Welcome to Penn State Berks!
Welcome Weekend is designed to help first-year, transfer and change-of-campus students feel at home at Penn State Berks before the fall semester begins. Through shared meals, educational sessions, fun activities, games, and opportunities to connect with other new students, Welcome Weekend is a great way to get comfortable on campus and start building your Berks community. Our leadership team and First-Year Mentors are excited to welcome you and help make your transition to Penn State Berks a positive and memorable one. We can’t wait to welcome you home!
Welcome Weekend 2026: Thursday, August 20, through Sunday, August 23
This year's Welcome Weekend is funded by the Penn State Berks Student Initiated Fee and sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership. All new students, whether commuter or residential, are expected to join us for Welcome Weekend. Transfer and Change-of-Campus students are also invited to join all Welcome Weekend activities.
Jump to:
Thursday, August 20
Move-In (New Students)
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Residence Halls
Goodbye/Sendoff Ice Cream Social to Parents/Guests
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Alumni Pavilion
Parents, families, and supporters are invited to join us for an Ice Cream Social as you celebrate and say goodbye to your students before they begin their exciting Penn State Berks journey. Enjoy a sweet treat, connect with other families, and take in this special moment as your student starts this new chapter.
Residential Students: Residence Life Floor Meetings
4:00 to 5:15 p.m.
Residence Halls
Students living in the residence halls will attend this meeting for important information and updates.
Dinner
4:45 to 6:00 p.m.
Tully's
Commuter students will receive a food voucher at Tully’s and are encouraged to join this dinner and networking event as an opportunity to connect and make new friends!
Welcome Weekend Kickoff
6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Perkins Tent
Join the Student Affairs staff and the First-Year Mentors for a quick welcome to campus and introduction to the weekend's festivities!
Social Activities
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Various Campus Locations
- Bingo: Alumni Pavilion — 16 games – Win Prizes!!!
- Volleyball and basketball: Residence Hall courts
- Board games/billiards/ping pong: Game Room, second floor of Perkins Student Center
Friday, August 21
First-Year Check In
9:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Multi-Purpose Room (MPR), First Floor of Perkins Student Center
Check in and pick up your welcome bags, filled with goodies, information, and care!
Welcome
9:45 to 10:00 a.m.
Perkins Tent
Join Dr. Radha Pyati, chancellor of Penn State Berks; Dr. Todd Migliaccio, vice chancellor and chief academic officer; and Dr. Brian Samble, director of student affairs, for your official welcome to the Penn State Berks family!
"Be A Part From The Start"
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Perkins Tent
What does it mean to be a Penn Stater? Let’s hear from James McCarty, director of enrollment management AND a Penn State alumnus, about how you can “Be a Part from the Start!” This session features team-building games and fun activities designed to help you get ready for the day.
"But What Can I Do?" - A Conversation to End Sexual Violence with Bonny Shade
Educational Session No.1*
11:00 a.m. to Noon
Perkins Tent
What is sexual violence — really? What does consent actually mean? And how do you respond if a friend tells you something heavy? This isn’t a talk meant to keep you comfortable; it’s meant to make you better. Expect a powerful mix of truth, vulnerability, humor, and hope. You’re not just here to get a degree — you’re here to lead.
*Attend all five education sessions and enter a raffle for some cool prizes!
First-Year Seminar Lunch
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Assigned Classrooms
You will have the opportunity to meet your first-year seminar instructor (if you are a first-year student) or assigned faculty member (if you are a transfer or change-of-campus student) along with your First-Year Mentors. Build connections through fun and engaging activities, and enjoy lunch together as you kick off your Penn State Berks experience!
Scavenger Hunt
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
There's so much you need to know as a Penn State Berks student, but the First-Year Mentors will help you understand what's what and where's where at the college. Win prizes by participating in a campus scavenger hunt with your group!
"Thank You for Being a Friend” with Autumn Fritz and Janine Knight
Educational Session No.2*
2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Perkins Tent
We know that life does not stop just because you are a college student, so we are here to help. This session will provide guidance on finding support when you need it and introduce resources you can access when you face unforeseen challenges related to mental health, basic needs, and other concerns. Students will meet staff members from Penn State Berks Counseling Services and Student Care and Advocacy.
*Attend all five education sessions and enter a raffle for some cool prizes!
Communicating Effectively During Conflict with Michael Miller
Educational Session No.3*
3:50 to 4:50 p.m.
