New Student Orientation (NSO)
First Year Students - For students starting with fewer than 18 college credits.
New Student Orientation:
- Explains placement for Math and English writing courses
- Provides you with a one-on-one interview with an NSO advisor. During this interview, you will discuss your educational plans.
- Familiarizes you with the academic structure of Penn State and with the wide range of degree programs available.
- Provides you with a Penn State Student ID. 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, US or a military photo ID. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING THIS WITH YOU ON YOUR NSO DAY.
- Acquaints you with the Berks campus, our procedures, some of our staff, and our out-of-class environment.
- Helps you select courses and register for your first semester of study. Course selection is done via group Advising Meetings and is for students only.
Timeline for students admitted Fall and Summer:
Beginning in March, you will be notified about taking the ALEKS placement assessment.
In early April, after you have completed the ALEKS math assessment, you will be notified via email to schedule an NSO date. You must register to attend!
Seven days before your scheduled date, you will be notified to complete pre-NSO homework.
June: You will attend new student orientation with modified programs available later in the summer. Please plan to spend the entire day on campus.
*Students must attend a New Student Orientation session. The Academic Advising Center office is not able to meet with new incoming freshmen on a walk-in basis.
Timeline for students admitted Spring:
Beginning in November, you will be notified about taking the ALEKS placement assessment.
After you have completed the ALEKS math assessment, you will be notified via email to schedule an NSO date. You must register to attend!
Seven days before your scheduled date, you will be notified to complete pre-NSO homework.
December - January: You will attend a modified new student orientation. Please plan to spend a half day on campus.
*Students must attend a New Student Orientation session. The Academic Advising Center office is not able to meet with new incoming freshmen on a walk-in basis.
Transfer Students - For students transferring 18 or more college credits
Shortly after paying your deposit you will receive an email from a Berks academic advisor. It will provide instructions and contact information based on your intended major.
Attending transfer orientation provides students the opportunity to learn about Penn State Berks and get connected with the technology used for student records and classroom requirements. It is not mandatory to attend.
For questions, call the Academic Advising Center at 610-396-6280
Consider joining the official Penn State Berks class of 2022 Facebook Group to receive the latest news for our incoming class.