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 have the opportunity to:
- Get connected to campus resources.
- Engage with campus staff, student Orientation Leaders (OLs), and new incoming students.
- Learn about the academic structure, classroom expectations, and electronic systems.
- Receive your first semester course schedule.
NSO delivery method
Summer and fall admits: NSO will be offered in person. If attending NSO in person will be difficult for you, please contact the Academic Advising Center at 610-396-6280 or bkadvisingcenter@psu.edu.
Spring admits: NSO will be offered virtually via Zoom.
First semester course enrollment
Students must complete the following items on their NSO Tasklist at least two weeks prior to their NSO date to receive a first semester schedule of courses at NSO:
- Pre-Registration Activity Guide
- Major Preferences Activity Guide
- Berks New Student Questionnaire
- ALEKS Math Assessment
Students who do not complete the tasks on time will receive information at NSO about when and how to access their schedule at a later date.
Other NSO Tasklist items that are helpful to have done prior to attending NSO are the Educational Planning Survey (EPS) and the Transfer Credit Worksheet (if you are transferring any credits).
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. We highly advise that you take the ALEKS math assessment even if you are not required to. More information about ALEKS »
Additional NSO resources
- Transfer Student Information (TSO) - For students who have completed 18 or more college credits at another college or university after high school graduation.
- International Student Welcome information - For first-year and transfer international students.
- Welcome Weekend programming
If you have any questions about NSO, call the Academic Advising Center at 610-396-6280.