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Welcome Weekend

Welcome Weekend 2025 Logo

 

Fall 2025 Opening Weekend, August 22 - 24

Please click on the appropriate campus for the most up to date information.

Follow us on Instagram @pennwestcampuslife for event information and check Engage for all event details.

California

Schedule of Events

Move-In Information Available Here

Event

Location

Bounce House
Guesman Hall Lawn

California Community Scavenger Hunt
California Town

Riverfest - California Community Festival
California Town

Time

Event

Location

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
New Student Move-In (Last Names A-M)

*First-Year PennWest Students*
Residence Halls

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New Student Move-In (Last Names N-Z)

*First-Year PennWest Students*
Residence Halls

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lunch
Natali Student Center - Gold Rush

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Information Fair
Natali Student Center - Outside of Gold Rush

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
First Night Dinner
Natali Student Center - Gold Rush

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Commuter Dinner & Welcome

Look for the signs in Gold Rush to find your spot to meet up and mingle.
Natali Student Center - Gold Rush

6:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Meetings

*New students only*
Steele Hall

Immediately following residence hall meetings - 9:00 p.m.
The BIG Connect!

An interactive activity to get students connected.
Outside of the Convocation Center

*Rain Location: Convocation Center Arena

9:00 p.m.
FIRST Night Entertainment

Join the Student Activities Board for comedian and magician Michael Misko!

Enjoy a late-night snack before the show!
Natali Student Center - Performance Center

Immediately following First Night Entertainment

Join the Student Activities Board for Just Dance!
Natali Student Center - Vulcan Theater
  • An information tent will be available outside of Natali Student Center from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Natali Student Center Information Desk hours: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Mailroom hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Bookstore hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.

Time

Event

Location

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In (Last Names A-M)

*Upperclassmen*
Residence Halls

10:00 a.m.
Brunch
Natali Student Center - Gold Rush

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Welcome and Group Breakouts

*First-Year students*
Steele Hall

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In (Last Names N-Z)

*Upperclassmen*
Residence Halls

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Academic Connections
  • Session A: Intro to D2L and Degree Works (12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
  • Session B: Learning Mindsets (1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.)
  • Session C: Attendance, Presence, and Classroom Community (3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

*First-Year Students*
Duda and Eberly Halls

1:00 p.m.
Yoga Class
Herron Hall - Group Fitness Studio

4:00 p.m.
Zumba Class
Herron Hall - Group Fitness Studio

4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner
Natali Student Center - Gold Rush

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Information Fair outside of Gold Rush, Natali Student Center

Find various activities happening around Natali. The fair is sponsored by Student Government Association and Student Activities Board.
Natali Student Center - Outside of Gold Rush

7:30 p.m.
3rd Annual California Block Party

Join multiple clubs and organizations for freebies, food, and fun galore. Enjoy the California Riverfest fireworks show!

Follow SGA and SAB on Instagram to find out how to get food truck vouchers to Riverfest!
Duda Hall Lawn

Immediately following the Riverfest fireworks show
Grocery Store Bingo

Join the Student Activities Board for a chance to win 10 baskets ranging from snacks to electronics!

Enjoy a late-night snack before BINGO!
Natali Student Center - Performance Center
  • An information tent will be available outside of Natali Student Center from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Natali Student Center Information Desk hours: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Mailroom hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Bookstore hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.

Time

Event

 Location

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In (Last Names A-M)

*Upperclassmen*
Residence Halls

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Non-Denominational Spiritual Services
Natali Student Center - Vulcan Theater

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Brunch

*Students will use their meal plan*
Natali Student Center - Gold Rush

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Club and Organization Fair 
On 3rd Street in front of Natali Student Center

*Rain Location: Inside Natali Student Center

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In (Last Names N-Z)

*Upperclassmen*
Residence Halls

1:00 p.m.
Cornhole Tournament
Herron Hall - Quad

1:00 p.m.
Yard Games
Herron Hall - Quad

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Explore Campus
Meet student leaders at the information tent outside Natali Student Center

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Welcome Weekend Picnic

Enjoy a picnic sponsored by Student Government Association!
Natali Student Center - Turf

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Affinity Group Meet Ups:
  • Compass: Noss Hall - 121
  • TRIO/Exploratory: Manderino Library
  • Honors: Smith Hall - Honors Space
Various Locations

