New Student Orientation 2009 to Be Held at Pitt Aug. 25-30

PITTSBURGH-The University of Pittsburgh New Student Orientation 2009 "Your Journey Begins Here," to be held Aug. 25-30, will welcome 4,500 freshmen and transfer students and will include informational sessions, campus and city tours, social gatherings, and ceremonies to educate, entertain, and orient the class of 2013 and their families to college life.

Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg and distinguished members of the University community will officially welcome Pitt's newest students at the Freshman Convocation Ceremony in the Petersen Events Center, 3719 Terrace St., Oakland, from 3 to 4 p.m. Aug. 26. The Chancellor's Welcome Picnic follows the ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m., giving students and their families the opportunity to mingle with University faculty, staff, and students.

The traditional Lantern Night Ceremony will be held in Heinz Memorial Chapel, Fifth and Bellefield avenues, Oakland, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 30. The Student Activities Fair, from 2 to 5 p.m. that day, introduces the newest members of Pitt's community to the more than 350 student organizations. The fair is held in David Lawrence Hall, 3942 Forbes Ave., the Skywalk over Forbes Avenue, and in Posvar Hall Galleria and Plaza, 230 S. Bouquet St.

Presentations, seminars, and open houses will be held on numerous aspects of campus life, including student organizations, health services, and campus safety. The University Counseling Center Open House will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 25. Several informational activities will take place Aug. 26: "Student Health Service: When, Where, and How to Get Help," from 9 to 10 a.m.; "Student Life: The Importance of Getting Involved," from 11 a.m. to noon; and "Get Culturally Crunk! A Block Party Presented by the Office of Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development," from noon to 1 p.m. All events will be held in the William Pitt Union, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

"Pathway to Your Success at Pitt: A Pitt Tradition," led by Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor James V. Maher, from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 27 in the Petersen Events Center, will provide an overview of the opportunities for a successful academic journey at Pitt.

Among the activities focused exclusively for parents and guardians will be "Campus Safety: What Parents Need to Know," from 3 to 4 p.m. Aug 25, and "The Art of College Parenting," a lighthearted educational program, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Aug 26, both in the William Pitt Union; and "Educating the Whole Student: What Every Parent Should Know," from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 26 in Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, 650 Schenley Dr., Oakland. Presentations will seek to answer questions and concerns of students' parents and guardians as well as to provide information on University programs. In addition, parents will have an opportunity to socialize with each other at the Panther Parents Association Information Session from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 25 and the Continental Breakfast for Parents from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 27, both in the William Pitt Union.

Scheduled entertainment and social activities will include student-produced plays, film screenings, and a luau. "Discover Pittsburgh!" from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 25, will include a sampling of food from local restaurants and music by local entertainers. The Pitt Program Council will host "Get With the Program!" from 9 p.m. to midnight Aug. 28, and Nordy's Place will be the scene for both the "Oakland Teahouse," from 11 p.m. Aug. 28 to 1 a.m. Aug. 29, and "Open Mic Night," from 11 p.m. Aug. 28 to 2 a.m. Aug. 29. Pitt's "Music Extravaganza," beginning at 10 p.m. Aug. 29, will feature karaoke, a dance party, and late-night snacks. All events will be held in the William Pitt Union.

Multiple guided tours of the University and the city of Pittsburgh also will be available. Tours include such landmarks as Pitt's Nationality Rooms, Heinz Memorial Chapel, Phipps Conservatory, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

University staff will be available to answer questions and provide information at "Orientation Station," open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 25-27 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 28 in the William Pitt Union's Lower Lounge. Students will be able to sign up for social activities and find out about programs offered through the New Student Orientation.

For more information or a complete schedule of events, call 412-648-1074 or visit www.fye.pitt.edu.

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8/20/09/tmw