Welcome Class of 2030!
New Student and Transfer Orientation (NSTO) 2026
August 20-22, 2026
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!
A preliminary schedule will be offered after July 1, 2026. Commuters and residential students should plan on a three day experience. Please plan ahead!
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!