We’re excited you’ve chosen the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to continue your academic journey. Our orientation team is eager to meet you and help you navigate the New Student and Transfer Orientation (NSTO) program.
Our orientation program is designed to:
- Prepare you for the academic rigor of a Pitt-Johnstown education
- Familiarize you with our campus, facilities, amenities, and resources
- Build a strong sense of community and Mountain Cat Pride
This year's program is going to be a lot of fun and extremely helpful as our Class of 2030 joins our Mountain Cat Community. Full descriptions and schedules for each orientation group will be shared on the Experience Pitt app!
Thursday, August 20, 2026
| Time | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM | PJ’s Cafeteria, Student Union | Breakfast - be sure to bring your Pitt-Johnstown ID |
| 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Biddle Hall Lobby | Commuter Student Check-in: The orientation team is ready to give you your orientation group and get you connected with the program. |
| 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM | Biddle Classrooms | Orientation Group Meeting - You are sorted in groups on your nametags. This will be your group for the weekend. |
| 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) | NSTO Kickoff Speaker: Judson Laipply Back by popular demand, Judson, the first ever viral YouTube Star, uses his background and performance to focus on embracing change, decision-making, and the power of choice. |
| 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM | PJ’s Cafeteria, Student Union | Lunch in rotating groups. Make sure you have your Pitt ID! |
| 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Rotating Sessions | Academics, Safety and Belonging - a rotation! Your Orientation Leader will help you navigate your rotation schedule. |
| 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM | Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) | Wanna Make Out? Dr. Lori Bednarchik offers a unique, uncensored approach to talking about sexual consent, communication, and bystander intervention. |
| 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | PJ’s Cafeteria, Student Union | Dinner in rotations |
| 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | University Square | Yard games, snacks, and fire pits! (optional) |
Friday, August 21, 2026
| Time | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM | PJ’s Cafeteria, Student Union | Breakfast - be sure to bring your Pitt-Johnstown ID |
| 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Zamias Aquatics Center, Sports Center | Optional Wellness option - Take a dip and get your day going! |
| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Academic Departments | Optional morning activities:
|
| 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM | PJ’s / Biddle Classrooms | Lunch and Orientation Group Meeting (1/2 of the groups at a time) |
| 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM | Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) | From the Streets To the Stage: Monti Washington This is Monti’s 7th engagement at UPJ! His message of resilience and recognizing your gifts helps you achieve your academic and personal goals. |
| 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) | SNACK BREAK - Don’t leave the PPAC |
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) | Academic Convocation Join Dr. Jem Spectar and his Cabinet, Division Chairs, and SGA President Alijah Gibson as officially kick off the academic year. Please make sure you are wearing your Hail to Pitt t-shirts. Class of 2030 picture to immediately follow. |
| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | PJ’s | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM | University Square | Mountain Cat Proud Spirit Rally and Giveaways Join us for a preview of our Fall Athletic Teams and get some free stuff! Go Cats! *Rain site Wellness Center |
| 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM | University Square | Casino Night (optional!) This Pitt-Johnstown tradition is one of our favorite parts of NSTO. No real gambling - but a ton of fun! |
Saturday, August 22, 2026
| Time | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Various | Free time! Get unpacked, workout, visit with a new friend, take a walk, etc! This time is yours. |
| 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM | Various | Another set of rotations! Your Orientation Leader will bring you to either brunch or take you on tour to walk your academic schedules. Locate all of your classes before syllabus week begins! |
| 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Various | Another set of rotations: Getting involved on campus and learning how to use Experience Pitt, learning about wellness and belonging on campus, and getting into the academic modules and apps to help you as a student. |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Wellness Center | The Mountain Cat Cup! Join your orientation groups in the Wellness Center for activities to claim bragging rights for this year! Please wear closed-toe shoes and be ready to help your team on to victory! |
| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | PJ’s Cafe | Dinner on Your own (optional) |
| 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM | Various | Optional Social Activities - Your orientation leader will help you navigate a trip to 814 Lanes and Games, Richland Towne Center, or stay on campus for yard games and a Drive In Movie (Project Hail Mary). |
Complete event descriptions and all specifics regarding orientation and your groups are found on Experience Pitt! Download the app and get connected!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who attends New Student and Transfer Orientation?
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All new students are expected to fully participate in the program. This includes student-athletes, transfer students, commuters, and residents. No matter how you're starting your Pitt-Johnstown experience, this program will support your academic and personal success.
- Do parents/families attend orientation?
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No. Students are placed in orientation groups and will spend the full three-day program with peers. While families are welcome for move-in on August 19, we recommend they depart by 3 p.m. so students can begin engaging in residence hall activities. Information about Family Weekend (October 17, 2026) will be shared around orientation.
- I’m a commuter or transfer student. When do I attend?
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All students should attend required sessions from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., August 20-22. We also encourage you to join in on the optional evening social events. A full schedule will be shared soon, so plan accordingly.
- My family works at Pitt-Johnstown. Why should I attend?
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Even if you’re already familiar with campus, orientation is a great chance to meet other students and learn about updated resources and staff. You may be surprised by how much you discover. Join us.
- How do I eat at orientation if I don’t have a meal plan?
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Meal plans will begin on August 20, so students will use their meals for orientation. If you are a commuter student without a meal plan, we will be loading meals on your student ID so that we may have you serve as a full participant at orientation.
- People are telling me not to go to orientation. What should I do?
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Listen to your gut. We’ve built a solid program, and our orientation leaders are ready to share tips to help you succeed. College is about making your own choices and taking advantage of opportunities. NSTO includes national speakers and small student-led workshops. Most students find it incredibly helpful. Try it out.
- When can I talk to some current students or orientation leaders about my questions?
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Our Orientation Go Team (student coordinators for the program) is hosting a Mountain Cat Meet-Up in early August. Check out Experience Pitt for the link! It’s a great chance to connect and ask questions before you arrive.
Follow @PittJohnstownactivities on Instagram to meet your orientation leaders and stay up to date on campus life. You might even win Mountain Cat Cash just for following and letting us follow you back.
Review the Reminders and Suggestions sheet for a checklist of what you’ll need for a successful college start, both in and out of the classroom.
Bookmark this page for updates and new information as orientation approaches.
Have questions about NSTO? Email Heather Hall, Director of Campus Activities and Engagement, at hbh7@pitt.edu.
Welcome to Pitt-Johnstown!