California Orientation

Welcome to PennWest California!

Once you’ve submitted your enrollment deposit, you can register for orientation to get to know the campus and meet some of your incoming class peers. You will also have the opportunity to review your fall schedule, meet with faculty and staff, and get all of your financial aid and residence life questions answered.

Submit Your Deposit Orientation Checklist

Summer 2025 New Student Orientation

Orientation is a program for students who are committed to attending PennWest! Even if you plan to attend or have attended an Admitted Students Day event sponsored by the Office of Student Development, you are expected to participate in a First-Year Orientation session.

Dates

June 26
June 27
July 10
July 11
Transfer Students encouraged to attend this event for extra services related to transferred student resources
July 26
August 2

Event Schedule

Time	Event
8:00 - 8:45 am	Check In Visit IT Services to log into myPennWest Visit Student Engagement to sign into Engage Visit Admissions for any major changes, name changes Visit Articulation and Transfer for transfer credit information Campus Services Fair with campus services Continental Breakfast available for all guests
8:45 - 9:15 am	Welcome, overview of the daily schedule, BuzzWords and special welcome from PSECU, Academic Affairs and PennWest President Dr. Jon Anderson!
9:15 - 10:00 am	Student Connections Meet your fellow students and Orientation Leaders! Campus Scavenger Hunt Parents and Supporter Information Session Financial Aid and Student Accounts Police and Conduct
10:00 - 10:10 am	Break
10:15 - 11:15 am	IYKYK – What you need to know before you begin classes in August! *Panel Discussion to include: Health and Wellness, Campus Recreation Campus Clubs and Organizations, Engage Campus Connections Student Housing/Commuter students will break out at 11:00am for a special commuter services presentation
11:20 am - 12:45 pm	Meet Faculty from your College!
12:00 - 2:00 pm	Lunch is available 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm in Campus Dining Halls, tickets are available at check-in. Faculty and Staff will join students and guests for lunch. AVI staff available for meal plan and dining options. Table fairs will be available during this time as well. Don’t forget to turn in your NSO Evaluation. Students receive a free gift!
1:30 - 2:00 pm	Specialized Sessions Financial Literacy – including FASFA tips, Credit Card management and PSECU benefits for PennWest students and families. Athletics Honors (California Campus) Trio (California and Clarion Campuses)
1:30 - 3:30 pm	Choose your own adventure! Visit offices to take care of last-minute business: Financial Aid Student Accounts Academic Coordinators Parking Dining Services Student Housing University Bookstore IT Services Health and Wellness Services Including Office of Students with Disabilities Admissions Transfer Admissions Fitness Center Tours Residence Hall Tours

For Parents and Supporters:

Are you the parent, family member or guardian of a future Vulcan? Email family-california@pennwest.edu to ask questions or to set up a phone call with our Office of Parent and Family Engagement.

When you attend New Student Orientation (NSO) with your student, you will have your own break-out session to interact with staff and meet other parents/guests.

The New Student Orientation Team is Available to Connect via:

Email: Orientation-california@pennwest.edu

Phone: 724-938-5868

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