New Student Orientation One Day Session & Activities

Day 1

9 - 10 a.m.

Check-In

Dauphin Hall

Pick up your folder, t-shirt and schedule of events.

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Brunch

Lifelong Education Center (LEC), Keystone Dining Room

11 - 11:30 a.m.

Welcome

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

Meet Penn College President, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, and the Connections staff who will guide you through the day. Hear general information that will help you make the most of your time here.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Making Contact Students only

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Various Rooms

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.

Partnering with Penn College Guests Only

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

Guest resources, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and staying connected to Penn College.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Crafting College Success

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

Like anything that really lasts, college success comes through careful personal crafting that uses the right tools for the job. Learn the process that uses proven tools to build a successful college experience.

Crafting College Success for Students with Disabilities

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Rm. 218

For students with disabilities, entering higher education brings fundamental changes with respect to educational rights and responsibilities. Gain an understanding of these rights and available accommodations and services.

1:30 - 1:45 p.m.

Break

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Campus Involvement

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

Although academics are your priority while at Penn College, campus involvement should play a critical role in your college career as well. We will discuss how getting involved increases your opportunities for success in the classroom and in your future job search!

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Living Away from Home

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

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.

Commuter Success

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Rm. 403

Living at home has some great advantages, but it also comes with its own challenges. This session will discuss how to stay connected on-campus and how to manage your new life as a college student at home.

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Community of Respect Students only

Bush Campus Center (CC), Penn’s Inn

Q & A with Vice President of Student Affairs Guests Only

Student & Administrative Services Center (SASC), Rm. 1056

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Dinner

Lifelong Education Center (LEC), Keystone Dining Room

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

On-line Resources Students Only

Varies dependent on academic program

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.

Dessert Reception with Senior Administrators Guests Only

Madigan Library (LIB), Logue Reading Area

7 - 10 p.m.

Parent & Guest Lounge Guests Only

Dauphin Hall (DH), 1st Floor Lounge

7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Comedian-Michael Dean Ester

Dauphin Hall (DH), Capitol Eatery

8:30 - 11 p.m.

Social Activities

Dauphin Hall (DH)

11 p.m.

Curfew

Dauphin Hall (DH)

Day 2

8 - 8:15 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Lobby

8:30 a.m.

Welcome

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Books, Money & Meals

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

Learn key information about the College Store, Dining Services, the e-Bill, and Financial Aid. Representatives from these areas will share items such as: the cost of and the best time to purchase books and supplies; meal plan and dining options on campus; how to add a parking permit or meal plan; what the PCT One Card is; how the College's Higher One refund process works; and the financial aid check sheet.

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Academic School Sessions

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

Students and guests will have an opportunity to meet your school dean and learn more about your selected program. Each session is designed to address school specific information. All sessions will include time for questions and answers.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Brunch

Lifelong Education Center (LEC), Keystone Dining Room

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Health & Safety

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

1:30 - 2 p.m.

Next Steps and Final Thoughts

Klump Academic Center (ACC), Auditorium

2 p.m.

Take a Residence Hall Complex Tour Optional

Dauphin Hall (DH)

Explore where you will be living in the upcoming semester.

2 p.m.

Athletics Overview Optional

Hager Lifelong Education Center (LEC), Rm. B2024 (Athletics Player's Lounge)

Get information about Wildcats Athletics!

2 - 4 p.m.

Ask Questions about Computer Needs Optional

Bush Campus Center (CC), Rm. 102C (Student Help Desk)

Staff from Information Technology Services will be available to provide you with information about computer recommendations and software discounts.

2 - 4 p.m.

Ask Questions about Study Abroad Optional

Student & Administrative Services Center (SASC), Rm. 1047

Learn how you can earn credits in your major while studying abroad through Penn College.

Sample Schedule

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Check-In

Klump Academic Center

Arrive and confirm your schedule for the day. Required.
A continental breakfast will be provided.

9:00 a.m.

