DALLAS, Pa. — Penn State Wilkes-Barre is preparing to welcome students for the 2024-25 academic year. Several events have been planned for the beginning of the semester to welcome new students and facilitate camaraderie and conversations among students, faculty and staff.
“Getting connected from the start is important, and our welcome events are designed to help students do just that,” said Tracy Garnick, interim director of student services and engagement. “We’re thrilled to have them on campus to kick-start the semester. It’s the perfect time for students to make new friends, meet faculty and staff, and start building their college network. They can celebrate the beginning of their academic adventure and discover all the academic and student services available to help them thrive.”
The events kick off with New Student Day on Friday, Aug. 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is designed to welcome incoming students and set a positive tone for their journey at Penn State. The day includes academic and student engagement activities and events, convocation and lunch. It also provides an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and other students.
The schedule for New Student Day is as follows:
10:30 a.m. – Student Arrival and Registration, Academic Commons
All new students will register for the day, receive their new student T-shirts and participate in a group welcome session to kick off the day.
11:30 a.m. – Convocation, Science Building
Convocation will bring together all new students with faculty and staff. The program will include speakers who will focus on the Penn State Values: Integrity, Community, Responsibility, Respect, Discovery and Excellence. Everyone is encouraged to wear Penn State clothing and/or colors to show our unity and pride. Upbeat music will add to the celebratory atmosphere.
Noon – Lunch, Student Commons
Students, faculty and staff will be treated to lunch together.
1 to 3 p.m. – Academic and Student Services Resource Fair
This fair will include:
1 to 1:30 p.m. — Academic Meetings (Faculty & Students), Academic Commons (room assignments to be announced): All Wilkes-Barre majors, undergraduate research, undecided, honors, 2+2.
1:45 to 3 p.m. — Information for students will be available from Academic Affairs, Advising and Career Services, Alumni Relations, the Blue and White Society, Athletics, Counseling Services, Financial Aid (work-study/wage jobs), Information Technology, Learning Center/Tutoring/Disability Resources, Nesbitt Library, Police Services and Student Support Services.
3 to 5 p.m. — Faculty and staff offices will be open for student questions.
In addition to New Student Day, a full slate of events is planned for all students as the semester begins. Those events include:
Monday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
SGA Welcome Back BBQ and Live Music, Student Commons Building
Have some fun and meet other students at the Welcome Back BBQ. There will be a free lunch of burgers and hotdogs for all students, courtesy of the Student Government Association (SGA). Acoustic guitarist and vocalist Tony Vergnetti will perform during the event.
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Succulent Plants Make & Take, Student Commons Room with a View
Come assemble a potted succulent plant to symbolize you planting yourself into your Penn State journey and fostering growth throughout the year. All materials will be supplied.
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Comedy Magic Show with Tyler Korso, Student Commons Hickory Court Café
Comedian? Magician? Trickster? Through laughter and amazement, Tyler Korso aims to offer audiences an escape from the mundane. Featured on Fox News, The Improv and The Chicago Magic Lounge, he offers an escape from the mundane with his clever humor and dazzling illusions.
Thursday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre Tie-Dye Shirts, Student Commons Front Area/Outdoor Patio
Come make your own Penn State Wilkes-Barre tie-dye t-shirt. All materials will be provided.
Friday, Aug. 30, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Penn State Trivia Game, Student Commons Hickory Court Café
Test your University knowledge in teams of up to three and compete to show your Penn State pride. Each winner will receive a special prize.
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ice Cream Social, Student Commons Hickory Court Café
Free ice cream from Penn State Berkey Creamery will be provided for students with three flavors available: Alumni Swirl, Cookie Dough and Death by Chocolate. Meet faculty and staff while you enjoy your ice cream.
Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 4 and 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Club Fair and Engagement Marketplace and Free Pizza, Student Commons Building
Learn about clubs and other campus resources at the Club Fair and Engagement Marketplace. Free pizza and a 16 oz. drink will be provided for students starting at 12 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 6, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Bingo XTREME, Student Commons Hickory Court Café
Come play Bingo XTREME, a surefire way to play the classic game where you're very likely to walk away with a prize, if not more than one. This fast-paced game keeps going until all the prizes are gone.