Welcome to Penn State Berks
Welcome Weekend is an event for first-year and transfer students who are new to Penn State Berks to get more comfortable with campus prior the beginning of the fall semester. With group meals, games, and opportunities to meet other new students, Welcome Weekend is packed with fun! Leadership Team and Orientation Leaders are eagerly preparing for the arrival of our new students this fall. We can't wait to welcome you home!
Below is a digest of events occurring throughout the weekend, but you can view the full Welcome Weekend schedule online >
Push Play on the Fall Semester!
Welcome Weekend 2023
Friday, August 18, through Sunday, August 20
This year's Welcome Weekend is funded by the Penn State Berks Student Initiated Fee and sponsored by the Office of Campus Life.
Friday, August 18
Housing Check-In Registration Process
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In mid-July, students who will be living in the residence halls are able to log on to eLiving to view their room assignment and schedule their arrival date and time. For more information, visit the Housing and Food Services arrival site. We highly recommend you check out the "What to Pack" and "What to Leave" sections of their website.
New Student Residence Hall Move-In, Harper Road
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
You’ve selected your check-in time, now you’ll head to campus so you can pick up your keys during your time slot. If you’ll be using the GPS, please use the intersection of Broadcasting Road and Harper Road in Spring Township to get the most accurate directions to our campus. Our signage and Orientation Leaders will help direct you to the check-in tent on Harper Road, where you’ll meet Housing and Food Services staff to receive your keys and parking passes. Make sure that you complete the check-in process on eLiving before you arrive to campus to expedite your check-in experience.
We encourage families to use one car when possible. We will only allow one car per student to proceed to the unloading area; other vehicles will be directed to our overflow lot until you are able to switch cars. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however, we have limited space in our unloading areas and this practice allows as many families to begin their unloading process as possible. You will have 15 minutes to unload your belongings before we ask that you to move your vehicle to the overflow lots. As they are able, with your permission, Orientation Leaders will assist with this process. Carts will be provided as available, but families are encouraged to bring their own if possible.
Residence Hall Orientation
4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Throughout the evening, Resident Assistants will review important hall policies and protocols, assist in orienting students to their new communities, in addition to providing a number of opportunities for students to connect with their new neighbors through social events showcasing the amazing features of the residence halls. When you move in, make sure to touch base with your Resident Assistant who will be able to provide you with the schedule designed specifically for your new community!
Saturday, August 19
Breakfast
Available in Tully's Dining Hall, Perkins Student Center
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast* will not be covered during Welcome Weekend. Students are encouraged to eat before they arrive or stop by our on-campus dining hall for food before the program begins.
Residential students will use their meal plan for lunch rotations. Commuting students will receive a coupon for a discount off their meal during their lunch rotation. Students will be expected to cover the remaining cost.
*-Our dining halls are cashless.
* - If you need assistance to ensure that you are able to afford to eat during the Welcome program, please ask an Orientation Leader if you can speak with a professional staff member.
New Student Check-In*
Perkins Student Center Lobby
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
You are encouraged to arrive early to ensure that you have plenty of time to check in to find out your team assignment, receive your welcome bags, and schedules. Our Orientation Leaders will be around to help you in navigating through this process. There will also be opportunities for students to win prizes before the program begins.
* - Check your email before you arrive — you should receive a message that will help you expedite your check-in process!
New Student Welcome and Rally in the Valley
Tent on Perkins Lawn and Luerssen Lawn
10:00 – 11:35 a.m.
We hope you are as ready to join our community as we are to welcome you! Join Orientation Leaders under the tent for a welcome and orientation to Welcome Weekend. Then they’ll pass it off to some of our amazing Alumni Orientation Leaders who will lead you through a series of activities designed to help you mix, mingle, and connect with your new peers. Before you head to your next session, we’ll make sure to get our annual first year photo with you and all of your new friends!
First-Year Group Rotations
Various Campus Locations
10:45 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
You'll spend the day rotating between small and larger interactive group sessions that will help you feel connected to your peers and your new community. Most importantly, these rotations will help you connect with the students you’ll be getting to know during First-Year Seminar. The Orientation Leaders have designed these sessions to help new students to feel as prepared as possible during the first week of classes. Students will also rotate through breaks and the dining hall* throughout their day.