Welcome

Klump Academic Center, ACC Auditorium

This session kicks off the Penn College experience with a warm welcome by President Mike celebrating the start of college and a new community. Students will learn how to get involved and build connections on campus, while families and supporters will hear how to encourage their student to explore opportunities and find their place. Required.

9:30 - 10:15 a.m.

Starting Strong: Academic Expectations at Penn College (Students)

Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Rm. 1056

This interactive session welcomes students into how academics work at Penn College, highlighting key differences from high school, course structure, advising, and schedule changes. It encourages academic readiness, personal responsibility, and use of advising resources to support a strong and successful start. Required.

Supporting Your Student (Family & Supporters)

Klump Academic Center, ACC Auditorium

This session helps families and supporters navigate the transition to Penn College. It highlights changing expectations, where to access key information like billing and the Family/Supporter Portal, and how to encourage use of campus resources, while offering practical ways to support success and independence during the first semester and year.

10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Penn College Digital Systems Lab (Students)

Madigan Library, Various Computer Labs

This hands-on lab introduces the key digital systems students will use at Penn College. Through guided activities, students will navigate the Student Portal, review billing and schedules, explore Family/Supporter permissions, and learn expectations for email and AI tools, ending with a digital scavenger hunt. Required.

Inside the Student Experience: Panel Discussion (Family & Supporters)

Klump Academic Center

This moderated panel offers families and supporters insight into today’s Penn College experience. Faculty and staff will discuss academic expectations, key skills for success, and common first-year challenges, while highlighting the diverse needs of students across programs and backgrounds. The session concludes with time for questions and discussion.

11:30 - 12:45 a.m.

Lunch

Capitol Eatery

1:00- 1:45 p.m.

Academic School Sessions

Various Campus Locations (LEC, ACC, CC)

Join your academic school for a faculty/program-led session focused on your major. Students and supporters will learn about program-specific expectations, classroom and lab experiences, review their schedules, and understand key program requirements, including tools and technology. This session also connects the day’s orientation topics to your academic program, with time for questions. Required.

2 - 4:30 p.m.

Resources + Opportunities Stations

Various Campus Locations

Learn more about the opportunities and benefits associated with participation in Army ROTC, and the long-term opportunities of commissioning following completion of your education.
Learn more about social and learning opportunities available outside the classroom at Penn College and within the City of Williamsport.

2- 4:30 p.m.

Taking Care of Business | Craft Your Own Schedule

Various Campus Locations

Residence Hall Tours
Visit and tour the residence halls, and ask questions about on-campus living.
Get Your ID Photo Taken
For students who didn't upload their photo online—get your PCT ID photo taken and receive your official ID card. Already uploaded? Stop by and pick up your card!
Connect with Disability & Access Resources
Learn more about services available for students with documented disabilities. Complete your self-disclosure form or drop off your documentation.
Laptop Software or Hardware Requirements
Stop by for help understanding your laptop’s software/hardware needs. For class-specific software, visit your academic school.
Drop Off Immunization Paperwork
Submit required immunization paperwork and learn more about College Health Services.
Ask Questions About Dining Plans
Learn about your dining plan options. Our Registered Dietitian will be available to answer questions.
Visit the College Store
Shop for Wildcat gear, books, tools, and uniforms.
Academic Program Q&A
Drop in with specific questions about schedules, equipment needs, and class-specific software.
Veteran & Military Education Benefits
Learn about benefits available through our Veterans and Military Resource Center and support services for military students.
Ask Financial Aid Q&A
Have paperwork to submit or questions to ask? Connect with our Financial Aid staff.
Students Support Resources
Ups and downs are a normal part of the college experience, and each student experience is unique. That's why we have services dedicated to your particular needs; stop in to learn more about how we can help you!

2 - 4:30 p.m.

Next Steps and Need to Knows

Davie Jane Gilmour Center 1033 + Lobby, Peer Mentor Hub

Visit us in the Davie Jane Gilmour Center before you hit the road. Staff will be available to answer final questions, clarify next steps, and provide some free swag!