4:00 p.m.
Spin Class
Herron Hall - Spin Bike Area/Track

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mocktails and Mingle

Join Rainbow Alliance for Mocktails and Crafts.
Natali Student Center - Turf

5:00 p.m.
Esports Tournament/Social
Natali Student Center - Esports Room

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner

Join President Anderson for dinner and desserts. Chef Steve will showcase his chocolate skills with a special dessert bar. First-year students are invited to visit the President’s Tent for a free gift, courtesy of PSECU.
Natali Student Center - Gold Rush

7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Your PennWest Beginning

A ceremonial welcome into the proud tradition and future of your Academic journey at PennWest.
Steele Hall

8:30 p.m.
BROOM the Band

Join the Audio Engineers and Producers Club for a performance by BROOM the Band
Gallagher Hall - 107

9:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Meetings

*All students living on-campus
Residence Halls (gather at your assigned hall/floor)
  • An information tent will be available outside of Natali Student Center from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Natali Student Center Information Desk hours: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Mailroom hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Bookstore hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.

Clarion

Schedule of Events

Move-In Information Available Here

Time

Event

Location

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
New Student Move-In (Last Names A-M)

*First Year PennWest Students*
Residence Halls

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Information Tent

Stop by for help with directions, campus resources, and any questions you may have!
Outside Becht Hall

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lunch

*Incoming students and guests*
Eagle Commons Dining Hall

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New Student Move-In (Last Names N-Z)

*First-Year PennWest Students*
Residence Halls

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Information Fair 
Eagle Commons Dining Hall

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
First Night Dinner

Connect with Peer Mentors and other student leaders
Eagle Commons Dining Hall

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Commuter Dinner & Welcome
Eagle Commons Dining Hall

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Meeting

*New students only*
Tippin Gymnasium

7:00 p.m. or immediately following the Residence Hall Meeting
The Big Connect! & Class Photo

An interactive activity to get students connected
Tippin Gymnasium

8:30 p.m. or immediately following the Big Connect

WINGO!

Join President Anderson and Student Senate for this Clarion student tradition. Play BINGO and enjoy boneless wings and sides. All first-year students in attendance will receive a free gift, courtesy of PSECU.
Gemmell Student Complex Multipurpose Room
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.

Time

Event

Location

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In (Last Names A-M)

*Upperclassmen*
Residence Halls

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Information Tent
Stop by for help with directions, campus resources, and any questions you may have!
Outside Becht Hall

10:00 a.m.
Brunch
Eagle Commons Dining

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Welcome and Group Breakouts
Marwick Boyd Auditorium 

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In (Last Names N-Z)

*Upperclassmen*
Residence Halls

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Academic Connections
  • Session A: Intro to D2L and Degree Works (12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
  • Session B: Learning Mindsets (1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.)
  • Session C: Attendance, Presence, and Classroom Community (3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

*First-Year Students*
Grunewald Science and Technology Center

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner & Information Fair
Eagle Commons Dining Hall

4:00 p.m.
Zumba Class
Student Recreation Center - Group Fitness Studio

8:00 p.m.

Every Game Show Ever - The Ultimate Interactive Comedy Game Show!

Come join the fun and have a chance to win prizes!
Gemmell Student Complex Multipurpose Room

9:00 p.m. or immediately following the Game Show 
Karaoke and Nacho Bar
Gemmell Student Complex - 2nd Floor Rotunda
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.

Time

Event

Location 

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In
Residence Halls

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Information Tent

Stop by for help with directions, campus resources, and any questions you may have!
Outside Becht Hall

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Brunch (meal plans begin)
Eagle Commons Dining Hall

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Club and Organization Fair
Outside of Gemmell Student Complex

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Classroom Tours

Explore campus and find your classrooms with the help of an upperclassman!
Meet at the information tent by Becht Hall

1:00 p.m.
Cornhole Tournament
Student Recreation Center

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Affinity Group Meet Ups:
  • Compass - Becht Hall - 3rd Floor
  • TRiO - Becht Hall - 417
  • Exploratory/ACT 101 - Becht Hall - 332
  • Honors - Science and Technology Center - 122
Becht Hall/Grunewald Science and Technology Center

4:00 p.m.
Zumba Class
Student Recreation Center - Group Fitness Studio

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner
Eagle Commons Dining Hall

7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Your PennWest Beginning:

A ceremonial welcome into the proud tradition and future of your Academic journey at PennWest.
Hart Chapel

9:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Meetings

*All students living on-campus
Residence Halls (gather at your assigned hall/floor)
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.

