Student Orientation and Transition Programs (SOTP) facilitates comprehensive learning experiences for Penn State undergraduate students that support a successful academic, social, and personal transition to the University. Our team of full-time staff, student leaders, and volunteers work throughout the year to assist new students and their family members at each stage of their transition. SOTP is operated in partnership with Student Affairs.
Key responsibilities of this office include:
- Change of Campus Orientation/Welcome, a one-day program to assist Commonwealth Campus students in their transition to University Park
- Link UP, a University Park campus visit program for first-year Penn State students throughout the Commonwealth who are considering a campus change
- New Student Orientation (NSO), a two-day program that allows new students to meet other students, begin to develop academic and co-curricular goals, become familiar with resources, and schedule courses
- President's New Student Convocation, the President’s formal welcome to our incoming class of first-year students at University Park and the World Campus
- Transfer Student Orientation (TSO), a one-day program for advanced- standing students coming to University Park from another college/university
- Welcome Programs, a campus-wide collaboration designed to support new and returning students in their ongoing transition to the Penn State community. Events and programs are offered at the start of spring, summer II, and fall semesters
