First-Year Resources

New Student Orientation (NSO)

Students sign up for NSO 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 NSO takes place throughout the summer.

LEAP (the Learning Edge Academic Program)

LEAP students take two courses together in groups of 24 that are reserved exclusively for first-year students, live together in the same dormitory area, and have an upper class student mentor to guide them through their first semester.

Language and Math Placement

Students need to take these online exams before they attend NSO, sometime over the summer.

First year Seminar  (PSU 006)

Students register for this course over the summer. It will take place in the first semester (second semester at the latest).

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

Held the day before classes begin every semester. The Dean greet and his staff greet new first year students to review expectations.

Welcome Picnic for 1st Year Students

Hosted by the Smeal Student Mentors, this event is held within the first few weeks of classes.  Be on the lookout for an email from your student mentor.

Involvement Days

This event is held the first week of classes in the HUB. Student organizations set up 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.

Snack and Schedule

The Snack and Schedule is held in October of every year.  It is an opportunity for first year students to meet with their mentors and talk about their Spring schedules.

Academic Adviser

Scheduling dates for first year students are fast approaching, make sure to schedule an appointment with your academic adviser soon.  Visit http://ugstudents.smeal.psu.edu and click on "Adviser Scheduling".

Explore Smeal

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