 

Edinboro

Schedule of Events

Move-In Information Available Here

Time

Event

Location

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
New Studet Move-In (Last Names A-M)

*First-Year PennWest Students*

After moving in, feel free to tour campus with with your parents or guests.
Highlands Residence Halls

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lunch
Van Houten Dining Hall

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New Student Move-In (Last Names N-Z)

*First-Year PennWest Students*

After moving in, feel free to tour campus with your parents or guests. 
Highlands Residence Halls

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Information Fair
Frank G. Pogue Student Center

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
First Night Dinner 
Van Houten Dining Hall

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Commuter Dinner & Welcome
Van Houten Dining Hall - North

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Meetings
McComb Fieldhouse

7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
The BIG Connect! & Class Photo

An interactive activity to get students connected, followed by a class photo
Sox Harrison Stadium

9:00 p.m.
Bingo, Karaoke, Food and Prizes
Frank G. Pogue Student Center -Multipurpose Room / Celtic Court 
  • An information tent will be available outside of Frank G. Pogue Student Center from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.
  • Community Scavenger Hunt: – Happening all weekend!  

Time

Event

Location

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In (Last Names A-M)

*PennWest Upperclassmen*
Highlands Residence Halls

10:00 a.m.
Brunch
Van Houten Dining Hall

10:00 a.m.
Yoga Class
Frank G. Pogue Student Center - Group Fitness Studio

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Welcome and Group Breakouts
Frank G. Pogue Student Center - Multipurpose Room

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Returning Student Move-In (Last Names N-Z)

*PennWest Upperclassmen*
Highlands Residence Halls

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Academic Connections
  • Session A: Intro to D2L and Degree Works (12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
  • Session B: Learning Mindsets (1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.)
  • Session C: Attendance, Presence, and Classroom Community (3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)


*First-Year Students*
Hendricks Hall

4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner
Van Houten Dining Hall

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Information Fair
Frank G. Pogue Student Center

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
EMTA Bus / Boro Bikes Information
Fighting Scot Plaza

7:00 p.m.
Boro Bash

Dr Anderson and UPB present Boro Bash, an Edinboro campus tradition. Come and enjoy the food trucks, music, give-a-ways and more. First-year students are invited to stop by the President’s Tent to receive a complimentary gift, courtesy of PSECU. 
Outside Frank G. Pogue Student Center

Rain Location: Inside Frank G. Pogue Student Center

7:00 p.m.
Glow Climbing
Frank G. Pogue Student Center - Fitness Center Climbing Gym
  • An information tent will be available outside of Frank G. Pogue Student Center from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.

Time

Event

Location

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Returning  Student Move-In
Highlands Residence Halls

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Brunch

*Students will use their meal plan*
Van Houten Dining Hall

10:00 p.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Edinboro Campus Ministry Meet-and-Greet
Frank G. Pogue Student Center – Scot Cinema

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Club Rush

Explore campus clubs and organizations and meet students who share your interests.
Standing Stones at Highlands

1:00 p.m.
Cornhole Tournament
Frank G. Pogue Student Center - Fitness Center (Outside)

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Explore Campus/ Classroom Locator
Meet at the Frank G. Pogue Student Center Information Desk 

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Affinity Group Meetups:
  • Compass
  • Honors
  • Exploratory/ACT 101
Baron-Forness Library - Second Floor

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner with Deans, Staff and Student Leaders
Van Houten Dining Hall 

6:30 p.m.
Yoga Class
Frank G. Pogue Student Center - Group Fitness Studio

7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
A ceremonial welcome into the proud tradition and future of your academic journey at PennWest.
Louis C. Cole Auditorium - Memorial Hall

9:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Meetings

*All students living on-campus
Highlands Residence Halls (gather at your assigned hall/floor)
  • An information tent will be available outside of Frank G. Pogue Student Center from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Student Success staff will be available near the dining hall from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. to assist with fall class schedules.

 

 

 

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