* - lunch is not provided for new students. Residential students can use their meal plan, and commuting students can purchase items in Tully’s Dining Hall during the dining hall orientation. Tully’s does not accept cash, but students can use credit card or add money to their LionCash online. If you need assistance to ensure that you are able to eat during Welcome Weekend, please ask an Orientation Leader to connect you with a professional staff member.
Dinner Break
Tully's Dining Hall, Perkins Student Center
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Find your roommate, suitemate, or new friends from the day and grab something to eat before continuing the fun with our social programming!
Social Activities
Various Campus Locations
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Our Orientation Leaders are preparing a variety of social activities to help you to continue to connect with your peers once our formal sessions have concluded for the day. In your final group sessions, Orientation Leaders will share the specific events and locations with you.
Kickball
Luerssen Lawn
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Karaoke & Talent Show
Tent on Perkins Lawn
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Fun & Games
Perkins Student Center MPR 1 & 2
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 20
Build Your Own Playlist
10:00 a.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Our Sunday program is designed to provide information to complement the information provided on Saturday during our Core Tracks sessions. We want to help you build a playlist for the semester that will help you be your best self. Below you’ll find a series of sessions that are designed to help you do just that! We encourage you to attend all of the sessions, but have designed them to be able to aid in your transition to life as a college student.
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Adult and Veteran Student Welcome Program
Luerssen Science Building*
We invite our adult and veteran students to join us for a session led by Kathy Cavanaugh, the Penn State Berks adult student engagement coordinator, and her amazing adult student mentors to learn about the support and resources available to support the unique needs of non-traditional college students.
Transfer and Change of Assignment Welcome Program
Luerssen Science Building*
You’ve been there, done that as a new college student, but there are still things you need to know about Penn State Berks to be successful. We have worked with Orientation Leaders that have made a similar transition to campus to help provide you the key information that will help your unique transition feel seamless.
* - Due to our returning student move-in process, we encourage students to use the following address: 2080 Tulpehocken Rd. Reading, Pa., when navigating to campus. Park in the campus parking lot across the street from the entrance to the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area.
10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
Getting Involved
Perkins Student Center
There is a lot of research that shows that involvement and connection can lead to academic success and skills that will help you to become employable. Join our Orientation Leaders and professional staff as they talk about the various ways you can make your mark during your time at Penn State Berks. Bring your questions and interests, we’ll bring the fun!
What to Do In Reading
Perkins Student Center
Are you new to the Berks County area? Have you lived here your whole life and want to see if you’ve been missing out? While our campus might feel rural, you are only a few minutes away from so many unique experiences! Join Orientation Leaders as they tell you about a few of their favorite places in Berks County.
Crash Course Tours
Meet in the Perkins Student Center 2nd Floor Lobby
Whether you’ve already had a campus tour, visited us in person for New Student Orientation, or you’ve never set foot on our campus before this weekend, you're invited to meet up with Orientation Leaders and travel to each of the buildings to find your classes so you can feel confident heading into your first week of the semester!
11:00 – 11:50 a.m.
Academic Success Tips
Franco Building
Many students worry about their transition to learning like a college student. In this session, Orientation Leaders will share the tips and tricks that have helped them in adjusting how to take notes, study, and organize their time to help you to be successful from your first semester!
Getting Involved
Perkins Student Center
There is a lot of research that shows that involvement and connection can lead to academic success and skills that will help you to become employable. Join our Orientation Leaders and professional staff as they talk about the various ways you can make your mark during your time at Penn State Berks. Bring your questions and interests, we’ll bring the fun!
What to Do In Reading
Perkins Student Center
Are you new to the Berks County area? Have you lived here your whole life and want to see if you’ve been missing out? While our campus might feel rural, you are only a few minutes away from so many unique experiences! Join Orientation Leaders as they tell you about a few of their favorite places in Berks County.
Noon to 12:50 p.m.
Online Systems
Computer Labs, Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
We know you went over the information during New Student Orientation, but we’ll give you the opportunity to explore Office365, LionPATH, Canvas, Starfish, and more with the guidance of Orientation Leaders.
Academic Success Tips
Franco Building
Many students worry about their transition to learning like a college student. In this session, Orientation Leaders will share the tips and tricks that have helped them in adjusting how to take notes, study, and organize their time to help you to be successful from your first semester!
