Pitt's 2008 New Student Orientation to Be Held Aug. 19-24

PITTSBURGH-The 2008 New Student Orientation will officially launch the college careers of more than 3,500 freshmen and transfer students at the University of Pittsburgh Aug. 19-24. "Your Journey Begins Here" will feature various programs and events geared towards assisting the class of 2012 and their families in making a successful transition to college life.

Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg and distinguished members of the University community will officially welcome the incoming class at the Freshman Convocation Ceremony in the Petersen Events Center, 3719 Terrace St., Oakland, from 3 to 4 p.m. Aug. 20. 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. 24.

Presentations and seminars will be held on numerous aspects of campus life, including student organizations, health services, and campus safety. Highlighting these informational activities will be "Campus Safety: What You Need to Know," from 3 to 4 p.m. Aug 19; "Student Life: The Importance of Getting Involved," from 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 20; and "The Straight A's of Personal Student Finance," from 5 to 6 p.m. Aug 20. All events will be held within the William Pitt Union, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

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. Several events are being planned to acquaint students and their families with the University and its surrounding communities. Activities include "Getting to the Point: What's Right About Pittsburgh and Our Region," a lecture on Pittsburgh's economic and environmental transformation, from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 19, and "Get Lost!" an Oakland-area scavenger hunt, from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 22. Both activities will commence in the William Pitt Union.

Scheduled entertainment and social activities will include student-produced plays, film screenings, and a luau. The Pitt Program Council will host "Live @ the Union: Comedy & More," a comedic and entertainment showcase, from 8:30 p.m. to midnight Aug. 22. Nordy's Place will be the scene for both the "Oakland Teahouse," from 11 p.m. Aug. 22 to 1 a.m. Aug. 23, and "Open Mic Night," from 11 p.m. Aug. 22 to 2 a.m. Aug. 23. Pitt's "Music Extravaganza," beginning at 9 p.m. Aug. 23, will feature karaoke, a drum circle, dance party, and a late-night snack. All events will be held in the William Pitt Union.

Among the activities focused exclusively for parents and guardians will be "The Art of College Parenting," from 10 to 11 a.m. Aug 20 in the William Pitt Union, and "Educating the Whole Student: What Every Parent Should Know," from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug 20 in Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. Both 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 one of two Panther Parents Association Information Sessions in the William Pitt Union, from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 and from 11:15 a.m. to noon Aug. 20.

University staff will be available to answer questions and provide information at "Orientation Station," open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 19-22 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.orientation.pitt.edu.

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8/13/08/amm