UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Each academic year at Penn State kicks off with Welcome Week, featuring 19 events for new and returning students to build community and have fun at the start of the fall semester.
Events are designed to greet students and help them become more familiar with Penn State and State College. All students are welcome to attend most events.
“Welcome Week is the chance for our students to start off the semester in a fun, positive way and hopefully make a few lasting connections,” said Katie Motycki, director of Student Orientation and Transition Programs. “Our new students are finally arriving on campus for their first semester, while our returning students are eager to reconnect with college life. The beginning of the fall term is always an exciting time, and we hope our events can help capture more of that feeling.”
For a full schedule of events, visit welcomeweek.psu.edu.
Here is a look at a few of the Welcome Week events:
'Rock the Ice'
"Rock the Ice" is a chance to skate on the same ice as Penn State’s hockey teams at Pegula Ice Arena on two different dates: 8:30-10 p.m. Aug. 23 and 29. No skating experience is needed, and rental skates will be provided at no charge.
Late Night in the HUB
Late Night in the HUB on Aug. 24 might be students’ only chance to see a mechanical bull on campus. This staple Welcome Week tradition immediately follows the President’s New Student Convocation and features a night of exciting activities and opportunities to make new friends. The evening features pool tables, glow roller rink, caricature drawings, “The Fall Guy” movie, karaoke, airbrushed hats and pennants and stuff-a-plush. Activities start at 9 p.m.
President’s New Student Convocation
All new first-year students will be in the same place together for the first and only time at the Presidents’ New Student Convocation at 7:45 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Bryce Jordan Center. Students living on campus will attend Convocation with their resident assistant and others from their residence hall. Those commuting to campus can park in the Jordan East parking lot and enter through gate B.
'Be A Part From the Start'
All students in the Class of 2028 are invited to Rec Hall from 8 to 9 p.m. Aug. 25 for this pep-rally style event organized by the Lion Ambassadors. New students will get a chance to learn gameday and University-wide traditions, hear from familiar faces and athletics teams, and learn about the Alumni Association and student organizations. Doors open at 7:15 p.m.
First Day of Class Photo Booth
Get your own first-day-of-class photo strip at the photo booth, replete with hats and wigs, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 26 on the first floor of the HUB.
Drag Bingo
Join Opulence for a night of glamor and fun in Alumni Hall starting at 8 pm. Aug. 26. Featuring drag performances, bingo games and prizes, Drag Bingo has become a favorite of many students who enjoy a welcoming, fun atmosphere.
'Results Will Vary*' Encore Performance
Head to Schwab Auditorium for the final 2024 performance of "Results Will Vary*" at 9 p.m. Aug. 28. Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot. Doors open at 8:40 p.m.
Involvement Fair
The Involvement Fair is an excellent chance for students to become familiar with campus organizations and life at Penn State. Student organizations will have displays and be available to talk one-on-one about co-curricular experiences. The fair starts at 1 p.m. on Aug. 28 on the HUB Lawn.
Student Orientation and Transition Programs is part of Penn State Student Affairs and Penn State Undergraduate Education.