WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks will welcome approximately 400 first-year students to its residential community as part of the campus' annual orientation program beginning on Friday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students should refer to the campus map for move-in directions. Returning students will move in from Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24. Welcome Weekend programs and activities will be held from Aug. 22 through Aug. 24.
Students will bid farewell to family and friends at 4 p.m. and attend a Welcome Weekend Kick-off and New Student Program with Bonny Shade, a professional speaker and researcher on campus-based sexual violence, empowering women and building better communities, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. under the tent in front of the Perkins Student Center.
This program be followed by Residence Hall meetings, geared toward helping students to develop connections, understand policies, and learn keys to successful residence hall living. Meanwhile, there will be a special dinner in Tully’s cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include with a variety of social activities beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Welcome Weekend program for incoming first-year and transfer students will resume on Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24. Students will meet under the tent on the Perkins Student Center lawn for a pep rally beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, followed by breakout sessions and a scavenger hunt with alumni at 10:30 a.m. After lunch, there will be an alumni panel at 12:45 p.m., followed by an ice cream social with alumni. The afternoon will feature educational programs on alcohol awareness, mental health and student success. To close out the day, students will enjoy a carnival and other social events beginning at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, there will be educational programs on conflict resolution at 9 a.m. and inclusive language at 10:30 a.m., followed by a "First-Gen Lunch" in the Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room at noon. Lunch will also be held for students in Tully’s cafeteria. At 1 p.m., there will be an honors program orientation, followed an ice cream social at 2 p.m. The day will include with a motorized coach trip to Target from 6–10 p.m. for last minute needs.
The Penn State Berks Welcome Weekend Program is staffed by student orientation leaders, resident assistants, and other members of the college community. It is funded by the Penn State Berks Student Initiated Fee and sponsored by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement.
For more information, visit the Welcome Weekend overview, or contact Warren Bair, coordinator of campus life, at whb5070@psu.edu or 610-396-6067 or email the Office of Student Affairs at bkstudentaffairs@psu.edu.