Toggle MenuSearch
Pennsylvania Western University

What can PennWest tell me about...

Group of students standing outside

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 Instragram @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 Lawn

California Community Scavenger Hunt
California Town

Riverfest - California Community Festival
California Town

Time

Event

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Move-in for Last Names A-M

*First Year PennWest Students*

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Move-in for Last Names N-Z

*First Year PennWest Students*

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

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

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

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Commuter Dinner & Welcome in Gold Rush, Natali Student Center

Please see the Commuter Signs in Gold Rush for where to mingle!

6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Residence Hall meetings in Steele Hall

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

An interactive activity to get students connected with one another.

First Year Student Class Picture

Located outside of the Convocation Center
*Rain Location: Convocation Center Arena

9:00 p.m.
FIRST Night Entertainment

Join the Student Activities Board in the Performance Center, Natali Student Center for Comedian and Magician Michael Misko! 

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

Immediately following First Night Entertainment

Join the Student Activities Board in the Vulcan Theater for Just Dance!

*Information Tent located outside of Natali Student Center 10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
*Student Success Offices Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for assistance with Fall class schedules. 
*Natali Student Center Information Desk opens from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Time

Event

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Move-in for Last Names A-M

*Upperclassmen PennWest Students*

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Move-in for Last Names N-Z

*Upperclassmen PennWest Students*

10:00 a.m.
Brunch opens in Gold Rush, Natali Student Center

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

*First year students*

12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Academic Connections
  • Intro to D2L and Degree Works (12:15 - 1:00 p.m.)
  • Growth Mindset (1:15 - 2:45 p.m.)
  • Connections in College & Being Part of a Classroom Community (3:00 - 4:00 p.m.)

*First Year Students*

Located in Steele Hall, various classrooms

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

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

7:30 p.m.
Evening Entertainment

Join multiple clubs and organizations for the 3rd Annual California Block Party on the Duda Hall Lawn! Freebies, food, and fun galore! Enjoy the California Riverfest Firework show!

Immediately following the Riverfest Firework Show
Grocery Store Bingo

Join the Student Activities Board for Grocery Store Bingo in the Performance Center, Natali Student Center with 10 different baskets ranging from snacks to electronics!

Enjoy a late-night snack before BINGO outside of the Performance Center, Natali Student Center!

*Information Tent located outside of Natali Student Center 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Student Success staff support 11-4 events and table around dining halls 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. to assist with Fall class schedules.
*Natali Student Center Information Desk opens from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Time

Event

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Brunch in Gold Rush, Natali Student Center

*Students will use their meal plan

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Non-Denominational Spiritual Services located in Vulcan Theater

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

*Rain Location: Inside Natali Student Center

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Explore Campus/other activities/walk schedules

Meet our student leaders outside of Natali Student Center at the Information Tent!

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Welcome Session with Student Affairs

3:00 p.m.
Affinity Group Meet Ups:
  • Compass
  • TRiO/ACT 101
  • Honors
  • Exploratory

Locations to be announced by department

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Academic Department/Program “Meet and Greet” with faculty and current students.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner in Gold Rush, Natali Student Center

Join President Anderson for dinner and desserts in the Gold Rush Dining Hall. Chef Steve will showcase his chocolate skills with a special dessert bar, and all first-year students visit the Presidents tent for a free gift compliment of PSECU. 

7:15 - 8:15 p.m.
Your PennWest Beginning: A ceremonial welcome into the proud tradition and future of your Academic journey at PennWest.

Join us in Steele Hall

*Information Tent located outside of Natali Student Center 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Student Success Staff to assist with Fall class schedule questions near dining halls during brunch.
*Natali Student Center Information Desk opens from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Clarion

Schedule of Events

Move-In Information Available Here

Time

Event

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Move-in for Last Names A-M

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

Outside across Becht Hall

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Move-in for Last Names N-Z

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lunch available for incoming students and guests

Eagle Commons Dining Hall 

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Information Fair 

Eagle Commons Dining Hall 

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
First Night Dinner – connect with Peer Mentors and other student leaders

Eagle Commons Dining Hall 

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

Eagle Commons Dining Hall 

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

Tippin Gym

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

an interactive activity to get students connected with one another and First Year Class Photo

Tippin Gym

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

Dr Anderson and Student Senate present WINGO! A Clarion student tradition, come play BINGO and enjoy boneless wings and sides. Free gift compliments of PSECU for all first-year students who attend.

