New Student Orientation & Transfer Student Orientation
You did it! You're a Penn Stater!
Congratulations and welcome to Penn State Hazleton. This is an exciting milestone and something to be proud of. Now that you've been accepted, we know you may have a lot of questions. We're here to guide you through the next steps.
We're looking forward to working with you during New Student Orientation (NSO), Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) and Welcome Week to help you become acquainted with the Penn State Hazleton community. New Student Orientation or Transfer Student Orientation will help familiarize you with campus life and lay the foundation for your education.
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO) is the first stage of a three-step process that assists first-year students with their transition to college by introducing them to academic culture and campus resources. NSO helps students understand how their scholastic preparation and academic ability intersect with their educational and professional interests, academic structure, and degree programs of the University.
NSO will also provide you with the chance to participate in programs designed to introduce you to the in- and out-of-the-classroom opportunities available at Penn State, meet with an academic adviser to review educational plans, and register in advance for spring classes.
In preparation for NSO, you may be required to complete the ALEKS Math Assessment to evaluate readiness to enroll in some college-level math and science courses. Since these courses are demanding, it is essential to start with the course that is most likely to lead to success. A demonstrated level of readiness – either through the completion of the ALEKS Math Assessment or by completing high school calculus – will appropriately place you into the applicable math or chemistry courses. The NSO Tasklist will provide a personalized message stating whether ALEKS is required.
Transfer Student Orientation
Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) is designed to introduce you to the academic culture and campus resources provided to first-year students. Once you pay your acceptance fee, you will receive an email invitation to make a reservation for your TSO program.
Registration
Registration for an NSO or TSO date begins in November. Within the registration system, you will be able to choose an orientation date, add guests to bring to NSO or TSO, and complete required modules and paperwork before attending Penn State Hazleton in the spring.
To prepare for a successful transition to Penn State, the University developed an NSO/TSO Tasklist to help you navigate your next steps. There are some things that you must complete before your orientation, others that you complete during your orientation, and even more that will be completed after your orientation. Please sign up for text message reminders about your orientation experience. Learn more about orientation programs.
We’ve compiled a list of items that you should complete before starting your career as a Penn State student in the spring. You’ll find this list where you made your reservation for NSO. Be sure to review the list and complete each item before your NSO as appropriate. All must be completed by the posted due dates. Items you must do before meeting with your adviser and attending NSO are:
- Completion of the Pre-Registration Activity Guide and Major Preferences Guide in LionPATH
- Read instructions on how to submit proof of your immunization to University Health Services
- Download the Transact eAccounts app - the Penn State Mobile id+ card - and submit your photo and a picture of your valid government-issued photo ID through use your mobile device to create your Mobile Penn State ID
Transfer Students ONLY- The Undergraduate Admissions Office has already sent you an Evaluation of Transferable Credits letter. If you have not done so, please remember to take action on any course in that letter titled “TRN – Transfer Pending Review.” To take action, you are required to submit a course syllabus for evaluation along with course descriptions to [email protected].
If you cannot attend or miss your scheduled NSO or TSO date, please contact the Advising & Career Center at 570-450-3194 to select a new date. For additional advising information, please visit the Advising and Career Center online or contact us at 570-450-3194.
Welcome Week
On Monday, January 12, 2026, your first day of classes, we have events scheduled throughout Welcome Week to assist in your transition to the Penn State Hazleton community! For a full list of events that you don't want to miss, check out Welcome 2026!