UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State welcomes new and returning students with a variety of activities and events through its 2023 Spring Welcome.
Organized by Student Orientation and Transition Programs, welcome events for the 2023 spring semester are scheduled to begin on Saturday, Jan. 7, with the goal of making the transition to campus as smooth as possible.
“We try to structure Welcome Week so students can learn how to find community and navigate the campus, because even if you are coming back for your last semester, you haven’t gone to every corner of campus yet,” said Ben Giuliana, assistant director of Welcome Programs. “You haven’t gone in every single building, so it’s about helping find your way and navigating campus.”
A full schedule of events can be found on the Spring Welcome website. The signature events of the week include the following.
Academic College Welcomes
Each academic college will host its own welcome for new first-year students to receive important, college-specific information about how to set themselves up for success at University Park. Attendance for new first-year students is expected.
All academic college welcomes will take place on Sunday, Jan. 8, between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Additional details can be found on the Academic College Welcomes website.
Spring Involvement Fair
The Involvement Fair is one of the best opportunities to get involved in campus life at Penn State. Student organizations set up displays and talk to visitors one-on-one about what their organization does on campus.
The fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 10 and 11 in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Alumni and Heritage halls.
Rock the Ice
Pegula Ice Arena will open its rink for a free public skate from 8:15 to 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 12. Students are welcome to bring their own skates if they have them or take advantage of the free skate rental. Attendees can enter Pegula Ice Arena through Gate C, which is across the parking lot from Holuba Hall and the Tennis Center.
Students must check into this event upon arrival via the Corq app. For more information on how to check in, visit the Corq website.
Equity & Inclusion Winter Carnival
Through the Equity & Inclusion Winter Carnival, Student Orientation and Transition Programs aims to celebrate the diversity of the Penn State student body and connect students with equity and inclusion resources. Student organizations and University departments will host engagement stations, and entertainment, carnival food and activities will be provided.
The carnival will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 13 on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center.
Drag Bingo
Back by popular demand, Drag Bingo features performances from Opulence — Penn State's drag performance student group. There will be performances from Hazel, Amethyst, Caroline Kiss, Miss Fire and ChemiCole, and prizes will be awarded to the bingo winners.
Drag Bingo will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. on Jan. 13 in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Alumni Hall. Students must check in via the Corq app upon arrival.
Student Orientation and Transition Programs is part of Penn State Student Affairs and Penn State Undergraduate Education.