New Student Orientation Program

Find out more about Penn State Scranton's New Student Orientation program.

New Student Orientation, open to all new students and their families, is designed to introduce you to Penn State University resources and the student services available at Penn State Scranton. 

  1. In-person NSO designed to introduce you to Penn State University resources and the student services available.
  2. Academic Advising Consultation when you will register for your classes.
  3. The Scranton Welcome where you will meet friends and continuing learning about Penn State.
You are required to engage in all facets of the NSO program. You’ll receive details in advance so be sure to check your email weekly for important information and reminders.
 
Follow these steps once you've accepted your admission offer. 

Prepare for Orientation

Access your NSO Task List to complete these steps prior to NSO.

  1. Check your NSO Tasklist
    The NSO Tasklist is a comprehensive list of all the action items you must complete before starting at Penn State Harrisburg. Expect an email letting you know when you have access.
  2. Determine your course placement
    Take the ALEKS Math Placement assessment, found in your LionPath student account, prior to your academic advising consultation. If you did not take calculus in high school, an ALEKS score is required to take many math and science classes. If you did take calculus in high school, we still recommend taking the ALEKS to get the best understanding of your current math ability.
  3. Make Your In-person NSO Reservation
    You’ll be notified via email when it’s time to make your reservation. There will be multiple dates available through out the summer. Please select the NSO date that works best for you. NSO Reservations are made on your NSO Tasklist. 
  4. Schedule an Academic Advising Consultation to Register for Classes
    In order to register for classes you must meet with one of our academic adviser for an academic consultation after you have completed the ALEKS. 
    You can sign up for your academic consultation when making your NSO reservation.

    For more information, visit Penn State New Student Orientation.

Don't Miss The Scranton Welcome!

The Scranton Welcome serves as the best part of the new student orientation program! Join us on August 21, 2026!

Scranton Welcome is a student-only event designed to help you get to know people and become comfortable with the transition to college life prior to beginning classes on August 24, 2026.

You’ll have the opportunity to meet and interact with fellow students, faculty and staff, and we’ll provide you with important information about the University and the Scranton campus. This is the initial First Year Seminar for the Fall semester and students are expected to attend. Student ID will be required.

Questions? 

Questions can be directed to The Advising Center.

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