The Journey Begins for Pitt’s Class of 2011

New Student Orientation to be held today through Aug. 26

Pitt’s 2007 New Student Orientation will officially begin the college careers of an estimated 3,500 new and transfer students. From today through
Aug. 26, the University will host a variety of events geared toward helping members of the Class of 2011 make the transition to college life. Events include informational sessions, campus and city tours, social gatherings, and ceremonies.

Presentations and seminars will be held on numerous aspects of campus life, including student organizations, health services, and campus safety, among others. Highlighting these informational events will be “Student Life: The Importance of Getting Involved,” today from 3 to 4 p.m.; “Ultimate Money Skills: Scholars, Dollars, Budgets, and Bills,” today from 6:30 to
7:30 p.m.; and “Student Health Services: When, Where, and How to Get Help,” from 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 24. All events will be held in the William Pitt Union.

Multiple guided tours are being planned to give parents and incoming students a better understanding of the University and its history. Tours will include such campus landmarks as Pitt’s Nationality Rooms, Heinz Memorial Chapel, and Petersen Events Center. There also will be opportunities to learn more about the city of Pittsburgh. A Gateway Clipper cruise will be available and offers views of the city from Pittsburgh’s three rivers.

Among scheduled entertainment activities will be student-produced plays, movie viewings, and a luau. The culmination of the social gatherings will be a Game and Carnival night from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Aug. 24 and a Music and Dance Extravaganza from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Aug. 25. Both events will be held in the William Pitt Union.

The formal Freshman Convocation Ceremony will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 in the Petersen Events Center. Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg and other distinguished members of the University will officially welcome the incoming class. This will be followed by the Chancellors Welcome Reception, from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 23 in the Petersen Events Center.

Other Pitt events include Pathway to Your Success, from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 23 in the Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium, and the traditional Lantern Night Ceremony, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 26 in Heinz Memorial Chapel.

There will be a number of activities specifically designed to help parents adjust to the many lifestyle changes of college freshman. These activities include an interactive panel discussion and seminars to inform parents and guardians of health care, safety, and financial initiatives implemented for the benefit of Pitt students.

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