MCKEESPORT, Pa. — The Penn State Greater Allegheny campus is gearing up for the first day of classes for the 2016-17 school year. International student orientation will be held Aug. 16 and 17, followed by Orientation Too! beginning Thursday, Aug. 18.  

The goal of orientation is to get new students acquainted with student life before classes begin. At both orientations, students will meet fellow students, faculty and staff; become familiar with the campus; listen to amazing speakers; and attend interactive workshops to learn about academic procedures, electronic resources, campus support and much more.

“The first few days, even weeks, of college can be overwhelming to students. At orientation we try to get students connected to the campus quickly,” said Associate Director of Student Affairs Erin O’Malley. “We want them to feel comfortable with college life as soon as possible so that they can begin to make the most of their college experience.”

A number of fun activities are planned outside of the formal orientation as well. International students will take a trip to the Waterfront, a local shopping and restaurant complex, and a Ducky tour of Pittsburgh on an amphibious vehicle. All of the new students will have a pool party and attend International Village, one of the Pittsburgh area’s oldest and largest ethnic festivals. 

Orientation will be an exciting time for new students, providing some fun and camaraderie before classes begin Aug. 22.