Orientation

The information on this page is applicable only to students beginning at TSCT in the fall of 2023.

The fall semester is quickly approaching, and the team at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is working very hard to coordinate a helpful, fun-filled orientation for incoming students.

We realize you may have some questions about our orientation – we have answers below!

Answers to FAQs

What dates should I have on my calendar?

Orientation consists of a summer session and a semester kick-off.

You do not have to register for either event.

Incoming first-year students will attend one summer session (each session is two days in length) – the student’s major will determine the summer session they attend.

The semester kick-off is held on one day and creates an opportunity for all incoming first-year students to be together.

More information is below.

Summer Sessions

Major	Summer Session Date
Architecture	June 28-29
Automotive	June 28-29
Business Administration	July 12-13
Cabinetmaking and Wood	June 28-29
Carpentry	June 28-29
Civil Engineering	July 12-13
Collision Repair	July 10-11
Computer Integrated Machining	June 28-29
Computer Network Systems Administration	June 26-27
Computer Software Engineering	June 26-27
Diesel	July 10-11
Electrical Construction and Maintenance	July 10-11
Electrical	June 26-27
Electromechanical	July 12-13
Electronic Engineering	June 26-27
Engineering CAD	July 12-13
Graphic Communications	June 28-29
Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration	June 28-29
Masonry	July 10-11
Mechanical Engineering	July 10-11
Metals Fabrication and Welding	July 12-13
Plumbing	June 26-27
Residential Remodeling	June 26-27
Water Environmental	July 12-13
Welding	July 12-13
Welding Certificate	July 12-13

Semester Kick-Off

Date: Friday, August 18, 2023
The Semester Kick-Off event is designed just for students. Students will have opportunities to connect with a variety of our offices, collaborate with classmates, get acquainted with campus, and spend time in their major/program space. Lunch will be provided.

Is orientation mandatory?

Yes. Orientation helps incoming students become acclimated with our campus, our services, and their peers. We expect students to attend their summer session and the semester kick off.

However, we understand unanticipated emergencies may make this difficult. If you suddenly find you are unable to attend one of these programs, please contact Megan Wysock, our Associate Director of Admissions: .

What is covered at orientation?

We’ll cover a variety of important topics and provide helpful information and resources valuable for the entire time a student is enrolled at TSCT.

Summer sessions will begin with check-in! Students will have opportunities to connect with the following offices: financial aid, business office (student accounts, parking permits, campus ID), counseling, health services, and residence life. If you have outstanding items for any of the offices noted above, please bring those with you. Formal programming will begin at 12:30 p.m. - the official schedule for the entire session will be provided during check-in.

During our semester kick off, incoming students will have the opportunity to connect with staff in a variety of offices and ensure everything is in place for them to successfully begin their first semester at TSCT. Students can also drop off tools and supplies at their academic program labs.

Will housing and meals be provided throughout orientation?

Housing

For the summer session, housing in our air-conditioned residence halls will be provided to students with a resident status only. Please note, the provided room will not be the student’s room assignment for the upcoming school year.

For the semester kick-off, students will receive their semester housing assignment from the Residence Life team prior to the event. Move-in dates and times are available on our Residence Life webpage.

Meals

For the summer session, we’ll provide lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day. Remember, the summer session is two back-to-back days.

For the semester kick-off, we’ll provide lunch.

Are parents/caregivers able to attend orientation?

We plan to offer optional informational sessions for parents/caregivers at all of our orientation events.

At summer session, parents/caregivers are welcome to assist their student with check-in. In addition, parents/caregivers may join their student for lunch in the dining hall (available from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) and may attend an optional Welcome session at 12:30 p.m.

The semester kick-off event is for students only.

Can I attend orientation if I'm a returning student?

Second-year students are not required to attend orientation. However, if you previously attended as a pre-major or academics-only student, we request your participation in the semester kick-off in August.

What is the Student Survey?

Please complete our brief Incoming Student Survey prior to your summer session so your Academic Coach can provide you with personalized academic support. Shortly after submitting your survey, your Academic Coach will contact you to schedule a meeting (the meeting can be held in person, online, or via phone). During this meeting, your Academic Coach will discuss your survey responses, provide customized recommendations, and answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions about this survey or academic supports at TSCT, please email Sheri Wright, the Director of the Academic Center: .

Is the House of Champ College Store open during orientation?

Yes, the House of Champ College Store - which is located in the Alumni House - is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer sessions and the semester kick-off.

Where can I find more information on orientation?

Visit our Accepted Students webpage for the most up-to-date information for all incoming first-year students, including orientation information.

Resources