p.m. | Noon – 10 p.m. |
| Wildcat Express | 1:30 – 7:30 p.m. | 1:30 - 7:30 p.m. | |
| Keystone Dining | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. ** |
* Dining plans begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, January 11.
** Lunch for new students in Keystone Dining Room, Noon - 2 p.m.
Who can help me?
Questions before you arrive? Contact the Office of Student Engagement. Penn College students and employees are on campus throughout the weekend to help you with all of your questions. And they will make move-in a snap. Questions about housing? Please visit Campus Housing.