Things to know before and after NSO
- College is extremely different from high school. College is about taking personal responsibility for your actions (or inactions), both in and out of the classroom. You can always find academic support and help through the Center for Academic Achievement in the Ross Administration Building (RAB), room 105.
- You must pay your semester bill in order to lock in the courses you've scheduled.
- Attendance at Orientation/New Student Day is mandatory, not optional. New Student Orientation (Part 2) for incoming freshmen for fall 2013 is Friday, Aug. 23, 2013. You must attend all Orientation sessions to give yourself the best possible start in college.
- If you don't already have one, develop a strong and honest line of communication with your family as well as your instructors and advisor. Let them know what's happening and if/when you need help of any kind.
- Pay attention to deadlines, and go to all of your classes, every day.
- If you have academic questions, go to your advisor or the Division of Undegraduate Studies (DUS) Office for answers. Don't consult your friends - they might be wrong. Always be certain to consult your advisor or the DUS staff. Self-advising is very dangerous and can wreak havoc with both your schedule and the amount of time you spend in college to complete your degree.
- You need to check your Penn State email at least once a day. You'll begin to receive Penn State emails before the semester begins.
- Some of your course times and locations might change by the beginning of the semester. Be sure to get a final copy of your schedule from eLion right before classes begin.
- College is your FULL-TIME job for at least the next four years!
- If you have a question about anything, ASK any staff or faculty member. We're here to help you succeed!
New Student Orientation Testing
For testing, planning, and other information, please visit Penn State's New Student Orientation page.