Gemmell MPR

*Student Success Offices Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for assistance with Fall class schedules.

Time

Event

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

Outside across Becht Hall

10:00 a.m.
Brunch available

Eagle Commons Dining Hall 

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

Marwick Boyd Auditorium 

12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Academic Connections
  • Intro to D2L and Degree Works (12:15 - 1:00 p.m.)
  • Growth Mindset Priming (1:15 - 2:45 p.m.)
  • Connections in College & Being Part of a Classroom Community (3:00 - 4:00 p.m.)

Marwick Boyd Auditorium & Science and Technology Center (STC)

4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner & Information Fair

Eagle Commons Dining Hall 

8:00 p.m.
Every Game Show Ever – The Ultimate Interactive Comedy Game Show! Come join the fun and a chance to win prizes!

Gemmell MPR

9:00 p.m. or immediately following the Game Show 
Karaoke and Nacho Bar

Gemmell 2nd Floor Rotunda

*Student Success staff support 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. events and table around dining halls 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. and 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. to assist with Fall class schedules.

Time

Event

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

Outside across Becht Hall

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Brunch available (meal plans begin)

Eagle Commons Dining Hall 

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Club and Organization Fair

Outside of Gemmell Student Center

1:00 - 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

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Affinity Group Meet Ups:
  • Compass
  • TRiO
  • ACT 101
  • Honors
  • Athletics

Locations TBD

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Academic Department/Program “Meet and Greet” with faculty and current students.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner with Deans, FYS Faculty Member, Staff, and student leaders.

Eagle Commons Dining Hall 

7:15 - 8:15 p.m.
Your PennWest Beginning: A ceremonial welcome into the proud tradition and future of your Academic journey at PennWest.

Hart Chapel

*Student Success Offices Open 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. to assist with Fall class schedule then support activities 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

 

Edinboro

Schedule of Events

Move-In Information Available Here

Time

Event

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Move-in for Last Names A-M

Tour campus with parents/guests

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Move-in for Last Names N-Z

Tour campus with parents/guests

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lunch available in dining halls

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Information Fair

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
First Night Dinner in the campus dining hall. 

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

6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Residence Hall meetings – Mccomb Gym

Immediately following res hall meetings - 8:15 p.m.
The BIG Connect!

An interactive activity to get students connected with one another and Class Photo

Sox Harrison Stadium

9:00 p.m.
Bingo, Karaoke, Food and Prizes. Free gift compliments of PSECU for all first-year students who attend.

Pogue MPR/ Food Court 

*Information tent available (all campuses) 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Student Success Offices Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for assistance with Fall class schedules. 
*Community Scavenger Hunt – Happening all weekend!  

Time

Event

10:00 a.m.
Brunch Opens in Dining Halls

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

12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Academic Connections
  • Intro to D2L and Degree Works (12:15 - 1:00 p.m.)
  • Growth Mindset (1:15 - 2:45 p.m.)
  • Connections in College & Being Part of a Classroom Community (3:00 - 4:00 p.m.)

New Student Welcome Weekend Leaders, Peer Mentors, etc. All come together to guide students through this schedule

Pogue MPR

4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner in the Dining Halls

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Information Fair

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

Campus Statue 

7:00 p.m.
Evening Entertainment

*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 visit the President’s tent for a free gift compliments of PSECU. 

*Information tent available (all campuses) 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Student Success staff support 11-4 events and table around dining halls 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. and 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. to assist with Fall class schedules.

Time

Event

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Brunch in dining halls (meal plan begins)

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Meet the members of Edinboro Campus Ministries

Pogue Theater 

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Club and Organization Fair

Standing Stones 

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Explore Campus/ Class Room Locator

Meet at the Pogue Information Desk 

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Affinity Group Meet Ups:
  • Compass
  • Honors
  • Exploratory

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Academic Department/Program “Meet and Greet” with faculty and current students

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner in dining hall with Deans, Staff and Student Leaders

Van Houten Dining Hall 

7:15 - 8:15 p.m.
Your PennWest Beginning: A ceremonial welcome into the proud tradition and future of your Academic journey at PennWest.

Cole Auditorium 

*Information tent (all campuses) 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Student Success Staff to assist with Fall class schedule questions near dining halls during brunch.

 

 

 

© Pennsylvania Western University