IUP offers a two-part orientation program for all new freshman and transfer students. Students are expected to participate in both of the programs, as they are intended to provide information and programs that are designed to insure a successful first-year or transfer experience. IUP views this two-part student orientation as unique and extremely important to initial retention and satisfaction with the university. The first year at IUP is critical in regard to academic success. During this time, students must simultaneously develop academic competence in the college curriculum and adjust to the personal decision-making process college life affords. Each of the programs is designed to assist in this important college adjustment process. Freshmen and transfer students are expected to participate fully in this two-part program.

Freshman Spring/Summer Orientation: The orientation, placement testing, advising, and course registration program occurs during the spring or summer immediately preceding students’ matriculation on campus. This orientation is designed to assess academic readiness for courses integral to the IUP curriculum and acquaint students with the IUP collegiate experience. Placement tests are one of the tools used for advising students so that students can register for courses that are appropriate given their selected major and their proficiency in English, mathematics, and foreign languages. Students participate in an overnight, two-day experience which includes testing, academic advising, and orientation to university curricular requirements and cocurricula opportunities. Concurrent parent orientation programs are offered. (Condensed August and January programs are offered as well for late fall and January admits.)

Transfer Summer Orientation

Transfer orientation serves to acquaint students with prior college experience with IUP resources to support academic and career success. The program also provides placement testing for students in selected majors. The program concludes with advisement and course registration. A concurrent parent program is offered.

Fall Orientation

Welcome Weekend occurs as students move onto campus immediately prior to the beginning of fall classes. Programs and activities are designed to assure a smooth transition from the home (or other college) environment to IUP’s campus community.

Convocation

Convocation serves as both a capstone to Welcome Weekend and as a start to the semester. In a manner similar to commencement, faculty, students, staff, and administrators join together to celebrate–in this case, the opening of a new academic year and IUP experience.

Common Freshman Reader

All freshmen receive a common book at, or soon after, orientation. Through this reading, new students, their faculty, and IUP share a common discourse which serves to enhance new students’ understanding of the academic climate, what it means to be a member of IUP’s learning community, their connection with faculty and fellow students, and their academic success. Programming for the Common Freshman Reader continues through the students’ first year.

CUSP: The Early Entrance Experience

CUSP: The Early Entrance Experience, a formal, credit-bearing orientation program, is offered by the Department of Developmental Studies. For more information, see the Department of Developmental Studies section of this catalog.

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