New Student Orientation One Day Session & Activities

Preview all sessions on our Guidebook App once you are registered!

Sample Schedule

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Check-In

Klump Academic Center

Arrive and confirm your schedule for the day.
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 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.

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.

   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)

Klump Academic Center, ACC Auditorium

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.

Wildcat 101 (Students)

Klump Academic Center

At Penn College, we are all Wildcats and you are an important part of our community. This session gives you a sneak peek to what it's like to be a part of the Wildcat Community, how we make things happen, and how we support each other.

11:30 - 12:45 a.m.

Academic School Sessions

Various Campus Locations (LEC, ACC, CC)

Students and guests will break out by academic programs.
Learn about academic classroom and program expectations, and what your major will really be like. This session will provide students and guests opportunity to ask questions about program requirements, class schedules, books, tools, & uniforms.

12:30 - 2 p.m.

Lunch

Capitol Eatery

noon - 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.

1 - 3 p.m.

Math Questions Drop In

Math faculty will be present to answer questions relating to math placement test scores, math classes on academic schedules, or any general questions about how best to prepare for fall 2024.

noon - 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!