Welcome to Penn State Berks!

Our New Student Orientation (NSO) programs aim to provide you and those who support you with programs and services that assist your successful academic, social, and personal transition to, and through, the University. At NSO, you will: 

  • Become more familiar with campus and the resources available to support you. 
  • Interact with other new students, Orientation Leaders (OLs), faculty, and staff. 
  • Learn more about the academic structure, classroom expectations, and electronic systems. 
  • Obtain your Penn State id+ card (if attending in person). You must present one of the following forms of photo ID in order to obtain a Penn State id+ card:
    • state-issued driver's license or ID card,
    • passport, or
    • military photo ID.  
  • Schedule a one-on-one advising meeting with an NSO adviser that will occur within one to three business days after your NSO. 

NSO delivery method

  • Summer and fall admits: NSO will be offered in person. If coming to campus in person for NSO will be difficult for you, please contact the Admissions Office at 610-396-6060.
  • Spring admits: NSO will be offered virtually via Zoom.

Orientation advising

You will be meeting with an NSO adviser one to three business days after your NSO. You must attend NSO to schedule an advising appointment. You will schedule your advising appointment during your NSO programming, so make sure to know your availability for the next three business days. The earlier you attend NSO, the more course options will be available to you when you meet with an adviser to schedule your courses. This meeting will be an hour-long, individual appointment via Zoom. Prior to your advising meeting, please make sure to have completed the Educational Planning Survey (EPS) and the ALEKS math assessment (found on your NSO Tasklist).  

ALEKS math assessment

Your NSO Tasklist will provide you with a personalized message stating whether you are required to take the ALEKS, our math assessment. The ALEKS evaluates your readiness to take college-level math and science courses, because it is important for you to begin in the course most likely to lead to success. If you are required to take the ALEKS, you must do so before attending NSO. We highly advise that you take the ALEKS math assessment even if you are not required to. More information about ALEKS.

Additional NSO resources

If you have any questions about NSO, call the Academic Advising Center at 610-396-6280.

The University continues to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and the local COVID-19 Community Levels when determining the appropriate COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Please refer to the University’s Virus Info website for the current status and requirements before attending NSO. We encourage all participants to bring a face mask with them to NSO.