New Student Orientation - FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
At NSO you will learn about the academic environment at PSU the requirements and expectations, and begin to plan your college program of study. In consultation with an academic adviser, you will select and schedule your first semester's courses. Here are some commonly asked questions:
- What if I can't make my scheduled NSO day?
- Can I retake the NSO math test if I am unhappy with the results?
- How do I know what math to take?
- What if I'm not sure about a major?
- What is LionPATH and how will it help me?
- What will my first semester schedule look like?
- What is a first-year seminar?
- What is general education?
- Will my NSO adviser continue to be my adviser after I start my first year?
- I have a question about my tuition bill. Where should I call?
- What do I need to get a parking permit for my vehicle?
- What do I need to get my Penn State photo ID?
- What food services will be available on-campus on NSO day?
- What happens after NSO?
- I have another question.
If there is an unforeseen emergency that prevents you from making your assigned NSO day, please go on-line and change your date. Be aware that canceling or changing your appointment may result in difficulty in scheduling your courses.
Can I retake the NSO math test if I am unhappy with the result?Yes; however, you must spend at least 10 hours in the learning modules and wait 24 hours, before your second attempt. If you want to try a third time, you must spend another 10 hours learning modules. Learn more at dus.psu.edu/aleks/
How do I know what math to take?
Your math placement will be based on the results of your Math placement test score, your intended major, and your past high school record. Your adviser will help you make the right choice for a math course on your NSO day.
What if I'm not sure about a major?Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is Penn State's enrollment program for students who want to explore the University's academic opportunities before deciding on a field of study and for students in transition from one college or major to another.
In DUS, your major is looking at all the majors and deciding which one you want. Rebecca (After exploring in DUS, Rebecca majored in nutrition.)
Check out the following web site to get started on the exploratory process: dus.psu.edu/majorquest
What is LionPath and how will it help me?
LionPATH is a web-based service for students, advisers, faculty, and parents. LionPATH provides secure real time access to academic and financial records.
What will my first semester schedule look like?
The typical first-year student schedule will consist of five or six courses, usually including an English composition course, a math course, and a first-year seminar. The remaining courses will usually be general education courses. You will get help from academic advisers in making your course selections.
Your college schedule will be very different from your high school schedule. College courses do not meet every day of the week. Most classes meet two or three times a week. Even though classes meet less frequently, you will be responsible for learning much more material. Because of that, you will have to put in a lot more study time than you did in high school to get the same grades. Your classes probably will not be back-to-back throughout the day as they were in high school. Most students have gaps in their class schedules. You may have evening classes as well as early morning classes. As you can imagine, one of the biggest challenges you will have is learning how to manage your time.
You will have more choices in setting your schedule. Although there are many required courses in college, you still have more choice than in high school about what courses to take and when to take them.
Try to remain flexible in making your schedule. As entering first-year students, you may not be able to get your dream schedule. Remember that all the rising sophomores, juniors and seniors have already registered. Getting your dream schedule will get much easier in future semesters, as you gain seniority.
Try to remain cool. Because everything is brand new to you and because you will have to absorb so much new information in such a short period of time, you may find yourself getting a little stressed during the advising and scheduling process. We will be there to help you and answer all your questions. And, if it takes you a little longer to register than some others, that's fine, too. By the end of the day, you will have the courses that you need, and you will complete the scheduling process in plenty of time for you and your family to get on the road for home.
What is a first-year seminar?More information about First Year Seminar »
The inclusion of General Education studies in every degree program reflects a deep conviction by the Penn State faculty, as well as by leaders in all professions, that successful, satisfying lives require a wide range of skills and knowledge. These skills include the ability to reason logically and quantitatively and to communicate effectively; an understanding of the sciences that make sense of the natural environment; a familiarity with the cultural movements that have shaped societies and their values; and an appreciation for the enduring art that expresses, inspires, and continually challenges these values. General Education, in essence, augments and rounds out the specialized training students receive in their majors and aims to cultivate a knowledgeable, informed, literate human being.
Will my NSO adviser continue to be my adviser after I start my first year?
You will be assigned an academic adviser from the academic advising center staff or a faculty adviser. Check on the LionPATH system to find out who your adviser is and how to get in touch with him/her. Your adviser assignment will be on LionPATH a few days before classes start, until then you can contact the Berks Academic Advising Center at 610-396-6280 with any questions.
University Policy on Confidentiality of Student Records »
I have a question about my bill, where should I call?For any questions related to the bill, call The Penn State Berks Bursar Office at (610) 396-6040.
Parking permits will be available when students come to campus in the fall. Police Services will have a website for you to complete and print out a form with the following information in order to get your permit: license plate number, make and model of car. There is no charge for permits, but vehicles do need to be registered. Check out the following web site for more information regarding traffic and parking regulations: Police Services
What do I need to get my Penn State photo ID?
Penn State photo IDs will be taken at NSO. In order to obtain a Penn State id+ Card, students must present one of the following forms of photo IDs: A state issued drivers license or ID card, a passport, or a U.S. Military Photo ID.
What food services will be available on-campus at NSO?
Tully's Cafeteria in the Perkins Student Center will be open from 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and available for lunch.
For more information on our housing and food services, go to http://www.hfs.psu.edu/berks
What happens after New Student Orientation?
When you leave your NSO day you will have your schedule of classes. Review this checklist for countdown to college.
- Pay tuition bill.
- Buy books, if not already done during NSO.
- Attend Welcome Weekend.
- Check your schedule to be sure there have been no changes.
- Check LionPATH for your adviser assignment by the first week of classes.
- Work hard and do well!
Learn more about Welcome Weekend.