Perkins Auditorium
Conflict is bad, right? Not during this session! Conflict is an important way we can come to better decisions and ideas – if we manage it correctly. Let’s learn the ways to actually make conflict positive.
*Attend all five education sessions and enter a raffle for some cool prizes!
Commuter Social
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
MPR, Perkins Student Center
Commuter students are cordially invited to attend and make some new friends with other commuters! Heavy appetizers will be served.
Dinner — Residential Students
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Tully's
Welcome Weekend Carnival
6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Perkins Lawn
Join everyone for an exciting and fun night! The Welcome Weekend Carnival features:
- Inflatables
- FREE cotton candy and flavored popcorn
- Lawn games
- Caricature and airbrush artists + face painting
- Tie-dye station
- And much more!
Saturday, August 22
Breakfast
9:15 to 10:00 a.m.
Tully's
Commuter students will be provided with a food voucher and are encouraged to attend.
"Maximize your Buzz" with Collegiate Empowerment
Educational Session No.4*
10:00 to 10:45 a.m.
Perkins Auditorium
Alcohol is not about drinking; it’s about who you are. This session is designed to help you clarify your values and remember to have each other’s backs.
*Attend all five education sessions and enter a raffle for some cool prizes!
"Let's Explore AI Together" with Dr. Sadan Kulturel-Konak and Dr. Abdullah Konak
Educational Session No.5*
10:55 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Perkins Auditorium
Ready to level up your college learning with AI? Join us for a highly interactive session diving into the future! We’ll explore how AI is shaping careers, learn prompting using Socratic dialogue to boost learning, and be informed about Penn State's AI rules. Discover how to use AI smartly, ethically, and effectively at Penn State Berks. Bring your phones to vote on real-world scenarios via Slido and share your voice. All are welcome!
*Attend all five education sessions and enter a raffle for some cool prizes!
Lunch
12:05 to 1:00 p.m.
Tully's
Commuter students will be provided with a food voucher and are encouraged to attend.
Alumni Engagement with Ice Cream
1:00 to 1:50 p.m.
Perkins Tent
If you're wondering how to make your mark at Penn State Berks, this event will introduce you to alumni who have done just that. Hear how they found their passions, made connections, and wrote their own success stories at Berks, all while enjoying Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream!
Kahoot Trivia!
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Perkins Auditorium
You’ve learned a lot in the past two days — now it’s time to use that knowledge to play some trivia and win some prizes!
Residential Students: Residence Life Floor Meetings (Part 2)
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Residence Halls
Students living in the residence halls will attend this meeting for important information and updates.
Dinner
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Tully's
Commuter students will be provided with a food voucher and are encouraged to attend this dinner and all networking events!
Welcome Back Movie
Movie: TBA
6:30 p.m.
Perkins Auditorium
Free movie snacks!
Sunday, August 23
Move-In (Returning Students)
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Residence Halls
Class Schedule Tour
10:00 a.m.
Departs from the Lion Bench, located by the water fountain in the Perkins Plaza
Not sure where your classrooms are? The First-Year Mentors will lead Class Schedule Tours based on your schedule.
Target Day
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Target, 2769 Paper Mill Rd, Wyomissing, PA 19610
Oh, no — it's the end of the weekend, and you just realized you've forgotten something for your dorm at home! But don't fret. We'll be running a van from the Residence Circle to Target to help you get everything you need for your first day of classes. Stop by the Penn State Berks table to check in and receive a Free Starbucks drink coupon (with PSU ID), giveaways and enter to win prizes. Get 20% off your next purchase with this offer!
First-Generation Student Lunch
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
MPR, Perkins Student Center
For many first-generation students, beginning the college experience can be an overwhelming time. If you're a first-generation student, join this community-building lunch and find out how Penn State Berks is your partner in success!
Transfer and Change-of-Campus Students Ice Cream Social
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Lion's Den, Second Floor of Perkins Student Center
Transfer and Change of Campus students are invited to kick off the semester at this special Ice Cream Social! Come enjoy free Penn State ice cream, meet other transfer and Change of Campus students, connect with campus staff, and start building your Penn State Berks community in a fun and relaxed setting!
Honors Program Orientation
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
120 Perkins Student Center
Info session for all new honors students and those interested in the honors program at Berks. Learn about the what, why, and how of honors!