Highlights of the University of Pittsburgh’s New Student Orientation Week Aug. 24-30, 2015

PITTSBURGH—As University of Pittsburgh residence halls open Aug. 24, the University has scores of events—some informational, some practical, and some just fun—planned to welcome students (and parents) and prepare them for the new year.

The highlight of the event is the New Student Convocation, which all first-year students are required to attend, from 3-4 p.m. at the Petersen Events Center, immediately followed by the Chancellor’s Welcome Picnic at the same location.

The week ends with the 95-year Pitt tradition, Lantern Night, in which Pitt alumni women pass the “light of learning” to the female incoming freshmen and transfer students at Heinz Memorial Chapel.

Below are just a few samples of the week’s events. For a complete schedule, go to http://www.fye.pitt.edu/orientation-newandtransfer/index.php 

Monday, Aug. 24

Driven by Electrons
Do you have a drive to understand electric cars? Drop by the William Pitt Union driveway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday to see two of Pitt’s four Innova Dash vehicles. (The other two will be out and about touring campus.) Pitt is one of four universities testing the Dash to figure out how to optimize electric-vehicle technology. 

Screening and Discussion
7:30-9:30 p.m., O’Hara Student Center second-floor ballroom
The University Honors College sponsors a screening of the film Fed Up, followed by discussion of the way lobbyists and marketing campaigns influence American dietary choices. 

Art Attack
9-11 p.m., William Pitt Union Ballroom
First year mentors help students channel their inner artists in creating Pinterest-inspired artwork and do-it-yourself decorations.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 

Nationality Room Tours
Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m.; Cathedral of Learning first-floor Gift and Information Center
Tour the University’s 29 Nationality Rooms, designed and donated by members of Pittsburgh’s ethnic communities.

WPTS Radio Jam Session
2-4 p.m., WPTS radio station, fourth floor of the William Pitt Union
Musicians, singers, and radio enthusiasts are invited for a two-hour jam session and tour of the station.

African American Alumni Council Parent and Family Dialogue and Reception
5-7 p.m., 548 William Pitt Union
Pitt African American alumni share ways that families can help students succeed in the transition from high school to college.

Ice Cream Social and Playfair
9:30 p.m., Cathedral of Learning Lawn
Students can cool off from the long day, socialize, and participate in interactive games with their new classmates.

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Get Culturally Crunk!
11 a.m.-noon, William Pitt Union sixth floor
The Office of Cross Cultural and Leadership Development will give information about involvement and leadership-development opportunities in culturally diverse student groups such as the Rainbow Alliance, Black Action Society, and Campus Women’s Organization.

Midnight Breakfast and Karaoke
Midnight-2 a.m., Litchfield Towers, Market Central
Good food and bad singing to end the day’s events.

Thursday, Aug. 27 

Discover Pitt, DiscoverU
12:30-4:30 p.m., varied locations, information at fye.pitt.edu
Pitt’s Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance has partnered with employers, graduate schools, and community organizations to provide opportunities to explore and experience new places in the city and on campus. 

Cathedral Leadership Games
1:30-3:30 p.m., Cathedral of Learning lower lawn.
Join current Pitt student leaders in a series of fun and interactive team-building activities to introduce students to Pitt’s Emerging Leaders program.

Friday, Aug. 28

Pitt Arts
1-1:30 p.m. and 4-4:30 p.m., Kurtzman Room, William Pitt Union
A brief introduction on how to take advantage of Pitt’s 20-year old program uniting students with Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts scene.

Dive in Pool Party
10 p.m.-midnight, Trees Hall Pool
Enjoy food, drinks, and music to beat the heat. Activities for nonswimmers, too!

Saturday, Aug. 29

HealthyU
Varied times and locations across campus
Pitt’s Division of Student Affairs encourages students to explore the many healthy options available for sports, fitness, and stress reduction.

The Waterfront’s Welcome Weekend: College Night
4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Buses will depart from Bigelow Boulevard in front of the William Pitt Union with the last bus returning to campus at 8:30 p.m.

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