Office of Student Affairs
New Student Orientation: The Pioneer Experience
The new student orientation program, or, as we like to call it, “The Pioneer Experience,” is designed to help new students and their families discover all that Point Park University has to offer, make new friends, and get acclimated to their new campus environment.
Student orientation leaders help students and family members throughout the program by facilitating sessions that provide a chance to meet peers, learn about campus services and resources, and discover the exciting range of opportunities in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Pioneer Experience sessions
Pioneer Experience sessions are held in June, July and August. Our schedule is organized to provide unique orientation sessions for three distinct groups of incoming students:
We also provide parent and family sessions as part of each Pioneer Experience program to make sure everyone has the right information and resources as their students prepare to attend Point Park.
Register Online
Beginning May 15, 2013, incoming students and families may register online to attend Pioneer Experience.
Below is a description of each type of session, along with the dates for those programs.
- A sample schedule will be posted in coming weeks.
- A final schedule will be emailed at the close of registration.
Pioneer Experience for Students Living on Campus
This two-day program gives resident students the opportunity to stay overnight on our campus. Students will be assigned to a residence hall room in Thayer Hall, where they can experience what campus living will be like when they return for fall semester. We have secured discounted rates for parents at nearby hotels for their overnight needs.
During the orientation sessions, students and families will hear from important offices such as Public Safety, Food Service, Campus Life and the Student Health Center. Participants will also have the opportunity to get to know our orientation leaders, who are current students, and hear first-hand what their experiences have been like at Point Park.
Finally, all students will learn about academic resources such as the Center for Student Success to confirm their pre-registered schedule for fall, and faculty to learn more about what they will experience in their specific major throughout the next four years.
Dates:
- Sunday & Monday, June 23-24
- Thursday & Friday, July 25-26
- Tuesday & Wednesday, Aug. 20-21*
*This is a Resident Catch-All session for resident students traveling to campus from a distance of 50 miles or greater. These students will be permitted to move in on August 19.
View a tentative Pioneer Experience schedule for resident students and their families.
Pioneer Experience for Students Commuting to Campus
This one-day program provides commuter students and their families an opportunity to learn about resources on and off campus for students who will be commuting to Point Park. Students and families will learn about public transit and parking options in the area. They will also learn how to navigate campus and where to find the commuter lounge, lockers and other amenities.
During the orientation sessions, students and families will hear from important offices such as Public Safety, Food Service, Campus Life, and the Student Health Center. Participants will also have the opportunity to get to know our orientation leaders, who are current students, and hear first-hand what their experiences have been like at Point Park.
Finally, all students will learn about academic resources such as the Center for Student Success to confirm their pre-registered schedule for fall, and faculty to learn more about what they will experience in their specific major throughout the next four years.
Dates:
- Thursday, June 27
- Monday, July 22
View a tentative Pioneer Experience schedule for commuting students and their families.
Pioneer Experience for Transfer Students
This one-day program assists transfer students get acclimated to their new campus. The sessions provide information specific to Point Park, including how to register for classes and how to navigate our campus. We understand many transfer students have already been on one college campus; this program will help them to be successful on our campus.
Dates:
- Monday, June 17
- Monday, Aug. 5
View a tentative Pioneer Experience schedule for transfer students and their families.
Pioneer Experience: Fun and Informative
Pioneer Experience is packed with information and resources, and it's also a fun experience that gives new students a taste of college life and the chance to meet other incoming students. Many students begin friendships at Pioneer Experience that last through their college years and beyond.
Check out videos and feedback from new students and families that attended a previous Pioneer Experience.
We look forward to meeting you!
Questions?
Please contact:
Sarah George
Director, Commuter Affairs
Coordinator of the Pioneer Experience
orientation@pointpark.edu or 412-392-3840
Slide show: Pioneer Experience 2012
Photos by Kristina Alvarez