Welcome 2026

Welcome 2026 starts soon! We've got an absolute blast planned for you and can't wait to see you here. 

Students - please register you and your guests for Welcome 2026 on DiscoverEast so we know you’re planning to attend.

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Fall 2026 Welcome Weekend Schedule

Friday, August 21

  • Early Arrival Student Move-in
    8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
    North and South Hall
  • Lion Launch Welcome
    7:00 p.m.
    South Hall Lobby

Saturday, August 22

  • First-Year Residential Student Move-In
    8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    Check-in: North and South Hall Lobbies
  • Penn State Hazleton Offices
    8:00 a.m. to Noon in Highacres Café
    Noon to 4:00 p.m. in regular office locations 
    • Advising and Career Services
    • Registrar 
    • Financial Aid 
    • Information Technology (IT) 
    • Housing and Food Services/Parking Passes 
    • Student Success Center 
       
  • Commuter Student Welcome and Check-In
    2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
    Evelyn Graham Academic Building Lobby
  • Resident Round-Up
    2:30 p.m.
    North and South Hall Lobbies
  • Odd Rod: A Journey of Resilience (all students)
    3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
    Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium in the Physical Education Building
  • Parent Welcome Reception
    3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
    Dr. Lil Junas Garden
  • Convocation (Students - Wear your blue T-shirts!)
    4:15 to 5:00 p.m. 
    Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium in the Physical Education Building
  • Blue and White BBQ
    5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
    Picnic Pavilion (Rain location: Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium in the Physical Education Building)
  • Family Departure and Farewell
    6:00 to 6:15 p.m.
    Picnic Pavilion (Rain location: Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium in the Physical Education Building)
  • Lion Lawn Party
    6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
    Picnic Pavilion Lawn (Rain location: Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium in the Physical Education Building)
  • Residential Student Community Meeting
    8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
    South Hall Lobby

Sunday, August 23

  • Local Shopping Shuttles
    10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    West Halls Parking Lot
  • Open Recreation
    10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Gym and Sports Court
  • Athletic Interest Meeting (all students)
    3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
    Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium
  • Commuter Student Meet-Up
    3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
    Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium
  • Free Daps Comedy Show
    4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
    Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium
  • Welcome Back Block Party
    5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
    University Drive, adjacent to North and South Halls (Rain location: Highacres Café)

Welcome Week Activities

Monday, August 24

  • Nittany Bingo Night
    7:00 p.m.
    Highacres Café

Tuesday, August 25

  • Blue and White Field Frenzy (Everything Penn State, plus ice cream with University Police)
    Noon to 1:30 p.m.
    Sports and Recreation Field

Wednesday, August 26

  • Club/Organization Involvement Fair
    11:30 a.m. to 1:10 p.m.
    Campus Mall Walkway

Thursday, August 27

  • Paint & Sip - Eye of the Hurricane
    Noon to 1:30 p.m.
    Campus Mall Walkway

Friday, August 28

  • Hello Sister Pop/Rock Band
    Acoustic Pre-Show at 5:00 p.m.
    Highacres Café

    Full show at 8:00 p.m.
    Slusser/Bayzick Building Black Box Theater

Saturday, August 29

  • Knoebels Amusement Park
    Transportation leaves at 1:00 p.m.
    West Halls Parking Lot

Facilities Guide 

Advising & Career Services
204 Butler TLRC
Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Welcome Weekend 
Saturday, August 23 
8:00 a.m. to Noon in Highacres Café
Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the office

Bookstore
Normal hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Financial Aid
212 Schiavo Hall
Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Welcome Weekend 
Saturday, August 23 
8:00 a.m. to Noon in Highacres Café
Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the office

Health Services
704 West Halls
Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Highacres Café (dining hall)
Normal Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Welcome Weekend 
Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Information Technology
116 Butler TLRC
Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Welcome Weekend 
Saturday, August 23 
8:00 a.m. to Noon in Highacres Café
Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the office

Lofstrom Library
Normal Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, closed; Sunday, Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Physical Education Building
Normal Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Registrar
204 Butler TLRC
Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Welcome Weekend 
Saturday, August 23 
8:00 a.m. to Noon in Highacres Café
Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the office

Student Services & Engagement
105 Butler TLRC
Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Student Success Center
203E Butler TLRC
Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Welcome Weekend 
Saturday, August 23 
8:00 a.m. to Noon in Highacres Café
Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the office