First-Year

FTCAP

Students sign up for FTCAP once they have accepted their offer to Penn State and paid the initial bill from the registrar.  This occurs between April and May typically.  The actual event of FTCAP takes place throughout the summer.

Language and Math Placement

Students take the language and math placement online exams before attending FTCAP. Exams occur sometime over the summer.

Register for the First-Year Angel Site

Angel is Penn State’s Course Management System and is also the system used for students, faculty, and staff to create Web sites for clubs, organizations, and student groups. You will spend a great deal of time working with and in Angel, so we want to get you started early. Learn about and get signed up for the Smeal Class of 2012 Angel site.

First-Year Seminar (PSU006)

Students register for this course over the summer.  It will take place in the first semester (second semester at the latest) running either from August through October or from October through December.  Since the course is now only a one credit course, it only runs half of the semester.

Smeal Student Mentors

All first-year students will be assigned a Smeal Student Mentor over the summer before they arrive on campus.  They should be meeting with their mentors throughout the first semester, but it is their responsibility to create those opportunities.

College Meeting

The College Meeting is held the day before classes begin every semester. For the students beginning in the fall and again the students from the summer, the fall college meeting is August 24, 2008, (a Sunday) from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. with break-out sessions to follow where they will meet their advisers.

Welcome BBQ for first-year students hosted by the Smeal Student Mentors

The Welcome BBQ is held the first week of classes.  This year it will be on August 27 or 28, 2008.

Involvement Fair

The Involvement Fair is held the first week of classes in the HUB where student organizations showcase information tables.  First-year students should attend this event to find out more information on clubs and organizations that they might be interested in joining. This year’s date has not yet been posted, but it will be the week of August 25, 2008.

Scheduling Social

The Scheduling Social will be held during the week of October 13 - 17, 2008.

Academic Adviser

Scheduling dates for first-year students are fast approaching; make sure to schedule an appointment with your academic adviser.

Big Event

Faculty members from the eight Smeal majors present and have information tables.  Smeal Student Organizations also host information tables. The Big Event is a great place for first-and second-year students to learn more about the Smeal majors.