Getting Involved
Perkins Student Center
There is a lot of research that shows that involvement and connection can lead to academic success and skills that will help you to become employable. Join our Orientation Leaders and professional staff as they talk about the various ways you can make your mark during your time at Penn State Berks. Bring your questions and interests, we’ll bring the fun!
Crash Course Tours
Meet in the Perkins Student Center 2nd Floor Lobby
Whether you’ve already had a campus tour, visited us in person for New Student Orientation, or you’ve never set foot on our campus before this weekend, you're invited to meet up with Orientation Leaders and travel to each of the buildings to find your classes so you can feel confident heading into your first week of the semester!
1:00 – 1:50 p.m.
Success as a Commuter*
Luerssen Science Building
Commuter students are invited to join Orientation Leaders to learn about resources available to commuters. This session will also help students learn ways to navigate gaps in their schedules, how to manage working off campus and attend late-night club meetings, and the importance of getting involved at Penn State Berks.
* - Due to our returning student move-in process, we encourage students to use the following address: 2080 Tulpehocken Rd. Reading, Pa., when navigating to campus. Park in the campus parking lot across the street from the entrance to the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area.
Managing Mental Health
Perkins Student Center
Wellness is important, especially as a college student. Join the president of the Penn State Berks chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) as she talks about ways that you can take care of your mental health during your first semester.
Online Systems
Computer Labs, Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
We know you went over the information during New Student Orientation, but we’ll give you the opportunity to explore Office365, LionPATH, Canvas, Starfish, and more with the guidance of Orientation Leaders.
Academic Success Tips
Franco Building
Many students worry about their transition to learning like a college student. In this session, Orientation Leaders will share the tips and tricks that have helped them in adjusting how to take notes, study, and organize their time to help you to be successful from your first semester!
2:00 – 2:50 p.m.
Honors Program Interest Session
151 Franco Building
First-year students with a minimum high school or transfer GPA of 3.5 may qualify for the Penn State Berks Honors Program. If you are a highly motivated student seeking an academic challenge, please plan to attend this program to learn more about the Honors Program and meet the program coordinator!
Managing Mental Health
Perkins Student Center
Wellness is important, especially as a college student. Join the president of the Penn State Berks chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) as she talks about ways that you can take care of your mental health during your first semester.
Crash Course Tours
Meet in the Perkins Student Center 2nd Floor Lobby
Whether you’ve already had a campus tour, visited us in person for New Student Orientation, or you’ve never set foot on our campus before this weekend, you're invited to meet up with Orientation Leaders and travel to each of the buildings to find your classes so you can feel confident heading into your first week of the semester!
3:00 to 3:50 p.m.
What to Do In Reading
Perkins Student Center
Are you new to the Berks County area? Have you lived here your whole life and want to see if you’ve been missing out? While our campus might feel rural, you are only a few minutes away from so many unique experiences! Join Orientation Leaders as they tell you about a few of their favorite places in Berks County.
Success as a Commuter*
Luerssen Science Building
Commuter students are invited to join Orientation Leaders to learn about resources available to commuters. This session will also help students learn ways to navigate gaps in their schedules, how to manage working off campus and attend late-night club meetings, and the importance of getting involved at Penn State Berks.
* - Due to our returning student move-in process, we encourage students to use the following address: 2080 Tulpehocken Rd. Reading, Pa., when navigating to campus. Park in the campus parking lot across the street from the entrance to the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area.
Managing Mental Health
Perkins Student Center
Wellness is important, especially as a college student. Join the president of the Penn State Berks chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) as she talks about ways that you can take care of your mental health during your first semester.
Crash Course Tours
Meet in the Perkins Student Center 2nd Floor Lobby
4:00 to 4:50 p.m.
Whether you’ve already had a campus tour, visited us in person for New Student Orientation, or you’ve never set foot on our campus before this weekend, you're invited to meet up with Orientation Leaders and travel to each of the buildings to find your classes so you can feel confident heading into your first week of the semester!
Social Activities
Various Campus Locations
6:00 p.m.
Our Orientation Leaders are preparing a variety of social activities to help you to continue to connect with your peers and returning students once our sessions have concluded for the day. More information will be shared once the events have been finalized.
Crazy Bob presents Name That Tune
Perkins Auditorium
6:00 p.m.
Throw Back Double Feature: Disney’s High School Musical and Camp Rock
Perkins Auditorium
Starting at 7:30 p.m.