Welcome Week

Welcome Programs welcomes all new and returning students to University Park at the start of each spring, summer and fall semester. These events are hosted by offices and departments across campus and range from social events like movie nights and ice skating to educational and academic events like college meetings and resource fairs. The programming is optional, but all students are encouraged to take part in any event that piques their interest. Each program is designed to help students:

  • Learn to navigate campus
  • Gain a sense of belonging here at Penn State University Park
  • Discover academic and co-curricular engagement opportunities
  • Meet new and returning students and make new friends

You may hear students, faculty, and staff refer to these Welcome Program events in a number of ways (Welcome Week, Welcome Programs, Spring/Summer/Fall Welcome, etc.), but all of these terms refer to the events at the start of the semester.

Visit our Welcome Week Events Calendar for a complete schedule of upcoming events. You should expect to see events for each semester about two months before Welcome Week begins.

  • Summer Welcome 2026 will be available in April 2026
  • Fall Welcome 2026 will be available in June 2026
  • Spring Welcome 2026 will be available in December 2025

Signature Events

Some of our events during Welcome Programs have become what we call Signature Events – large-scale, must-do events that bring together the entire student body to really showcase what it means to be a Penn Stater. These traditions work to unify the student body, raise school spirit, and make you proud to be a Nittany Lion and can be found throughout all of our Welcome Programs. While you’re encouraged to participate in any and all events that pique your interest, Signature Events are those events that you really don’t want to miss out on.

Academic College Welcomes

Academic College Welcomes are a meeting or event hosted by each college at the start of the semester, with an opportunity to provide a welcome and just-in-time information to new first-year, transfer, and change-of-campus students.  

The goals of the Academic College Welcome are as follows:

  • Recognize mentorship and advising opportunities within the College
  • Identify key college resources available to them at University Park
  • Expand on college-specific spaces and resources
  • Provide just-in-time reminders of key academic deadlines
  • Learn about curricular and co-curricular engagement opportunities

Welcomes will take place the day prior to the start of classes. As a new first-year student, your attendance is expected. More information about the location of your academic college welcome will be available in August 2026.

 

RA Meetings and Floor Dinners

RA Meetings and Floor Dinners (only for new residential students)
These meetings provide you an opportunity to meet your Resident Assistant (RA), learn about the resources they have to offer, and enjoy a meal from your dining commons with your new neighbors. Bulletin boards on each floor of the residence halls will have more information when you arrive, including where and when to meet for your RA floor meeting.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact Student Orientation and Transition Programs at  orientation@psu.edu  or call (814) 865-4178 at least two weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.