This summer, approximately 1,000 first-year students who will begin their studies in the fall semester at Penn State Berks will get a preview of what college life will be like through the New Student Orientation Part 1: Advising & Scheduling (NSO1), which runs from mid-May to mid-June
??"Berks NSO1 is an important program for students and their families,? explains Paula Plageman, Director of the Academic Advising Center at Penn State Berks. ?During this program, our first-year students receive an excellent academic orientation to Penn State University as a whole and Penn State Berks. Students are provided information and guidance as they register for their fall courses within a framework designed to help them succeed academically and develop intellectually.?
??During this series of day-long programs, academic advisers, as well as faculty and staff members, help incoming first-year students evaluate their educational plans. The day consists of informational programs, individualized academic advising, and assistance with scheduling fall semester courses.
Students and their families will be introduced to the wide range of academic degree programs available through Penn State, both at Berks and other campus locations. Each student will have an individual meeting with an academic adviser to discuss his or her educational plans.
The program provides students with an understanding of their academic abilities through the testing component, which is completed online prior to the student?s NSO1 visit. During NSO1, students learn about their placement test results, as well as how their academic preparation and abilities compare to those of other incoming Penn State students.
In addition to learning about academic programs, students learn about the college and its policies and procedures, buy their textbooks, have their photo ID taken, obtain a computer access account, tour the residence halls, and learn about life outside the classroom. Students also learn what to expect from their professors and what will be expected of them in the classroom. ??
The Student Services Fair introduces them to Athletics, Campus Life, Career Services, Financial Aid, Housing and Food Services, Learning Communities, the Boscov-Lakin Information Commons at the Thun Library, Police Services, and a variety of other student services, including off-campus housing options.
??While some of the activities are only for the students, families are invited and encouraged to come to NSO1 with their student and attend the general sessions, as well as sessions presented specifically for families.
For more information, contact the Academic Advising Office at 610-396-6280.