Each new student attends one of several START sessions.  During the summer, students spend time in group sessions with peers and START leaders, take a writing assessment, stay overnight in Ronson Hall, get their IDs and computing access information, and receive their schedules for the fall term.  Students return four days before classes begin for New Student Orientation (NSO) to be welcomed into the academic community, meet with their school advisors, and participate in many social and educational activities designed to ease their transitions and to introduce them to the many resources available on campus.

START: Student Transition Advising, Registration, and Testing 

Our next programs are scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2009.  Please use the following links for more information.

• Information for New Students :

  Welcome letter for New Students Register to attend Winter START! Please register by Wed., Jan. 7, 2009. Winter START Brochure and Schedule of Events - pdf file Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) - pdf file Campus Phone Directory Directions to Campus Undergraduate Admissions Information International Student Programs

New Student Orientation (NSO)

Occurring Aug. 20 - 23, 2009, NSO officially begins your PhilaU experience with Convocation, a ceremony rich in academic tradition, and continues through Sunday, August 24. NSO is a required four-day program that introduces new students to the academic culture, community standards and campus life of the University.

Photogallery of 2008 Move-in and New Student Orientation

NSO consists of a series of programs designed to start your time at PhilaU in a positive manner. The opening weekend events are planned to make you feel comfortable by providing occasions for you to interact with faculty, staff and students. It is our hope that if you need to ask a peer for help on a homework assignment, or get advice from a faculty or staff member, that they will already be a familiar face to you.